Barclays initiates Levi Strauss coverage with "overweight" rating, $24 PT

Investing.com -- Barclays (LON:BARC ) analysts in a note dated Wednesday have initiated coverage on Levi Strauss & Co (NYSE:LEVI ). with an "overweight" rating, citing a combination of accelerating organic sales growth, operational improvements, and an attractive valuation as the basis for their outlook. 

As per Barclays, the company is positioned to see momentum in sales driven by recovery in the wholesale segment, expansion in women’s apparel and tops, and the continued evolution in denim styles. 

These trends are expected to contribute to Levi’s growth trajectory through 2025.

The analysts noted that Levi Strauss is addressing key operational challenges and opportunities, including its focus on the “Project Fuel” initiative, which aims to streamline operations and boost productivity. 

This program, which includes cost-saving measures and inventory optimization, is expected to enhance efficiency and support the company’s shift to a direct-to-consumer model. 

While this transition poses certain margin pressures due to increased costs associated with DTC operations, Barclays flagged that Levi’s focus on data-driven merchandising and higher full-price sales could offset these headwinds.

Barclays also emphasized Levi Strauss’ undervalued position compared to its peers in the apparel industry. 

The analysts set a price target of $24, reflecting a potential upside of 35.8% from its current share price of $17.67. 

This valuation is supported by an estimated earnings per share of $1.38 in 2025 and $1.57 in 2026, with a target price-to-earnings multiple of 15x for FY26, which is slightly below historical and peer-group averages.

Key risks identified by the analysts include potential impacts from tariffs, margin pressures from cost inflation, and challenges in expanding DTC operations.

Source: Investing.com