Timberland

After years of declining sales, Timberland Co. regained its standing by recasting itself as America’s leading eco-friendly, preppy-yet-rugged designer of shoes and boots. In a way, the company best known for outfitting construction workers and hip-hop artists was just letting its New England roots show through. If the North Carolina-based VF Corp. purchases the company for $2 billion, it promises to keep Timberland’s headquarters in New England. What’s less certain is whether VF, the world’s largest apparel manufacturer, will manage to keep the New England in Timberland.

Don't want to be alone next Valentine's Day? Then maybe it's time to "green your love life," suggests Timberland, a New Hampshire brand known for yellow boots that double as all-terrain vehicles for the feet. According to a Timberland survey of about 1,000 Americans, more than three-quarters of respondents say that they find "eco-minded tendencies attractive" in a potential mate. So if you're a lonely heart and not liking it, maybe it's time to amp up your recycling efforts or reduce your carbon footprint.

Boot and clothing maker Timberland Co., which is being purchased by VF Corp. for more than $2.2 billion, said Thursday that its second-quarter loss narrowed as its revenue improved. Timberland cautioned that higher product costs are likely to continue through the year, but that "strategic" price hikes in the second half should help offset them. The company lost $20.1 million, or 39 cents per share, for the period ended July 1. That compares with a loss of $23.5 million, or 44 cents per share, for the prior-year period.

VF Corp.'s stock rose more than 3 percent on Tuesday after an analyst raised the clothing and footwear company's rating and price target, citing its appealing stock price and revenue growth. THE SPARK: Kate McShane of Citi Investment Research lifted VF to "Buy" from "Neutral" and added it to Citi's Top Picks Live List. In a client note, the analyst said that VF's strong brands, which include Timberland and The North Face, are seeing revenue increases. THE BIG PICTURE: VF bought boot and shoe maker Timberland in a deal that closed in September.

Corporate deals are helping to lift stock prices after six straight weeks of declines. Wendy’s/Arby’s Group Inc. said it would sell control of its Arby’s business to a private equity firm that owns several other quick-service franchises, including Moe’s Southwest Grill and Auntie Anne’s. VF Corp., whose brands include Wrangler and The North Face, said it would buy boot maker Timberland for more than $2.2 billion. The deals announced Monday bolstered investors’ confidence in the market following a string of reports on housing, manufacturing and jobs that suggested the...

Timberland Co., a storied New England brand built on big yellow boots, is looking to sell the family-run business to the world’s largest apparel maker in hopes of expanding its presence worldwide. The proposed $2 billion takeover by VF Corp. of North Carolina would bring Timberland — favored by eco-friendly, outdoorsy consumers — under the same roof as powerhouse brands such as North Face, Vans, and Wrangler. VF says it wants to capitalize on Timberland’s momentum — which has picked up speed over the past year as it has intensely focused on footwear — and grow the...

Don't want to be alone next Valentine's Day? Then maybe it's time to "green your love life," suggests Timberland, a New Hampshire brand known for yellow boots that double as all-terrain vehicles for the feet. According to a Timberland survey of about 1,000 Americans, more than three-quarters of respondents say that they find "eco-minded tendencies attractive" in a potential mate. So if you're a lonely heart and not liking it, maybe it's time to amp up your recycling efforts or reduce your carbon footprint.

VF Corp.'s earnings should get a considerable boost beginning next year from the acquisition of boot and clothing maker Timberland Co., a Credit Suisse analyst said Wednesday. Timberland, which made its name in the 1970s with its waterproof heavy duty boot and later boat shoes, agreed in June to be acquired by VF Corp. for more than $2.2 billion. VF, whose brands include Wrangler, Nautica and The North Face, offered $43 for each Timberland share. Analyst Christian Buss said in a client note that the transaction could add 80 cents per share or more to VF's earnings in 2012 and $1.80...

G-III Apparel fell the most in the Russell 2000. The clothing maker, which has licenses with Kenneth Cole Productions Inc. and Timberland Co., estimated third-quarter profit of as little as $2.25 a share. The average of analyst projections in a Bloomberg survey was $2.35 a share.

Big corporate deals helped the market eke out a second day of gains this month. Wendy’s/Arby’s is selling off Arby’s and VF Corp. will buy Timberland — ‘a good sign of confidence when we desperately need some,’ said Ryan Detrick at Schaeffer’s Investment. All three indexes are down 4-plus percent over the past month on concern the economy is stalling.

Wausau Paper has reached a deal to sell its remaining timberland in northern Wisconsin for $42.9 million. The company says two companies— The Lyme Timber Co. and The Forestland Group — will buy a total of about 80,200 acres from Wausau Paper. Both deals are expected to be finalized by the end of the year. The Lyme Timber Co., based in Hanover, N.H., agreed to buy 72,800 acres. The Forestland Group, headquartered in Chapel Hill, N.C., bought the remaining 7,400 acres. Both companies manage timberland throughout the U.S. The Mosinee-based papermaker announced plans to sell its...

Clothing and footwear company VF Corp. said Monday its third-quarter profit rose 24 percent, boosted by its acquisition of Timberland and strong sales across most of its categories. Results beat expectations and the company raised its 2011 guidance. It also boosted its quarterly dividend. The stock rose more than 3 percent in morning trading. Clothing makers are facing higher costs for cotton and other raw materials. But VF said in a call with investors that it has partly offset that with higher prices, particularly in its jeans segment.

VF Corp.'s earnings should get a considerable boost beginning next year from the acquisition of boot and clothing maker Timberland Co., a Credit Suisse analyst said Wednesday. Timberland, which made its name in the 1970s with its waterproof heavy duty boot and later boat shoes, agreed in June to be acquired by VF Corp. for more than $2.2 billion. VF, whose brands include Wrangler, Nautica and The North Face, offered $43 for each Timberland share. Analyst Christian Buss said in a client note that the transaction could add 80 cents per share or more to VF's earnings in 2012 and $1.80 per share or...

Clothing maker VF Corp., whose brands include Wrangler, Nautica and The North Face, said Tuesday that it has completed its acquisition of boot maker The Timberland Co. The clothing and shoe maker announced in June that it planned to acquire Timberland for $43 per share, or roughly $2.3 billion. Timberland, based in Stratham, N.H., will become part of VF's outdoor and action sports business unit. The company will retain its headquarters in Stratham, and its Smartwool business will remain in Steamboat Springs, Colo.

G-III Apparel fell the most in the Russell 2000. The clothing maker, which has licenses with Kenneth Cole Productions Inc. and Timberland Co., estimated third-quarter profit of as little as $2.25 a share. The average of analyst projections in a Bloomberg survey was $2.35 a share.

Boot and clothing maker Timberland Co., which is being purchased by VF Corp. for more than $2.2 billion, said Thursday that its second-quarter loss narrowed as its revenue improved. Timberland cautioned that higher product costs are likely to continue through the year, but that "strategic" price hikes in the second half should help offset them. The company lost $20.1 million, or 39 cents per share, for the period ended July 1. That compares with a loss of $23.5 million, or 44 cents per share, for the prior-year period.

The clothing company, whose brands include Wrangler, Nautica, and The North Face, said quarterly net rose 17 percent to $129.4 million, or $1.17 per share, thanks partly to strength overseas. The Greensboro, N.C., company, which is buying Timberland Co. for more than $2.2 billion, also raised its 2011 guidance to earnings of $7.50 per share, up from $7.25. The stock hit the highest price since 1980.

VF Corp.'s stock rose more than 3 percent on Tuesday after an analyst raised the clothing and footwear company's rating and price target, citing its appealing stock price and revenue growth. THE SPARK: Kate McShane of Citi Investment Research lifted VF to "Buy" from "Neutral" and added it to Citi's Top Picks Live List. In a client note, the analyst said that VF's strong brands, which include Timberland and The North Face, are seeing revenue increases. THE BIG PICTURE: VF bought boot and shoe maker Timberland in a deal that closed in September.

The clothing company, whose brands include Wrangler, Nautica, and The North Face, said quarterly net rose 17 percent to $129.4 million, or $1.17 per share, thanks partly to strength overseas. The Greensboro, N.C., company, which is buying Timberland Co. for more than $2.2 billion, also raised its 2011 guidance to earnings of $7.50 per share, up from $7.25. The stock hit the highest price since 1980.

After years of declining sales, Timberland Co. regained its standing by recasting itself as America’s leading eco-friendly, preppy-yet-rugged designer of shoes and boots. In a way, the company best known for outfitting construction workers and hip-hop artists was just letting its New England roots show through. If the North Carolina-based VF Corp. purchases the company for $2 billion, it promises to keep Timberland’s headquarters in New England. What’s less certain is whether VF, the world’s largest apparel manufacturer, will manage to keep the New England in Timberland.