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Table of Contents

 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
 
 
Form 10-Q
 
 
     
(Mark One)    
þ
  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
    For the Quarterly Period Ended May 30, 2010
or
o
  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
Commission file number: 002-90139
 
 
 
 
LEVI STRAUSS & CO.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
 
     
Delaware
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
  94-0905160
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
1155 Battery Street, San Francisco, California 94111
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
 
(415) 501-6000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
None
(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report)
 
 
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes o     No þ
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes o     No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
             
Large accelerated filer o
  Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer þ   Smaller reporting company o
        (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes o     No þ
 
The Company is privately held. Nearly all of its common equity is owned by descendants of the family of the Company’s founder, Levi Strauss, and their relatives. There is no trading in the common equity and therefore an aggregate market value based on sales or bid and asked prices is not determinable.
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
 
Common Stock $.01 par value — 37,303,998 shares outstanding on July 8, 2010
 


 

 
LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MAY 30, 2010
 
                 
        Page
        Number
 
PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
  Item 1.     Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited):        
          Consolidated Balance Sheets as of May 30, 2010, and November 29, 2009     3  
            4  
            5  
          Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements     6  
  Item 2.     Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations     19  
  Item 3.     Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk     28  
  Item 4T.     Controls and Procedures     28  
 
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
  Item 1.     Legal Proceedings     29  
  Item 1A.     Risk Factors     29  
  Item 2.     Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds     29  
  Item 3.     Defaults Upon Senior Securities     29  
  Item 4.     Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders     29  
  Item 5.     Other Information     29  
  Item 6.     Exhibits     30  
SIGNATURE     31  
 EX-31.1
 EX-31.2
 EX-32


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PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.   CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
 
                 
    (Unaudited)
       
    May 30,
    November 29,
 
    2010     2009  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
ASSETS
Current Assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 353,067     $ 270,804  
Restricted cash
    3,307       3,684  
Trade receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $21,366 and $22,523
    373,026       552,252  
Inventories:
               
Raw materials
    6,417       6,818  
Work-in-process
    8,425       10,908  
Finished goods
    437,608       433,546  
                 
Total inventories
    452,450       451,272  
Deferred tax assets, net
    128,750       135,508  
Other current assets
    97,328       92,344  
                 
Total current assets
    1,407,928       1,505,864  
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $659,372 and $664,891
    436,382       430,070  
Goodwill
    238,512       241,768  
Other intangible assets, net
    91,055       103,198  
Non-current deferred tax assets, net
    551,558       601,526  
Other assets
    112,386       106,955  
                 
Total assets
  $ 2,837,821     $ 2,989,381  
                 
 
LIABILITIES, TEMPORARY EQUITY AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
Current Liabilities:
               
Short-term borrowings
  $ 39,708     $ 18,749  
Current maturities of long-term debt
           
Current maturities of capital leases
    1,521       1,852  
Accounts payable
    183,295       198,220  
Other accrued liabilities
    196,492       271,019  
Accrued salaries, wages and employee benefits
    158,318       195,434  
Accrued interest payable
    11,048       28,709  
Accrued income taxes
    25,131       12,993  
                 
Total current liabilities
    615,513       726,976  
Long-term debt
    1,777,726       1,834,151  
Long-term capital leases
    3,815       5,513  
Postretirement medical benefits
    151,795       156,834  
Pension liability
    376,713       382,503  
Long-term employee related benefits
    98,243       97,508  
Long-term income tax liabilities
    58,180       55,862  
Other long-term liabilities
    54,497       43,480  
                 
Total liabilities
    3,136,482       3,302,827  
                 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)
               
Temporary equity
    4,378       1,938  
                 
Stockholders’ Deficit:
               
Levi Strauss & Co. stockholders’ deficit
               
Common stock — $.01 par value; 270,000,000 shares authorized; 37,302,432 shares and 37,284,741 shares issued and outstanding
    373       373  
Additional paid-in capital
    19,955       39,532  
Accumulated deficit
    (81,184 )     (123,157 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (254,457 )     (249,867 )
                 
Total Levi Strauss & Co. stockholders’ deficit
    (315,313 )     (333,119 )
Noncontrolling interest
    12,274       17,735  
                 
Total stockholders’ deficit
    (303,039 )     (315,384 )
                 
Total liabilities, temporary equity and stockholders’ deficit
  $ 2,837,821     $ 2,989,381  
                 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    May 30,
    May 31,
    May 30,
    May 31,
 
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
    (Dollars in thousands)
 
    (Unaudited)  
 
Net sales
  $ 957,959     $ 886,519     $ 1,973,966     $ 1,817,773  
Licensing revenue
    18,570       17,999       37,769       38,209  
                                 
Net revenues
    976,529       904,518       2,011,735       1,855,982  
Cost of goods sold
    477,108       489,141       979,386       995,484  
                                 
Gross profit
    499,421       415,377       1,032,349       860,498  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    430,199       359,268       855,876       698,349  
                                 
Operating income
    69,222       56,109       176,473       162,149  
Interest expense
    (34,440 )     (40,027 )     (68,613 )     (74,717 )
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
    (16,587 )           (16,587 )      
Other income (expense), net
    6,694       (20,260 )     19,157       (17,271 )
                                 
Income (loss) before income taxes
    24,889       (4,178 )     110,430       70,161  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    43,279       (266 )     72,951       26,083  
                                 
Net income (loss)
    (18,390 )     (3,912 )     37,479       44,078  
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest
    4,009       (216 )     4,494       (137 )
                                 
Net income (loss) attributable to Levi Strauss & Co. 
  $ (14,381 )   $ (4,128 )   $ 41,973     $ 43,941  
                                 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
                 
    Six Months Ended  
    May 30,
    May 31,
 
    2010     2009  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
    (Unaudited)  
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
               
Net income
  $ 37,479     $ 44,078  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    51,650       36,445  
Asset impairments
    1,166       568  
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
    51       174  
Unrealized foreign exchange (gains) losses
    (19,376 )     4,791  
Realized loss on settlement of forward foreign exchange contracts not designated for hedge accounting
    5,340       18,147  
Employee benefit plans’ amortization from accumulated other comprehensive loss
    1,732       (9,894 )
Employee benefit plans’ curtailment loss (gain), net
    100       (2,028 )
Noncash gain on extinguishment of debt, net of write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs
    (13,647 )      
Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs
    2,284       2,131  
Stock-based compensation
    2,875       3,660  
Allowance for doubtful accounts
    3,564       3,196  
Change in operating assets and liabilities (excluding assets and liabilities acquired):
               
Trade receivables
    129,489       134,784  
Inventories
    (47,382 )     12,382  
Other current assets
    (11,301 )     (2,576 )
Other non-current assets
    (16,851 )     1,468  
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities
    (30,251 )     (59,386 )
Income tax liabilities
    56,525       (5,629 )
Accrued salaries, wages and employee benefits
    (29,268 )     (48,770 )
Long-term employee related benefits
    3,889       27,780  
Other long-term liabilities
    18,510       (3,710 )
Other, net
    (159 )     1,324  
                 
Net cash provided by operating activities
    146,419       158,935  
                 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
               
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
    (78,187 )     (26,688 )
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
    1,323       176  
Payments on settlement of forward foreign exchange contracts not designated for hedge accounting
    (5,340 )     (18,147 )
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
    (12,242 )     (12,370 )
Other
    (114 )      
                 
Net cash used for investing activities
    (94,560 )     (57,029 )
                 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
               
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
    909,390        
Repayments of long-term debt and capital leases
    (865,076 )     (36,406 )
Short-term borrowings, net
    21,798       10,995  
Debt issuance costs
    (16,931 )      
Restricted cash
    (257 )     (143 )
Dividends to noncontrolling interest shareholders
          (978 )
Dividend to stockholders
    (20,013 )     (20,001 )
                 
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities
    28,911       (46,533 )
                 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    1,493       3,436  
                 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    82,263       58,809  
Beginning cash and cash equivalents
    270,804       210,812  
                 
Ending cash and cash equivalents
  $ 353,067     $ 269,621  
                 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
               
Cash paid during the period for:
               
Interest
  $ 82,453     $ 66,463  
Income taxes
    26,317       30,283  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MAY 30, 2010
 
NOTE 1:   SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
Nature of Operations
 
Levi Strauss & Co. (the “Company”) is one of the world’s leading branded apparel companies. The Company designs and markets jeans, casual and dress pants, tops, jackets, footwear and related accessories, for men, women and children under the Levi’s®, Dockers® and Signature by Levi Strauss & Co.tm brands. The Company markets its products in three geographic regions: Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific.
 
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
 
The unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company and its wholly-owned and majority-owned foreign and domestic subsidiaries are prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S.”) for interim financial information. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the financial position and the results of operations for the periods presented have been included. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended November 29, 2009, included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 9, 2010.
 
The unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated. Management believes the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented herein not misleading. The results of operations for the three and six months ended May 30, 2010, may not be indicative of the results to be expected for any other interim period or the year ending November 28, 2010.
 
The Company’s fiscal year ends on the last Sunday of November in each year, although the fiscal years of certain foreign subsidiaries are fixed at November 30 due to local statutory requirements. Apart from these subsidiaries, each quarter of both fiscal years 2010 and 2009 consists of 13 weeks. All references to years relate to fiscal years rather than calendar years.
 
Subsequent events have been evaluated through the date these financial statements were issued.
 
In 2010, the Company became subject to disclosure provisions which require that amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests (formerly referred to as “minority interests”) be clearly identified and presented separately from the Company’s interests in the consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, prior-year amounts relating to the 16.4% noncontrolling interest in Levi Strauss Japan K.K., the Company’s Japanese affiliate, have been reclassified to conform to the new presentation.
 
Use of Estimates
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and the related notes to consolidated financial statements. Estimates are based upon historical factors, current circumstances and the experience and judgment of the Company’s management. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis and may employ outside experts to assist in its evaluations. Changes in such estimates, based on more accurate future information, or different assumptions or conditions, may affect amounts reported in future periods.


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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MAY 30, 2010
 
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
 
There have been no developments to recently issued accounting standards, including the expected dates of adoption and estimated effects on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, from those disclosed in the Company’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
NOTE 2:   GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
 
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by business segment for the six months ended May 30, 2010, were as follows:
 
                                 
                Asia
       
    Americas     Europe     Pacific     Total  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Balance, November 29, 2009
  $ 207,423     $ 32,080     $ 2,265     $ 241,768  
Additions
          2,115             2,115  
Foreign currency fluctuation
    1       (5,380 )     8       (5,371 )
                                 
Balance, May 30, 2010
  $ 207,424     $ 28,815     $ 2,273     $ 238,512  
                                 
 
Other intangible assets, net, were as follows:
 
                                                 
    May 30, 2010     November 29, 2009  
    Gross
    Accumulated
          Gross
    Accumulated
       
    Carrying Value     Amortization     Total     Carrying Value     Amortization     Total  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Unamortized intangible assets:
                                               
Trademarks
  $ 42,743     $     $ 42,743     $ 42,743     $     $ 42,743  
Amortized intangible assets:
                                               
Acquired contractual rights
    45,177       (11,602 )     33,575       46,529       (6,019 )     40,510  
Customer lists
    18,542       (3,805 )     14,737       22,340       (2,395 )     19,945  
                                                 
    $ 106,462     $ (15,407 )   $ 91,055     $ 111,612     $ (8,414 )   $ 103,198  
                                                 
 
For the three and six months ended May 30, 2010, amortization of these intangible assets was $3.7 million and $7.6 million, respectively, and is included in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. There have been no material changes to the estimated amortization of these intangible assets for the next five fiscal years from the amounts disclosed in the Company’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K.


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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MAY 30, 2010
 
NOTE 3:   FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
The following table presents the Company’s financial instruments that are carried at fair value:
 
                                                 
    May 30, 2010     November 29, 2009  
          Fair Value Estimated Using           Fair Value Estimated Using  
          Leve1 1
    Level 2
          Leve1 1
    Level 2
 
    Fair Value     Inputs(1)     Inputs(2)     Fair Value     Inputs(1)     Inputs(2)  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Financial assets carried at fair value
                                               
Rabbi trust assets
  $ 16,833     $ 16,833     $     $ 16,855     $ 16,855     $  
Forward foreign exchange contracts, net(3)
    5,627             5,627       721             721  
                                                 
Total financial assets carried at fair value
  $ 22,460     $ 16,833     $ 5,627     $ 17,576     $ 16,855     $ 721  
                                                 
Financial liabilities carried at fair value
                                               
Forward foreign exchange contracts, net(3)
  $ 3,479     $     $ 3,479     $ 14,519     $     $ 14,519  
Interest rate swap, net
                      1,451             1,451  
                                                 
Total financial liabilities carried at fair value
  $ 3,479     $     $ 3,479     $ 15,970     $     $ 15,970  
                                                 
 
 
(1) Fair values estimated using Level 1 inputs are inputs which consist of quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. Rabbi trust assets consist of a diversified portfolio of equity, fixed income and other securities.
 
(2) Fair values estimated using Level 2 inputs are inputs, other than quoted prices, that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly and include among other things, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in markets that are active or inactive as well as inputs other than quoted prices that are observable. For forward foreign exchange contracts, inputs include foreign currency exchange and interest rates and credit default swap prices. For the interest rate swap, for which the Company’s fair value estimate incorporates discounted future cash flows using a forward curve mid-market pricing convention, inputs include LIBOR forward rates and credit default swap prices.
 
(3) The Company’s forward foreign exchange contracts are subject to International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (“ISDA”) master agreements. These agreements are signed between the Company and each respective financial institution, and permit the net-settlement of forward foreign exchange contracts on a per institution basis.


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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MAY 30, 2010
 
 
The following table presents the carrying value — including accrued interest — and estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments that are carried at adjusted historical cost:
 
                                 
    May 30, 2010     November 29, 2009  
    Carrying
    Estimated
    Carrying
    Estimated
 
    Value     Fair Value(1)     Value     Fair Value(1)  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Financial liabilities carried at adjusted historical cost
                               
Senior revolving credit facility
  $ 108,284     $ 105,578     $ 108,489     $ 103,618  
8.625% Euro senior notes due 2013(2)
                379,935       379,935  
Senior term loan due 2014
    323,612       298,541       323,497       291,163  
9.75% senior notes due 2015(2)
                462,704       485,572  
8.875% senior notes due 2016
    355,173       369,173       355,120       366,495  
4.25% Yen-denominated Eurobonds due 2016(2)
    100,546       87,276       232,494       197,448  
7.75% Euro senior notes due 2018(2)
    372,864       354,786              
7.625% senior notes due 2020(2)
    527,780       514,655              
Short-term borrowings
    39,986       39,986       19,027       19,027  
                                 
Total financial liabilities carried at adjusted historical cost
  $ 1,828,245     $ 1,769,995     $ 1,881,266     $ 1,843,258  
                                 
 
 
(1) Fair value estimate incorporates mid-market price quotes.
 
(2) Reflect the Company’s refinancing activities during the second quarter of 2010. Please see Note 5 for additional information.
 
NOTE 4:   DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
 
There have been no material changes in the Company’s use of derivative instruments or the way the Company accounts for such instruments and related hedged items from the information disclosed in the Company’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
As of May 30, 2010, the Company had forward foreign exchange contracts to buy $391.8 million and to sell $157.3 million against various foreign currencies. These contracts are at various exchange rates and expire at various dates through October 2011.


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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MAY 30, 2010
 
The table below provides data about the carrying values of derivative instruments and non-derivative instruments designated as net investment hedges:
 
                                                 
    May 30, 2010     November 29, 2009  
    Assets     (Liabilities)           Assets     (Liabilities)        
                Derivative
                Derivative
 
    Carrying
    Carrying
    Net Carrying
    Carrying
    Carrying
    Net Carrying
 
    Value     Value     Value     Value     Value     Value  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
                                               
Forward foreign exchange contracts(1)
  $ 6,625     $ (998 )   $ 5,627     $ 1,189     $ (468 )   $ 721  
Forward foreign exchange contracts(2)
    2,529       (6,008 )     (3,479 )     5,675       (20,194 )     (14,519 )
Interest rate contracts(2)
                            (1,451 )     (1,451 )
                                                 
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
  $ 9,154     $ (7,006 )           $ 6,864     $ (22,113 )        
                                                 
Non-derivatives designated as hedging instruments(3)
                                               
Euro senior notes
  $     $ (370,830 )           $     $ (374,641 )        
Yen-denominated Eurobonds(4)
          (83,489 )                   (92,684 )        
                                                 
Total non-derivatives designated as hedging instruments
  $     $ (454,319 )           $     $ (467,325 )        
                                                 
 
 
(1) Included in “Other current assets” or “Other assets” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
 
(2) Included in “Other accrued liabilities” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
 
(3) Amounts at May 30, 2010, reflect the Company’s refinancing activities during the second quarter of 2010. Please see Note 5 for additional information.
 
(4) Represents the portion of the Yen-denominated Eurobonds that have been designated as a net investment hedge.
 
The table below provides data about the amount of gains and losses related to derivative instruments and non-derivative instruments designated as net investment hedges included in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” (“AOCI”) on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, and in “Other income (expense), net” in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations:
 
                                                 
                Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Other
 
    Gain or (Loss)
    Income (Expense), net (Ineffective
 
    Recognized in AOCI
    Portion and Amount Excluded from
 
    (Effective Portion)     Effectiveness Testing)  
    As of
    As of
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    May 30, 2010     November 29, 2009     May 30, 2010     May 31, 2009     May 30, 2010     May 31, 2009  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Forward foreign exchange contracts
  $ 4,637     $ 4,637     $     $     $     $  
Euro senior notes(1)
    6,239       (61,570 )                        
Yen-denominated Eurobonds(1)
    (18,973 )     (23,621 )     825       (1,139 )     5,550       1,418  
Cumulative income taxes
    3,623       31,237                                  
                                                 
Total
  $ (4,474 )   $ (49,317 )                                
                                                 
 
 
(1) Amounts at May 30, 2010, reflect the Company’s refinancing activities during the second quarter of 2010. Please see Note 5 for additional information.


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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MAY 30, 2010
 
 
The table below provides data about the amount of gains and losses related to derivatives not designated as hedging instruments included in “Other income (expense), net” in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations:
 
                                 
    Gain or (Loss) During  
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    May 30,
    May 31,
    May 30,
    May 31,
 
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Forward foreign exchange contracts:
                               
Realized
  $ (2,976 )   $ (21,537 )   $ (5,340 )   $ (18,147 )
Unrealized
    8,598       (29,572 )     15,945       (28,603 )
                                 
Total
  $ 5,622     $ (51,109 )   $ 10,605     $ (46,750 )
                                 
 
NOTE 5:   DEBT
 
                 
    May 30,
    November 29,
 
    2010     2009  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Long-term debt
               
Secured:
               
Senior revolving credit facility
  $ 108,250     $ 108,250  
                 
Total secured
    108,250       108,250  
                 
Unsecured:
               
8.625% Euro senior notes due 2013
          374,641  
Senior term loan due 2014
    323,498       323,340  
9.75% senior notes due 2015
          446,210  
8.875% senior notes due 2016
    350,000       350,000  
4.25% Yen-denominated Eurobonds due 2016
    100,148       231,710  
7.75% Euro senior notes due 2018
    370,830        
7.625% senior notes due 2020
    525,000        
                 
Total unsecured
    1,669,476       1,725,901  
Less: current maturities
           
                 
Total long-term debt
  $ 1,777,726     $ 1,834,151  
                 
Short-term debt
               
Short-term borrowings
  $ 39,708     $ 18,749  
Current maturities of long-term debt
           
                 
Total short-term debt
  $ 39,708     $ 18,749  
                 
Total long-term and short-term debt
  $ 1,817,434     $ 1,852,900  
                 


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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MAY 30, 2010
 
Issuance of Euro Senior Notes due 2018 and Senior Notes due 2020 and Tender, Redemption and Partial Repurchase of Euro Notes due 2013, Senior Notes due 2015, and Yen-denominated Eurobonds due 2016
 
Euro Notes due 2018 and Senior Notes due 2020.  On May 6, 2010, the Company issued €300.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.75% Euro senior notes due 2018 (the “2018 Euro Notes”) and $525.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.625% senior notes due 2020 (the “2020 Senior Notes”) to qualified institutional buyers. The notes are unsecured obligations that rank equally with all of the Company’s other existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated debt. The 2018 Euro Notes mature on May 15, 2018, and the 2020 Senior Notes mature on May 15, 2020. Interest on the notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on May 15 and November 15, commencing on November 15, 2010. The Company may redeem some or all of the 2018 Euro Notes prior to May 15, 2014, and some or all of the 2020 Senior Notes prior to May 15, 2015, each at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest and a “make-whole” premium; after these dates, the Company may redeem all or any portion of the notes, at once or over time, at redemption prices specified in the indenture governing the notes, after giving the required notice under the indenture. In addition, at any time prior to May 15, 2013, the Company may redeem up to a maximum of 35% of the original aggregate principal amount of each series of notes with the proceeds of one or more public equity offerings at a redemption price of 107.750% and 107.625% of the principal amount of the 2018 Euro Notes and 2020 Senior Notes, respectively, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption. Costs of approximately $17.5 million associated with the issuance of the notes, representing underwriting fees and other expenses, will be amortized to interest expense over the term of the notes.
 
Other Covenants.  The indenture governing both notes contains covenants that limit, among other things, the Company’s and certain of the Company’s subsidiaries’ ability to (1) incur additional debt, (2) make certain restricted payments, (3) consummate specified asset sales, (4) enter into transactions with affiliates, (5) incur liens, (6) impose restrictions on the ability of its subsidiaries to pay dividends or make payments to the Company and its restricted subsidiaries, (7) enter into sale and leaseback transactions, (8) merge or consolidate with another person, and (9) dispose of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets. The indenture provides for customary events of default (subject in certain cases to customary grace and cure periods), which include nonpayment, breach of covenants in the indenture, payment defaults or acceleration of other indebtedness, a failure to pay certain judgments and certain events of bankruptcy and insolvency. Generally, if an event of default occurs, the trustee under the indenture or holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding notes may declare all notes to be due and payable immediately. Upon the occurrence of a change in control (as defined in the indenture), each holder of notes may require the Company to repurchase all or a portion of the notes in cash at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount of notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon to the date of purchase. In addition, the Company agreed to use its reasonable best efforts to register each series of notes under the Securities Act of 1933 so as to allow holders to exchange the notes for the same principal amount of a new issue of notes with substantially identical terms, except that the exchange notes will generally be freely transferable under the Act.
 
Use of Proceeds and Loss on Early Extinguishment of Debt.  On April 22, 2010, the Company commenced a cash tender offer for the outstanding principal amount of its Euro Notes due 2013 and its Senior Notes due 2015. The tender offer expired May 19, 2010, and the Company redeemed all remaining notes that were not tendered in the offer on May 25, 2010. The Company purchased all of the outstanding Euro Notes due 2013 and its Senior Notes due 2015 pursuant to the tender offer and subsequent redemption.
 
On May 21, 2010, the Company also repurchased ¥10,883,500,000 in principal amount tendered of the Yen-denominated Eurobonds due 2016 for total consideration of $100.0 million including accrued interest.
 
The tender offer, redemption, and partial repurchase described above, as well as underwriting fees associated with the new issuance, were funded with the proceeds from the issuance of the 2018 Euro Notes and the 2020 Senior


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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MAY 30, 2010
 
Notes. The Company recorded a loss of $16.6 million on early extinguishment of debt, comprised of tender premiums of approximately $30.2 million and the write-off of approximately $7.6 million of unamortized debt issuance costs, net of applicable premium, offset by a gain of approximately $21.2 million related to the partial repurchase of Yen-denominated Eurobonds at a discount to their par value.
 
Short-term Credit Lines and Standby Letters of Credit
 
As of May 30, 2010, the Company’s total availability of $260.6 million under its senior secured revolving credit facility was reduced by $80.5 million of letters of credit and other credit usage under the facility, yielding a net availability of $180.1 million.
 
Interest Rates on Borrowings
 
The Company’s weighted-average interest rate on average borrowings outstanding during the three and six months ended May 30, 2010, was 7.40% and 7.33%, respectively, compared to 7.48% and 7.50% in the same periods of 2009.
 
NOTE 6:   EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit cost (income) and the changes recognized in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” for the Company’s defined benefit pension plans and postretirement benefit plans:
 
                                 
    Pension Benefits     Postretirement Benefits  
    Three Months Ended     Three Months Ended  
    May 30,
    May 31,
    May 30,
    May 31,
 
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Net periodic benefit cost (income):
                               
Service cost
  $ 1,927     $ 1,262     $ 118     $ 107  
Interest cost
    14,888       15,334       2,169       2,760  
Expected return on plan assets
    (11,522 )     (10,525 )            
Amortization of prior service cost (benefit)(1)
    111       199       (7,391 )     (9,924 )
Amortization of actuarial loss(2)
    6,666       4,294       1,402       433  
Curtailment gain
          (32 )           (188 )
Net settlement loss
    20                    
                                 
Net periodic benefit cost (income)
    12,090       10,532       (3,702 )     (6,812 )
                                 
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
                               
Actuarial loss
    179                    
Amortization of prior service (cost) benefit
    (111 )     (199 )     7,391       9,924  
Amortization of actuarial loss
    (6,666 )     (4,294 )     (1,402 )     (433 )
Curtailment gain
                      188  
                                 
Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (6,598 )     (4,493 )     5,989       9,679  
                                 
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost (income) and accumulated other comprehensive loss
  $ 5,492     $ 6,039     $ 2,287     $ 2,867  
                                 
 


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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MAY 30, 2010
 
                                         
    Pension Benefits     Postretirement Benefits        
    Six Months Ended     Six Months Ended        
    May 30,
    May 31,
    May 30,
    May 31,
       
    2010     2009     2010     2009        
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Net periodic benefit cost (income):
                                       
Service cost
  $ 3,914     $ 2,531     $ 236     $ 214          
Interest cost
    29,877       30,651       4,338       5,521          
Expected return on plan assets
    (23,090 )     (21,047 )                    
Amortization of prior service cost (benefit)(1)
    229       397       (14,783 )     (19,849 )        
Amortization of actuarial loss(2)
    13,331       8,581       2,804       867          
Curtailment loss (gain)
    100       (59 )           (1,969 )        
Net settlement loss
    192       115                      
                                         
Net periodic benefit cost (income)
    24,553       21,169       (7,405 )     (15,216 )        
                                         
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
                                       
Actuarial loss
    303                            
Amortization of prior service (cost) benefit
    (229 )     (397 )     14,783       19,849          
Amortization of actuarial loss
    (13,331 )     (8,581 )     (2,804 )     (867 )        
Curtailment (loss) gain
    (13 )     27             1,969          
Net settlement loss
    (151 )     (115 )                    
                                         
Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (13,421 )     (9,066 )     11,979       20,951          
                                         
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost (income) and accumulated other comprehensive loss
  $ 11,132     $ 12,103     $ 4,574     $ 5,735          
                                         
 
 
(1) Amortization of prior service benefit recognized during each period with respect to the Company’s postretirement benefit plans relates primarily to the favorable impact of plan amendments in February 2004 and August 2003. For the three and six months ended May 30, 2010, as compared to the same prior-year periods, Amortization of prior service benefit declined in relation to the expected service lives of the employees affected by these plan changes.
 
(2) For the three and six months ended May 30, 2010, as compared to the same prior-year periods, the increase in Amortization of actuarial loss resulted from the impact of the changes in discount rate assumptions for the pension and postretirement benefit plans as of November 29, 2009.
 
NOTE 7:   COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts
 
The Company uses derivative instruments to manage its exposure to foreign currencies. The Company is exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to the forward foreign exchange contracts. However, the Company believes that its exposures are appropriately diversified across counterparties and that these counterparties are creditworthy financial institutions. Please see Note 4 for additional information.
 
Other Contingencies
 
Litigation.  There have been no material developments in the Company’s litigation matters since it filed its 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MAY 30, 2010
 
In the ordinary course of business, the Company has various pending cases involving contractual matters, employee-related matters, distribution questions, product liability claims, trademark infringement and other matters. The Company does not believe there are any of these pending legal proceedings that will have a material impact on its financial condition or results of operations or cash flows.
 
NOTE 8:   DIVIDEND PAYMENT
 
In each of the second quarters of 2010 and 2009, the Company paid cash dividends of $20 million. The Company will continue to review its ability to pay cash dividends at least annually, and dividends may be declared at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors depending upon, among other factors, the Company’s financial condition and compliance with the terms of its debt agreements. The dividend payment resulted in a decrease to “Additional paid-in capital” as the Company is in an accumulated deficit position.
 
NOTE 9:   COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 
The following is a summary of the components of total comprehensive income (loss), net of related income taxes:
 
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    May 30,
    May 31,
    May 30,
    May 31,
 
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Net income (loss)
  $ (18,390 )   $ (3,912 )   $ 37,479     $ 44,078  
                                 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                               
Pension and postretirement benefits
    3,254       (3,792 )     1,023       (8,578 )
Net investment hedge gains (losses)
    22,612       (20,855 )     44,843       (16,813 )
Foreign currency translation (losses) gains
    (25,853 )     15,742       (51,608 )     1,396  
Unrealized gain on marketable securities
    167       1,473       184       594  
                                 
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
    180       (7,432 )     (5,558 )     (23,401 )
                                 
Comprehensive income (loss)
    (18,210 )     (11,344 )     31,921       20,677  
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest
    (4,370 )     377       (5,462 )     (63 )
                                 
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Levi Strauss & Co. 
  $ (13,840 )   $ (11,721 )   $ 37,383     $ 20,740  
                                 


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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MAY 30, 2010
 
The following is a summary of the components of “Accumulated other comprehensive loss,” net of related income taxes:
 
                 
    May 30,
    November 29,
 
    2010     2009  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Pension and postretirement benefits
  $ (175,857 )   $ (176,880 )
Net investment hedge losses
    (4,474 )     (49,317 )
Foreign currency translation losses
    (63,258 )     (11,650 )
Unrealized loss on marketable securities
    (1,891 )     (2,075 )
                 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (245,480 )     (239,922 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest
    8,977       9,945  
                 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to Levi Strauss & Co. 
  $ (254,457 )   $ (249,867 )
                 
 
NOTE 10:   OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET
 
The following table summarizes significant components of “Other income (expense), net”:
 
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    May 30,
    May 31,
    May 30,
    May 31,
 
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Foreign exchange management gains (losses)(1)
  $ 5,622     $ (51,109 )   $ 10,605     $ (46,750 )
Foreign currency transaction gains(2)
    1,027       30,955       8,203       29,056  
Interest income
    700       538       1,292       1,137  
Other
    (655 )     (644 )     (943 )     (714 )
                                 
Total other income (expense), net
  $ 6,694     $ (20,260 )   $ 19,157     $ (17,271 )
                                 
 
 
(1) Foreign exchange management gains in 2010 were primarily driven by the appreciation of the U.S. Dollar against the Euro, the Japanese Yen and the Australian Dollar. Losses in 2009 were primarily driven by the weakening of the U.S. Dollar against the Euro, the Canadian Dollar and the Australian Dollar.
 
(2) Foreign currency transaction gains in 2010 were primarily driven by the appreciation of the U.S. Dollar against the Euro and the Japanese Yen. Gains in 2009 were primarily driven by the appreciation of the Euro, the Australian Dollar and the Swedish Krona against the U.S. Dollar.
 
NOTE 11:   INCOME TAXES
 
The effective income tax rate was 66.1% for the six months ended May 30, 2010, compared to 37.2% for the same period ended May 31, 2009. The 28.9 percentage-point increase in the effective income tax rate was primarily driven by significant discrete income tax charges recognized during the second quarter.
 
The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and for operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Due primarily to the recent negative financial performance of its affiliate in Japan, the Company recorded tax expense of $14.2 million during the three months ended May 30, 2010, to recognize a valuation allowance to fully offset the amount of the affiliate’s deferred tax assets, as the Company determined it is


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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MAY 30, 2010
 
more likely than not these assets will not be realized. This discrete charge represents 12.9 percentage-points of the increase in the effective income tax rate for the six months ended May 30, 2010.
 
The tax treatment of Medicare Part D subsidies changed during the second quarter as a result of the enactment in March 2010 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (the “Health Care Act”). The Health Care Act includes a provision eliminating, beginning in the Company’s tax year 2014, the tax deductibility of the costs of providing Medicare Part D-equivalent prescription drug benefits to retirees to the extent of the Federal subsidy received. Accordingly, the Company recorded a discrete tax charge of $14.0 million to recognize the reduction in the related deferred tax assets in the period the legislation was enacted. This discrete charge represents 12.7 percentage-points of the increase in the effective income tax rate for the six months ended May 30, 2010.
 
As of May 30, 2010, the Company’s total gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits was $161.5 million, of which $92.6 million would impact the effective tax rate, if recognized. As of November 29, 2009, the Company’s total gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits was $160.5 million, of which $92.0 million would have impacted the effective tax rate, if recognized.
 
NOTE 12:   RELATED PARTIES
 
Robert D. Haas, a director and Chairman Emeritus of the Company, is the President of the Levi Strauss Foundation, which is not a consolidated entity of the Company. During the three- and six-month periods ended May 30, 2010, the Company donated $0.3 million and $0.5 million, respectively, to the Levi Strauss Foundation as compared to $0.3 million and $0.5 million, respectively, for the same prior-year periods.
 
NOTE 13:   BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
 
The Company manages its business according to three regional segments: the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific. Each regional segment is managed by a senior executive who reports directly to the chief operating decision maker: the Company’s chief executive officer. The Company’s management, including the chief operating decision maker, manages business operations, evaluates performance and allocates resources based on the regional segments’ net revenues and operating income.
 
In the first quarter of 2010, accountability for information technology and marketing staff costs of a global nature, that in prior years were captured in the Company’s geographic regions, was centralized under corporate management in conjunction with the Company’s key strategy of driving productivity. Beginning in 2010, these costs have been classified as corporate expenses. These costs were not significant to any of the Company’s regional segments individually in any of the periods presented herein, and accordingly business segment information for prior years has not been revised.


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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MAY 30, 2010
 
Business segment information for the Company is as follows:
 
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    May 30,
    May 31,
    May 30,
    May 31,
 
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Net revenues:
                               
Americas
  $ 557,962     $ 517,537     $ 1,103,211     $ 1,021,399  
Europe
    240,130       221,093       546,253       488,429  
Asia Pacific
    178,437       165,888       362,271       346,154  
                                 
Total net revenues
  $ 976,529     $ 904,518     $ 2,011,735     $ 1,855,982  
                                 
Operating income:
                               
Americas
  $ 84,917     $ 67,644     $ 160,980     $ 121,859  
Europe
    31,598       22,386       97,983       80,670  
Asia Pacific
    16,896       19,376       47,549       51,110  
                                 
Regional operating income
    133,411       109,406       306,512       253,639  
Corporate expenses
    64,189       53,297       130,039       91,490  
                                 
Total operating income
    69,222       56,109       176,473       162,149  
Interest expense
    (34,440 )     (40,027 )     (68,613 )     (74,717 )
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
    (16,587 )           (16,587 )      
Other income (expense), net
    6,694       (20,260 )     19,157       (17,271 )
                                 
Income (loss) before income taxes
  $ 24,889     $ (4,178 )   $ 110,430     $ 70,161  
                                 


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Item 2.   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Overview
 
We design and market jeans, casual and dress pants, tops, jackets, footwear and related accessories for men, women and children under our Levi’s®, Dockers® and Signature by Levi Strauss & Co.tm (“Signature”) brands around the world. We also license our trademarks in many countries throughout the world for a wide array of products, including accessories, pants, tops, footwear, home and other products.
 
Our business is operated through three geographic regions: Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific. Our products are sold in approximately 55,000 retail locations in more than 110 countries. We support our brands through a global infrastructure, both sourcing and marketing our products around the world. We distribute our Levi’s® and Dockers® products primarily through chain retailers and department stores in the United States and primarily through department stores, specialty retailers and franchised stores outside of the United States. We also distribute our Levi’s® and Dockers® products through our online stores, and 453 company-operated stores located in 26 countries, including the United States. These stores generated approximately 16% of our net revenues in the first half of 2010, as compared to the first half of 2009, when company-operated stores generated 11% of our net revenues. We distribute products under the Signature brand primarily through mass channel retailers in the United States and Canada and mass and other value-oriented retailers and franchised stores in Asia Pacific.
 
Our Europe and Asia Pacific businesses, collectively, contributed 45% of our net revenues and 47% of our regional operating income in the first half of 2010. Sales of Levi’s® brand products represented approximately 81% of our total net sales in the first half of 2010.
 
Trends Affecting Our Business
 
During the second quarter of 2010, difficult economic conditions persisted around the world. Concerns remain about high unemployment and the prospects for sustained economic recovery from the global economic downturn, and consumer spending which continues to be weak in many markets, especially in Europe and Japan. Our wholesale customers continue to manage their businesses with leaner inventories, and we remain committed to managing our inventories commensurate with the needs of our customers and the retail environment.
 
At the same time we remained focused on our key strategies: build upon our leadership position in the jean and khaki categories through product and marketing innovation, enhance relationships with wholesale customers and expand our dedicated store network to drive sales growth, capitalize on our global footprint, and continuously increase our productivity.
 
Our Second Quarter 2010 Results
 
In the midst of this difficult economic environment, our second quarter 2010 results reflect net revenue growth and the effects of the strategic investments we have made in 2009 and 2010 in line with our long-term objectives.
 
  •  Net revenues.  Our consolidated net revenues increased by 8% compared to the second quarter of 2009, an increase of 5% on a constant-currency basis. Increased net revenues were driven by our acquisitions in 2009 and growth in revenues associated with our Levi’s® brand in the Americas, partly offset by continued declines in the wholesale channel in certain markets.
 
  •  Operating income.  Our operating income and operating margin increased compared to the second quarter of 2009, benefitting from a higher gross margin, the favorable impact of currency, and the increase in our constant-currency net revenues. We continued to invest in the expansion of our dedicated store network and advertising in support of our brands.
 
  •  Cash flows.  Cash flows provided by operating activities remained strong at $146 million for the first half of 2010 as compared to $159 million for the same period in 2009. We continued our planned investment in our strategic business initiatives and refinanced a significant portion of our debt.


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Refinancing of Debt
 
In May 2010 we completed an offering of €300.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.75% Senior Notes due 2018 and $525.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.625% Senior Notes due 2020. We used the net proceeds to complete a tender offer for our outstanding 9.75% Senior Notes due 2015 and 8.625% Senior Notes due 2013. Additionally, we repurchased ¥10,883,500,000 aggregate principal amount of our 4.25% Yen-denominated Eurobonds due 2016, for total consideration of $100.0 million including accrued interest. As a result of these actions, we extended the maturity profile of our debt without significantly impacting our weighted-average cost of borrowing.
 
Financial Information Presentation
 
Fiscal year.  Our fiscal year ends on the last Sunday of November in each year, although the fiscal years of certain foreign subsidiaries are fixed at November 30 due to local statutory requirements. Apart from these subsidiaries, each quarter of fiscal years 2010 and 2009 consisted of 13 weeks.
 
Segments.  We manage our business according to three regional segments: the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific. In the first quarter of 2010, accountability for information technology and marketing staff costs of a global nature, that in prior years were captured in our geographic regions, was centralized under corporate management in conjunction with our key strategy of driving productivity. Beginning in 2010, these costs have been classified as corporate expenses. These costs were not significant to any of our regional segments individually in any of the periods presented herein, and accordingly business segment information for prior years has not been revised.
 
Classification.  Our classification of certain significant revenues and expenses reflects the following:
 
  •  Net sales is primarily comprised of sales of products to wholesale customers, including franchised stores, and direct sales to consumers at our company-operated and online stores and at our company-operated shop-in-shops located within department stores. It includes discounts, allowances for estimated returns and incentives.
 
  •  Licensing revenue consists of royalties earned from the use of our trademarks by third-party licensees in connection with the manufacturing, advertising and distribution of trademarked products.
 
  •  Cost of goods sold is primarily comprised of product costs, labor and related overhead, sourcing costs, inbound freight, internal transfers, and the cost of operating our remaining manufacturing facilities, including the related depreciation expense.
 
  •  Selling costs include, among other things, all occupancy costs associated with our company-operated stores and our company-operated shop-in-shops.
 
  •  We reflect substantially all distribution costs in selling, general and administrative expenses, including costs related to receiving and inspection at distribution centers, warehousing, shipping to our customers, handling, and certain other activities associated with our distribution network.
 
Constant currency.  Constant-currency comparisons are based on translating local currency amounts in both periods at the foreign exchange rates used in the Company’s internal planning process for the current year. We routinely evaluate our financial performance on a constant-currency basis in order to facilitate period-to-period comparisons without regard to the impact of changing foreign currency exchange rates.


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Results of Operations for Three and Six Months Ended May 30, 2010, as Compared to Same Periods in 2009
 
The following table summarizes, for the periods indicated, our consolidated statements of income, the changes in these items from period to period and these items expressed as a percentage of net revenues:
 
                                                                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
                      May 30,
    May 31,
                      May 30,
    May 31,
 
                %
    2010
    2009
                %
    2010
    2009
 
    May 30,
    May 31,
    Increase
    % of Net
    % of Net
    May 30,
    May 31,
    Increase
    % of Net
    % of Net
 
    2010     2009     (Decrease)     Revenues     Revenues     2010     2009     (Decrease)     Revenues     Revenues  
    (Dollars in millions)  
 
Net sales
  $ 958.0     $ 886.5       8.1 %     98.1 %     98.0 %   $ 1,974.0     $ 1,817.8       8.6 %     98.1 %     97.9 %
Licensing revenue
    18.5       18.0       3.2 %     1.9 %     2.0 %     37.7       38.2       (1.2 )%     1.9 %     2.1 %
                                                                                 
Net revenues
    976.5       904.5       8.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     2,011.7       1,856.0       8.4 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
Cost of goods sold
    477.1       489.1       (2.5 )%     48.9 %     54.1 %     979.3       995.5       (1.6 )%     48.7 %     53.6 %
                                                                                 
Gross profit
    499.4       415.4       20.2 %     51.1 %     45.9 %     1,032.4       860.5       20.0 %     51.3 %     46.4 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    430.2       359.3       19.7 %     44.1 %     39.7 %     855.9       698.4       22.6 %     42.5 %     37.6 %
                                                                                 
Operating income
    69.2       56.1       23.4 %     7.1 %     6.2 %     176.5       162.1       8.8 %     8.8 %     8.7 %
Interest expense
    (34.4 )     (40.0 )     (14.0 )%     (3.5 )%     (4.4 )%     (68.6 )     (74.7 )     (8.2 )%     (3.4 )%     (4.0 )%
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
    (16.6 )                 (1.7 )%           (16.6 )                 (0.8 )%      
Other income (expense), net
    6.7       (20.3 )     (133.0 )%     0.7 %     (2.2 )%     19.2       (17.2 )     (210.9 )%     1.0 %     (0.9 )%
                                                                                 
Income (loss) before income taxes
    24.9       (4.2 )     (695.7 )%     2.5 %     (0.5 )%     110.5       70.2       57.4 %     5.5 %     3.8 %
Income tax expense (benefit)
    43.3       (0.3 )     (16370.3 )%     4.4 %           73.0       26.1       179.7 %     3.6 %     1.4 %
                                                                                 
Net income (loss)
    (18.4 )     (3.9 )     370.1 %     (1.9 )%     (0.4 )%     37.5       44.1       (15.0 )%     1.9 %     2.4 %
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest
    4.0       (0.2 )     (1956.0 )%     0.4 %           4.5       (0.2 )     (3380.3 )%     0.2 %      
                                                                                 
Net income (loss) attributable to Levi Strauss & Co. 
  $ (14.4 )   $ (4.1 )     248.4 %     (1.5 )%     (0.5 )%   $ 42.0     $ 43.9       (4.5 )%     2.1 %     2.4 %
                                                                                 
 
Net revenues
 
The following table presents net revenues by reporting segment for the periods indicated and the changes in net revenues by reporting segment on both reported and constant-currency bases from period to period:
 
                                                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
                % Increase (Decrease)                 % Increase (Decrease)  
    May 30,
    May 31,
    As
    Constant
    May 30,
    May 31,
    As
    Constant
 
    2010     2009     Reported     Currency     2010     2009     Reported     Currency  
    (Dollars in millions)  
 
Net revenues:
                                                               
Americas
  $ 558.0     $ 517.5       7.8 %     5.9 %   $ 1,103.2     $ 1,021.4       8.0 %     6.4 %
Europe
    240.1       221.1       8.6 %     6.5 %     546.2       488.4       11.8 %     6.2 %
Asia Pacific
    178.4       165.9       7.6 %     (2.0 )%     362.3       346.2       4.7 %     (3.3 )%
                                                                 
Total net revenues
  $ 976.5     $ 904.5       8.0 %     4.6 %   $ 2,011.7     $ 1,856.0       8.4 %     4.5 %
                                                                 
 
Total net revenues increased on both reported and constant-currency bases for the three- and six-month periods ended May 30, 2010, as compared to the same prior-year period. Reported amounts were affected favorably by changes in foreign currency exchange rates across all regions.
 
Americas.  On both reported and constant-currency bases, net revenues in our Americas region increased for the three- and six-month periods, with currency affecting net revenues favorably by approximately $10 million and $16 million, respectively.
 
For both periods, an increase in net revenues for the Levi’s® brand was driven by the additional outlet stores we acquired in July 2009, as well as strong performance of our men’s, Juniors and boy’s products in the wholesale channel. The improved Levi’s® brand performance was partially offset by declines in both periods of net sales from our Signature and U.S. Dockers® brands.


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Europe.  Net revenues in Europe increased on both reported and constant-currency bases for the three- and six-month periods, with currency affecting net revenues favorably by approximately $3 million and $24 million, respectively.
 
The region’s net revenues increase in both periods was driven by the impact of our 2009 footwear and accessories business acquisition and our expanding company-operated retail network throughout the region, and was partially offset by continued sales declines in our traditional wholesale channels reflecting the region’s ongoing depressed retail environment.
 
Asia Pacific.  Net revenues in Asia Pacific increased on a reported basis, but decreased on a constant-currency basis, for the three- and six-month periods, with currency affecting net revenues favorably by approximately $16 million and $28 million, respectively.
 
Net revenues in the region decreased primarily due to lower sales in Japan. This decline was partially offset in both periods primarily by the continued expansion of our brand-dedicated retail network in China and India.
 
Gross profit
 
The following table shows consolidated gross profit and gross margin for the periods indicated and the changes in these items from period to period:
 
                                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
                %
                %
 
    May 30,
    May 31,
    Increase
    May 30,
    May 31,
    Increase
 
    2010     2009     (Decrease)     2010     2009     (Decrease)  
    (Dollars in millions)  
 
Net revenues
  $ 976.5     $ 904.5       8.0 %   $ 2,011.7     $ 1,856.0       8.4 %
Cost of goods sold
    477.1       489.1       (2.5 )%     979.3       995.5       (1.6 )%
                                                 
Gross profit
  $ 499.4     $ 415.4       20.2 %   $ 1,032.4     $ 860.5       20.0 %
                                                 
Gross margin
    51.1 %     45.9 %             51.3 %     46.4 %        
 
As compared to the same prior-year periods, the gross profit increase for the three- and six-month periods ended May 30, 2010, was driven by improved gross margins in each of our regions, the increase in our constant-currency net revenues, and a favorable currency impact of approximately $24 million and $53 million, respectively. The improvement in our gross margin in both periods reflected the increased contribution from our company-operated retail network, which generally has a higher gross margin than our wholesale business.
 
Our gross margins may not be comparable to those of other companies in our industry since some companies may include costs related to their distribution network and occupancy costs associated with company-operated stores in cost of goods sold.


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Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
The following table shows our selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses for the periods indicated, the changes in these items from period to period and these items expressed as a percentage of net revenues:
 
                                                                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
                      May 30,
    May 31,
                      May 30,
    May 31,
 
                %
    2010
    2009
                %
    2010
    2009
 
    May 30,
    May 31,
    Increase
    % of Net
    % of Net
    May 30,
    May 31,
    Increase
    % of Net
    % of Net
 
    2010     2009     (Decrease)     Revenues     Revenues     2010     2009     (Decrease)     Revenues     Revenues  
    (Dollars in millions)  
 
Selling
  $ 147.7     $ 107.4       37.6 %     15.1 %     11.9 %   $ 304.0     $ 213.2       42.6 %     15.1 %     11.5 %
Advertising and promotion
    71.1       59.7       19.2 %     7.3 %     6.6 %     129.6       97.9       32.4 %     6.4 %     5.3 %
Administration
    98.6       81.6       20.7 %     10.1 %     9.0 %     193.4       166.8       16.0 %     9.6 %     9.0 %
Other
    112.8       110.6       2.0 %     11.5 %     12.2 %     228.9       220.5       3.8 %     11.4 %     11.9 %
                                                                                 
Total SG&A
  $ 430.2     $ 359.3       19.7 %     44.1 %     39.7 %   $ 855.9     $ 698.4       22.6 %     42.5 %     37.6 %
                                                                                 
 
Currency drove approximately $9 million and $23 million of the increase in SG&A expenses for the three- and six-month periods ended May 30, 2010, respectively, as compared to the same prior-year periods.
 
Selling.  Selling expenses increased across all business segments for both periods, primarily reflecting 130 company-operated stores we have added since May 31, 2009.
 
Advertising and promotion.  Advertising and promotion expenses increased for the three- and six-month periods most significantly in the Americas, primarily due to an increase in campaign spend in support of our U.S. Levi’s® and U.S. Dockers® brands.
 
Administration.  Administration expenses include corporate expenses and other administrative charges. The increase was driven primarily by higher costs associated with our pension and postretirement benefit plans, our business acquisitions in 2009, and various corporate initiatives, as well as an increase in incentive compensation expense related to greater achievement against our internally-set objectives.
 
Other.  Other SG&A expenses include distribution, information resources, and marketing organization costs. These costs increased in both periods primarily due to the effects of currency.
 
Operating income
 
The following table shows operating income by reporting segment and corporate expenses for the periods indicated, the changes in these items from period to period and these items expressed as a percentage of net revenues:
 
                                                                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
                      May 30,
    May 31,
                      May 30,
    May 31,
 
                %
    2010
    2009
                %
    2010
    2009
 
    May 30,
    May 31,
    Increase
    % of Net
    % of Net
    May 30,
    May 31,
    Increase
    % of Net
    % of Net
 
    2010     2009     (Decrease)     Revenues     Revenues     2010     2009     (Decrease)     Revenues     Revenues  
    (Dollars in millions)  
 
Operating income:
                                                                               
Americas
  $ 84.9     $ 67.6       25.5 %     15.2 %     13.1 %   $ 161.0     $ 121.8       32.1 %     14.6 %     11.9 %
Europe
    31.6       22.4       41.1 %     13.2 %     10.1 %     98.0       80.7       21.5 %     17.9 %     16.5 %
Asia Pacific
    16.9       19.4       (12.8 )%     9.5 %     11.7 %     47.5       51.1       (7.0 )%     13.1 %     14.8 %
                                                                                 
Total regional operating income
    133.4       109.4       21.9 %     13.7 %*     12.1 %*     306.5       253.6       20.8 %     15.2 %*     13.7 %*
Corporate expenses
    64.2       53.3       20.4 %     6.6 %*     5.9 %*     130.0       91.5       42.1 %     6.5 %*     4.9 %*
                                                                                 
Total operating income
  $ 69.2     $ 56.1       23.4 %     7.1 %*     6.2 %*   $ 176.5     $ 162.1       8.8 %     8.8 %*     8.7 %*
                                                                                 
Operating margin
    7.1 %     6.2 %                             8.8 %     8.7 %                        
 
 
* Percentage of consolidated net revenues


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Currency favorably affected total operating income by approximately $15 million and $30 million for the three- and six-month periods, respectively.
 
Regional operating income.  The following describes changes in operating income by segment for the three- and six-month periods ended May 30, 2010, compared to the same prior-year periods:
 
  •  Americas.  For both periods, the region’s higher operating margin and operating income were primarily driven by the improvement in gross margin, the effects of which were partially offset by the increased selling and advertising expenses in the region.
 
  •  Europe.  For both periods, the increase in the region’s operating income was primarily due to the favorable impact of currency. The region’s higher operating margins as compared to prior year for both periods reflected the region’s gross margin improvement, partially offset by higher expenses reflecting our company-operated store expansion.
 
  •  Asia Pacific.  For both periods, the favorable impact of currency and the region’s improved gross margin to the region’s operating income was more than offset by the impact of the net sales declines in Japan.
 
Corporate.  Corporate expenses for the three- and six-month periods increased over the same prior-year periods primarily due to increased costs associated with our pension and postretirement benefit plans, various corporate initiatives, and the classification of information technology and marketing staff costs of a global nature that were centralized under corporate management beginning in 2010. These costs were not significant to any of our regional segments individually or to prior periods, and as such, prior period amounts were not reclassified. For the six-month period as compared to the same prior-year period, lower severance accruals in the second quarter were offset by termination costs recorded in the first quarter of 2010 resulting from the exit of certain retail locations.
 
Interest expense
 
Interest expense decreased to $34.4 million and $68.6 million for the three- and six-month periods ended May 30, 2010, respectively, from $40.0 million and $74.7 million for the same periods in 2009. The appreciation of the US Dollar against the Euro caused the decrease in interest expense.
 
The weighted-average interest rate on average borrowings outstanding for the three- and six- months periods ended May 30, 2010, were 7.40% and 7.33%, respectively, as compared to 7.48% and 7.50%, respectively, for the same prior-year periods in 2009.
 
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
 
During the three months ended May 30, 2010, we recorded a $16.6 million loss on early extinguishment of debt as a result of our debt refinancing activities during the period. The loss was comprised of tender premiums of approximately $30.2 million and the write-off of approximately $7.6 million of unamortized debt issuance costs net of applicable premium, offset by a gain of approximately $21.2 million related to the partial repurchase of Yen-denominated Eurobonds due 2016 at a discount to their par value.
 
Other income (expense), net
 
For the three- and six-month periods in 2010, we recorded income of $6.7 million and $19.2 million, respectively, as compared to expense of $20.3 million and $17.3 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2009. The increase primarily reflects foreign exchange management gains driven by the appreciation of the U.S. Dollar against the Euro, the Japanese Yen and the Australian Dollar.
 
Income tax (benefit) expense
 
The effective income tax rate was 66.1% for the six months ended May 30, 2010, compared to 37.2% for the same period ended May 31, 2009. Approximately 25.6 percentage points of the increase in the effective income tax rate was primarily driven by the two significant discrete income tax charges recognized during the second quarter.


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Due primarily to our recent negative financial performance in Japan, we recognized an expense of $14.2 million during the three months ended May 30, 2010, to recognize a valuation allowance to fully offset the amount of the deferred tax assets of our Japanese affiliate, as we no longer expect that it is more likely than not that we will benefit from them.
 
Additionally, we recognized an expense of $14.0 million due to the enactment in March 2010 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which includes a provision eliminating, beginning in our tax year 2014, the tax deductibility of the costs of providing Medicare Part D-equivalent prescription drug benefits to retirees to the extent of the Federal subsidy received.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Liquidity Outlook
 
We believe we will have adequate liquidity over the next twelve months to operate our business and to meet our cash requirements.
 
Cash sources
 
We are a privately-held corporation. We have historically relied primarily on cash flows from operations, borrowings under credit facilities, issuances of notes and other forms of debt financing. We regularly explore financing and debt reduction alternatives, including new credit agreements, unsecured and secured note issuances, equity financing, equipment and real estate financing, securitizations and asset sales. Key sources of cash include earnings from operations and borrowing availability under our revolving credit facility.
 
We are borrowers under an amended and restated senior secured revolving credit facility. The maximum availability under the facility is $750 million secured by certain of our domestic assets and certain U.S. trademarks associated with the Levi’s® brand and other related intellectual property. The facility includes a $250 million trademark tranche and a $500 million revolving tranche. The revolving tranche increases as the trademark tranche is repaid, up to a maximum of $750 million when the trademark tranche is repaid in full. Upon repayment of the trademark tranche, the secured interest in the U.S. trademarks will be released. As of May 30, 2010, we had borrowings of $108.3 million under the trademark tranche and no outstanding borrowings under the revolving tranche. Unused availability under the revolving tranche was $180.1 million, as our total availability of $260.6 million, based on collateral levels as defined by the agreement, was reduced by $80.5 million of other credit-related instruments such as documentary and standby letters of credit allocated under the facility.
 
Under the facility, we are required to meet a fixed charge coverage ratio as defined in the agreement of 1.0:1.0 when unused availability is less than $100 million. This covenant will be discontinued upon the repayment in full and termination of the trademark tranche described above, at which time our availability under the facility will be reduced by a required unfunded availability reserve of $50 million.
 
As of May 30, 2010, we had cash and cash equivalents totaling approximately $353.1 million, resulting in a total liquidity position (unused availability and cash and cash equivalents) of $533.2 million.
 
Cash Uses
 
Our principal cash requirements include working capital, capital expenditures, payments of principal and interest on our debt, payments of taxes, contributions to our pension plans and payments for postretirement health benefit plans, and, if market conditions warrant, occasional investments in, or acquisitions of, business ventures in our line of business. In addition, we regularly evaluate our ability to pay dividends or repurchase stock, all consistent with the terms of our debt agreements.
 
There have been no material changes to our estimated cash requirements for 2010 from those disclosed in our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10- K.


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Cash Flows
 
The following table summarizes, for the periods indicated, selected items in our consolidated statements of cash flows:
 
                 
    Six Months Ended  
    May 30,
    May 31,
 
    2010     2009  
    (Dollars in millions)  
 
Cash provided by operating activities
  $ 146.4     $ 158.9  
Cash used for investing activities
    (94.6 )     (57.0 )
Cash provided by (used for) financing activities
    28.9       (46.5 )
Cash and cash equivalents
    353.1       269.6  
 
Cash flows from operating activities
 
Cash provided by operating activities was $146.4 million for the first half of 2010, as compared to $158.9 million for the same period in 2009. Operating cash declined compared to the prior year, as an increase in cash collected from customers, reflecting our higher net revenues, was offset by higher payments to vendors, reflecting the increase in our SG&A expenses, and an increase in cash paid for interest, reflecting an accelerated timing of interest payments driven by our refinancing activities.
 
Cash flows from investing activities
 
Cash used for investing activities was $94.6 million for the first half of 2010, as compared to $57.0 million for the same period in 2009. As compared to the prior year, the increase in cash used for investing activities primarily reflects costs associated with the remodeling of the Company’s headquarters as well as investments made in our company-operated retail stores and information technology systems associated with our global ERP installation.
 
Cash flows from financing activities
 
Cash provided by financing activities was $28.9 million for the first half of 2010, compared to cash used of $46.5 million for the same period in 2009. Net cash provided in 2010 reflected our May 2010 refinancing activities. Cash used in 2009 primarily related to required payments on the trademark tranche of our senior secured revolving credit facility; no such payment is required in 2010.
 
Indebtedness
 
We had fixed-rate debt of approximately $1.4 billion (76% of total debt) and variable-rate debt of approximately $0.4 billion (24% of total debt) as of May 30, 2010. The borrower of substantially all of our debt is Levi Strauss & Co., the parent and U.S. operating company. Our long-term debt agreements contain customary covenants restricting our activities as well as those of our subsidiaries. We are in compliance with all of these covenants. Subsequent to our refinancing actions, our required aggregate debt principal payments, excluding short-term borrowings, are $108.3 million in 2012, $323.5 million in 2014 and the remaining $1.3 billion in years after 2015. Short-term borrowings totaling $39.7 million as of May 30, 2010, are expected to be either paid over the next twelve months or refinanced at the end of their applicable terms.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Guarantees and Other Contingent Obligations
 
There have been no substantial changes to our off-balance sheet arrangements or contractual commitments from those disclosed in our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the


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consolidated financial statements and the related notes. There have been no significant changes to our critical accounting policies from those disclosed in our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
 
See Note 1 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements included in this report for recently issued accounting standards, including the expected dates of adoption and estimated effects on our consolidated financial statements.
 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
Certain matters discussed in this report, including (without limitation) statements under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contain forward-looking statements. Although we believe that, in making any such statements, our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, any such statement may be influenced by factors that could cause actual outcomes and results to be materially different from those projected.
 
These forward-looking statements include statements relating to our anticipated financial performance and business prospects and/or statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words “believe”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “estimate”, “expect”, “project”, “could”, “plans”, “seeks” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date stated and we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, even if experience or future events make it clear that any expected results expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements will not be realized. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these expectations may not prove to be correct or we may not achieve the financial results, savings or other benefits anticipated in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are necessarily estimates reflecting the best judgment of our senior management and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, some of which may be beyond our control. These risks and uncertainties, including those disclosed under “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 29, 2009 and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements and include, without limitation:
 
  •  changes in the level of consumer spending for apparel in view of general economic conditions, and our ability to plan for and respond to the impact of those changes;
 
  •  consequences of impacts to the businesses of our wholesale customers caused by factors such as lower consumer spending, general economic conditions, changing consumer preferences and consolidations through mergers and acquisitions;
 
  •  our ability to increase the number of dedicated stores for our products, including through opening and profitably operating company-operated stores;
 
  •  our ability to revitalize our Dockers® brand and to introduce our mass-channel offering in new wholesale customers and markets;
 
  •  our wholesale customers’ decision to modify their strategies and adjust their product mix;
 
  •  our effectiveness in increasing productivity and efficiency in our operations;
 
  •  our ability to implement, stabilize and optimize our ERP system throughout our business without disruption or to mitigate such disruptions;
 
  •  our ability to gauge and adapt to changing U.S. and international retail environments and fashion trends and changing consumer preferences in product, price-points and shopping experiences;
 
  •  consequences of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations;
 
  •  our dependence on key distribution channels, customers and suppliers;


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  •  our ability to respond to price, innovation and other competitive pressures in the apparel industry and on our key customers;
 
  •  our ability to utilize our tax credits and net operating loss carryforwards;
 
  •  ongoing or future litigation matters and disputes and regulatory developments;
 
  •  changes in or application of trade and tax laws; and
 
  •  political, social or economic instability in countries where we do business.
 
Our actual results might differ materially from historical performance or current expectations. We do not undertake any obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
 
Item 3.   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
There have been no material changes in our primary market risk exposures or how those exposures are managed from the information disclosed in our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
Item 4T.   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
As of May 30, 2010, we updated our evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures for purposes of filing reports under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). This controls evaluation was done under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer. Our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer concluded that at May 30, 2010, our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information that we are required to disclose in the reports that we file or submit to the SEC is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
Changes in Internal Controls
 
We maintain a system of internal control over financial reporting that is designed to provide reasonable assurance that our books and records accurately reflect our transactions and that our established policies and procedures are followed. There were no changes to our internal control over financial reporting during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


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PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
Litigation.  There have been no material developments in our litigation matters since we filed our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
In the ordinary course of business, we have various pending cases involving contractual matters, employee-related matters, distribution questions, product liability claims, trademark infringement and other matters. We do not believe there are any pending legal proceedings that will have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
 
Item 1A.   RISK FACTORS
 
There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
Item 2.   UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
None.
 
Item 3.   DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
 
None.
 
Item 4.   SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
 
Our board of directors is divided into three classes with directors elected for overlapping three-year terms. Our shares of common stock are deposited in a voting trust, and the voting trustees elect our directors. On April 22, 2010, our stockholders, acting by written consent through the voting trustees, elected two Class III directors to serve for a three-year term expiring at our Annual Stockholders Meeting in 2013. Those directors are Patricia Salas Pineda and R. John Anderson. In addition, on May 14, 2010, our stockholders, acting by written consent through the voting trustees, elected Robert A. Eckert as an additional Class III director to serve for a three-year term expiring at our Annual Stockholders Meeting in 2013. Our Class I directors, all of whom continue in office through our Annual Stockholders Meeting in 2011, are Robert D. Haas, Leon J. Level and Stephen C. Neal. Our Class II directors, all of whom continue in office through our Annual Stockholders Meeting in 2012, are Vanessa J. Castagna, Peter E. Haas, Jr. and Richard Kauffman.
 
Item 5.   OTHER INFORMATION
 
On July 7, 2010, Peter A. Georgescu, a member of the registrant’s Board of Directors since 2000 and a member of the Audit and Nominating and Governance Committees of the Board, resigned from the Board, effective immediately.


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Item 6.   EXHIBITS
 
         
  4 .1   Indenture, dated as of May 6, 2010, between Levi Strauss & Co. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, governing the Euro denominated Senior Notes due 2018 and the U.S. Dollar denominated Senior Notes due 2020 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed May 7, 2010).
  4 .2   First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 6, 2010, to the Indenture dated as of December 22, 2004, each between Levi Strauss & Co. and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee, governing the U.S. Dollar denominated 9.75% Senior Notes due 2015 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed May 7, 2010).
  4 .3   First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 6, 2010, to the Indenture dated as of March 11, 2005, each between Levi Strauss & Co. and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee, governing the U.S. Dollar denominated 8.625% Senior Notes due 2013 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed May 7, 2010).
  4 .4   Registration Rights Agreement, dated May 6, 2010 among Levi Strauss & Co., Merrill Lynch International and Banc of America Securities LLC in relation to the Euro denominated 7.75% Senior Notes due 2018 and the U.S. Dollar denominated 7.625% Senior Notes due 2020 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.4 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed May 7, 2010).
  4 .5   Purchase Agreement relating to the private placement of 7.75% Senior Notes due 2018 and 7.625% Senior Notes due 2020, dated April 28, 2010, among Levi Strauss & Co., Merrill Lynch International and Banc of America Securities LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on May 4, 2010).
  31 .1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith.
  31 .2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith.
  32     Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Furnished herewith.


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SIGNATURE
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
LEVI STRAUSS & Co.
(Registrant)
 
  By: 
/s/  Heidi L. Manes
Heidi L. Manes
Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 
Date: July 13, 2010


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EXHIBIT INDEX
 
         
  4 .1   Indenture, dated as of May 6, 2010, between Levi Strauss & Co. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, governing the Euro denominated Senior Notes due 2018 and the U.S. Dollar denominated Senior Notes due 2020 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed May 7, 2010).
  4 .2   First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 6, 2010 to the Indenture dated as of December 22, 2004, each between Levi Strauss & Co. and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee, governing the U.S. Dollar denominated 9.75% Senior Notes due 2015 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed May 7, 2010).
  4 .3   First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 6, 2010 to the Indenture dated as of March 11, 2005, each between Levi Strauss & Co. and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee, governing the U.S. Dollar denominated 8.625% Senior Notes due 2013 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed May 7, 2010).
  4 .4   Registration Rights Agreement, dated May 6, 2010 among Levi Strauss & Co., Merrill Lynch International and Banc of America Securities LLC in relation to the Euro denominated 7.75% Senior Notes due 2018 and the U.S. Dollar denominated 7.625% Senior Notes due 2020 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.4 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed May 7, 2010).
  4 .5   Purchase Agreement relating to the private placement of 7.75% Senior Notes due 2018 and 7.625% Senior Notes due 2020, dated April 28, 2010, among Levi Strauss & Co., Merrill Lynch International and Banc of America Securities LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on May 4, 2010).
  31 .1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith.
  31 .2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith.
  32     Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Furnished herewith.