Levi Strauss & Company Exceeds Expectations in Q1 2026, Driven by Strong Performance Across All Regions and Channels
Levi Strauss & Company (LS&CO) kicked off its fiscal year 2026 with a bang, exceeding expectations across the top and bottom line in its first quarter. The company's strong performance was driven by every region and channel, underscoring the continued momentum of its strategies.
In a conference call on April 7, LS&CO President and CEO Michelle Gass shared that 2026 is off to a strong start, with Q1 results exceeding expectations across the top and bottom line. The company's organic net revenue growth was up 9% and up 14% on a reported basis, driven by double-digit top-line growth in both Europe and Asia and 7% growth in the Americas.
LS&CO's DTC channel also performed strongly, with comp sales up 7%, reflecting strong underlying demand. The company's wholesale channel exceeded expectations, delivering 8% growth fueled by strength across segments. Growth in women's continued to accelerate, up 13%, while men's grew 7%. Tops, a key area of focus for the company's evolution into a head-to-toe lifestyle brand, grew 13%.
The company also exceeded its adjusted EBIT margin expectations and delivered double-digit earnings growth in the quarter. This strong early performance gives LS&CO confidence to take up its full-year guidance.
As part of the call, Michelle Gass highlighted the strategic choices made by the company over the past few years to narrow its focus and maximize the potential of the Levi's brand. These efforts have enabled the company to pursue its highest return growth opportunities and become a more DTC-first denim lifestyle company, leading to more consistent and faster growth, a larger addressable market, and higher profitability.
Harmit Singh, LS&CO Chief Financial and Growth Officer, also announced his retirement after 13 years with the company. Michelle Gass praised Harmit for playing a central role in strengthening the company's financial foundation as it accelerated growth, expanded margins, and evolved into a more diversified direct-to-consumer business.
LS&CO has initiated a comprehensive search for its next CFO and plans to continue serving in his role until a successor is appointed. With a strong leadership team and momentum in the business, the company remains firmly focused on executing its strategy and delivering sustainable, profitable growth.
