Quarterlytics / Consumer Cyclical / Apparel - Manufacturers / V.F.

V.F.

vfc · NYSE Consumer Cyclical
Claim this profile
Ticker vfc
Exchange NYSE
Sector Consumer Cyclical
Industry Apparel - Manufacturers
Employees 10,000+
← All annual reports
FY2014 Annual Report · V.F.
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
VF CORPORATION 2014 ANNUAL REPORT

P O W E R F U L   B R A N D S.

P O W E R F U L   P L A T F O R M S.

1

O N E   V F.

ORGANIZED IN 1899, VF CORPORATION IS A GLOBAL LEADER IN 

BRANDED LIFESTYLE APPAREL, FOOTWEAR AND ACCESSORIES,   

WITH MORE THAN 30 BRANDS AND 59,000 ASSOCIATES. VF’S 

BUSINESSES AND BRANDS ARE ORGANIZED INTO FIVE CATEGORIES 

CALLED COALITIONS, CONSISTING OF: OUTDOOR & ACTION SPORTS, 

JEANSWEAR, IMAGEWEAR, SPORTSWEAR AND CONTEMPORARY 

BRANDS. WHILE VF IS HIGHLY DIVERSIFIED ACROSS BRANDS, 

PRODUCTS, DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS AND GEOGRAPHIES, OUR   

ONE VF CULTURE AND APPROACH TO DOING BUSINESS PROVIDE   

A UNIQUE AND POWERFUL COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE.

 TA B L E   O F   CON T E N T S

A MESSAGE FROM   
 CEO ERIC WISEMAN

 POWERFUL BRANDS

 POWERFUL PLATFORMS

 A MESSAGE FROM   
 CFO BOB SHEARER

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND   
OPERATING COMMITTEE

2

5

14

26

28

32

ONE VF.

AT VF, BUSINESS SUCCESS STARTS WITH  
OUR FAMILY OF POWERFUL BRANDS WHOSE  
VERY NAMES REFLECT THE PRIDE AND 
FOUNDATION OF OUR COMPANY. VF'S BRANDS 
REPRESENT THE ASPIRATIONAL INTERESTS  
AND LIFESTYLES OF PEOPLE OF ALL AGES  
ON EVERY CONTINENT. THESE ARE BRANDS  
THAT ENRICH CONSUMERS’ LIVES, HELP  
THEM EXPRESS THEIR INDIVIDUALITY  
AND PUSH THEM TO THE BOUNDARIES  
OF WHAT’S POSSIBLE. 

We support these brands with powerful business platforms that help us 

maintain our competitive edge. Every day, around the world, VF leverages  

these platforms across the company to share best practices, enable our  

success and strengthen our brands. 

This close relationship between powerful brands and powerful platforms 

plays out within a company culture that combines collaboration, creativity, 

operational excellence and financial discipline to ensure that everything  

we do contributes to superior total shareholder returns and passionate 

consumer loyalty.

It’s a culture that defines who we are and how we work. It’s a culture of 

learning from the past and living in the future. It’s a culture we call One VF.

To further explore our brands, our platforms and the business of One VF, 

visit our online annual report at: reporting.vfc.com/2014

1

E R I C   C .   W I S E M A N
Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer

T O   O U R   S H A R E H O L D E R S : 

2014 WAS OUR 115TH YEAR 
OF DOING BUSINESS. AND I’M 
PLEASED TO REPORT THAT IT 
WAS A VERY GOOD YEAR FOR  
VF CORPORATION. 

Our dividend remains a high priority. In 2014, we  

increased VF’s quarterly dividend rate by 22 percent.  

It was our 42nd consecutive year of higher dividend 

payments to shareholders. Our dividend, combined with 

share buybacks, returned more than $1.2 billion in cash  

to shareholders.

We’re proud of VF’s track record of total shareholder  

return (TSR) as benchmarked against the S&P 500 Index. 

Our financial performance was strong: Revenue grew  

Our TSR in 2014 was 22 percent compared with 14 percent  

8 percent to reach a record $12.3 billion, led by 13 percent 

for the S&P 500. Annualized TSR during the past three-  

growth in our Outdoor & Action Sports coalition. VF’s 

and five-year periods was 36 percent compared with  

international business grew 9 percent; our direct-to-

20 percent and 15 percent, respectively, for the S&P 500.

consumer business was up 19 percent; and, our full-year 

gross margin improved by 70 basis points – reaching  

48.8 percent. 

Operating income, on an adjusted basis, reached  

$1.8 billion*, up 11 percent or $1.4 billion on a GAAP basis. 

Adjusted net income totaled $1.4 billion* or $1.0 billion 

on a GAAP basis. Adjusted earnings per share of $3.08* 

represent a 14 percent year-over-year increase. On a  

GAAP basis, full-year earnings per share were $2.38. 

*Adjusted numbers are reconciled to GAAP in Footnote 1, Page 28.

2

B E Y O N D   T H E   N U M B E R S

As usual, what our company achieved in 2014 went  

beyond traditional financial metrics. Here’s a sampling:

 › We opened a new distribution center in Kunshan, China, 

demonstrating our commitment to growth in China and 

our persistent focus on operational excellence throughout 

our global supply chain.

 
 
 › Our Asia Pacific operations surpassed $1 billion in 

innovation, supply chain and sustainability. When we put 

annual revenue for the first time in 2014. Revenue in 

it all together, our success equation is efficient and effective: 

the region has grown by more than 600 percent since 

VF Brands + VF Platforms = Value-Creating Differentiation. 

2007, and we expect it to continue to be our fastest-

You’ll read more about our brands and platforms in the 

growing region.

following pages.

 › The Vans® brand became the second $2 billion brand  

in our portfolio – The North Face® brand was 

L O O K I N G   A H E A D

our first.

 › We released our first comprehensive global 

Sustainability & Responsibility report, highlighting  

VF’s achievements and those of our brands, many of 

which are already known as sustainability leaders, 

including The North Face® and Timberland® brands. The 

report reviews our goals and our progress across three 

sustainability pillars: planet, products and people.

 › VF was named one of the 2014 Aon Hewitt Top 

Companies for Leaders® in North America. I often say  

that we try to learn from the past and live in the future. 

This recognition acknowledges our efforts to do just  

that, as we identify and develop future generations  

of VF leaders.

We’re not shy about sharing our annual expectations. They 

serve as our North Star and provide you with a sense of 

anticipated performance. 

In 2015, we’re prepared to deliver another record year of 

financial results for shareholders. On a currency-neutral 

basis, we expect: 

 › Revenues to be up 8 percent, in line with our 2017 

organic growth rate target; 

 › Gross margin to improve by at least 70 basis points  

to reach 49.5 percent;

 › Operating margin to reach 15.3 percent; 

 › Earnings per share to grow 12 percent over 2014’s 

 › We refreshed our innovation strategy to seek new and 

adjusted earnings per share of $3.08*; and importantly, 

better ways to deliver what consumers want. In doing 

so, we're going to rely more than ever on VF's greatest 

strength: the depth and diversity of our people across 

brands and regions. We'll be placing a much heavier 

emphasis on sharing new ideas – within and between 

organizations – to make them even bigger and better.

B E AT I N G   T H E   D R U M

 › To return more than $1.2 billion to you, our shareholders, 

through share repurchases and dividends.

Now, that sounds like a lot to deliver. And it is. But we’re 

confident we’ll reach those targets. How will we grow? 

Through four essential VF growth drivers: 

 › We will lead in innovation by increasing our pipeline  

You may have noted that the theme for this report to 

of compelling new products and technologies;

shareholders remains consistent with the recent past: 

Powerful Brands. Powerful Platforms. One VF. That’s not for 

lack of creativity; it’s because of our intense commitment 

to leveraging the core strengths of our organization around 

the world – strengths that differentiate us and give us a 

clear competitive advantage.

You might recall that at VF we define a powerful brand 

as having strong equity with consumers, a self-funding 

business model and a consistent record of generating solid 

returns for our shareholders. Our powerful business platforms 

include: international, direct-to-consumer, strategy and 

 › We will connect with consumers by consistently 

engaging with them in new and compelling ways;

 › We will serve consumers directly, reaching them  

across multiple channels – wherever and whenever  

they shop; and

 › We will expand geographically, taking full advantage  

of our scale within every region and channel in which 

we operate.

3

These efforts and more will keep us on track to deliver on 

Scott Roe, our Vice President, Controller & Chief 

the five-year plan that we first presented in 2013. As you 

Accounting Officer, will succeed Bob. I’ve worked 

know, our 17x17 Plan aims at reaching $17 billion in 

with Scott for nearly two decades at VF. He knows our 

global revenue by 2017 and reaching other milestones  

company; he’s battle-tested and an extraordinary leader.  

that will further position VF as a top performer.

He will make significant contributions as our next CFO.

O N E   V F

On Page 26 of this report you will find an interview with 

our Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Bob 

Shearer. I ask you to read it. Bob is retiring at the end of 

March, and it has truly been an honor to work with him. 

He’s been my thought partner and, most important, my 

friend. During his nearly 30-year tenure at VF, he’s been 

instrumental to the success and complete transformation 

of this company. He’s an author of VF’s business playbook. 

He’s a man of integrity and financial discipline. He’s just  

a good person … and we’ll miss him. Bob, thank you  

for everything. 

Finally, to our shareholders, our 59,000 associates around 

the world and the customers and consumers that inspire us, 

I say thank you. Collectively, you are the power behind our 

One VF approach to business – an approach consistently 

focused on doing the right things, doing them together and 

doing them well.

Eric C. Wiseman 

Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer 

March 5, 2015

R E V E N U E S 
(Billions)

A N N U A L   E A R N I N G S   P E R   S H A R E * 
(Diluted)

10

11

12

13

14

A N N U A L   D I V I D E N D S   P E R   S H A R E 

10

11

12

13

14

$7.7

$9.5

$10.9

$11.4

$12.3

$0.61

$0.65

$0.76

$0.92

$1.11

10

11

12

13

14

C A S H   F L O W   F R O M   O P E R AT I O N S 
(Billions)

10

11

12

13

14

$1.62

$2.00

$2.43

$2.71

$3.08

$1.0

$1.1

$1.3

$1.5

$1.7

*Earnings per share in 2014 and 2010 are adjusted to exclude impairment charges for goodwill and intangible assets. GAAP earnings per share were $2.38 and $1.29 in 2014 and 2010, 
respectively. See Footnote 1, Page 28.

4

AT VF, WE HAVE A DIVERSE PORTFOLIO OF 
POWERFUL BRANDS AROUND THE WORLD.

Keeping them powerful requires consistent investment in inspirational storytelling and 

innovative products that build strong equity with consumers. And it means delivering all of 

this whenever and wherever consumers shop. The talented, achievement-focused people 

at VF leverage our proven business model to develop and advance our brands. By doing so, 

we enable reinvestment, promote growth and deliver superior returns to our shareholders. 

Powerful brands ... they set VF apart.

OUTDOOR &   
ACTION SPORTS

Founded: 1994

Lee North America
Founded: 1889

Founded: 1976

Founded: 1966

Founded: 1952

Lee Asia Pacific
Lee Europe
Lee South America

Founded: 1937

Founded: 1966

Founded: 1999

Founded: 2013

Founded: 1949

SPORTSWEAR

Founded: 1973

Founded: 1975

Founded: 1965

Founded: 1987

Founded: 2002

JEANSWEAR

Founded: 1987

Founded: 1947

IMAGEWEAR

Founded: 1967

Wrangler Western

Founded: 1923

Founded: 1983

CONTEMPORARY  
BRANDS

Founded: 2000

Founded: 2002

Founded: 1984

Wrangler Europe
Wrangler South America

Founded: 1971

Founded: 2001

5

S E T T I N G   O U R   S I G H T S 

$2.3B

in revenues in 2014

Never Stop Exploring™. The North Face® brand takes this message to heart in our 

products, how we connect with our consumers and how we manage this iconic  

business. In 2014, when the lines between outdoor, active and lifestyle brands and 

products continued to blur, The North Face® brand once again demonstrated its  

strength and positioning as the world’s largest outdoor performance brand. 

$3.3B

in revenues expected 
by 2017

The North Face® brand represents products that define and redefine categories  

while continuing to deliver high returns. 2014 was no exception. In its second year,  

our Thermoball™ platform surpassed $100 million in sales and established itself  

as the transitional outerwear of choice among consumers. 

Seeing the strategic opportunity for greater visibility across all four seasons, we 

successfully launched our Mountain Athletics™ collection. This premium line, built 

for athletes’ training needs, features superior durability, range of motion and moisture 

management, and even offers goal-based, sport-specific online conditioning programs. 

Finally, our Ultra Series™ footwear line made meaningful contributions, delivering the 

perfect balance of performance and protection for a full range of activities, from hiking  

to trail running to training.

The consumer is at the center of everything VF does. Through deep consumer insights 

work, we tapped into the passionate connections people have with The North Face® 

brand and promoted the concept of exploration. This process led to the creation of the 

“Your Land” advertising campaign, which unites the adventurer within all of us – from 

the elite outdoor athletes to recreationists. Every day, The North Face® brand inspires 

explorers everywhere to get outdoors and enjoy the places that connect us to the world 

we share.

6

C O N N E C T I N G   W I T H   C O N S U M E R S   …   O N E - O N - O N E

Off the Wall®. Synonymous with the Vans® brand for nearly half a century, this 

skateboarding phrase pays homage to what was once one of the hardest moves in the 

sport – rising up above the rim of empty backyard pools in 1960s Southern California. 

Redefining and inspiring new styles, innovating products, and empowering creative 

self-expression are hallmarks of the Vans® brand's rise to become the world’s largest 

youth culture brand. In 2014, for the first time, the Vans® brand achieved $2 billion in 

revenues. Both Footwear News and Footwear Plus recognized Vans® as “Brand of  

the Year.” 

We work hard to continually evolve our Vans® brand product and marketing strategies,  

while staying true to our roots, ensuring that our brand resonates with each new 

generation of consumers. At the intersection of action sports, art, music and street 

culture, the Vans® brand connects with consumers across the globe by transcending 

definitions, genres and media. Every day, around the world, we connect with 

consumers … one-on-one. 

In 2014, we proudly opened our second permanent House of Vans® location, this time  

in London. Occupying the Old Vic Tunnels beneath the London Waterloo railway station, 

the House of Vans® is open to all and includes a music venue, art gallery, cinema, café, 

bar and London’s only indoor skate park. 

At no other point in the Vans® brand’s history have our products and connections with 

consumers been stronger and more exciting – whether through various media platforms 

and events or in our owned and partner stores. In the year ahead, we’ll stay sharply 

focused on developing aspirational and functional products that respond to the needs 

of the consumer as we expand geographically, while empowering Vans® brand loyalists to 

creatively express themselves.

7

21

consecutive quarters
of double-digit 
revenue growth

17%

increase in revenues  
in 2014

15%

increase in global 
revenues in 2014 
(currency-neutral)

B U I L D I N G   O N   A   C L A S S I C 

The original yellow Timberland® boot has become an iconic symbol of authenticity, 

quality and innovation. But the Timberland® brand of today strives for, and is 

achieving, so much more.

When VF first acquired The Timberland Company in 2011, it was clear that the 

opportunity extended well beyond the yellow boot. Early insights showed extremely 

high awareness and affinity for the Timberland® brand worldwide. But consumers  

didn’t see it in their daily lives. The brand needed more energy, more relevance and  

more style. So, we focused on growth as an outdoor lifestyle brand.

To sharpen our strategy, we launched an aggressive two-year insights campaign, talking 

with 18,000 consumers in eight countries. Key learnings? They care about style – a lot. 

They’re more city-based than we thought. And in their world, it’s all about digital.

$3.1B

in global revenue 
targeted by 2019

Armed with these insights, the Timberland® brand revamped everything from 

product design to marketing. In product, we renewed our focus on style across footwear, 

apparel and accessories – delivering versatile looks that also provide the comfort and 

performance consumers need for everyday adventures in or outside the city. Style comes 

first; function and versatility – hallmarks of the Timberland® brand – set us apart. In 

marketing, we began engaging with consumers in a deeper, more meaningful way.

While these insights began to inform the brand’s strategy in fall 2013, they took full  

hold in 2014. And the numbers suggest the strategy is working. In 2014, the Timberland® 

brand achieved a 13 percent increase in sales globally, on a GAAP basis, and we see even 

greater potential ahead as we target $3.1 billion in global revenue by 2019. After all, 

we’ve barely scratched the surface in categories like men’s apparel and markets  

like China.

8

T H E   P E R F E C T   F I T   F O R   C O N S U M E R S ’   L I V E S 

A varied and vibrant range of brands rounds out our Outdoor & Action Sports coalition. 

Handbags to backpacks … activewear to surfwear … socks to travel gear. And they’re 

as diverse in the geographic markets we serve as they are in the variety of needs they 

meet. But there’s one thing they all have in common: They fit our consumers’ lives. 

That’s because everything from the styling to the manufacturing to the retail experience 

is rooted in our vital connections with consumers.

Key highlights include:

 › The Kipling® brand was VF’s fastest-growing brand.

 › The lucy® brand revamped its lucyPro outreach program for fitness pros, offering 

exclusive benefits to yoga, Pilates, fitness trainers and fitness instructors.

 › The JanSport® brand hosted its annual Mount Rainier Climb, bringing retailers 

together for fellowship and testing of the brand's mountaineering products.

 › The Reef® brand commemorated its 30th anniversary with a spring throwback 

collection featuring retro prints and washes.

 › The Eagle Creek® brand won the Men’s Journal Gear of the Year Award for its new 

EC Lync™ System, a suitcase that converts to a superlight backpack, but packs 

down into a small pouch.

 › The Eastpak® brand conducted its fourth edition of The Eastpak® Artist Studio project, 

which challenges fashion icons to reimagine the brand’s most recognized pack.

 › The Napapijri® brand launched product availability in Asia, leveraging the Timberland® 

brand's platform that was already in place in Korea, Taiwan and Singapore.

 › The Smartwool® brand created the Fan Field Tester program to test product and tap 

new ideas from elite athletes and highly engaged consumers.

9

20%

Kipling® brand 
revenue growth  
in 2014

29%

in fourth quarter 2014 
revenue growth for  
the Napapijri® brand

NO.1

the Wrangler® 
brand's market share 
in the U.S. mass 
merchandise channel

1947

when a “W” was first 
stitched into Wrangler® 
brand jeans to signify 
"western" wear

I C O N I C   B R A N D S ,   I N N O V A T I V E   S T Y L E S 

Denim is an American classic, and a wardrobe staple. So it’s no surprise that the 

Jeanswear coalition may be VF’s most iconic business historically. Its big brands  

have strong roots – the Wrangler® brand was founded in 1947, while the Lee® brand 

celebrated its 125th birthday in 2014. At a time when consumers hunger for authenticity, 

these are brands that people know and trust.

But times change. Consumer preferences evolve. With the increasing popularity  

of “athleisure,” VF’s Jeanswear coalition is providing comfort and versatility in its  

newer products. We are leading the way in innovation and delivering new products  

that are propelling the brands forward, while maintaining their relevance in a  

fast-changing market.

It all starts with the consumer. Through our research we’ve discovered that across  

all of our consumer targets, comfort is the No. 1 factor driving them to buy. So we took 

that to heart and found ways to delight consumers by enhancing comfort across all  

of our brands, business segments and product lines.

At the Wrangler® brand that meant creating a four-way flex technology that’s  

20 percent stronger than regular denim and much more comfortable. The result? 

Wrangler® Advanced Comfort, which allows men more movement and lasts twice as  

long. We took this new fabric construction and leveraged it across all of the Wrangler® 

brand’s business units and then rolled it out simultaneously across all stores.

10

To drive home the message that this denim offers versatility as well as comfort, we 

developed an advertising campaign featuring football star Drew Brees wearing his 

Advanced Comfort jeans for everything from a day in the outdoors to a night on  

the town. 

Meanwhile, the Lee® brand looks to new fabrics and technology to develop jeans for 

women that move with their active lifestyles. Lee® Easy Fit jeans feature a stretch 

waistband and flexible fabric. And with Heavenly Touch™ from Riders® by Lee®, our 

consumer gets the best of both worlds – the softness of her favorite sweats or yoga 

pants and the slimming fit qualities of denim. The Lee® brand’s Modern Series with 

active comfort denim is providing men the ultimate in comfort and good looks.

The story doesn’t stop there. In 2015, we’ll see the opening of our Global Jeanswear 

Innovation Center, where we will assemble teams of chemists, scientists, engineers  

and designers who’ll combine their expertise in technology and new materials with 

VF’s proprietary insights and deep understanding of consumers' wants and needs.  

We’re bringing it all together to ensure that we continue to develop breakthrough 

products that drive brand equity and long-term growth.

17%

the Lee® brand's 
revenue growth in 
China in 2014

11

4%

increase in Imagewear 
revenue in 2014

14.9%

operating margin

I N N O V A T I O N   F O R   W O R K   A N D   P L A Y 

VF’s Imagewear coalition, which includes our Image and Licensed Sports Group divisions, 

produces business and occupational apparel, uniforms and licensed sports apparel.

On the Image side of the business, our industry-leading brands, Red Kap®, Bulwark®, 

Horace Small® and Wrangler Workwear™, outfit millions of workers across industrial, 

service and governmental organizations. Our focus on the end-user drives us to provide 

exceptional service and innovative products. Our Red Kap® brand team spends hundreds 

of hours in garages and repair shops with our consumers to understand every detail of 

how they work, so we can design an automotive product line with smart and intuitive 

features that help them work better. And at the Bulwark® brand, we matched VF’s 

culture of innovation with the R&D capabilities of Milliken & Company to develop  

the iQ Series™, an entirely new form of flame-resistant apparel.  

Our Licensed Sports Group, featuring the Majestic® brand, is “Always Game” to let 

consumers show their passion. As the on-field uniform provider of Major League Baseball®, 

the Majestic® brand works closely with professional baseball players to develop 

innovative apparel like the new Practice Pullover. The Licensed Sports Group stays 

up-to-date with fashion, sports and art trends to create the most current fanwear for 

baseball, the National Football League®, National Basketball Association®, National 

Hockey League® and major colleges. Under the new Biker Built™ brand, we’re even the 

largest licensee of Harley-Davidson® apparel. 

Consumer insights play a critical role in how we connect with fans and deliver 

appealing styles and artwork. We spend a lot of time with them, learning how they 

watch sports on TV, understanding how they use social media during a game – even 

joining Harley Davidson® motorcycle owners at the Sturgis® Motorcycle Rally™ to observe 

the emotional connection to their bikes.

12

R E A D Y   T O   M A K E   W A V E S 

During the past 30 years, Nautica® has positioned itself as a powerful sportswear 

brand. Today, we are focused on maintaining this growth and pushing forward  

into new areas that will take the Nautica® brand to the next level. That’s why we  

are engaging the experts – interviewing consumers to better understand what they  

expect from the brand. We are focused on reimagining a more sophisticated nautical  

style and how it fits the lives of our city-dwelling consumers. We are also investing  

in our retail stores and e-commerce platform to serve consumers directly, whenever  

and wherever they shop.

2015 looks bright for the Nautica® brand.  We’re ready to make waves!

S T A Y I N G   O N E   S T E P   A H E A D

The 7 For All Mankind® brand continues to lead product innovation for fit, fabric  

and finish in premium denim. The Splendid® brand is a market leader and owns the 

ultimate soft tee. The Ella Moss® brand makes a statement and defines boho chic. All  

three brands are so in tune with their consumer, they have continued to outperform  

in a challenging market.

So how do we do it? Invest in the best talent, create a culture that inspires  

and thrive on new ideas. We immerse ourselves in the lives of our consumers  

and consistently deliver the best quality, style and experiences possible.

15K

consumers interviewed 
by the Nautica® brand  
to gain insights

85

7 for All Mankind® 
brand-owned retail  
locations worldwide

13

P L A T F O R M  

IN T E R N AT ION A L

ACCELERATING OUR GROWTH

VF is truly a global company. In fact, 38 percent of our sales in 2014 were outside  

of the U.S., composed of 10 brands that are global in scale, the largest of which are  

The North Face®, Vans® and Timberland® brands. Our international platform enables  

VF’s brands to tap into the knowledge of teams across the continents as they scale  

their operations in both mature and emerging markets.  

VF’s international expansion was marked by an especially significant milestone 

in 2014 – the Asia Pacific region surpassed $1 billion in revenue. We’ve come a long 

way in this region, and it’s because of the hard work of our passionate and dedicated 

associates. Many companies have expanded into APAC over the years, only to fall 

short of their expectations. At VF, we’ve had outstanding success, and we see more 

growth opportunities in our future.

Despite the often difficult economic and political climate in Europe, we’ve done very 

well there, with 8 percent growth in revenue, year-over-year, on a currency-neutral 

basis. One of the most important factors has been our rigorous consumer research, which 

has enabled us to make sound investment decisions grounded in deep insights. This 

makes us smarter every step of the way, from which markets we should enter next 

to which brands we should introduce on our owned retail platforms. And it enables us 

to make well-informed choices about how we adapt our products, communications and 

retail stores to meet the needs of a specific market’s consumer, while at the same time 

maintaining the brand’s global DNA.  

 2014 REVENUE GROWTH (CURRENCY-NEUTRAL)*

13% 

Americas (non-U.S.)

8% 18%Asia Pacific

Europe

14

 
“One of the most important factors   
 has been our rigorous consumer 
 research, which has enabled us to  
 make sound investment decisions
 grounded in deep insights.”

Another key component of our success is our ability to 

collaborate across brands and share best practices. In  

2013, we established our international headquarters in  

Stabio, Switzerland, where we have more than 750  

associates representing 38 nationalities. We like to  

think of ourselves as the “United Nations of VF.” Here,  

we’re bringing everyone together to share experiences  

and learn from one another. This helps us all perform  

better and makes our company stronger.

 — Karl Heinz Salzburger, Vice President &  

    Group President, International

*On a GAAP basis, 2014 revenue growth was 5 percent, 8 percent and 17 percent  
 for Americas (non-U.S.), Europe and Asia, respectively.

15

P L A T F O R M  

DIRECT-TO- 
CONSUME R

COLLABORATING ACROSS BRANDS 

Our expanding efforts to serve consumers directly are more 

than a key VF growth driver; they’re an avenue for engaging 

with them on a deeper level. Through 1,401 owned locations and 

our global e-commerce platforms, we’re reaching consumers in 

multiple channels to create a seamless shopping experience.

For us, delivering a quality experience in stores and online 

comes down to making smart use of insights to create a 

shopping environment that engages consumers and offers what 

they want, when and where they want it. Our direct-to-consumer 

businesses across VF are rich with information to strengthen 

our performance.

Over time, we’ve found that the real value of understanding 

direct-to-consumer dynamics emerges when we harness all  

our data and insights across the brands and combine them  

into our One VF approach. For example, as it relates to the  

in-store experience, there are a number of VF direct-to-consumer 

councils that meet regularly to share insights across brands 

and geographies. Bringing these brands together through these 

councils accelerates their ability to review lessons learned.

“We’ve set ambitious growth    
 targets for the direct-to-consumer   
 platform, as we aim to reach  
 $4.4 billion in revenue by 2017.”

16

 
1,401

VF owned stores

U.S.&CHINA

  world's leading e-commerce markets

Meanwhile, online shopping continues to grow at a rapid rate. In 2015, experts  

expect global e-commerce to be up more than 20 percent. VF is actively harvesting  

data across the company’s e-commerce sites and transforming that information into a   

 “digital playbook” that guides us on what to do next. There’s no tool that can predict the 

future of digital, but with this playbook we’re able to leverage the learnings from  

across brands by positioning ourselves to observe changes in consumer preferences  

and then acting quickly on what we discover.

This playbook approach helps us build capabilities that connect us more closely  

to consumers, improve their online or in-store experience and overall satisfaction  

with our brands and, when possible, make their lives easier. 

We’ve set ambitious growth targets for the direct-to-consumer platform, as we aim 

to reach $4.4 billion in revenue by 2017. We’ll get there because of our smart and 

innovative people and the close collaboration we enjoy with product teams across 

the company. We’ll continue to invest time, talent and resources to build on that 

collaboration and expand our digital expertise. In our world, it only works when  

we work together.

 — Brendan Sullivan, Vice President, Direct-to-Consumer

17

 
P L A T F O R M  

STR ATEGY   
A N D  INNOVAT ION

A CULTURE OF SHARING 

For VF to remain a leader in the apparel and footwear industry, we have to keep 

delivering new products and experiences that consistently delight consumers. And  

we need to support that with new design, production and distribution approaches 

that our competitors can't duplicate. 

Four years ago, VF developed a plan and a process for accelerating innovation 

throughout the company, from new product development to better manufacturing 

processes to enhancements to the digital and in-store consumer experiences. Thanks  

to this effort, we've built a robust $1.5 billion pipeline of new ideas. And $500 million  

of those ideas are already in market.

Two drivers of new ideas are the VF Innovation Fund and a mantra of "going outside"  

for new ideas. Think of the fund as a source of internal venture capital that we use to 

finance the best cutting-edge ideas generated by our associates. Through the fund, we've 

already invested $15 million to support more than 100 projects since 2010. "Going 

outside" has led to a global network of experts and advisors from many disciplines  

that fills our pipeline. And people all around the company continue to respond with more 

ideas that are bigger and better.

Now, we’re setting our sights even higher. In 2014, we launched a refreshed innovation 

strategy that continues to seek new and better ways to deliver what consumers want. 

We’ve always put a heavy emphasis on consumer insights, but now we're focusing on 

better ways to marry those consumer insights to innovations in advanced materials 

and world-class design of products and experiences. Consistent with our approach, 

we have already opened innovation centers for footwear and technical apparel, 

and the new innovation center for jeanswear will open during the first half of 2015. 

These centers are major enablers of global sharing and collaboration across all 

of our businesses.

 3 

new global centers  
opened to advance  
innovation

2 

centers to achieve 
experiential innovation

$500M

  of new ideas in the market

18

“One of the key things that makes    
 all this work is our One VF culture   
 of collaboration.”

For us, innovation always involves a sharp focus on  

the consumer. We conduct qualitative and quantitative 

research to help make sure we’re delivering meaningful 

product innovation, retail experiences and marketing that 

connect with consumers – who they are and how they live 

their lives. 

One of the key things that makes all this work is our  

One VF culture of collaboration. It unites us and gives 

us great potential to succeed in reaching the goals found 

in our 17x17 Plan, as well as fueling our growth beyond.

 — Stephen Dull, Vice President, Strategy and Innovation

19

RETURN ON INSIGHT: 
 A TIMBERLAND® BRAND CASE STUDY 

A critical factor in VF’s success is our 

 deep insight into consumers – what  they 

wear … what they think … what they value … 

who they are. These insights are  the product 

of a rigorous and intensely  collaborative  

process between our brands  and our  

Consumer Insights team. This illustration 

portrays the interactive approach that  

connected the Timberland®  brand 

with consumers in an authentic   

and successful way.

Discovery

It begins as a journey of discovery …  
from market surveys to hours  spent  
one-on-one with consumers. We uncover 
their preferences and deeply understand 
their needs. We talk to people who live  
the category lifestyle; in this instance, 
men and women who live in or near the 
city, care deeply about style, and need 
footwear and apparel that can keep up 
with their spontaneous outdoor lifestyle.

Future Growth

This cycle of investing time and money  
is an effort that plays out over and over 
again – keeping  our strategies on track  
to build  our brands and connect with   
consumers over the long term.  It helps 
define One VF as a  collaborative  
organization  that delivers a great  
brand  experience and first-rate total  
shareholder return.

DEEPLY UNDERSTAND   
CONSUMER NEEDS

IDENTIFY THE TARGET,   
SIZE THE OPPORTUNITY

EXPLORE   
THE MARKET

BUILD THE BRAND 
 LONG-TERM

OPTIMIZE STRATEGIC 
 CHOICES

20

 
 
 
REFINE THE   
BRAND DNA

BRING DNA TO LIFE  
WITH BRAND PLAYBOOK

Strategy

We use what we learn  to refine or even 
rebuild the brand’s DNA and to inform 
a strategy that defines the brand’s real 
sweet spot – not only  to satisfy, but to 
inspire the consumer.

Execution

Our insights guide product development 
and marketing, and create a retail  
experience that will consistently win  
with consumers. We stay close  to the  
consumer; we adjust and fine-tune as  
our learning evolves.

GUIDE PRODUCT  DEVELOPMENT 
AND MARKETING

CREATE A WINNING 
 RETAIL EXPERIENCE

21

 
 
P L A T F O R M  

SUPPLY  CHAIN

RESPONSIVE SUPPLY, 
RESPONSIBLE SOURCING 

 ”Complex“ is a word consistent with the real-world definition 

of supply chain. In 2014, we produced more than 500 million 

units of apparel, footwear and accessories – representing 

hundreds of thousands of combinations of style and color. 

At VF, our approach to and management of the complexities  

of a global supply chain provide us with a competitive 

advantage that enables us to consistently deliver our brands 

to the global marketplace and do that in a fast-changing 

business environment. Whether at our wholesale partners’ 

locations, in our own stores or online, consumers want 

product when and where they are – at any given moment. 

As VF’s direct-to-consumer business grows, brands open more 

retail stores and e-commerce websites to move more products 

around the world quickly and efficiently to satisfy demand. 

Achieving supply chain excellence enables us to deliver the 

right products at the right time to consumers on literally every 

continent. It’s supported by a product flow and fulfillment 

strategy that’s been refined and strengthened over decades  

30K+ 

VF associates supporting 
VF associates supporting 
supply chain activities
supply chain activities

of business success.

24% 

of VF products are produced 
by VF, with the remainder 
sourced from third parties

22

“Responsible sourcing is an imperative at VF,  
 and we’re committed to appropriately sourcing  
 all of our apparel, footwear and accessories in  
 a way that's good for people and the planet.”

Our view of the supply chain includes understanding and meeting expectations that 

we source our products in a way that’s consistently acceptable. Responsible sourcing 

is an imperative at VF, and we’re committed to appropriately sourcing all of our apparel, 

footwear and accessories in a way that’s good for people and the planet. We also understand 

that our actions are more important than our words. 

More than 30,000 VF associates around the world support our company’s supply chain 

activities. From the women and men who produce Vans® brand shoes at our factory 

in the Dominican Republic to those who hand-sew Major League Baseball® jerseys at our 

owned facility in Easton, Pa., we couldn’t be more proud of the work they do.

 — Tom Glaser, Vice President & President, Supply Chain

23

 
P L A T F O R M  

SUSTA I NABILIT Y

REDUCING OUR IMPACT, 
ADVANCING OUR GROWTH  

When it comes to sustainability, no time in VF’s 115-year history was more pivotal  

than 2014.

Last year we launched our first global, comprehensive Sustainability & Responsibility 

report, which provides an in-depth look at our sustainability aspirations, goals and 

measurable achievements. The report – a starting point for greater transparency into  

our plans and actions – serves to inspire our global associates and business partners  

to operate in a way that favorably influences everything we do. 

The report also details the actions we are taking to help lead the industry into a  

more sustainable future. For example, our innovative chemicals management program, 

CHEM-IQSM, breaks the paradigm that exists in the apparel industry today. Instead of 

analyzing products for the presence of harmful chemicals after production, CHEM-IQSM 

aims to prevent such chemicals from entering the supply chain in the first place. This 

program has already shown great promise, and we will expand it across our global 

supply chain in 2015.

Sustainable business practices influence everything we do, from how we develop new 

products, to how we manufacture and distribute items. Four of our distribution centers 

are now zero-waste facilities. Three of them have also been LEED® and/or BREEAM® 

certified. Two of VF's largest corporate office buildings are LEED® certified. We believe 

that operating in a responsible manner is everyone’s job at VF, no matter where they 

work or what they do.

“Sustainable business practices influence    
 everything we do, from how we develop  
 new products, to how we manufacture  
 and distribute items.”

24

 
 
$20M  energy efficiency

  savings since 2009 

40% 

targeted reduction in  
VF waste to landfills  
by 2020

At VF, we say that environmental waste is financial waste.  

We know that our actions to reduce environmental impacts 

are not only good for the planet, but also for our company’s 

financial health. Since 2009, our global energy efficiency 

efforts have saved VF $20 million. That’s money we invest  

back into our business.  

As one of VF’s five global business platforms, sustainability 

contributes to the company’s growth through the development 

of sustainable products, by connecting more deeply with 

globally conscious consumers, and by generating cost savings 

across our operations – all resulting in enhanced valuation  

and reputation. For us, sustainability is serious business.

As we continue our journey, we will maintain open dialogue 

with diverse stakeholder groups and partner with them to 

get things done. We’re a better organization when we engage 

with third parties – not only because we have a lot to offer,  

but because we are dedicated to improving and learning.

— Letitia Webster, Senior Director, Corporate Sustainability

25

ROB ER T   K .   S H E A R E R
Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

P O W E R F U L   P E R F O R M A N C E 

Robert “Bob” Shearer will retire at the end of the first quarter of 2015, after nearly 30 years  

with VF Corporation. Bob started as Assistant Controller, rose through the finance organization  

and was promoted to Chief Financial Officer in 2005. During his tenure as CFO, VF’s revenues  

have more than doubled, and VF’s share price has seen a fivefold increase. All along, VF has 

maintained a strong balance sheet. Scott Roe, a nearly 20-year VF veteran who has served  

in many vital financial leadership roles with the company, will succeed Bob as CFO. The  

following recaps Bob’s view of 2014 and what he sees ahead.

Q: 2014 was another year of strong performance at VF. Why?

to meet our consumers' and customers' needs better  

and better each year. And, of course, the associates of  

VF are a meaningful competitive advantage for us. We  

have extraordinary, passionate people who’ll move us 

forward in the years to come. Together, we thrive in  

VF’s culture – one of respect, authenticity, listening  

more than talking, collaborating and sharing. We  

focus on the right things – led by responsible business 

practices and a focus on total shareholder return.

R S :  You're right. Our growth strategy is engineered 
to deliver consistent, sustainable results and this year, 

once again, we demonstrated a number of competitive 

advantages that distinguish VF as best in class. With  

a portfolio that includes iconic brand names like  

The North Face®, Vans®, Timberland®, Wrangler®  

and Lee® – along with more than 20 other equally 

noteworthy brands – we’re uniquely positioned. 

Supporting these brands are world-class business 

platforms that ensure industry-leading product 

innovation, operational excellence and an ability  

26

Q: There were macro-economic challenges in 2014 and 

Inventory levels are in great shape, up just 6 percent 

dramatic swings in currency – especially the weakening of 

at year-end and well below the rate of revenue growth. 

most foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar. That said, 

Finally, our return on invested capital, on an adjusted 

what were the headlines for the year?

basis, improved to 18.6 percent*, up 100 basis points, which 

R S :  Let’s start with revenue growth – up 8 percent  
for the year. It’s growth that was primarily driven by 

exceptional strength in our Outdoor & Action Sports 

coalition, which was up 13 percent for the full year, or  

14 percent currency-neutral; by our international business, 

which was up 9 percent, or 11 percent currency-neutral;  

we’re pleased to report is tracking ahead of our 2017 target.

Q:  Before we wrap up, give us your 2015 outlook for  

VF’s coalitions.

R S :  Let’s start with Outdoor & Action Sports. We expect 
this group to deliver another great year, led by continued 

and by our direct-to-consumer business, which was up  

strength in VF’s biggest brands: The North Face®, Vans®  

19 percent, including high single-digit comps and more  

and Timberland®. Actually, we expect strong growth  

than 30 percent growth in e-commerce revenues.

from most brands within this coalition. We anticipate  

And now to that always important topic of gross  

margin. Here, too, we had another exceptional year. Gross 

margin improved by 70 basis points, as our gross margin 

expansion story continues, reflecting an ongoing shift in 

our revenue mix toward higher margin businesses, as 

well as our intense focus on this critical measure of our 

low double-digit currency-neutral growth for the  

coalition – up at a mid-single-digit rate reported. On a  

currency-neutral basis, we expect low double-digit growth 

from The North Face® brand, a mid-teen percentage  

increase at the Vans® brand and a low-teen increase at 

the Timberland® brand – all in line with our 2017 plan targets. 

brands’ strength. Our highest-margin businesses are our 

In Jeanswear, we expect a low single-digit revenue 

fastest growing. For example, in 2014 Outdoor & Action 

increase on a GAAP and currency-neutral basis – an 

Sports represented nearly 60 percent of total revenue, 

improvement compared with 2014. We’re looking for 

international 38 percent and direct-to-consumer  

mid-single-digit growth in our Imagewear and Sportswear 

26 percent.

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) as a percentage 

of total revenue was up 30 basis points. That was almost 

completely due to a change in concession accounting we 

made early in 2014. In fact, if you look at our underlying 

operations, we continued to increase investments in our 

expanding direct-to-consumer business and marketing 

initiatives, while leveraging and maintaining strong cost 

controls across other areas of the organization. As we’ve 

said in the past, expanding gross margins, investing in 

growth in direct-to-consumer and marketing – and cost 

leverage in other areas of SG&A – that’s our model today 

and going forward. 

We also ended the year with our capital structure once 

again providing real flexibility. In 2014, we generated  

$1.7 billion in cash flow from operations and returned more 

coalitions, and we expect revenues for the Contemporary 

Brands coalition to be nearly flat, assuming no significant 

trend changes in that category. Now, it’s early in 2015,  

but that’s what we anticipate.

Q: No doubt you have heard dozens and dozens of people 

say that you will be missed at VF. Thoughts?

R S :  Well, I'm really grateful to hear the kind words. It’s 
been a unique and very special experience being at VF. 

And, as with so many things that are truly meaningful, it 

starts with people – in this case the associates of VF. I 

am so proud to have been part of this team and part of 

the incredible transformation that this company has so 

successfully executed. I’ll remain a keenly interested 

shareholder and look forward to continued growth and 

value creation in the years ahead. I’m counting on it!

than $1.2 billion to shareholders through dividends and 

March 5, 2015

share repurchases. That’s almost twice the cash return 

we delivered in 2013, demonstrating our never-ending 

commitment to enhancing shareholder returns. 

*Return on invested capital was 14.6 percent on a GAAP basis. See Footnote 6, Page 28.

27

5-YEAR FINANC IA L SUMMARY

In thousands, except per share amounts

2014 (9)

2013(9)

2012 (9)

2011(9)

2010 

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER

Summary of Operations1

Total revenues

Operating income

Net income attributable to VF Corporation

Earnings (loss) per common share attributable to
VF Corporation common stockholders — basic

Earnings (loss) per common share attributable to
VF Corporation common stockholders — diluted

Dividends per share

Dividend payout ratio2

Financial Position

Working capital

Current ratio

Total assets

Long-term debt

Stockholders’ equity

Debt to total capital ratio3 

Weighted average common shares outstanding

$

12,282,161

$ 11,419,648

$ 10,879,855

$

9,459,232

$

7,702,589

1,437,724

1,047,505

1,647,147

1,210,119

1,465,267 

1,085,999

1,244,791

888,089

$

2.42

$

2.76

$

2.47

$

2.03

$

2.38

1.1075

46.5%

2.71

0.9150

33.8%

2.43

0.7575

31.2%

2.00

0.6525

32.7%

820,860

571,362

1.31

1.29

0.6075

46.9%

$

$

2,565,613

$

2,314,981

2.6

2.5

9,980,140 

$ 10,315,443 

$

$

1,717,371

$

1,521,912

$

1,716,585

2.0

1.9

2.5

9,633,021 

$

9,313,126 

$

6,457,556 

1,423,581

5,630,882

20.5%

432,611

1,426,829

6,077,038

19.3%

438,657

1,429,166

5,125,625

26.5%

439,292

1,831,781

4,525,175

31.9%

437,148

935,882

3,861,319

20.2%

435,056

Book value per common share

$

13.01

$

13.80

$

11.63

$

10.23

$

8.94

Other Statistics

Operating margin4

Return on invested capital5,6

Return on average stockholders’ equity5,7

Return on average total assets5,8

11.7%

14.6%

19.2%

10.7%

14.4%

17.6%

23.7%

12.8%

13.5%

16.2%

24.7%

11.9%

13.2%

15.8%

22.0%

11.9%

10.7%

12.8%

16.5%

9.6%

Cash provided by operations

$

1,697,629

$

1,506,041

$

1,275,000

$

1,081,371

$

1,001,282

Cash dividends paid

478,933

402,136

333,229

285,722

264,281

1  Operating results for 2014 include a noncash charge for impairment of goodwill and 
intangible assets — $396.4 million (pretax) in operating income and $306.8 million 
(after tax) in net income attributable to VF Corporation, $0.71 basic earnings per 
share and $0.70 diluted earnings per share. Operating results for 2010 include a 
noncash charge for impairment of goodwill and intangible assets — $201.7 million 
(pretax) in operating income and $141.8 million (after tax) in net income attributable 
to VF Corporation, $0.33 basic earnings per share and $0.32 diluted earnings  
per share. 

2  Dividend payment ratio is defined as dividends per share divided by earnings per  

diluted share. Dividend payout ratios for 2014 and 2010, excluding the noncash charge 
for impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, are 36.0% and 37.6%, respectively.

3  Total capital is defined as stockholders’ equity plus short-term and long-term debt. 

4  Operating margin for 2014 and 2010, excluding the noncash charge for impairment 

of goodwill and intangible assets, is 14.9% and 13.3%, respectively. 

5  Return is defined as net income attributable to VF Corporation plus total interest 

income/expense, net of taxes. 

6 Invested capital is defined as average stockholders’ equity plus average short-term  

and long-term debt. Return on invested capital for 2014 and 2010, excluding  
the noncash charge for impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, is 18.6% and  
15.6%, respectively.

7 Return on average stockholders’ equity for 2014 and 2010, excluding the  

noncash charge for impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, is 24.5%  
and 20.1%, respectively. 

8 Return on average total assets for 2014 and 2010, excluding the noncash charge for 
impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, is 13.6% and 11.8%, respectively. 

9 The Timberland Company was purchased on September 13, 2011 and its results  

have been included since the date of acquisition.

Basis of presentation: VF operates and reports using a 52/53-week fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to December 31 of each year. For presentation purposes herein, all 
references to “2014” relate to the 53-week fiscal period ended January 3, 2015, and all references to “2013,” “2012,” "2011" and "2010" relate to the 52-week fiscal periods ended  
December 28, 2013, December 29, 2012, December 31, 2011, and January 1, 2011, respectively.

28

CONSO LIDATED BA LA NCE SH EET S

In thousands

Assets

Current Assets

Cash and equivalents

Accounts receivable, net

Inventories 

Other current assets

Total current assets

Property, Plant and Equipment

Intangible Assets

Goodwill

Other Assets

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

Current Liabilities

Short-term borrowings

Current portion of long-term debt

Accounts payable

Accrued liabilities

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER

2014

2013

$

971,895

$

776,403

1,276,224

1,482,804

454,931

4,185,854

942,181

2,433,552

1,824,956

593,597

1,360,443

1,399,062

347,074

3,882,982

932,792

2,960,201

2,021,750

517,718

$

9,980,140

$

10,315,443

$

21,822

$

3,975

690,842

903,602

18,810

5,167

638,732

905,292

Total current liabilities

1,620,241

1,568,001

Long-term Debt

Other Liabilities

Commitments and Contingencies

Stockholders’ Equity

Common stock

Additional paid-in capital

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

Retained earnings

Total stockholders’ equity

1,423,581

1,305,436

1,426,829

1,243,575

108,215

2,993,186

(702,272)

3,231.753

5,630,882

110,078

2,746,590

(211,720)

3,432,090

6,077,038

$

9,980,140

$

10,315,443

29

CONS OLIDATED  STATEMENTS  OF   IN COME

In thousands, except per share amounts 

2014

2013

2012

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER

Net Sales

Royalty Income

Total Revenues

Costs and Operating Expenses

Cost of goods sold

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets

Operating Income

Interest income

Interest expense

Other income (expense), net

Income Before Income Taxes

Income Taxes

Net Income

Net Income Attributable to
Noncontrolling Interests

Net Income Attributable to VF Corporation 
Common Stockholders

Earnings Per Common Share Attributable  
to VF Corporation Common Stockholders

Basic

Diluted

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

Basic

Diluted

$

12,154,784

$ 11,302,350

$ 10,766,020

127,377

117,298

113,835

12,282,161

11,419,648

10,879,855

6,288,190

4,159,885

396,362

10,844,437

1,437,724

6,911

(86,725)

(5,544)

1,352,366

304,861

1,047,505

–

5,931,469

3,841,032

–

9,772,501

1,647,147

4,141

(84,773)

(4,025)

1,562,490

352,371

1,210,119

–

5,817,880

3,596,708

–

9,414,588

1,465,267

3,353

(93,605)

46,860

1,421,875

335,737

1,086,138

(139)

$

 1,047,505

$

 1,210,119

$

1,085,999

$

$

2.42

2.38

$

2.76

2.71

2.47

2.43

432,611

440,153

438,657

446,809

439,292

447,616

Cash Dividends Per Common Share

$

1.1075

$

0.9150

$

0.7575

30

CONSO LIDATED STATEMENTS  OF   CASH   FLOW S

In thousands

Operating Activities

Net income

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided 
by operating activities:

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets

Depreciation and amortization

Stock-based compensation

Provision for doubtful accounts

Pension expense less than contributions

Deferred income taxes

Gain on sale of businesses

Other, net

Changes in operating assets and liabilities,  
net of purchases and sales of business

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER

2014

2013

2012

$

1,047,505

$

1,210,119

$

1,086,138

396,362

274,883

104,313

(2,198)

(9,864)

(78,064)

–

4,112

(39,420)

–

253,273

87,118

15,756

(28,102)

(12,370)

–

14,306

(34,059)

–

237,956

92,814

19,264

(20,198)

(20,797)

(44,485)

(40,931)

(34,761)

Cash provided by operating activities

1,697,629

1,506,041

1,275,000

Investing Activities

Capital expenditures

Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired

Proceeds from sale of businesses

Software purchases

Other, net

(234,077)

(271,153)

(251,940)

–

–

(67,943)

(27,235)

–

–

(53,989)

(25,131)

(1,750)

72,519

(30,890)

(8,230)

Cash used by investing activities

(329,255)

(350,273)

(220,291)

Financing Activities

Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings

Payments on long-term debt

Purchase of treasury stock

Cash dividends paid

Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net

Tax benefits of stock-based compensation

Other, net

Cash used by financing activities

Effect of Foreign Currency Rate Changes  
on Cash and Equivalents

Net Change in Cash and Equivalents

Cash and Equivalents — Beginning of Year

4,761

(4,760)

(727,795)

(478,933)

34,869

64,437

–

9,032

(404,872)

(282,024)

(402,136)

48,029

48,140

–

(1,107,421)

(983,831)

(65,461)

7,005

195,492

776,403

178,942

597,461

Cash and Equivalents — End of Period

$

971,895

$

776,403

$

(269,010)

(2,776)

(307,282)

(333,229)

62,770

47,213

(201)

(802,515)

4,039

256,233

341,228

597,461

31

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

STOCK  INFORMATION

Robert J. Hurst 3,4
Managing Director
Crestview Partners LLC
New York, New York
Director since 1994, Age 69

Laura W. Lang 3,5
Managing Director
Narragansett Ventures, LLC
New York, New York
Director since 2011, Age 59

W. Alan McCollough 4,5
Former Chairman of the Board
Circuit City Stores, Inc.
Richmond, Virginia
Director since 2000, Age 65

Clarence Otis, Jr. 1,2,4
Former Chairman & Chief  
Executive Officer
Darden Restaurants, Inc.
Orlando, Florida
Director since 2004, Age 58 

Matthew J. Shattock 3,5
President & Chief  
Executive Officer
Beam Suntory Inc.
Deerfield, Illinois
Director since 2013, Age 52

Raymond G. Viault 2,3,5
Former Vice Chairman
General Mills, Inc.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Director since 2002, Age 70

Eric C. Wiseman 2,3*
Chairman, President &  
Chief Executive Officer
Director since 2006, Age 59

Richard T. Carucci 1,2,3
Former President
Yum! Brands, Inc.
Louisville, Kentucky
Director since 2009, Age 57

Juliana L. Chugg 1,2,4
Partner
Noble Endeavors LLC
Mound, Minnesota
Director since 2009, Age 47 

Juan Ernesto de Bedout 1,2,3
Former Group President
Latin American Operations
Kimberly-Clark Corporation
Roswell, Georgia
Director since 2000, Age 70

Ursula O. Fairbairn 4,5
President & Chief  
Executive Officer
Fairbairn Group LLC
Sarasota, Florida
Director since 1994, Age 72

George Fellows 1,4
Chief Executive Officer
G.F. Enterprise L.L.C.
Jupiter, Florida
Director since 1997, Age 72

Mark S. Hoplamazian 1,4
President & Chief  
Executive Officer
Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Chicago, Illinois
Director since 2015, Age 51

From left to right: 

Standing: 
W. Alan McCollough, 
Robert J. Hurst, 
Clarence Otis, Jr., 
Eric C. Wiseman, 
Juliana L Chugg, 
Richard T. Carucci,
Juan Ernesto de Bedout,
George Fellows

Seated: 
Laura W. Lang, 
Matthew J. Shattock, 
Raymond G. Viault, 
Ursula O. Fairbairn

Not Pictured: 
Mark S. Hoplamazian 

Common Stock
Listed on the New York Stock Exchange — trading symbol VFC.

Shareholders of Record
As of January 30, 2015, there were 3,680 shareholders of record.

Dividend Policy
Quarterly dividends of VF Corporation Common Stock, when  
declared, are paid on or about the 20th day of March, June,  
September and December.

Dividend Direct Deposit
Shareholders may have their dividends deposited into their savings 
or checking account at any bank that is a member of the Automated 
Clearing House system. Questions concerning this service should  
be directed to Computershare Trust Company, N.A., at  
computershare.com/investor.

Dividend Reinvestment Plan
The Plan is offered to shareholders by Computershare Trust Company, 
N.A. The Plan provides for automatic dividend reinvestment and 
voluntary cash contributions for the purchase of additional shares 
of VF Corporation Common Stock. Questions concerning general Plan 
information should be directed to the Office of the Vice President, 
General Counsel and Secretary of VF Corporation. 

Quarterly Common Stock Price Information
The following table shows the high and low sales prices on a fiscal 
quarter basis for the years 2012-2014.

Quarterly Common Stock Price

   2014

   2013

   2012

High

Low

High

Low

High

Low

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

$ 63.45

$ 55.14

$ 42.21

$ 35.70

$

38.13

$ 32.23

64.08

67.82

75.99

57.57

59.82

61.75

48.77

51.24

62.48

41.13

46.41

47.33

39.04

41.09

42.46

33.11

32.38

36.53

Committees of the Board: 1 Audit Committee 2 Executive Committee  
3 Finance Committee  4 Nominating and Governance Committee  
5 Compensation Committee * Ex officio member

32

 
From left to right: 

Standing: 
Martin S. Schneider,
Brendan G. Sullivan, 
Stephen F. Dull, 
Thomas A. Glaser, 
Robert K. Shearer, 
Eric C. Wiseman, 
Steven E. Rendle, 
Scott A. Roe, 
Michael T. Gannaway,  
Franklin L. Terkelsen 

Seated: 
Karl Heinz Salzburger, 
Anita Graham,
Laura C. Meagher, 
Scott H. Baxter 

OPERATING C OMMI TTEE

CORP OR AT E INFORMATION

Eric C. Wiseman 
Chairman, President &  
Chief Executive Officer

Robert K. Shearer
Senior Vice President &  
Chief Financial Officer

Steven E. Rendle
Senior Vice President,  
Americas

Scott H. Baxter 
Vice President & Group 
President, Jeanswear 
Americas, Imagewear  
& South America

Karl Heinz Salzburger 
Vice President & Group 
President, International

Stephen F. Dull 
Vice President,  
Strategy and Innovation

Michael T. Gannaway 
Vice President,  
VF Direct/Customer Teams 
(retired)

Thomas A. Glaser 
Vice President &  
President, Supply Chain

Anita Graham 
Vice President, 
Human Resources

Laura C. Meagher
Vice President, 
General Counsel & Secretary

Scott A. Roe
Vice President, 
Controller & Chief  
Accounting Officer

Martin S. Schneider
Vice President & Chief 
Information Officer

Brendan G. Sullivan 
Vice President, 
Direct-to-Consumer

Franklin L. Terkelsen
Vice President, 
Business Development

Forward-Looking Statements
The VF Corporation 2014 Annual Report contains forward-
looking statements as defined by federal securities laws.
Important factors that could cause future results to differ
materially from those projected in the forward-looking
statements are discussed in VF Corporation's 2014 Form 10-K.

Corporate Office

VF World Headquarters 
105 Corporate Center Blvd. 
Greensboro, NC 27408

Telephone: 336.424.6000

Facsimile: 336.424.7696

Mailing Address: 
P.O. Box 21488 
Greensboro, NC 27420-1488

VF Contacts

Scott Deitz  
Vice President,  
Public Affairs

Lance Allega 
Vice President,  
Investor Relations

Letitia Webster 
Senior Director,  
Corporate Sustainability

Craig Hodges 
Director,  
Corporate Communications

Transfer Agent and Registrar
Communications concerning shareholder address changes,  
stock transfers, changes of ownership, lost stock certificates,  
payment of dividends, dividend check replacements, duplicate  
mailings or other account services should be directed to  
the following:

Mailing Addresses

Shareholder correspondence should be mailed to:
Computershare
P.O. Box 30170
College Station, TX 77842-3170

Overnight correspondence should be sent to:
Computershare
211 Quality Circle, Suite 210
College Station, TX 77845

Shareholder Website
www.computershare.com/investor

Shareholder Online Inquiries
https://www-us.computershare.com/investor/Contact

33

VF CORPORATION
105 CORPORATE CENTER BLVD.  
GREENSBORO, NC 27408   
336.424.6000

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION  
VISIT  VFC.COM

Printed on paper that consists of at least 10% post-consumer fiber