KTB

Consumer Cyclical

Kontoor Brands, Inc. · Apparel - Manufacturers · $4B

UQS Score — Balanced Preset
49.0
Below Average

Kontoor Brands, Inc. scores 49.0/100 using the Balanced preset.

UQS vs Consumer Cyclical Sector
KTB
49.0
Sector avg
37.7
Quality
Good
Moat
Weak
Growth
Weak
Risk
Weak
Valuation
Attractive

What is Kontoor Brands, Inc.?

Kontoor Brands is the company behind two of America's most recognizable denim labels — Wrangler and Lee. Spun off as an independent public company in 2019, it focuses on designing, sourcing, and selling apparel across a wide range of retail channels globally.

Kontoor operates through two reportable segments — Wrangler and Lee — selling denim jeans, apparel, and accessories to mass merchants, department stores, specialty retailers, and directly to consumers online and through company-operated stores. The business spans the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific. Revenue is generated through wholesale relationships with large retail partners as well as a growing direct-to-consumer channel.

Kontoor Brands was incorporated in 2018 and is headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina.

  • Wrangler-branded denim jeans and western-inspired apparel
  • Lee-branded denim and casual lifestyle clothing
  • Rock & Republic fashion denim label
  • Company-operated retail stores across multiple global regions
  • E-commerce and direct-to-consumer online sales

Is KTB a Good Stock to Buy?

UQS Score rates KTB as Below Average overall, reflecting a mixed picture across its five quality pillars.

The Quality pillar stands out as the relative bright spot, suggesting the business generates reasonably consistent results compared to its size. Valuation is rated Attractive, meaning the stock does not appear to be priced at a premium relative to its fundamentals — a potential point of interest for value-oriented investors.

Both the Moat and Risk pillars register as Weak, indicating limited competitive differentiation and meaningful financial or operational vulnerabilities. Growth is rated Neutral, suggesting the company is not generating standout expansion momentum.

See the exact pillar breakdown and full financial metrics by signing up for a UQS Pro account. Sign up free →

Past performance does not guarantee future results. UQS Score is based on fundamental data and is not a buy/sell recommendation.

Does KTB pay dividends?

Yes — Kontoor Brands, Inc. pays a dividend.

Kontoor Brands pays a regular dividend, which is relatively uncommon among mid-cap consumer apparel companies. The dividend reflects management's commitment to returning capital to shareholders — a posture often associated with mature, cash-generative businesses. Investors seeking income alongside equity exposure may find this cadence relevant, though dividend sustainability should always be weighed against the company's Risk pillar profile.

When does KTB report earnings?

Kontoor Brands reports earnings on a quarterly cadence, consistent with standard practice for US-listed equities.

Results have reflected the broader pressures facing mid-tier apparel brands, including shifting consumer spending patterns and wholesale channel dynamics. The Quality pillar rating suggests the business has maintained a degree of operational consistency despite these headwinds.

For the most recent quarter's results and upcoming reporting dates, visit Kontoor Brands' investor relations page directly.

KTB Price History

+46.8% over 5Y

Monthly close, adjusted for stock splits and dividend reinvestment.

Return Calculator

What if I invested in Kontoor Brands, Inc.?

$
Today it would be worth
$15,527
That's a +55.3% total return, or +9.2% annualized.

Based on Kontoor Brands, Inc.'s historical closing prices, adjusted for stock splits and dividend reinvestment. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice.

KTB Long-term Outlook

The Growth pillar's Neutral rating points to a business that is holding its ground rather than expanding rapidly. With a Weak Risk profile, near-term execution carries meaningful uncertainty — particularly given the competitive pressures in mass-market denim and the reliance on large wholesale partners. The Attractive Valuation rating suggests the market may already be pricing in a cautious outlook, which could limit downside if fundamentals stabilize.

Growth drivers

  • Direct-to-consumer channel expansion reducing wholesale dependency
  • International market penetration across Asia-Pacific and EMEA regions
  • Brand refresh and product innovation under Wrangler and Lee

Key risks

  • Weak Moat rating signals limited pricing power in a commoditized denim market
  • Weak Risk pillar reflects exposure to supply chain, consumer demand, and leverage dynamics
  • Wholesale concentration risk with large mass-market retail partners

KTB vs Peers

Kontoor Brands competes in the broader apparel and lifestyle clothing space alongside companies with varying brand positioning and geographic reach.

PVHKTB scores higher
PVH Corp.

PVH operates globally recognized premium brands like Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, giving it broader international reach and stronger brand equity than Kontoor's mass-market focus.

COLMKTB scores higher
Columbia Sportswear Company

Columbia targets the outdoor and performance apparel segment, differentiating itself from Kontoor's core denim and workwear heritage through technical product innovation.

ZGNKTB scores higher
Ermenegildo Zegna N.V.

Zegna operates at the luxury end of menswear, commanding significantly higher price points and serving a very different consumer demographic than Kontoor's value-oriented brands.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Kontoor Brands do?

Kontoor Brands designs, sources, markets, and distributes denim jeans, apparel, and accessories under the Wrangler, Lee, and Rock & Republic brand names. It sells through mass merchants, department stores, specialty retailers, and its own stores and e-commerce channels across the US and internationally.

Does KTB pay dividends?

Yes, Kontoor Brands pays a regular dividend. This is a notable feature for a mid-cap consumer apparel company and reflects a capital return strategy oriented toward income-seeking shareholders. Investors should review the company's investor relations page for the current dividend rate and payment schedule.

When does KTB report earnings?

Kontoor Brands reports financial results on a quarterly cadence, as is standard for US-listed public companies. For the exact date of the next earnings release, check the company's investor relations page or a financial data provider.

Is KTB a good stock to buy?

The UQS Score rates KTB as Below Average overall. While the Quality pillar is rated Good and Valuation is Attractive, the Moat and Risk pillars are both Weak. Whether that profile suits your portfolio depends on your risk tolerance and investment goals. The full pillar breakdown is available to UQS Pro members.

Is KTB overvalued?

The UQS Valuation pillar for KTB is rated Attractive, suggesting the stock is not trading at an elevated premium relative to its fundamentals. This does not guarantee future price appreciation, but it indicates the market may not be pricing in a particularly optimistic scenario for the business.

How does KTB compare to its competitors?

Kontoor operates in the value and mass-market segment of apparel, which differs meaningfully from peers like PVH's premium global brands or Zegna's luxury positioning. Columbia Sportswear targets a distinct outdoor performance niche. Kontoor's competitive challenge lies in its Weak Moat rating, reflecting limited differentiation in a crowded denim market.

What is KTB's market cap bracket?

Kontoor Brands is classified as a mid-cap company. This places it in a segment of the market that typically offers more liquidity than small-caps while remaining more nimble than large-cap peers, though mid-caps can carry higher volatility during sector downturns.

Who founded Kontoor Brands?

Kontoor Brands was spun off from VF Corporation and began operating as an independent public company in 2019. The Wrangler and Lee brands it carries have much longer histories, but Kontoor as a standalone entity is a relatively recent corporate formation. Founding context is widely publicly available through the company's official history.

Is KTB a long-term quality indicator?

As a long-term quality indicator, KTB's UQS profile presents a mixed picture. The Good Quality pillar suggests operational consistency, but the Weak Moat and Weak Risk ratings raise questions about durable competitive advantage and resilience over a full market cycle. Long-term investors should weigh these factors carefully alongside the Attractive Valuation.

What is the main competitive advantage of Kontoor Brands?

Kontoor's primary advantage lies in the brand recognition of Wrangler and Lee, which have decades of consumer loyalty in the denim category. However, the UQS Moat pillar rates this as Weak, suggesting these brand advantages have not translated into strong pricing power or structural barriers relative to the broader apparel sector.

What sector does KTB belong to?

Kontoor Brands is classified in the Consumer Cyclical sector. This means its business performance tends to be sensitive to consumer spending trends, economic cycles, and discretionary income levels — factors that can amplify both upside and downside in the stock's performance.

Is KTB a growth stock or value stock?

Based on its UQS pillar profile, KTB leans toward the value side of the spectrum. The Growth pillar is rated Neutral — indicating modest expansion rather than rapid scaling — while the Valuation pillar is Attractive, suggesting the stock may be priced below what its fundamentals would typically command.

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Pro Analysis

KTB — Score History

45505560Apr 2Apr 12Apr 22May 2May 12May 22May 24v5
Score changes· 12 most recent
DateUQSQualityMoatGrowthRiskValueChange
May 17, 202650.273.229.039.521.989.8-0.1
May 7, 202650.371.329.046.120.985.7-0.1
May 6, 202650.471.329.046.120.986.50.0
May 3, 202650.471.329.046.220.986.50.0
May 2, 202650.471.329.046.220.986.30.0
Apr 26, 202650.471.329.046.120.986.3+0.2
Apr 19, 202650.271.329.046.120.985.1-0.3
Apr 18, 202650.571.329.046.120.986.9-1.2
Apr 13, 202651.771.329.046.120.995.2-0.1
Apr 12, 202651.871.329.046.120.995.7-0.2

KTB — Pillar Breakdown

Quality

73.2/100 (25%)

Kontoor Brands, Inc. shows solid profitability with healthy returns on capital and reasonable margins.

Capital Efficiency (ROIC)Moderate

How effectively capital is deployed to generate returns.

Return on EquityStrong

Profitability relative to shareholders' equity.

Operating ProfitabilityWeak

Ability to convert revenue into operating profit.

Net ProfitabilityModerate

Bottom-line profit as a share of revenue.

Gross Profit / AssetsStrong

Asset productivity — how much gross profit each dollar of assets generates.

Cash GenerationStrong

Free cash flow relative to market value.

Growth

36.6/100 (20%)

Kontoor Brands, Inc. shows steady but unspectacular growth, typical for mature companies.

Recent Revenue TrendModerate

Revenue trajectory over the last twelve months.

3Y Revenue CAGRWeak

Compound annual revenue growth rate over 3 years.

EPS GrowthWeak

Year-over-year earnings per share growth.

Forward Revenue OutlookWeak

Analyst consensus for future revenue growth.

Forward EPS GrowthStrong

Analyst consensus for future earnings growth.

Risk

21.9/100 (15%)

Kontoor Brands, Inc. presents elevated risk with concerns around leverage or financial stability.

Financial LeverageWeak

Debt levels relative to earnings capacity.

Debt/EquityWeak

Total debt relative to shareholder equity.

Current RatioModerate

Short-term liquidity — ability to pay near-term obligations.

Interest CoverageWeak

Earnings capacity relative to interest payments.

Valuation

85.5/100 (15%)

Kontoor Brands, Inc. appears attractively valued relative to its earnings, cash flows, and sector peers.

Earnings YieldStrong

Inverse of forward P/E — higher yield means cheaper stock.

Price to Free Cash FlowStrong

How many years of FCF the market cap represents.

PEG RatioStrong

P/E relative to earnings growth — lower is more attractive.

EV/EBITDA vs SectorModerate

Enterprise value multiple relative to sector median.

Moat

29/100 (25%)

Kontoor Brands, Inc. operates in a highly competitive environment with limited sustainable advantages. The Moat pillar evaluates competitive advantages across five dimensions: Switching Costs, Network Effects, Cost Advantage, Intangible Assets, and Scale & Ecosystem. Sign in to customize moat ratings for KTB.

Score Composition

Quality
73.2×25%18.3
Growth
36.6×20%7.3
Risk
21.9×15%3.3
Valuation
85.5×15%12.8
Moat
29.0×25%7.3
Total
49.0Below Average

Financial Data

More Stock Analysis

How is the KTB UQS Score Calculated?

The UQS (Unified Quality Score) for Kontoor Brands, Inc. is calculated using a proprietary 6-pillar framework with 29 financial metrics. Each pillar evaluates a different dimension on a 0–100 scale, then combines into a single weighted score. Scoring thresholds are calibrated per sector. Momentum is an optional Pro toggle — without it, you get the 5-pillar / 25-metric core shown below.

Quality (25%) measures profitability and capital efficiency — ROIC, ROE, margins, GP/Assets, and FCF Yield.

Moat (25%) assesses Kontoor Brands, Inc.'s competitive advantages across switching costs, network effects, cost advantages, intangible assets, and ecosystem scale.

Growth (20%) tracks revenue trajectory and earnings momentum, combining historical results with analyst forward estimates.

Risk (15%) is inversely scored — lower leverage and strong balance sheet health result in higher scores.

Valuation (15%) measures whether Kontoor Brands, Inc. is fairly priced using earnings yield, price-to-FCF, PEG ratio, and EV/EBITDA relative to sector peers.

Six investor-inspired presets are available, each with different pillar weights: Balanced, Buffett, Munger, Lynch, Cathie Wood, and Graham. The public score shown here uses the Balanced preset. Learn more in our FAQ.