10-Q 1 f24074e10vq.htm FORM 10-Q e10vq
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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 August 27, 2006
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     94-0905160  
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
    (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.
)
 
1155 Battery Street, San Francisco, California 94111
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
(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 þ     No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer “in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large Accelerated Filer o     Accelerated Filer o     Non-accelerated filer þ
 
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 members of the families of several descendants of the Company’s founder, Levi Strauss. 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 — 37,278,238 shares outstanding on October 4, 2006
 


 

 
LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 27, 2006
 
             
        Page
        Number
 
  Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited):    
    Consolidated Balance Sheets as of August 27, 2006, and November 27, 2005   2
    Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended August 27, 2006, and August 28, 2005   3
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended August 27, 2006, and August 28, 2005   4
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   5
  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations   30
  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk   48
  Controls and Procedures   49
 
  Legal Proceedings   50
  Risk Factors   50
  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds   50
  Defaults Upon Senior Securities   51
  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders   51
  Other Information   51
  Exhibits   51
       
  52
 EXHIBIT 31.1
 EXHIBIT 31.2
 EXHIBIT 32


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PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.   CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
                 
    August 27,
    November 27,
 
    2006     2005  
    (Dollars in thousands) (Unaudited)  
 
ASSETS
Current Assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 341,963     $ 239,584  
Restricted cash
    1,390       2,957  
Trade receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $21,980 and $26,550
    535,990       626,866  
Inventories:
               
Raw materials
    13,716       16,431  
Work-in-process
    11,715       16,908  
Finished goods
    549,651       506,902  
                 
Total inventories
    575,082       540,241  
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance of $44,040 and $42,890
    90,821       94,137  
Other current assets
    105,079       66,902  
                 
Total current assets
    1,650,325       1,570,687  
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $525,560 and $471,545
    381,436       380,186  
Goodwill
    203,630       202,250  
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $1,531 and $1,081
    48,627       45,715  
Non-current deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance of $306,131 and $260,383
    529,070       499,647  
Other assets
    84,510       115,163  
                 
Total assets
  $ 2,897,598     $ 2,813,648  
                 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
Current Liabilities:
               
Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term borrowings
  $ 85,985     $ 95,797  
Current maturities of capital leases
    1,582       1,510  
Accounts payable
    245,092       235,450  
Restructuring liabilities
    13,046       14,594  
Accrued liabilities
    160,768       187,145  
Accrued salaries, wages and employee benefits
    258,490       277,007  
Accrued interest payable
    55,323       61,996  
Accrued taxes
    104,211       39,814  
                 
Total current liabilities
    924,497       913,313  
Long-term debt, less current maturities
    2,246,211       2,230,902  
Long-term capital leases, less current maturities
    3,358       4,077  
Postretirement medical benefits
    391,021       458,229  
Pension liability
    191,057       195,939  
Long-term employee related benefits
    133,936       156,327  
Long-term tax liabilities
    20,352       17,396  
Other long-term liabilities
    45,821       41,659  
Minority interest
    16,510       17,891  
                 
Total liabilities
    3,972,763       4,035,733  
                 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)
               
Temporary equity (Note 11)
               
Stockholders’ deficit:
               
Common stock — $.01 par value; 270,000,000 shares authorized; 37,278,238 shares issued and outstanding
    373       373  
Additional paid-in capital
    89,696       88,808  
Accumulated deficit
    (1,055,196 )     (1,198,481 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (110,038 )     (112,785 )
                 
Stockholders’ deficit
    (1,075,165 )     (1,222,085 )
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit
  $ 2,897,598     $ 2,813,648  
                 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    August 27,
    August 28,
    August 27,
    August 28,
 
    2006     2005     2006     2005  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
    (Unaudited)  
 
Net sales
  $ 1,003,379     $ 1,018,816     $ 2,880,231     $ 2,968,358  
Licensing revenue
    19,340       17,705       55,454       49,068  
                                 
Net revenues
    1,022,719       1,036,521       2,935,685       3,017,426  
Cost of goods sold
    555,592       564,870       1,573,185       1,590,328  
                                 
Gross profit
    467,127       471,651       1,362,500       1,427,098  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    306,532       327,466       905,962       945,868  
Restructuring charges, net of reversals
    2,615       5,022       13,064       13,436  
                                 
Operating income
    157,980       139,163       443,474       467,794  
Interest expense
    60,216       63,918       188,304       198,625  
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
          39       32,958       66,064  
Other income, net
    (9,524 )     (2,805 )     (14,101 )     (7,358 )
                                 
Income before income taxes
    107,288       78,011       236,313       210,463  
Income tax expense
    58,019       39,765       93,028       98,131  
                                 
Net income
  $ 49,269     $ 38,246     $ 143,285     $ 112,332  
                                 
 
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
 
                 
    Nine Months Ended  
    August 27,
    August 28,
 
    2006     2005  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
    (Unaudited)  
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
               
Net income
  $ 143,285     $ 112,332  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    46,765       44,608  
Gain on disposal of assets
    (1,127 )     (5,788 )
Unrealized foreign exchange gains
    (14,109 )     (3,922 )
Postretirement benefit plan curtailment gain
    (29,041 )      
Write-off of unamortized costs associated with early extinguishment of debt
    16,051       12,473  
Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs
    6,765       9,098  
Stock-based compensation
    888        
(Benefit) provision for doubtful accounts
    (1,355 )     8,042  
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Decrease in trade receivables
    93,743       52,443  
Increase in inventories
    (34,461 )     (107,300 )
Increase in other current assets
    (18,223 )     (13,701 )
(Increase) decrease in other non-current assets
    (26,839 )     3,743  
Decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    (10,639 )     (130,852 )
Increase in income tax liabilities
    65,869       43,075  
Increase (decrease) in restructuring liabilities
    142       (19,587 )
Decrease in accrued salaries, wages and employee benefits
    (37,436 )     (64,956 )
Decrease in long-term employee related benefits
    (27,600 )     (37,122 )
Increase (decrease) in other long-term liabilities
    435       (902 )
Other, net
    (1,616 )     (366 )
                 
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities
    171,497       (98,682 )
                 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
               
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
    (41,090 )     (22,005 )
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
    1,910       11,163  
Acquisition of retail stores
    (1,373 )      
Acquisition of Turkey minority interest
          (3,835 )
Cash outflow from net investment hedges
          2,163  
                 
Net cash used for investing activities
    (40,553 )     (12,514 )
                 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
               
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
    475,690       1,031,255  
Repayments of long-term debt
    (492,269 )     (979,112 )
Net decrease in short-term borrowings
    (2,991 )     (4,240 )
Debt issuance costs
    (12,168 )     (24,552 )
Increase (decrease) in restricted cash
    1,653       (1,067 )
                 
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities
    (30,085 )     22,284  
                 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    1,520       (491 )
                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    102,379       (89,403 )
Beginning cash and cash equivalents
    239,584       299,596  
                 
Ending cash and cash equivalents
  $ 341,963     $ 210,193  
                 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
               
Cash paid during the period for:
               
Interest
  $ 179,721     $ 201,092  
Income taxes
    66,892       74,137  
Restructuring initiatives
    13,289       34,924  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 27, 2006
 
NOTE 1:   SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
 
The unaudited consolidated financial statements of Levi Strauss & Co. and its foreign and domestic subsidiaries (the “Company”) 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 presentation 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 27, 2005, included in the annual report on Form 10-K filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 14, 2006.
 
The unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Levi Strauss & Co. and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated. Management believes the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented herein not misleading. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended August 27, 2006, may not be indicative of the results to be expected for any other interim period or the year ending November 26, 2006.
 
The Company’s fiscal year consists of 52 or 53 weeks, ending on the last Sunday of November in each year. The 2006 fiscal year consists of 52 weeks ending November 26, 2006. Each quarter of fiscal year 2006 consists of 13 weeks. The 2005 fiscal year consisted of 52 weeks ended November 27, 2005, with all four quarters consisting of 13 weeks.
 
Presentation of Licensing Revenue
 
Royalties earned from the use of the Company’s trademarks in connection with the manufacturing, advertising, and distribution of trademarked products by third-party licensees have been classified as “Licensing revenue” in the consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended August 27, 2006. In prior years such amounts were previously presented below “Gross profit” as “Other operating income.” Such amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation. The Company made the change in presentation primarily because of the increased contribution of licensing arrangements to the Company’s consolidated operating income, and management has identified potential expansion of the licensing programs as one of the Company’s business strategies going forward. The Company has entered into a number of new licensing arrangements in recent years, and the related income generated from such arrangements has increased, from $44.0 million for 2003 to $73.9 million for 2005. The Company enters into licensing agreements that generally have terms of at least one year. Licensing revenues are earned and recognized as products are sold by licensees based on royalty rates as set forth in the licensing agreements. Costs relating to the Company’s licensing business are included in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” in the consolidated statements of income. Such costs are insignificant.
 
Restricted Cash
 
Restricted cash as of August 27, 2006, and November 27, 2005, was approximately $1.4 million and $3.0 million, respectively, and primarily relates to required cash deposits for customs and rental guarantees to support the Company’s international operations.
 
Pension and Postretirement Benefits
 
As a result of the planned closure of the Little Rock, Arkansas distribution center and the related elimination of the jobs of approximately 315 employees, the Company remeasured certain pension and postretirement benefit obligations as of May 28, 2006. The remeasurement included an update to actuarial assumptions made at the end of


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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 27, 2006

the prior fiscal year. Benefit expense related to these plans reflects the revised assumptions. See Note 10 for more information.
 
Stock-Based Compensation
 
The Company has incentive plans which reward certain employees with cash or equity based on changes in the value of the Company’s common stock. Prior to May 29, 2006, the Company applied the intrinsic value method of accounting for stock-based compensation as defined in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (“APB 25”) and Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Financial Interpretation No. 28 “Accounting for Stock Appreciation Rights and Other Variable Stock Option or Award Plans” (“FIN 28”). On May 29, 2006, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS 123R”), the four related FASB Staff Positions and the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107, “Share-Based Payment,” which collectively replace SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”, (“SFAS 123”) and supersede APB 25 and FIN 28. See Note 11 for more information.
 
Loss on Early Extinguishment of Debt
 
For the nine months ended August 27, 2006, the Company recorded losses of $33.0 million on early extinguishment of debt as a result of its debt refinancing activities during the second quarter of 2006. During the nine months ended August 28, 2005, the Company recorded losses of $66.1 million. The loss in the nine months ended August 27, 2006 was comprised of a prepayment premium and other fees and expenses of approximately $16.9 million and the write-off of approximately $16.1 million of unamortized capitalized costs. Such costs were incurred in conjunction with the Company’s prepayment in March 2006 of the remaining balance of its term loan of approximately $488.8 million, and the amendment in May 2006 of the Company’s revolving credit facility. The loss in the nine months ended August 28, 2005, was comprised of tender offer premiums and other fees and expenses approximating $53.6 million and the write-off of approximately $12.5 million of unamortized debt discount and capitalized costs. Such costs were incurred in conjunction with the Company’s completion in January 2005 of a tender offer to repurchase $372.1 million of its $450.0 million principal amount 2006 senior unsecured notes, and completion in March and April 2005 of the tender offers and redemptions of all of its outstanding $380.0 million and €125.0 million 2008 senior unsecured notes. See Note 5 for more information.
 
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
 
The following recently issued accounting standards have been grouped by their required effective dates for the Company:
 
Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2006
 
  •  In March 2005, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation No. 47, “Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations — An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143,” (“FIN 47”), which clarifies that a liability must be recognized for the fair value of a conditional asset retirement obligation when it is incurred if the liability can be reasonably estimated. FIN 47 is effective no later than the end of fiscal years ending after December 15, 2005. The Company is currently in the process of assessing the impact the adoption of FIN 47 will have on its financial statements.
 
  •  In September 2006, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, “Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements” (“SAB 108”). SAB 108 provides interpretive guidance on how the effects of prior-year uncorrected misstatements should be considered when quantifying misstatements in the current year financial statements. SAB 108 requires


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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 27, 2006

  registrants to quantify misstatements using both an income statement (“rollover”) and balance sheet (“iron curtain”) approach and evaluate whether either approach results in a misstatement that, when all relevant quantitative and qualitative factors are considered, is material. If prior year errors that had been previously considered immaterial now are considered material based on either approach, no restatement is required so long as management properly applied its previous approach and all relevant facts and circumstances were considered. If prior years are not restated, the cumulative effect adjustment is recorded in opening accumulated earnings (deficit) as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. SAB 108 is effective for fiscal years ending on or after November 15, 2006, with earlier adoption encouraged. The Company is currently in the process of assessing the impact the adoption of SAB 108 will have on its financial statements.

 
First Quarter of Fiscal 2007
 
  •  In February 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 155, “Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments — An Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 and 140” (“SFAS 155”). SFAS 155 permits hybrid financial instruments containing an embedded derivative that would otherwise require bifurcation to be carried at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in earnings. The election can be made on an instrument-by-instrument basis. In addition, SFAS 155 provides that beneficial interests in securitized financial assets be analyzed to determine if they are freestanding or contain an embedded derivative. SFAS 155 applies to all financial instruments acquired, issued or subject to a remeasurement event after adoption of SFAS 155. SFAS 155 is effective for all financial instruments acquired or issued after the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006, with earlier adoption permitted. The Company does not believe the adoption of SFAS 155 will have a significant effect on its financial statements.
 
  •  In March 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 156, “Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets — An Amendment of FASB Statement No. 140” (“SFAS 156”). SFAS 156 requires that all separately recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities be initially measured at fair value, if practicable. The statement permits, but does not require, the subsequent measurement of servicing assets and servicing liabilities at fair value. SFAS 156 is effective as of the beginning of the first fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006, with earlier adoption permitted. The Company does not believe the adoption of SFAS 156 will have a significant effect on its financial statements.
 
Second Quarter of Fiscal 2007
 
  •  In June 2006, the FASB ratified the consensus reached by the Emerging Issues Task Force on Issue No. 06-3, “How Sales Taxes Collected From Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should Be Presented in the Income Statement” (“EITF 06-3”). EITF 06-3 requires a company to disclose its accounting policy (i.e. gross vs. net basis) relating to the presentation of taxes within the scope of EITF 06-3. Furthermore, for taxes reported on a gross basis, an enterprise should disclose the amounts of those taxes in interim and annual financial statements for each period for which an income statement is presented. The guidance is effective for all periods beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company is currently in the process of assessing the impact the adoption of EITF 06-3 will have on its financial statements.
 
Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2007
 
  •  In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans — an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R)” (“SFAS 158”). SFAS 158 requires employers to (a) recognize in its statement of financial position the funded status of a benefit plan measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit


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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 27, 2006

  obligation, (b) recognize net of tax, the gains or losses and prior service costs or credits that arise during the period but are not recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost pursuant to SFAS No. 87, “Employer’s Accounting for Pensions” or SFAS No. 106, “Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions,” (c) measure defined benefit plan assets and obligations as of the date of the employer’s statement of financial position and (d) disclose additional information in the notes to the financial statements about certain effects on net periodic benefit cost for the next fiscal year that arise from delayed recognition of the gains or losses, prior service costs or credits, and transition asset or obligation. The requirements of SFAS 158 are to be applied prospectively upon adoption. For companies without publicly traded equity securities, the requirements to recognize the funded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan and provide related disclosures are effective for fiscal years ending after June 15, 2007, while the requirement to measure plan assets and benefit obligations as of the date of the employer’s statement of financial position is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008, with earlier application encouraged. The Company is currently in the process of assessing the impact the adoption of SFAS 158 will have on its financial statements.

 
First Quarter of Fiscal 2008
 
  •  In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”), which is an interpretation of SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” (“SFAS 109”). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS 109 and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company is currently in the process of assessing the impact the adoption of FIN 48 will have on its financial statements.
 
  •  In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure of fair value measurements. SFAS 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements and accordingly, does not require any new fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently in the process of assessing the impact the adoption of SFAS 157 will have on its financial statements.
 
NOTE 2:   RESTRUCTURING LIABILITIES
 
Summary
 
The following describes the reorganization initiatives associated with the Company’s restructuring liabilities as of August 27, 2006, including facility closures and organizational changes. “Severance and employee benefits” relate to items such as severance packages, out-placement services and career counseling for employees affected by the closures and other reorganization initiatives. “Other restructuring costs” primarily relate to lease loss liability and facility closure costs. “Reductions” consist of payments for severance, employee benefits, other restructuring costs and the effect of foreign exchange differences. “Reversals” include revisions of estimates related to severance, employee benefits and other restructuring costs.
 
For the three and nine months ended August 27, 2006, the Company recognized restructuring charges, net of reversals, of $2.6 million and $13.1 million, respectively. Restructuring charges for these periods relate primarily to current period activities associated with the planned closure of the Company’s distribution center in Little Rock, Arkansas and the 2006 reorganization of its Nordic operations, each described below. For the three and nine months


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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 27, 2006

ended August 28, 2005, the Company recognized restructuring charges, net of reversals, of $5.0 million and $13.4 million, respectively. Restructuring charges for these periods relate primarily to additional severance and benefit expenses and lease liability costs related to the 2004 U.S. and European organizational changes described below. The Company expects to utilize a substantial portion of the restructuring liabilities over the next 12 months. The non-current portion of restructuring liabilities at August 27, 2006, primarily relates to lease costs, net of estimated sub-lease income, associated with exited facilities, and is included in “Other long-term liabilities” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
 
The following table summarizes the activity for the nine months ended August 27, 2006, and the restructuring liabilities balance as of November 27, 2005, and August 27, 2006, associated with the Company’s reorganization initiatives:
 
                                                 
    Restructuring  
    Liabilities
                      Liabilities
    Cumulative
 
    November 27,
                      August 27,
    Charges
 
    2005     Charges     Reductions     Reversals     2006     to Date  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
2006 reorganization initiatives:(1)
                                               
Severance and employee benefits
  $     $ 10,159     $ (1,773 )   $ (180 )   $ 8,206     $ 9,979  
Other restructuring costs
          1,250       (1,155 )           95       1,250  
Prior reorganization initiatives:(2)
                                               
Severance and employee benefits
    5,412       1,608       (4,306 )     (385 )     2,329       172,471  
Other restructuring costs
    17,243       2,213       (5,200 )     (1,601 )     12,655       51,869  
                                                 
Total
  $ 22,655     $ 15,230     $ (12,434 )   $ (2,166 )   $ 23,285     $ 235,569  
                                                 
Current portion of restructuring liabilities
  $ 14,594                             $ 13,046          
Non-current portion of restructuring liabilities
    8,061                               10,239          
                                                 
Total
  $ 22,655                             $ 23,285          
                                                 
 
 
(1) During the second quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company announced its intent to close its distribution center in Little Rock, Arkansas. The Company had initially anticipated that the closure would take place before the end of fiscal 2006; however, during the third quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company decided to extend the closure until early fiscal 2007. The planned closure will result in the elimination of the jobs of approximately 315 employees; 186 jobs have been eliminated as of August 27, 2006. The Company expects to eliminate the remaining jobs in the fourth quarter of 2006 and early 2007.
 
During the first quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company announced that it was consolidating its Nordic operations into its European headquarters in Brussels, which will result in the elimination of the jobs of approximately 40 employees; 22 jobs have been eliminated as of August 27, 2006. The Company expects to eliminate the remaining jobs in the fourth quarter of 2006 and throughout 2007.
 
Current year charges primarily represent the estimated severance that will be payable to the terminated employees in respect of both 2006 reorganization initiatives. The Company estimates that it will incur additional restructuring charges of approximately $3.2 million related to these actions, principally in the form of additional severance and facility consolidation and closure costs, which will be recorded as they are incurred.
 
(2) Prior reorganization initiatives include several organizational changes and plant closures in fiscal years 2002 through 2004, primarily in North America and Europe, which the Company has previously disclosed. Of the $15.0 million restructuring liability at August 27, 2006, $10.7 million and $3.5 million resulted from organizational changes in the U.S. and Europe, respectively, that commenced in fiscal 2004. The liability for the U.S. activities primarily consists of lease loss liabilities. The liability for the Europe activities consists of severance for terminated employees and lease loss liabilities.


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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 27, 2006

 
Current year reversals resulted primarily from the Company entering into subleases for portions of certain leased facilities on more favorable terms than were anticipated. The Company estimates that it will incur future additional restructuring charges of approximately $1.8 million related to these actions.
 
NOTE 3:   GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
 
Goodwill was $203.6 million and $202.3 million as of August 27, 2006, and November 27, 2005, respectively. The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by business segment for the nine months ended August 27, 2006, were as follows:
 
                         
    U.S. Levi’s®
             
    Brand     Europe     Total  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Balance, November 27, 2005
  $ 199,905     $ 2,345     $ 202,250  
Acquired Goodwill
          1,380       1,380  
                         
Balance, August 27, 2006
  $ 199,905     $ 3,725     $ 203,630  
                         
 
During the nine months ended August 27, 2006, the Company’s subsidiary in the United Kingdom purchased one additional Levi’s® store and four factory outlets from one of its retail customers in the United Kingdom for approximately $1.2 million. The Company recorded approximately $1.1 million of additional goodwill in connection with this transaction.
 
Other intangible assets were as follows:
 
                                                 
    August 27, 2006     November 27, 2005  
    Gross
    Accumulated
          Gross
    Accumulated
       
    Carrying Value     Amortization     Total     Carrying Value     Amortization     Total  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Amortized intangible assets:
                                               
Other intangible assets
  $ 3,353     $ (1,531 )   $ 1,822     $ 2,599     $ (1,081 )   $ 1,518  
Unamortized intangible assets:
                                               
Trademarks and other intangible assets
    46,805             46,805       44,197             44,197  
                                                 
Total
  $ 50,158     $ (1,531 )   $ 48,627     $ 46,796     $ (1,081 )   $ 45,715  
                                                 
 
Amortization expense for the three and nine months ended August 27, 2006, was $0.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively. Amortization expense for the three and nine months ended August 28, 2005, was $0.2 million and $0.6 million, respectively. Future amortization expense for the next five fiscal years with respect to the Company’s amortized intangible assets as of August 27, 2006, is estimated at approximately $0.3 million per year.
 
NOTE 4:   INCOME TAXES
 
The Company’s income tax provision for the three and nine months ended August 27, 2006, was approximately $58.0 million and $93.0 million, respectively. The effective income tax rates for the three and nine months ended August 27, 2006, were 54.1% and 39.4%, respectively. These tax rates differ from the Company’s estimated annual effective income tax rate for 2006 of 42.8% described below due primarily to a discrete, non-cash tax benefit of approximately $31.5 million recognized in the second quarter of 2006. The benefit arose from a modification by the Company of the ownership structure of certain of its foreign subsidiaries. The modification resulted in a $31.5 million increase in the Company’s net non-current deferred tax asset due to a reduction in the overall residual U.S. and foreign tax expected to be imposed upon a repatriation of the Company’s unremitted foreign earnings. The Company took the action following elimination of certain restrictions on the ability of the Company to change the


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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 27, 2006

ownership structure of its foreign subsidiaries as a result of prepayment by the Company of its term loan in March 2006 and amendment and restatement of its revolving credit facility in May 2006. See Note 5 for more information about the term loan and revolving credit facility actions.
 
The Company’s income tax provision for the three and nine months ended August 28, 2005, was approximately $39.8 million and $98.1 million, respectively. The effective income tax rates for the three and nine months ended August 28, 2005, were 51.0% and 46.6%, respectively.
 
Estimated Annual Effective Income Tax Rate.  The estimated annual effective income tax rate for the full year 2006 and 2005 differs from the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 35.0% as follows:
 
                 
    Fiscal Year
    Fiscal Year
 
    2006(1)     2005(2)  
 
Income tax expense at U.S. federal statutory rate
    35.0 %     35.0 %
State income taxes, net of U.S. federal impact
    1.3       1.1  
Impact of foreign operations
    6.8       13.5  
Reassessment of reserves due to change in estimates
    (0.5 )     (2.0 )
Other, including non-deductible expenses
    0.2       0.8  
                 
      42.8 %     48.4 %
                 
 
 
(1) Estimated annual effective income tax rate for fiscal year 2006.
 
(2) Projected annual effective income tax rate used for the nine months ended August 28, 2005.
 
The “State income taxes, net of U.S. federal impact” item primarily reflects the current state income tax expense, net of related federal benefit, which the Company expects for the year. The Company currently has a full valuation allowance against state net operating loss carryforwards. The impact of state taxes on the Company’s estimated annual effective tax rate increased from the prior year as a result of projected income in excess of net operating loss carryforwards in certain states in 2006.
 
The “Impact of foreign operations” item reflects changes in the residual U.S. tax on unremitted foreign earnings as calculated with the Company’s expectation that certain related foreign tax credit carryforwards will expire for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In addition, this item includes the impact of foreign income and losses incurred in jurisdictions with tax rates that are different from the U.S. federal statutory rate. The impact of this item on the Company’s 2006 estimated annual effective tax rate has decreased as compared to 2005 primarily due to a $31.5 million benefit recorded in the second quarter of 2006, described more fully above.
 
The “Reassessment of reserves due to change in estimates” item relates primarily to changes in the Company’s estimate of its contingent tax liabilities. For 2006, the 0.5 percentage point favorable impact of this item on the Company’s estimated annual effective tax rate relates primarily to a tax benefit of $6.0 million due to the release of certain state and foreign reserves resulting from favorable court rulings and audit settlements, partially offset by additional tax expense resulting from an increase in other contingent tax liabilities of approximately $4.4 million. For 2005, the 2.0 percentage point favorable impact of this item on the Company’s estimated annual effective tax rate relates primarily to the reversal of approximately $10.7 million of previous years’ tax liabilities, resulting primarily from an agreement reached with the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) in 2005 closing tax years 1986-1999, partially offset by additional estimated interest on contingent tax liabilities for the 2005 fiscal year of approximately $5.4 million.
 
The “Other, including non-deductible expenses” item relates primarily to items that are expensed for determining book income but that will not be deductible in determining U.S. federal taxable income.


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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 27, 2006

 
Balance Sheet Presentation.  The $45.7 million increase in the non-current valuation allowance in fiscal 2006 primarily relates to an increase in the related gross deferred tax asset for foreign tax credit carryforwards attributable to a decision to credit, rather than deduct, foreign taxes on the Company’s U.S. federal income tax return. There was no net impact on the Company’s consolidated statements of income.
 
Examination of Tax Returns.  During the nine-month period ended August 27, 2006, the IRS continued its examination of the Company’s 2000-2002 U.S. federal corporate income tax returns. In addition, certain state and foreign tax returns are under examination by various regulatory authorities. The IRS has not yet begun an examination of the Company’s 2003-2005 U.S. federal corporate income tax returns. The Company continuously reviews issues raised in connection with all ongoing examinations and open tax years to evaluate the adequacy of its liabilities. The Company believes that its tax liabilities are adequate to cover all probable U.S. federal, state, and foreign income tax loss contingencies at August 27, 2006. However, it is reasonably possible the Company may also incur additional income tax liabilities related to prior years. The Company estimates this additional potential exposure to be approximately $12.7 million. Should the Company’s view as to the likelihood of incurring these additional liabilities change, additional income tax expense may be accrued in future periods. This $12.7 million amount has not been accrued because it currently does not meet the recognition criteria for liabilities under generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S.


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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 27, 2006

 
NOTE 5:   LONG-TERM DEBT
 
Long-term debt is summarized below:
 
                 
    August 27,
    November 27,
 
    2006     2005  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Long-term debt
               
Secured:
               
Term loan
  $     $ 491,250  
Revolving credit facility
           
Notes payable, at various rates
    114       133  
                 
Subtotal
    114       491,383  
                 
Unsecured:
               
Notes:
               
7.00% senior notes due 2006
    77,843       77,782  
12.25% senior notes due 2012
    572,136       571,924  
Floating rate senior notes due 2012
    380,000       380,000  
8.625% Euro senior notes due 2013
    323,320       176,280  
9.75% senior notes due 2015
    450,000       450,000  
8.875% senior notes due 2016
    350,000        
4.25% Yen-denominated Eurobond due 2016
    170,641       167,588  
                 
Subtotal
    2,323,940       1,823,574  
Current maturities
    (77,843 )     (84,055 )
                 
Total long-term debt
  $ 2,246,211     $ 2,230,902  
                 
Short-term debt
               
Short-term borrowings
  $ 8,142     $ 11,742  
Current maturities of long-term debt
    77,843       84,055  
                 
Total short-term debt
  $ 85,985     $ 95,797  
                 
Total long-term and short-term debt
  $ 2,332,196     $ 2,326,699  
                 
 
Prepayment of Term Loan
 
In March 2006, the Company prepaid the remaining balance of the term loan of approximately $488.8 million. The prepayment was funded with the net proceeds from the additional 2013 Euro notes of €100.0 million and the 2016 notes of $350.0 million discussed below, as well as cash on hand. The Company also used cash on hand to pay accrued and unpaid interest of approximately $7.5 million, and prepayment premium and other fees and expenses of approximately $16.9 million. The Company also wrote off approximately $15.3 million of unamortized debt issuance costs related to the prepayment of the term loan. As a result of these charges, combined with the write-off approximately $0.8 million of unamortized debt issuance costs related to the amendment to the revolving credit facility discussed below, the Company recorded a $33.0 million loss on early extinguishment of debt in the second quarter of 2006.


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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 27, 2006

 
Prepayment of the term loan resulted in release of the security interests in the collateral securing the term loan, including a lien on the Company’s trademarks and copyrights and a second-priority lien on the assets securing the Company’s revolving credit facility. The trademarks and copyrights are no longer subject to any liens securing indebtedness or other contractual obligations.
 
Amendment to Revolving Credit Facility
 
On May 18, 2006, the Company amended and restated its revolving credit facility. The following is a summary description of the material terms of the amendment:
 
  •  The term of the facility was extended through September 23, 2011.
 
  •  The maximum availability under the facility was reduced from $650.0 million to $550.0 million.
 
  •  The interest rate payable in respect of both base rate loans and LIBOR rate loans was modified by amending the margin above the base rate or the LIBOR rate (as applicable) which is payable. The margin above the base rate that is payable in respect of base rate loans changed from a fixed margin of 0.50% to a floating margin based on availability under the facility that will not exceed 0.50%. The margin above LIBOR that is payable in respect of LIBOR rate loans was reduced from a fixed margin of 2.75% to a floating margin (which will not exceed 2.00%) based on availability under the facility.
 
  •  The Company is required to maintain a reserve against availability or deposit cash or certain investment securities in secured accounts with the administrative agent in the amount of $75.0 million at all times. A failure to do so will result in a block on availability under the facility but will not result in a default.
 
  •  For any period during which excess availability under the facility is at least $25.0 million, the debt, liens, investments, dispositions, restricted payments and debt prepayment covenants will be either fully or partially suspended. The Company is currently in a covenant suspension period.
 
  •  The Company’s debt, liens, investments, dispositions, restricted payments and debt prepayment covenants were modified to grant the Company greater flexibility.
 
  •  The Company is no longer subject at any time to any financial maintenance covenants.
 
  •  The facility is no longer secured by the capital stock of any of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries.
 
The Company wrote off approximately $0.8 million of unamortized debt issuance costs related to the reduction in the maximum availability under the facility.
 
Reservation of Availability Under Revolving Credit Facility.  In 1996, the Company issued $450.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its 2006 notes. In January 2005, pursuant to a tender offer, the Company repurchased $372.1 million in aggregate principal amount of these notes. The Company’s revolving credit facility contained a covenant that required it, as a condition to prepaying the term loan, to fully repay, redeem, repurchase, or defease the remaining $77.9 million aggregate principal amount of 2006 notes. Alternatively, the Company could also have satisfied this covenant by reserving cash or availability under the revolving credit facility sufficient to repay the 2006 notes so long as it still had at least $150.0 million of borrowing availability under the revolving credit facility. On March 16, 2006, the Company complied with this covenant as a condition to prepaying the term loan by reserving borrowing availability of $77.9 million in accordance with the requirements of the revolving credit facility.
 
Additional Issuance of Euro Senior Notes due 2013 and Issuance of 8.875% Senior Notes due 2016
 
Additional Euro Senior Notes Due 2013.  On March 17, 2006, the Company issued an additional €100.0 million in Euro senior notes due 2013 to qualified institutional buyers. These notes have the same terms and are part of


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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 27, 2006

the same series as the €150.0 million aggregate principal amount of Euro-denominated 8.625% senior notes due 2013 the Company issued in March 2005. These notes are unsecured obligations that rank equally with all of the Company’s other existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated debt. They are 8-year notes maturing on April 1, 2013 and bear interest at 8.625% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1, commencing on April 1, 2006. Starting on April 1, 2009, 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 April 1, 2008, the Company may redeem up to a maximum of 35% of the original aggregate principal amount of the notes (including additional notes) with the proceeds of one or more public equity offerings at a redemption price of 108.625% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption. These notes were offered at a premium of 3.5%, or approximately $4.2 million, which original issuance premium will be amortized over the term of the notes. Costs representing underwriting fees and other expenses of approximately $2.8 million are being amortized over the term of the notes to interest expense.
 
The covenants, events of default, asset sale, change of control, covenant suspension and other terms of the notes are comparable to those contained in the indentures governing the Company’s 2012 notes, 2012 floating rate notes, 2015 notes and 2016 notes.
 
Exchange Offer.  In July 2006, after a required exchange offer, €100.7 million of the remaining €102.0 million unregistered 2013 Euro notes (which includes €2.0 million of unregistered 2013 Euro notes from the March 2005 offering) were exchanged for new notes on identical terms, except that the new notes are registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”).
 
Senior Notes due 2016.  On March 17, 2006, the Company issued $350.0 million in notes to qualified institutional buyers. These notes are unsecured obligations that rank equally with all of the Company’s other existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated debt. They are 10-year notes maturing on April 1, 2016 and bear interest at 8.875% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1, commencing on October 1, 2006. The Company may redeem these notes, in whole or in part, at any time prior to April 1, 2011, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption and a “make-whole” premium. Starting on April 1, 2011, 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 April 1, 2009, the Company may redeem up to and including 35% of the original aggregate principal amount of the notes (including additional notes, if any) with the proceeds of one or more public equity offerings at a redemption price of 108.875% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption. These notes were offered at par. Costs representing underwriting fees and other expenses of approximately $8.0 million are being amortized over the term of the notes to interest expense.
 
The covenants, events of default, asset sale, change of control, covenant suspension and other terms of the notes are comparable to those contained in the indentures governing the Company’s 2012 notes, 2012 floating rate notes, 2013 Euro notes and 2015 notes. For more information about the Company’s senior notes, see Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements contained in the Company’s 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
Exchange Offer.  In July 2006, after a required exchange offer, all of the 2016 notes were exchanged for new notes on identical terms, except that the new notes are registered under the Securities Act.
 
Use of Proceeds — Prepayment of Term Loan.  As discussed above, in March 2006, the Company used the proceeds of the additional 2013 Euro notes and the 2016 notes plus cash on hand to prepay the remaining balance of the term loan of approximately $488.8 million as of February 26, 2006.


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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 27, 2006

 
Other Debt Matters
 
Debt Issuance Costs.  The Company capitalizes debt issuance costs, which are included in “Other assets” in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. These costs were amortized using the straight-line method of amortization for all debt issuances prior to 2005, which approximates the effective interest method. New debt issuance costs are amortized using the effective interest method. Unamortized debt issuance costs at August 27, 2006, and November 27, 2005, were $48.5 million and $59.2 million, respectively. Amortization of debt issuance costs, which is included in “Interest expense” in the Company’s consolidated statements of income, was $1.5 million and $3.0 million for the three months ended August 27, 2006, and August 28, 2005, respectively, and $6.8 million and $9.1 million for the nine months ended August 27, 2006, and August 28, 2005, respectively.
 
Accrued Interest.  At August 27, 2006, and November 27, 2005, accrued interest was $55.3 million and $62.0 million, respectively.
 
Principal Payments on Short-term and Long-term Debt
 
The table below sets forth, as of August 27, 2006, the Company’s required aggregate short-term and long-term debt principal payments for the next five fiscal years and thereafter.
 
         
    Principal
 
    Payments as of
 
Fiscal year
  August 27, 2006  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
2006 (remaining three months)(1)
  $ 85,985  
2007
     
2008
     
2009
     
2010
     
Thereafter
    2,246,211  
         
Total
  $ 2,332,196  
         
 
 
(1) Includes $77.9 million of the Company’s remaining 2006 notes that the Company plans to repay at maturity on November 1, 2006 using existing cash and cash equivalents. Also includes payments relating to short-term borrowings of approximately $8.1 million.
 
Short-term Credit Lines and Standby Letters of Credit
 
As of August 27, 2006, the Company’s total availability of $271.6 million under its revolving credit facility was reduced by $84.4 million of letters of credit and other credit usage allocated under the revolving credit facility, yielding a net availability of $187.2 million. Included in the $84.4 million of letters of credit and other credit usage at August 27, 2006, were $8.4 million of trade letters of credit, $2.9 million of other credit usage and $73.1 million of standby letters of credit, with various international banks, of which $52.2 million serve as guarantees by the creditor banks to cover U.S. workers’ compensation claims and customs bonds. The Company pays fees on letters of credit and other credit usage, and borrowings against the letters of credit are subject to interest at various rates.
 
As discussed above, in accordance with the requirements of the revolving credit facility and in connection with prepaying the term loan, on March 16, 2006, the Company reserved borrowing availability of $77.9 million under the revolving credit facility, and will maintain this reserve until November 2006, when the 2006 notes will be repaid. In addition, the Company is required to maintain certain other reserves against availability (or deposit cash or investment securities in secured accounts with the administrative agent) including a $75.0 million reserve at all times. These reserves reduce the availability under the Company’s credit facility. Currently, the Company is maintaining all required reserves under this facility to meet these requirements.


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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 27, 2006

 
Interest Rates on Borrowings
 
The Company’s weighted average interest rate on average borrowings outstanding during the three months ended August 27, 2006, and August 28, 2005, including the amortization of capitalized bank fees, underwriting fees and interest rate swap cancellations was 9.95% and 10.30%, respectively. The Company’s weighted average interest rate on average borrowings outstanding during the nine months ended August 27, 2006, and August 28, 2005, including the amortization of capitalized bank fees, underwriting fees and interest rate swap cancellations was 10.28% and 10.47%, respectively. The weighted average interest rate on average borrowings outstanding excludes interest payable to participants under deferred compensation plans and other miscellaneous items.
 
Dividends and Restrictions
 
The Company’s revolving credit facility agreement contains a covenant that restricts the Company’s ability to pay dividends to its stockholders. In addition, the terms of certain of the indentures relating to the Company’s unsecured notes limit the Company’s ability to pay dividends. Subsidiaries of the Company that are not wholly-owned subsidiaries (the Company’s Japanese subsidiary is the only such subsidiary) are permitted under the indentures to pay dividends to all stockholders either on a pro rata basis or on a basis that results in the receipt by the Company of dividends or distributions of greater value than it would receive on a pro rata basis. There are no restrictions under the Company’s revolving credit facility or its indentures on the transfer of the assets of the Company’s subsidiaries to the Company in the form of loans, advances or cash dividends without the consent of a third party.
 
NOTE 6:   FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
The carrying amount and estimated fair value — in each case including accrued interest — of the Company’s financial instrument assets (liabilities) at August 27, 2006, and November 27, 2005, are as follows:
 
                                 
    August 27, 2006     November 27, 2005  
    Carrying
    Estimated
    Carrying
    Estimated
 
    Value(1)     Fair Value(1)     Value(2)     Fair Value(2)  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Debt Instruments:
                               
U.S. dollar notes offerings
  $ (1,871,031 )   $ (1,961,700 )   $ (1,533,000 )   $ (1,618,160 )
Euro notes
    (334,628 )     (344,152 )     (178,735 )     (179,176 )
Yen-denominated Eurobond
    (172,986 )     (166,161 )     (168,119 )     (161,416 )
Term loan
                (496,510 )     (510,757 )
Short-term and other borrowings
    (8,874 )     (8,874 )     (12,330 )     (12,330 )
                                 
Total
  $ (2,387,519 )   $ (2,480,887 )   $ (2,388,694 )   $ (2,481,839 )
                                 
Foreign Exchange Contracts:
                               
Forward contracts
  $ 2,328     $ 2,328     $ (874 )   $ (874 )
Option contracts
    (730 )     (730 )     1,250       1,250  
                                 
Total
  $ 1,598     $ 1,598     $ 376     $ 376  
                                 
 
 
(1) Includes accrued interest of $55.3 million.
 
(2) Includes accrued interest of $62.0 million.
 
The Company’s financial instruments are reflected on its books at the carrying values noted above. The fair values of the Company’s financial instruments reflect the amounts at which the instruments could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced liquidation sale (i.e. quoted market prices).


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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 27, 2006

 
The Company has determined the estimated fair value of certain financial instruments using available market information and valuation methodologies. However, this determination involves application of judgment in interpreting market data. As such, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that the Company could realize in a current market exchange. The Company uses widely accepted valuation models that incorporate quoted market prices or dealer quotes to determine the estimated fair value of its foreign exchange and option contracts. Dealer quotes and other valuation methods, such as the discounted value of future cash flows, replacement cost and termination cost have been used to determine the estimated fair value for long-term debt and the remaining financial instruments. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables and short-term borrowings approximate fair value. The fair value estimates presented herein are based on information available to the Company as of August 27, 2006, and November 27, 2005.
 
NOTE 7:   COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
Foreign Exchange Contracts
 
The Company has entered into U.S. dollar spot, forward and option contracts to manage its exposure to foreign currencies.
 
At August 27, 2006, the Company had U.S. dollar spot and forward currency contracts to buy $311.3 million and to sell $327.2 million against various foreign currencies. These contracts are at various exchange rates and expire at various dates through April 2007.
 
At August 27, 2006, the Company had bought U.S. dollar option contracts resulting in a net purchase of $85.2 million against various foreign currencies should the options be exercised. To finance the premium related to bought options, the Company sold U.S. dollar options resulting in a net purchase of $25.2 million against various foreign currencies should the options be exercised. The option contracts are at various strike prices and expire at various dates through September 2006.
 
The Company is exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to the foreign exchange contracts. However, the Company believes these counterparties are creditworthy financial institutions and does not anticipate nonperformance.
 
Other Contingencies
 
Wrongful Termination Litigation.  There have been no material developments in this litigation since the Company filed its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended May 28, 2006. Based on the parties’ recent agreement to extend the discovery schedule, the Company expects a change in the scheduled trial date of March 2007. For more information about the litigation, see Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements contained in the Company’s 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
Class Actions Securities Litigation.  There have been no material developments in this litigation since the Company filed its 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K on February 14, 2006. For more information about the litigation, see Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements contained in such Form 10-K.
 
Other Litigation.  In the ordinary course of business, the Company has various other 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 pending legal proceedings that will have a material impact on its financial condition or results of operations.


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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 27, 2006

 
NOTE 8:   DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
 
The global scope of the Company’s business operations exposes it to the risk of fluctuations in foreign currency markets. The Company’s exposure results from certain product sourcing activities, certain inter-company sales, foreign subsidiaries’ royalty payments, earnings repatriations, net investment in foreign operations and funding activities. The Company’s foreign currency management objective is to mitigate the potential impact of currency fluctuations on the value of its U.S. dollar cash flows and to reduce the variability of certain cash flows at its subsidiary level. The Company typically takes a long-term view of managing exposures, using forecasts to develop exposure positions and engaging in their active management.
 
The Company operates a centralized currency management operation to take advantage of potential opportunities to naturally offset exposures against each other. For any residual exposures under management, the Company enters into various financial instruments including forward exchange and option contracts to hedge certain anticipated transactions as well as certain firm commitments, including third-party and inter-company transactions. The Company manages the currency risk as of the inception of the exposure. The Company does not currently manage the timing mismatch between its forecasted exposures and the related financial instruments used to mitigate the currency risk.
 
As of August 27, 2006, and November 27, 2005, the Company had no foreign currency derivatives outstanding hedging the net investment in its foreign operations.
 
The Company designates its outstanding 2013 Euro senior notes as a net investment hedge. As of August 27, 2006, and November 27, 2005, an unrealized loss of $8.5 million and an unrealized gain of $13.0 million, respectively, related to the translation effects of the 2013 Euro senior notes were recorded in the “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” section of “Stockholders’ deficit” in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
 
The Company designates a portion of its outstanding Yen-denominated Eurobond as a net investment hedge. As of August 27, 2006, and November 27, 2005, an unrealized gain of $1.4 million and an unrealized gain of $2.9 million, respectively, related to the translation effects of the Yen-denominated Eurobond were recorded in the “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” section of “Stockholders’ deficit” in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
 
The table below provides an overview of the realized and unrealized gains and losses associated with foreign exchange management activities that are reported in the “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” section of “Stockholders’ deficit” in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
 
                                 
    At August 27, 2006     At November 27, 2005  
    Realized     Unrealized     Realized     Unrealized  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Foreign exchange management
                               
Net investment hedge gains (losses)
                               
Derivative instruments
  $ 4,637     $     $ 4,637     $  
Euro senior notes
          (8,520 )           13,035  
Yen-denominated Eurobond
          1,434             2,900  
Cumulative income taxes
    (1,230 )     2,690       (1,230 )     (6,111 )
                                 
    $ 3,407     $ (4,396 )   $ 3,407     $ 9,824  
                                 
 
The table below provides data about the realized and unrealized gains and losses associated with foreign exchange management activities reported in “Other income, net” in the Company’s consolidated statements of income.
 


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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 27, 2006

                                                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    August 27, 2006     August 28, 2005     August 27, 2006     August 28, 2005  
    Realized     Unrealized     Realized     Unrealized     Realized     Unrealized     Realized     Unrealized  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Foreign exchange management losses (gains)
  $ 8,772     $ (4,929 )   $ (6,830 )   $ 9,562     $ 11,800     $ (1,222 )   $ (5,999 )   $ 8,634  
                                                                 

 
The table below gives an overview of the fair values of derivative instruments associated with the Company’s foreign exchange management activities that are reported as an asset (liability).
 
                 
    August 27, 2006     November 27, 2005  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Fair value of derivative instruments
  $ 1,598     $ 376  
                 
 
NOTE 9:   OTHER INCOME, NET
 
The following table summarizes significant components of “Other income, net” in the Company’s consolidated statements of income:
 
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    August 27,
    August 28,
    August 27,
    August 28,
 
    2006     2005     2006     2005  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Foreign exchange management losses
  $ 3,843     $ 2,732     $ 10,578     $ 2,635  
Foreign currency transaction gains
    (8,099 )     (2,795 )     (12,945 )     (6,611 )
Interest income
    (4,346 )     (1,601 )     (11,360 )     (5,804 )
Minority interest — Levi Strauss Japan K.K. 
    90       (1,038 )     1,313       1,169  
Minority interest — Levi Strauss Istanbul Konfeksiyon(1)
                      1,309  
Other
    (1,012 )     (103 )     (1,687 )     (56 )
                                 
Total other income, net
  $ (9,524 )   $ (2,805 )   $ (14,101 )   $ (7,358 )
                                 
 
 
(1) On March 31, 2005, the Company acquired full ownership of its joint venture in Turkey for $3.8 million in cash; subsequent to that date, all income from that entity was attributed to the Company.
 
The Company’s foreign exchange risk management activities includes the use of instruments such as forward, swap and option contracts to manage foreign currency exposures. These derivative instruments are recorded at fair value and the changes in fair value are recorded in “Other income, net” in the Company’s consolidated statements of income. At contract maturity, the realized gain or loss related to derivative instruments is also recorded in “Other income, net” in the Company’s consolidated statements of income.
 
Foreign currency transactions are transactions denominated in a currency other than the entity’s functional currency. At the date the foreign currency transaction is recognized, each asset, liability, revenue, expense, gain or loss arising from the transaction is measured and recorded in the functional currency of the recording entity using the exchange rate in effect at that date. At each balance sheet date for each entity, recorded balances denominated in a foreign currency are adjusted, or remeasured, to reflect the current exchange rate. The changes in the recorded balances caused by remeasurement at the exchange rate are recorded in “Other income, net” in the Company’s consolidated statements of income. In addition, at the settlement date of foreign currency transactions, foreign currency gains and losses are recorded in “Other income, net” in the Company’s consolidated statements of income

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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 27, 2006

to reflect the difference between the spot rate effective at the settlement date and the historical rate at which the transaction was originally recorded or remeasured at the balance sheet date. Gains and losses arising from the remeasurement of the Company’s Yen-denominated Eurobond placement, to the extent that the indebtedness is not subject to a hedging relationship, are also included in foreign currency transaction gains.
 
The Company’s interest income primarily relates to investments in certificates of deposit, time deposits and commercial paper with original maturities of three months or less. For the three months ended August 27, 2006, the increase in interest income resulted from higher average investment balances and an increase in interest rates. For the nine months ended August 27, 2006, the increase in interest income resulted from an increase in interest rates.
 
NOTE 10:   EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit cost (income) for the Company’s defined benefit pension plans and postretirement benefit plans for the three and nine months ended August 27, 2006, and August 28, 2005:
 
                                 
    Pension Benefits     Postretirement Benefits  
    Three Months Ended     Three Months Ended  
    August 27,
    August 28,
    August 27,
    August 28,
 
    2006     2005     2006     2005  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Service cost
  $ 1,871     $ 2,060     $ 177     $ 275  
Interest cost
    14,358       13,657       3,192       4,530  
Expected return on plan assets
    (13,248 )     (13,234 )            
Amortization of prior service cost (gain)
    381       465       (13,165 )     (14,389 )
Amortization of transition asset
    155       100              
Amortization of actuarial loss
    1,424       1,265       1,373       4,531  
Curtailment loss (gain)(1)
    5,391             (29,041 )      
                                 
Net periodic benefit cost (income)
  $ 10,332     $ 4,313     $ (37,464 )   $ (5,053 )
                                 
 
                                 
    Pension Benefits     Postretirement Benefits  
    Nine Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    August 27,
    August 28,
    August 27,
    August 28,
 
    2006     2005     2006     2005  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Service cost
  $ 5,760     $ 6,324     $ 591     $ 824  
Interest cost
    42,462       41,177       9,218       13,590  
Expected return on plan assets
    (39,702 )     (39,818 )            
Amortization of prior service cost (gain)
    1,200       1,395       (41,943 )     (43,167 )
Amortization of transition asset
    455       314              
Amortization of actuarial loss
    5,394       3,785       4,715       13,596  
Curtailment loss (gain)(1)
    7,317             (29,041 )      
Special termination benefit(2)
    1,027             500        
Net settlement loss(3)
    2,590                    
                                 
Net periodic benefit cost (income)
  $ 26,503     $ 13,177     $ (55,960 )   $ (15,157 )
                                 


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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 27, 2006

 
 
(1) Pension benefit curtailment loss for both the three and nine months ended August 27, 2006 includes a $5.4 million curtailment charge in respect of the supplemental executive retirement plan as a result of the pending retirement of the Company’s president and chief executive officer, Philip A. Marineau. For the nine months, pension benefit curtailment loss also includes $1.8 million for correction of an error in the actuarial calculation of the curtailment in the third quarter of 2004 associated with the 2003 closure of three Canadian facilities.
 
Postretirement benefit curtailment gain for both the three and nine months ended August 27, 2006, relates to the impact in the third quarter of fiscal 2006 of job reductions in connection with the planned facility closure in Little Rock, Arkansas.
 
(2) Consists of additional expenses associated with special termination benefits offered to certain qualifying participants affected by the planned Little Rock facility closure.
 
(3) Consists of net loss from the settlement of liabilities of certain participants in the Company’s hourly pension plan in Canada as a result of prior plant closures.
 
As a result of the planned Little Rock facility closure, the Company remeasured certain pension and postretirement benefit obligations as of May 27, 2006, which included an update to actuarial assumptions made at the end of the prior fiscal year. Net periodic benefit cost (income) related to these plans for the remainder of the fiscal year will reflect the revised assumptions. The revised actuarial assumptions included a change in the discount rate for both pension and postretirement benefit obligations from 5.8% and 5.7% to 6.6% and 6.3%, respectively. The Company utilized a bond pricing model that was tailored to the attributes of the Company’s pension and postretirement plans to determine the appropriate discount rate. Of the estimated total $60 million curtailment gain which is attributable to the accelerated recognition of prior plan changes, the Company recognized in the third quarter of fiscal 2006 approximately $29 million related to employees terminated through August 27, 2006. The remaining curtailment gain of approximately $31 million will be recognized when the remaining employees terminate. The Company expects to complete the facility closure in early fiscal 2007.
 
NOTE 11:   STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
 
On May 29, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS 123R. While the Company was not required to adopt SFAS 123R until fiscal year 2007, the Company elected to adopt it before the required effective date. The Company has elected the modified prospective transition method as permitted by SFAS 123R and, accordingly, prior period amounts have not been restated.
 
The amount of compensation cost for share-based payments is measured based on the fair market value on the grant date of the equity or liability instruments issued, based on the estimated number of awards that are expected to vest. No compensation cost is recognized for awards for which employees do not render the requisite service. Compensation cost for equity instruments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the period that an employee provides service for that award, which generally is the vesting period. Liability instruments must be revalued at each reporting period and compensation expense adjusted. Changes in the fair value of unvested liability instruments during the requisite service period will be recognized as compensation cost on a straight-line basis over that service period. Changes in the fair value of vested liability instruments after the service period will be recognized as an adjustment to compensation cost in the period of the change in fair value.
 
The Company has two share-based compensation plans, which are described below. Had the Company not early adopted SFAS 123R, no stock-based compensation expense would have been recorded in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Due to the early adoption of SFAS 123R, for the three and nine months ended August 27, 2006, the Company’s income from continuing operations and income before income taxes were $1.9 million lower, and net income was $1.2 million lower, than if the Company had continued to account for share-based awards under APB 25. The total income tax benefit recognized in the income statement for share-based compensation plans was $0.7 million for the three and nine months ended August 27, 2006. The adoption of SFAS 123R did not have any impact on cash flows during any period presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, and there has been no impact to the consolidated financial statements of previously reported interim or annual periods. The cumulative effect on the Company’s consolidated statement of income at the date of


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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 27, 2006

adoption was not material. Due to the job function of the award recipients, the Company has included stock-based compensation cost in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” in the consolidated statements of income, and no compensation cost has been capitalized in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
 
2006 Equity Incentive Plan
 
In July 2006, the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”) adopted, and the stockholders approved, the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (“EIP”). Under the EIP, the Company may award various forms of equity compensation to employees, non-employee directors and consultants, including stock options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), and performance awards. The new plan is intended to focus and motivate the senior executive team to achieve sustained, long-term increases in shareholder value; reward participants in direct relationship with increases in shareholder value; and attract and retain executive talent in a highly-competitive industry. The aggregate number of common stock shares available for grant under the EIP is 418,175 shares, provided, however, that this number automatically adjusts upward to the extent necessary to satisfy the exercise of SARs granted on July 13, 2006.
 
Under the EIP, stock and performance awards have a maximum contractual term of 10 years and generally must have an exercise price at least equal to the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date the award is granted. The Company’s common stock is not listed on any established stock exchange. Accordingly, as contemplated by the EIP, the stock’s fair market value is determined by the Board based upon an independent third-party valuation. Awards vest according to terms agreed to with each recipient. Unvested stock awards are subject to forfeiture upon termination of employment prior to vesting, but are subject in some cases to early vesting upon specified events, including certain corporate transactions as defined in the EIP. Some stock awards are payable in either shares of the Company’s common stock or cash at the discretion of the Board.
 
On July 13, 2006, the Board granted 1,318,310 SARs to a small group of the Company’s senior-most executives with a strike price of $42, which was determined to be the fair market value of the Company’s common stock at the grant date, based on a contemporaneous valuation obtained by the Company from an independent third-party and which reflected a discount for illiquidity of the shares. The vesting terms of the stock awards are approximately from two-and-a-half to three-and-a-half years, and have a maximum contractual life of six-and-a-half years. The Board did not make any other grants of SARs or any other stock or performance awards under the EIP, and as of August 27, 2006, there have been no cancellations or forfeitures.
 
Upon the exercise of a SAR, the participant will receive common stock in an amount equal to the product of (i) the excess of the per share fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of exercise over the strike price, multiplied by (ii) the number of shares of common stock with respect to which the SAR is exercised. In addition, prior to an initial public offering of the Company’s common stock, a participant (or estate or other beneficiary of a deceased participant) may require the Company to repurchase shares of the common stock held by the participant at then-current fair market value (a “put right”). Put rights may be exercised only with respect to shares of the Company’s common stock that have been held by a participant for at least six months following their issuance date, thus exposing the holder to the risk and rewards of ownership for a reasonable period of time. Accordingly, the SARs are classified as equity awards, and are accounted for in stockholders’ deficit in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
 
Prior to an initial public offering, the Company also has the right to repurchase shares of its common stock held by a participant (or estate or other beneficiary of a deceased participant, or other permitted transferee) at then-current fair market value (a “call right”). Call rights run with an award and any shares of common stock acquired pursuant to the award. If the award or common stock is transferred to another person, that person is subject to the call right. As with the put rights, call rights may be exercised only with respect to shares of common stock that have been held by a participant for at least six months following their issuance date.


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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 27, 2006

 
The Company will not be obligated to repurchase its common stock, whether pursuant to a put right or a call right, in certain situations, such as if the repurchase would violate applicable law or the provisions of any agreement, including credit agreements or bond indentures, to which the Company is a party, or if the Company determines that the repurchase would be inadvisable in view of a pending or planned initial public offering, dividend, redemption or other distribution to its stockholders, or any change has occurred or has been threatened in its business condition, income, operations, liquidity, stock ownership, or prospects. Finally, prior to an initial public offering, the Company may require, as a condition to receipt of common stock under the EIP, that the recipient enter into certain agreements, including voting and transfer agreements, such as the stockholders’ agreement and voting trust agreement. More information about the EIP is included in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 19, 2006.
 
As of August 27, 2006, the SARs had no intrinsic value, as the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on that date was determined through a management assessment to be no greater than the strike price of the SARs. At such time that the SARs have an intrinsic value, the vested portion of the intrinsic value will be classified on the face of the balance sheet as “temporary equity,” a classification that falls between liabilities and stockholders’ deficit, in accordance with the provisions of SAB 107.
 
Determining the fair value of the Company’s stock requires making complex and subjective judgments. The Company has a policy under which it has historically obtained, and made available to its stockholders, an annual independent third-party valuation of its common stock. The Company uses this valuation for, among other things, making determinations under its share-based compensation plans. The valuation process includes comparison of the Company’s historical financial results and growth prospects with selected publicly-traded companies; and application of an appropriate discount for the illiquidity of the stock to derive the fair value of the stock. There is inherent uncertainty in making these estimates.
 
The fair value of the SARs granted was estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option valuation model using the weighted average assumptions noted in the following table.
 
         
Expected life (in years)
    4.2  
Expected volatility
    30.7 %
Risk-free interest rate
    5.1 %
Dividend yield
    0.0 %
 
Expected life: due to lack of historical experience, expected life was determined using the simplified method permitted by SAB 107.
 
Expected volatility: due to the fact that the Company’s common stock is not publicly traded, the computation of expected volatility was based on the average of the historical and implied volatilities, over the expected life of the awards, of comparable companies from a representative peer group of publicly traded entities, selected based on industry and financial attributes.
 
Risk-free interest rate: the risk-free interest rate is based on zero coupon U.S. Treasury bond rates corresponding to the expected life of the awards.
 
Dividend yield: The Company assumes no dividends.
 
The weighted-average grant-date fair value of the SARs granted during the three and nine months ended August 27, 2006, was $13.92. At August 27, 2006, the weighted-average remaining contractual term of the SARs was 5.9 years.
 
As of August 27, 2006, there was $12.3 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to the nonvested SARs, which cost is expected to be recognized on a straight-line basis over a weighted-average period of


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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 27, 2006

3.0 years. No awards were vested or exercisable as of August 27, 2006, and accordingly, no awards have yet been settled in cash.
 
Senior Executive Long-Term Incentive Plan
 
In 2005, the Company established the Senior Executive Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “SELTIP”). The SELTIP was established to provide long-term incentive compensation for the Company’s senior management. The Company’s executive officers and non-employee members of the Board are eligible to participate in the SELTIP. Key elements of the plan include the following:
 
  •  The SELTIP provides for the grant of units that vest over three years and are payable in cash.
 
  •  The strike price at the beginning of each grant cycle, and the values used to determine appreciation and payouts, will be approved by the Board and will take into account an annual stock valuation obtained by the Company from an independent third-party. These values do not incorporate any discount related to the illiquid nature of the Company’s stock.
 
  •  The plan includes a deferral arrangement. Award payouts in excess of a certain percentage may be subject to deferral with the final amount reflecting changes in the value of the shares during the deferral period.
 
  •  Unvested units are subject to forfeiture upon termination of employment with cause, but are subject in some cases to early vesting upon specified events, including termination of employment without cause as defined in the SELTIP.
 
In March 2005, the Human Resources Committee of the Board approved target awards under the SELTIP. Prior to the Company’s adoption of SFAS 123R, compensation expense for these awards was not material because the estimated appreciation relative to the strike price was negligible. Under SFAS 123R, the SELTIP units are classified as liability instruments due to the fact that they are to be settled in cash.
 
In the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, the portion of the related liability expected to be settled in less than twelve months is reflected in “Accrued salaries, wages, and employee benefits,” and the portion expected to be settled in more than twelve months is reflected in “Long-term employee related benefits” liabilities.
 
The fair value of the SELTIP units is determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Assumptions used in the Black-Scholes model for valuation at August 27, 2006, were consistent with those disclosed for the EIP plan discussed above, with the exception of expected life. The weighted average expected life used in the model for the SELTIP units was 0.9 years, calculated based on the time remaining from the balance sheet date until the outstanding units vest.
 
A summary of unit activity under the SELTIP as of August 27, 2006, and changes during the nine months then ended is as follows:
 
                 
          Weighted-
 
          Average Strike
 
    Units     Price  
 
Outstanding at November 27, 2005
    226,004     $ 54  
Granted
           
Exercised
           
Forfeited
    (29,500 )   $ 54  
                 
Outstanding at August 27, 2006
    196,504     $ 54  
                 
 
As of August 27, 2006, there was $0.5 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to the nonvested SELTIP units, which cost is expected to be recognized on a straight-line basis over a weighted-average period of


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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 27, 2006

1.1 years. The compensation expense is likely to vary each quarter as the value of the units changes. No SELTIP units were vested or exercisable as of August 27, 2006, and accordingly, none have yet been settled in cash.
 
NOTE 12:   COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
The following is a summary of the components of total comprehensive income, net of related income taxes:
 
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    August 27,
    August 28,
    August 27,
    August 28,
 
    2006     2005     2006     2005  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Net income
  $ 49,269     $ 38,246     $ 143,285     $ 112,332  
                                 
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
                               
Net investment hedge gains (losses)(1)
    2,940       2,866       (14,220 )     11,794  
Foreign currency translation (losses) gains(2)
    (6,890 )     (319 )     1,859       (5,086 )
Increase in unrealized gain on marketable securities
    62       64       300       112  
Decrease in additional minimum pension liability(3)
    286       71       14,808       94  
                                 
Total other comprehensive (loss) income
    (3,602 )     2,682       2,747       6,914  
                                 
Total comprehensive income
  $ 45,667     $ 40,928     $ 146,032     $ 119,246  
                                 
 
 
(1) The net investment hedge losses for the nine months ended August 27, 2006, reflect the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation on the Euro notes due 2013, which includes the additional March 2006 issuance. See Notes 5 and 8 for more information.
 
(2) The foreign currency translation losses for the three months ended August 27, 2006, reflect the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation related to Yen-denominated balances. For the nine months ended August 27, 2006, foreign currency translation gains reflect the favorable impact of foreign currency translation on Euro-denominated balances.
 
(3) For the nine months ended August 27, 2006, amounts primarily relate to remeasurement of certain pension obligations resulting from the planned facility closure in Little Rock, Arkansas. See Note 10 for more information.
 
The following is a summary of the components of “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, net of related income taxes:
 
                 
    August 27,
    November 27,
 
    2006     2005  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Net investment hedge (losses) gains
  $ (989 )   $ 13,231  
Foreign currency translation losses
    (29,234 )     (31,093 )
Unrealized gain on marketable securities
    624       324  
Additional minimum pension liability
    (80,439 )     (95,247 )
                 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes
  $ (110,038 )   $ (112,785 )
                 


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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 27, 2006

 
NOTE 13:   BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
 
The Company’s North American region includes its U.S. commercial business units and its operations in Canada and Mexico. The Company’s business operations in the United States are organized and managed principally through Levi’s®, Dockers® and Levi Strauss Signature® commercial business units. The Company’s operations outside North America are organized and managed through its Europe and Asia Pacific regions. The Company’s Europe region includes Eastern and Western Europe; Asia Pacific includes Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa and Central and South America. Each of the business segments is managed by a senior executive who reports directly to the Company’s chief executive officer. The Company manages its business operations, evaluates performance and allocates resources based on the operating income of its segments, excluding restructuring charges, net of reversals. Corporate expense is comprised of restructuring charges, net of reversals and other corporate expenses, including corporate staff costs.
 
As of the beginning of fiscal 2006, the Company changed its measure of segment operating income to include depreciation expense for the assets managed by the respective reporting segments. Net revenues include net sales and revenues from the Company’s licensing arrangements. Prior year amounts have been restated to reflect this change.


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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 27, 2006

 
Business segment information for the Company was as follows:
 
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    August 27,
    August 28,
    August 27,
    August 28,
 
    2006     2005     2006     2005  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Net revenues:
                               
U.S. Levi’s® brand
  $ 345,071     $ 348,531     $ 874,118     $ 878,852  
U.S. Dockers® brand
    175,060       170,247       510,936       481,105  
U.S. Levi Strauss Signature® brand
    92,797       104,149       236,523       268,935  
Canada and Mexico
    48,866       46,570       140,524       132,993  
                                 
Total North America
    661,794       669,497       1,762,101       1,761,885  
Europe
    215,383       217,302       652,742       752,176  
Asia Pacific
    145,542       149,722       520,842       503,365  
                                 
Consolidated net revenues
  $ 1,022,719     $ 1,036,521     $ 2,935,685     $ 3,017,426  
                                 
Operating income:
                               
U.S. Levi’s® brand
  $ 69,990     $ 75,228     $ 186,575     $ 196,860  
U.S. Dockers® brand
    31,254       33,522       94,260       95,906  
U.S. Levi Strauss Signature® brand
    11,581       10,676       22,380       19,607  
Canada and Mexico
    12,568       11,304       33,056       33,493  
                                 
Total North America
    125,393       130,730       336,271       345,866  
Europe
    50,192       44,133       150,001       177,867  
Asia Pacific
    23,012       26,612       107,615       110,779  
                                 
Regional operating income
    198,597       201,475       593,887       634,512  
Corporate expense:
                               
Restructuring charges, net of reversals
    2,615       5,022       13,064       13,436  
Postretirement benefit plan curtailment gain
    (29,041 )           (29,041 )      
Other corporate staff costs and expenses
    67,043       57,290       166,390       153,282  
                                 
Total corporate expense
    40,617       62,312       150,413       166,718  
                                 
Consolidated operating income
    157,980       139,163       443,474       467,794  
Interest expense
    60,216       63,918       188,304       198,625  
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
          39       32,958       66,064  
Other income, net
    (9,524 )     (2,805 )     (14,101 )     (7,358 )
                                 
Income before income taxes
  $ 107,288     $ 78,011     $ 236,313     $ 210,463  
                                 


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LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 27, 2006

 
NOTE 14:   EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT
 
On July 6, 2006, the Company announced that its president and chief executive officer, Philip A. Marineau, will retire at the end of fiscal 2006. The Company entered into an agreement with Mr. Marineau confirming various retirement-related arrangements, including his entitlement to receive by January 15, 2007 a payment of $7.75 million in recognition of his service through November 26, 2006, which the Company recorded as compensation expense in the third quarter of fiscal 2006. Mr. Marineau will also retire from his position as a member of the Company’s board of directors as of the end of fiscal 2006.
 
On July 17, 2006, the Company announced that R. John Anderson, executive vice president and chief operating officer, would become president and chief executive officer of the Company, effective upon Mr. Marineau’s pending retirement at the end of fiscal 2006. Mr. Anderson will at that time also become a member of the Company’s board of directors.


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Item 2.   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Overview
 
We are one of the world’s leading branded apparel companies. We design and market jeans and jeans-related pants, casual and dress pants, tops, jackets and related accessories for men, women and children under our Levi’s®, Dockers® and Levi Strauss Signature® brands. We also license our trademarks in various countries throughout the world for accessories, pants, tops, footwear, home and other products.
 
We derive approximately 45% of net revenues from operations outside the United States. Our products are available at over 55,000 retail locations worldwide. We market Levi’s® brand products in over 110 countries, Dockers® brand products in over 50 countries and Levi Strauss Signature® brand products in the United States and eleven other countries.
 
We distribute 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 abroad. We distribute Levi Strauss Signature® products primarily through mass channel retailers. We also distribute products through company-operated stores located in the United States, Europe and Asia.
 
Third Quarter and Year-To-Date 2006 Results
 
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     Nine months ended  
                      August 27,
    August 28,
                      August 27,
    August 28,
 
                %
    2006
    2005
                %
    2006
    2005
 
    August 27,
    August 28,
    Increase
    % of Net
    % of Net
    August 27,
    August 28,
    Increase
    % of Net
    % of Net
 
    2006     2005     (Decrease)     Revenues     Revenues     2006     2005     (Decrease)     Revenues     Revenues  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Net sales
  $ 1,003,379     $ 1,018,816       (1.5 )%     98.1 %     98.3 %   $ 2,880,231     $ 2,968,358       (3.0 )%     98.1 %     98.4 %
Licensing revenue
    19,340       17,705       9.2 %     1.9 %     1.7 %     55,454       49,068       13.0 %     1.9 %     1.6 %
                                                                                 
Net revenues
    1,022,719       1,036,521       (1.3 )%     100.0 %     100.0 %     2,935,685       3,017,426       (2.7 )%     100.0 %     100.0 %
Cost of goods sold
    555,592       564,870       (1.6 )%     54.3 %     54.5 %     1,573,185       1,590,328       (1.1 )%     53.6 %     52.7 %
                                                                                 
Gross profit
    467,127       471,651       (1.0 )%     45.7 %     45.5 %     1,362,500       1,427,098       (4.5 )%     46.4 %     47.3 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    306,532       327,466       (6.4 )%     30.0 %     31.6 %     905,962       945,868       (4.2 )%     30.9 %     31.3 %
Restructuring charges, net of reversals
    2,615       5,022       (47.9 )%     0.3 %     0.5 %     13,064       13,436       (2.8 )%     0.4 %     0.4 %
                                                                                 
Operating income
    157,980       139,163       13.5 %     15.4 %     13.4 %     443,474       467,794       (5.2 )%     15.1 %     15.5 %
Interest expense
    60,216       63,918       (5.8 )%     5.9 %     6.2 %     188,304       198,625       (5.2 )%     6.4 %     6.6 %
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
          39       (100.0 )%     0.0 %     0.0 %     32,958       66,064       (50.1 )%     1.1 %     2.2 %
Other income, net
    (9,524 )     (2,805 )     239.5 %     (0.9 )%     (0.3 )%     (14,101 )     (7,358 )     91.6 %     (0.5 )%     (0.2 )%
                                                                                 
Income before income taxes
    107,288       78,011       37.5 %     10.5 %     7.5 %     236,313       210,463       12.3 %     8.0 %     7.0 %
Income tax expense
    58,019       39,765       45.9 %     5.7 %     3.8 %     93,028       98,131       (5.2 )%     3.2 %     3.3 %
                                                                                 
Net income
  $ 49,269     $ 38,246       28.8 %     4.8 %     3.7 %   $ 143,285     $ 112,332       27.6 %     4.9 %     3.7 %
                                                                                 
 
Our financial results for the three and nine months ended August 27, 2006, compared to the prior year periods, were as follows:
 
  •  Consolidated net revenues decreased 1.3% and 2.7% on a reported basis and decreased 2.1% and 1.7% on a constant currency basis for the three and nine months ended August 27, 2006, respectively.


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  •  Consolidated net sales decreased 1.5% and 3.0% on a reported basis and decreased 2.3% and 1.9% on a constant currency basis for the three and nine months ended August 27, 2006, respectively. Net sales for our U.S. Levi’s® business were relatively stable for both periods as compared to the same periods in 2005. For the three-month period, the decline in net sales primarily related to our U.S. Levi Strauss Signature® business and our Asia Pacific business, due to substantial net sales declines in Japan, partially offset by the favorable translation impact of foreign currencies and a net sales increase in our U.S. Dockers® business. Europe’s net sales decrease of 5.5% on a constant currency basis for the three-month period reflected an improved sales trend as compared to the first half of 2006. The decline in net sales for the nine-month period was driven primarily by decreased net sales in our Europe and U.S. Levi Strauss Signature® businesses and the unfavorable translation impact of foreign currencies, partially offset by increased net sales in our U.S. Dockers® and Asia Pacific businesses.
 
  •  We achieved a gross margin of 45.7% in the three months ended August 27, 2006, which was consistent with the prior year. Gross profit decreased for the three-month period primarily due to lower net revenues partially offset by the favorable translation impact of foreign currencies. Gross margin decreased 0.9 percentage points for the nine months, driven primarily by lower net revenues in our Europe business and a reduction in gross margin in certain businesses resulting from a change in product sales mix. Gross profit decreased for the nine-month period primarily due to lower net revenues in our Europe business and the unfavorable translation impact of foreign currencies, partially offset by higher net revenues in our Asia Pacific business.
 
  •  The operating margin of 15.4% reflects an increase of 2.0 percentage points for the three months. Operating margin was relatively flat for the nine months. Operating income increased for the three months, which was primarily attributable to a $29.0 million postretirement benefit plan curtailment gain related to our planned facility closure in Little Rock, Arkansas, partially offset by $7.75 million in additional cash compensation and $5.4 million in non-cash pension costs related to the retirement of Mr. Marineau and higher selling costs largely attributable to our expansion of company-operated retail stores. Operating income decreased for the nine months primarily due to decreased operating income in Europe and the U.S. Levi’s® business, partially offset by the curtailment gain.
 
  •  Net income increased for the three months primarily due to increased operating income resulting principally from the curtailment gain. Net income increased for the nine months primarily due to higher losses on early extinguishment of debt in 2005, a tax benefit recorded in the second quarter of 2006 related to a change in the ownership structure of certain foreign subsidiaries, the curtailment gain and lower interest expense, partially offset by lower gross profit.
 
Results for the nine-month period in 2006 reflect our continued focus on sustaining the profitability of the business, generating strong cash flows, and strengthening our brands by investing in our product offering, company-operated retail and outlet stores and retail customer relationships. Our key challenges and focus areas through the balance of the year include the Levi Strauss Signature® business in the U.S., continuing the positive sales trends in Europe and addressing retail inventory and other factors in our Japan business.
 
Levi Strauss Signature® brand in Europe
 
On September 14, 2006, we announced that we were proposing to stop selling the Levi Strauss Signature® brand in Europe after the Spring 2007 season due to limited expansion opportunities in the value channel in Europe. Our required consultation with the relevant works council is concluded and our decision to stop selling the brand is now final throughout the region. We have started redeployment discussions with employees affected by the decision. As such, we are not currently in a position to provide estimates of the restructuring charges, inventory exposures and related cash expenditures we may incur in connection with the decision. We do not, however, expect that the charges will constitute a material charge for us under generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. or that the related cash expenditures will be material in amount.
 
This decision does not affect our Levi Strauss Signature® businesses in North America and Asia. Our Levi Strauss Signature® business in Europe represents less than 3% of our total Europe business.


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Management Team
 
On July 6, 2006, we announced that our president and chief executive officer, Philip A. Marineau, will retire at the end of fiscal year 2006. On July 17, 2006, we announced that R. John Anderson, executive vice president and chief operating officer, would become president and chief executive officer of Levi Strauss & Co., effective upon Mr. Marineau’s retirement. Mr. Anderson will at that time also become a member of our board of directors. For more information about these changes, please see Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements.
 
Results of Operations for Three and Nine Months Ended August 27, 2006, as Compared to Same Periods in 2005
 
Basis of Presentation
 
Our fiscal year consists of 52 or 53 weeks, ending on the last Sunday of November in each year. The 2006 fiscal year consists of 52 weeks ending November 26, 2006. Each quarter of fiscal year 2006 consists of 13 weeks. The 2005 fiscal year consisted of 52 weeks ended November 27, 2005, with all four quarters consisting of 13 weeks.
 
Our classification of certain significant revenues and expenses reflects the following:
 
  •  Net sales is primarily comprised of sales of our products to our retail customers, including franchised stores, and direct sales to consumers who shop our company-operated stores. It includes allowances for estimated returns, discounts, and retailer promotions and incentives.
 
  •  Licensing revenue consists of royalties earned from the use of our trademarks in connection with the manufacturing, advertising, and distribution of products by third-party licensees.
 
  •  Cost of goods sold is primarily comprised of cost of materials, labor and manufacturing overhead and also includes the cost of inbound freight, internal transfers, and receiving and inspection at manufacturing facilities as these costs vary with product volume.
 
  •  Our selling costs include all occupancy costs associated with company-operated stores.
 
  •  We reflect substantially all our distribution costs in “other” selling, general and administrative expenses, including costs related to receiving and inspection at distribution centers, warehousing, shipping, handling and other activities associated with our distribution network.
 
Consolidated net revenues
 
The following table presents net revenues by segment for the respective periods:
 
                                                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
                % Increase (Decrease)                 % Increase (Decrease)  
    August 27,
    August 28,
    As
    Constant
    August 27,
    August 28,
    As
    Constant
 
    2006     2005     Reported     Currency     2006     2005     Reported     Currency  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Net revenues:
                                                               
U.S. Levi’s® brand
  $ 345,071     $ 348,531       (1.0 )%     (1.0 )%   $ 874,118     $ 878,852       (0.5 )%     (0.5 )%
U.S. Dockers® brand
    175,060       170,247       2.8 %     2.8 %     510,936       481,105       6.2 %     6.2 %
U.S. Levi Strauss Signature® brand
    92,797       104,149       (10.9 )%     (10.9 )%     236,523       268,935       (12.1 )%     (12.1 )%
Canada and Mexico
    48,866       46,570       4.9 %     2.4 %     140,524       132,993       5.7 %     1.4 %
                                                                 
Total North America
    661,794       669,497       (1.2 )%     (1.3 )%     1,762,101       1,761,885       0.0 %     (0.3 )%
Europe
    215,383       217,302       (0.9 )%     (5.2 )%     652,742       752,176       (13.2 )%     (10.2 )%
Asia Pacific
    145,542       149,722       (2.8 )%     (0.9 )%     520,842       503,365       3.5 %     6.1 %
                                                                 
Total net revenues
  $ 1,022,719     $ 1,036,521       (1.3 )%     (2.1 )%   $ 2,935,685     $ 3,017,426       (2.7 )%     (1.7 )%
                                                                 


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U.S. Levi’s® Brand.  The following table presents net sales and licensing revenue for the U.S. Levi’s® brand for the respective periods:
 
                                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    August 27,
    August 28,
    % Increase
    August 27,
    August 28,
    % Increase
 
    2006     2005     (Decrease)     2006     2005     (Decrease)  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Net sales
  $ 340,754     $ 344,741       (1.2 )%   $ 861,830     $ 868,400       (0.8 )%
Licensing revenue
    4,317       3,790       13.9 %     12,288       10,452       17.6 %
                                                 
Total net revenues
  $ 345,071     $ 348,531       (1.0 )%   $ 874,118     $ 878,852       (0.5 )%
                                                 
 
Total net revenues in the U.S. Levi’s® brand for the three- and nine-month periods reflect the overall stability of the brand as compared to the prior year periods. The men’s business, the largest component of our U.S. Levi’s® brand, was stable as compared to prior year. For both periods, net revenue decreased slightly from prior year due to lower sales volume in women’s juniors products and higher sales allowances to support retailers’ activities. These decreases were generally offset by higher sales volume in other product lines and an increase in net sales due to opening additional company-operated Levi’s® retail stores.
 
Dockers® Brand.  The following table presents net sales and licensing revenue for the U.S. Dockers® brand for the respective periods:
 
                                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    August 27,
    August 28,
    % Increase
    August 27,
    August 28,
    % Increase
 
    2006     2005     (Decrease)     2006     2005     (Decrease)  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Net sales
  $ 169,945     $ 162,796       4.4 %   $ 494,563     $ 462,746       6.9 %
Licensing revenue
    5,115       7,451       (31.4 )%     16,373       18,359       (10.8 )%
                                                 
Total net revenues
  $ 175,060     $ 170,247       2.8 %   $ 510,936     $ 481,105       6.2 %
                                                 
 
Total net revenues in the U.S. Dockers® brand for both periods increased from prior year due to growth in both our women’s and our men’s business across all product lines. Partially offsetting this net sales growth was a decrease in licensing revenue relating to the termination of a licensing agreement in the third quarter of 2005.
 
Levi Strauss Signature® Brand.  The following table presents net sales and licensing revenue for the U.S. Levi Strauss Signature® brand for the respective periods:
 
                                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    August 27,
    August 28,
    % Increase
    August 27,
    August 28,
    % Increase
 
    2006     2005     (Decrease)     2006     2005     (Decrease)  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Net sales
  $ 91,806     $ 103,314       (11.1 )%   $ 233,192     $ 266,368       (12.5 )%
Licensing revenue
    991       835       18.7 %     3,331       2,567       29.8 %
                                                 
Total net revenues
  $ 92,797     $ 104,149       (10.9 )%   $ 236,523     $ 268,935       (12.1 )%
                                                 
 
Total net revenues in the U.S. Levi Strauss Signature® brand for both periods decreased due to lower sales to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., primarily resulting from the retailer’s allocation of more retail space to its private label programs in the women’s business.


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Canada and Mexico.  The following table presents net sales and licensing revenue in the Canada and Mexico region for the respective periods:
 
                                                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
                % Increase (Decrease)                 % Increase (Decrease)  
    August 27,
    August 28,
    As
    Constant
    August 27,
    August 28,
    As
    Constant
 
    2006     2005     Reported     Currency     2006     2005     Reported     Currency  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Net sales
  $ 48,174     $ 46,061       4.6 %     2.0 %   $ 138,744     $ 131,708       5.3 %     1.0 %
Licensing revenue
    692       509       36.0 %     36.0 %     1,780       1,285       38.5 %     38.5 %
                                                                 
Total net revenues
  $ 48,866     $ 46,570       4.9 %     2.4 %   $ 140,524     $ 132,993       5.7 %     1.4 %
                                                                 
 
Total net revenues in the Canada and Mexico region for both periods increased from prior year due primarily to growth in our Mexico business across all brands, partially offset by a decrease in net sales to mass channel retailers in Canada.
 
Europe.  The following table presents our net sales and licensing revenues in the Europe region for the respective periods:
 
                                                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
                % Increase (Decrease)                 % Increase (Decrease)  
    August 27,
    August 28,
    As
    Constant
    August 27,
    August 28,
    As
    Constant
 
    2006     2005     Reported     Currency     2006     2005     Reported     Currency  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Net sales
  $ 212,898     $ 215,223       (1.1 )%     (5.5 )%   $ 645,709     $ 745,842       (13.4 )%     (10.4 )%
Licensing revenue
    2,485       2,079       19.5 %     19.5 %     7,033       6,334       11.0 %     11.0 %
                                                                 
Total net revenues
  $ 215,383     $ 217,302       (0.9 )%     (5.2 )%   $ 652,742     $ 752,176       (13.2 )%     (10.2 )%
                                                                 
 
Total net revenues in the Europe region for both periods decreased as reported and on a constant currency basis. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates impacted net revenues favorably by approximately $9 million for the three months, and unfavorably by approximately $23 million for the nine months. The decrease in net revenues on a constant currency basis was across all brands, primarily driven by lower demand for our products and our exit from certain retailers, which was driven by a strategy to reposition the Levi’s® brand and Dockers® brand in Europe as premium brands. Partially offsetting these factors was an increase in net revenues derived from opening additional Levi’s® franchise stores and company-operated factory outlet stores in Europe. Our strategies to improve our business in Europe have resulted in improved sales trends in the third quarter as compared to the first half of fiscal 2006.
 
On September 14, 2006, we announced that we are proposing to stop selling the Levi Strauss Signature® brand in Europe after the Spring 2007 season due to limited expansion opportunities in the value channel in Europe. For more information, please see “Overview — Levi Strauss Signature® Brand in Europe.”
 
Asia Pacific.  The following table presents net sales and licensing revenues in the Asia Pacific region for the respective periods:
 
                                                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
                % Increase (Decrease)                 % Increase (Decrease)  
    August 27,
    August 28,
    As
    Constant
    August 27,
    August 28,
    As
    Constant
 
    2006     2005     Reported     Currency     2006     2005     Reported     Currency  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Net sales
  $ 139,802     $ 146,681       (4.7 )%     (2.7 )%   $ 506,193     $ 493,294       2.6 %     5.3 %
Licensing revenue
    5,740       3,041       88.8 %     88.8 %     14,649       10,071       45.5 %     45.5 %
                                                                 
Total net revenues
  $ 145,542     $ 149,722       (2.8 )%     (0.9 )%   $ 520,842     $ 503,365       3.5 %     6.1 %
                                                                 
 
Total net revenues in the Asia Pacific region decreased as reported and on a constant currency basis for the three-month period, and increased as reported and on a constant currency basis for the nine-month period. Changes


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in foreign currency exchange rates for the three and nine months impacted net revenues unfavorably by approximately $3 million and $13 million, respectively.
 
Net revenues increased in most countries across the Asia Pacific region for both periods. The growth was attributable to increased net sales for the Levi’s® brand products in both men’s and women’s businesses, especially premium products, the continued expansion of our retail presence through additional franchised stores, and an increase in licensing revenues. However, net revenues decreased in both periods for Japan, the largest business in the region. The decrease was due to a combination of a change in fashion trends, a weak advertising campaign and high retailer inventory. The decrease in Japan net revenues exceeded the increases from other countries in the region in the three-month period.
 
Gross profit
 
The following table shows consolidated gross profit and gross margin for the respective periods:
 
                                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
                %
                %
 
    August 27,
    August 28,
    Increase
    August 27,
    August 28,
    Increase
 
    2006     2005     (Decrease)     2006     2005     (Decrease)  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Net revenues
  $ 1,022,719     $ 1,036,521       (1.3 )%   $ 2,935,685     $ 3,017,426       (2.7 )%
Cost of goods sold
    555,592       564,870       (1.6 )%     1,573,185       1,590,328       (1.1 )%
                                                 
Gross profit
  $ 467,127     $ 471,651       (1.0 )%   $ 1,362,500     $ 1,427,098       (4.5 )%
                                                 
Gross margin
    45.7 %     45.5 %     0.2 pp     46.4 %     47.3 %     (0.9 )pp
 
Gross margin was stable for the three-month period. For the nine-month period, gross profit and gross margin decreased primarily due to the following:
 
  •  decreased net sales on a constant currency basis in Europe, which has the highest average gross margin of all of our regions, partially offset by higher net revenues in our Asia Pacific business;
 
  •  the net unfavorable translation impact of foreign currencies; and
 
  •  a reduction in gross margin in certain businesses resulting from a change in product sales mix.
 
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.
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
The following table shows our selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) for the respective periods:
 
                                                                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
                      August 27,
    August 28,
                      August 27,
    August 28,
 
                %
    2006
    2005
                %
    2006
    2005
 
    August 27,
    August 28,
    Increase
    % of Net
    % of Net
    August 27,
    August 28,
    Increase
    % of Net
    % of Net
 
    2006     2005     (Decrease)     Revenues     Revenues     2006     2005     (Decrease)     Revenues     Revenues  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Selling
  $ 66,288     $ 56,724       16.9 %     6.5 %     5.5 %   $ 194,513     $ 166,095       17.1 %     6.6 %     5.5 %
Advertising and promotion
    66,253       68,281       (3.0 )%     6.5 %     6.6 %     179,486       213,497       (15.9 )%     6.1 %     7.1 %
Administration
    58,120       88,755       (34.5 )%     5.7 %     8.6 %     196,184       224,472       (12.6 )%     6.7 %     7.4 %
Other
    115,871       113,706       1.9 %     11.3 %     11.0 %     335,779       341,804       (1.8 )%     11.4 %     11.3 %
                                                                                 
Total SG&A
  $ 306,532     $ 327,466       (6.4 )%     30.0 %     31.6 %   $ 905,962     $ 945,868       (4.2 )%     30.9 %     31.3 %
                                                                                 
 
Total SG&A expenses decreased $20.9 million and $39.9 million for the three and nine months, respectively, and as a percentage of net revenues for both periods, as compared to prior year.
 
Selling.  For both periods, selling expense increased as compared to prior year periods, primarily reflecting additional selling costs associated with new company-operated stores dedicated principally to the Levi’sbrand.


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Advertising and promotion.  For both periods, advertising and promotion expenses decreased as compared to prior year, periods, driven by our decision to decrease advertising spending in Europe.
 
Administration.  For both periods, the decrease in administration expense related primarily to a $29.0 million gain recorded in the third quarter related to the curtailment of the postretirement benefit plan associated with the planned closure of our Little Rock, Arkansas distribution center, and a reduction in incentive compensation expense, partially offset by $7.75 million in additional cash compensation and $5.4 million in non-cash pension curtailment loss in respect of our supplemental executive retirement plan resulting from the pending retirement of Mr. Marineau.
 
Other.  Other SG&A costs include distribution, information resources, and marketing costs, gain or loss on sale of assets, and other operating income. For both periods, these costs were generally flat as compared to prior year.
 
Restructuring charges
 
Restructuring charges, net of reversals, were $2.6 million and $13.1 million for the three and nine months ended August 27, 2006, respectively, and $5.0 million and $13.4 million for the three and nine months ended August 28, 2005, respectively. The 2006 amount primarily consisted of severance charges associated with the planned closure of our Little Rock, Arkansas distribution center, headcount reductions in Europe related to consolidation of our Nordic operations, and additional lease costs associated with exited facilities in the U.S. The 2005 amount primarily consisted of charges for severance and employee benefits for our 2004 U.S. and Europe organizational changes. Please see Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for more information.
 
Operating income
 
The following table shows operating income by our commercial business units in the United States, for Canada and Mexico, and in total for the North America, Europe and Asia Pacific regions, and the significant components of corporate expense for the respective periods:
 
                                                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    August 27,
    August 28,
    Increase/(Decrease)     August 27,
    August 28,
    Increase/(Decrease)  
    2006     2005     $     %     2006     2005     $     %  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Operating income:
                                                               
U.S. Levi’s® brand
  $ 69,990     $ 75,228     $ (5,238 )     (7.0 )%   $ 186,575     $ 196,860     $ (10,285 )     (5.2 )%
U.S. Dockers® brand
    31,254       33,522       (2,268 )     (6.8 )%     94,260       95,906       (1,646 )     (1.7 )%
U.S. Levi Strauss Signature® brand
    11,581       10,676       905       8.5 %     22,380       19,607       2,773       14.1 %
Canada and Mexico
    12,568       11,304       1,264       11.2 %     33,056       33,493       (437 )     (1.3 )%
                                                                 
Total North America
    125,393       130,730       (5,337 )     (4.1 )%     336,271       345,866       (9,595 )     (2.8 )%
Europe
    50,192       44,133       6,059       13.7 %     150,001       177,867       (27,866 )     (15.7 )%
Asia Pacific
    23,012       26,612       (3,600 )     (13.5 )%     107,615       110,779       (3,164 )     (2.9 )%
                                                                 
Total regional operating income
    198,597       201,475       (2,878 )     (1.4 )%     593,887       634,512       (40,625 )     (6.4 )%
                                                                 
Corporate expense:
                                                               
Restructuring charges, net of reversals
    2,615       5,022       (2,407 )     (47.9 )%     13,064       13,436       (372 )     (2.8 )%
Postretirement benefit plan curtailment gain
    (29,041 )           (29,041 )           (29,041 )           (29,041 )      
Other corporate staff costs and expenses
    67,043       57,290       9,753       17.0 %     166,390       153,282       13,108       8.6 %
                                                                 
Total corporate expense
    40,617       62,312       (21,695 )     (34.8 )%     150,413       166,718       (16,305 )     (9.8 )%
                                                                 
Total operating income, net
  $ 157,980     $ 139,163     $ 18,817       13.5 %   $ 443,474     $ 467,794     $ (24,320 )     (5.2 )%
                                                                 
Operating margin
    15.4 %     13.4 %                     15.1 %     15.5 %                


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Total operating income and operating margin increased for the three-month period and decreased for the nine-month period as compared to the respective periods in prior year. The increase for the three months was primarily attributable to a decrease in corporate expense. The decrease for the nine months was primarily attributable to decreased operating income in the Europe region and the U.S. Levi’s® brand, partially offset by a decrease in corporate expense.
 
Regional operating income.  The following describes decreases in operating income by geographic region:
 
  •  North America.  The decrease in operating income for both the three and nine months was attributable to higher selling expense related to additional company-operated Levi’s® retail and outlet stores in the U.S. For the nine months, this factor was partially offset by a reduction in advertising expense.
 
  •  Europe.  The increase in operating income for the three months was primarily attributable to a decrease in administrative and advertising and promotion expenses, and the favorable impact of foreign currency translation, partially offset by lower net sales and higher selling expense. The decrease in operating income for the nine months was primarily attributable to lower net sales, higher selling expense and the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation, partially offset by a decrease in advertising and promotion expenses and distribution expense.
 
  •  Asia Pacific.  The decrease in operating income for the three months was primarily attributable to lower net sales. For the nine months, the decrease was attributable to higher selling, general and administrative expenses related to our investment in the region to support sales growth, higher information resource costs related to the implementation of an SAP enterprise resource planning system in the region and the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation. These increases were partially offset by higher net sales.
 
Corporate expense
 
Other corporate staff costs and expenses increased for both the three- and nine-month periods primarily due to the incremental cost incurred in connection with the pending retirement of Mr. Marineau. In addition, other corporate staff costs and expenses increased due to the difference in net reductions booked to our workers’ compensation liability in 2006 as compared to 2005. For the three- and nine-month periods in 2006, we recorded net reductions of approximately $1.8 million and $5.5 million, respectively, whereas for the three- and nine-month periods in 2005 we recorded net reductions of approximately $6.0 million and $12.1 million, respectively. In all periods, the net reductions to our workers’ compensation liability were driven by changes in our estimated future claims payments as a result of more favorable than projected claims development during the periods. Offsetting these increases in both periods were decreases in other corporate staff costs and expenses. For the three-month period, the decrease was due to a reduction in our corporate staff incentive compensation expense. For the nine-month period, the decrease was due to an increase in periodic postretirement benefit plan income.
 
Also included in other corporate staff costs and expenses for both the three- and nine-month periods in fiscal 2006 is approximately $1.9 million of compensation expense related to our adoption in the third quarter of SFAS 123(R), as discussed in Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements. As of August 27, 2006, there was $12.8 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock appreciation rights and SELTIP units. We expect to recognize these costs over the next three years.
 
Interest expense
 
Interest expense decreased 5.8% to $60.2 million for the three-month period in 2006 from $63.9 million in 2005. Interest expense decreased 5.2% to $188.3 million for the nine-month period in 2006 from $198.6 million in 2005. For the three-month period, the decrease was attributable to lower average borrowing rates. For the nine months, the decrease was attributable to lower average debt balances and lower average borrowing rates.
 
The weighted average interest rate on average borrowings outstanding during the three-month periods in 2006 and 2005 was 9.95% and 10.30%, respectively. The weighted average interest rate on average borrowings outstanding during the nine-month periods in 2006 and 2005 was 10.28% and 10.47%, respectively. The weighted average interest rate on average borrowings outstanding includes the amortization of capitalized bank fees,


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underwriting fees and interest rate swap cancellations, and excludes interest payable to participants under deferred compensation plans and other miscellaneous items.
 
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
 
For the nine months ended August 27, 2006, we recorded a loss of $33.0 million on early extinguishment of debt as a result of our debt refinancing activities during the second quarter of 2006. During the nine months ended August 28, 2005, we recorded losses of $66.1 million. The loss in the 2006 nine-month period was comprised of a prepayment premium and other fees and expenses of approximately $16.9 million and the write-off of approximately $16.1 million of unamortized capitalized costs. We incurred these costs in conjunction with our prepayment in March 2006 of the remaining balance of our term loan of approximately $488.8 million, and the amendment in May 2006 of our revolving credit facility. The loss in the nine-month period of 2005 was comprised of tender offer premiums and other fees and expenses approximating $53.6 million and the write-off of approximately $12.5 million, respectively, of unamortized debt discount and capitalized costs. We incurred these costs in conjunction with our completion in January 2005 of a tender offer to repurchase $372.1 million of our $450.0 million principal amount 2006 senior unsecured notes, and completion in March and April 2005 of the tender offers and redemptions of all of our outstanding $380.0 million and €125.0 million 2008 senior unsecured notes.
 
Other income, net
 
Other income, net increased to $9.5 million and $14.1 million for the three- and nine-month periods in 2006, respectively, from $2.8 million and $7.4 million for the respective periods in 2005. For the three-month period, the increase from prior year was primarily attributable to the net favorable impact of foreign currency fluctuation and an increase in interest income resulting from higher average investment balances and an increase in interest rates. For the nine-month period, the increase from prior year was attributable to an increase in interest income resulting from an increase in interest rates.
 
Income tax expense
 
Income tax provision for the three and nine months ended August 27, 2006, was $58.0 million and $93.0 million, respectively, compared to $39.8 million and $98.1 million for the same periods in 2005. For the three-month period, the increase in tax expense from prior year was driven by an increase in our income before taxes. For the nine-month period, the decrease in tax expense was primarily driven by a discrete, non-cash benefit recognized in the second quarter of 2006 arising from a change in the ownership structure of certain of our foreign subsidiaries, which reduced by approximately $31.5 million the overall residual U.S. and foreign tax expected to be imposed upon future repatriations of our unremitted foreign earnings. An increase in our income before taxes partially offset this benefit.
 
Our effective income tax rate for the nine months ended August 27, 2006, was 39.4% compared to 46.6% for the same period in 2005. Our effective income tax rate differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35%, primarily due to the impact of our foreign operations discussed above.
 
For more information regarding our tax activities, please see Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements.
 
Net income
 
Net income for the three- and nine-month periods in 2006 was $49.3 million and $143.3 million, compared to net income of $38.2 million and $112.3 million for the respective periods in 2005. For the three-month period, the increase was primarily due to an increase in operating income, chiefly resulting from the curtailment gain related to our postretirement benefit plan. For the nine-month period, the increase was primarily due to higher losses on early extinguishment of debt in 2005, the tax benefit recorded in the second quarter of 2006 related to a change in the ownership structure of certain foreign subsidiaries, the curtailment gain and lower interest expense, partially offset by lower gross profit.


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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 flow 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.
 
As of August 27, 2006, we had total cash and cash equivalents of approximately $342.0 million, a $102.4 million increase from the $239.6 million balance as of November 27, 2005. The increase was primarily driven by cash provided by operating activities during the period, partially offset by the prepayment of the term loan and capital expenditures.
 
The maximum availability under our revolving credit facility is $550.0 million. As of August 27, 2006, based on collateral levels as defined by the agreement, reduced by amounts reserved in accordance with this facility as described below, our total availability was approximately $271.6 million. We had no outstanding borrowings under this facility, but had utilization of other credit-related instruments such as documentary and standby letters of credit. Unused availability was approximately $187.2 million.
 
As discussed in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements, in accordance with the requirements of the revolving credit facility and in connection with prepaying the term loan, on March 16, 2006, we reserved $77.9 million under the revolving credit facility, and will maintain this reserve until November 2006, when we will repay the remaining 2006 notes. In addition, we are required to maintain certain other reserves against availability (or deposit cash or investment securities in secured accounts with the administrative agent) including a $75.0 million reserve at all times. These reserves reduce the availability under the credit facility. Currently, we are maintaining all required reserves under the facility.
 
We had liquid short-term investments in the United States totaling approximately $281.4 million, resulting in a net liquidity position (unused availability and liquid short-term investments) of $468.6 million in the United States.
 
Cash Uses
 
Our principal cash requirements include working capital, capital expenditures, cash restructuring costs, payments of principal and interest on our debt, payments of taxes, contributions to our pension plans and payments for postretirement health benefit plans. The following table presents selected cash uses during the nine months


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ended August 27, 2006, and the related projected cash requirements for the remainder of 2006 and the nine months of 2007:
 
                                         
    Paid in Nine
    Projected for
          Projected for
    Projected for
 
    Months Ended
    Remaining Three
          Nine Months
    Twelve Months
 
Selected Cash
  August 27,
    Months of
    Total Projected
    Ending
    Ending
 
Requirements
  2006     Fiscal 2006     for Fiscal 2006     August 26, 2007     August 26, 2007  
    (Dollars in millions)  
 
Capital expenditures(1)
  $ 41     $ 41     $ 82     $ 82     $ 123  
Restructuring activities
    13       8       21       10       18  
Principal debt payments(2)
    17       86       103             86  
Interest
    180       46       226       179       225  
Federal, foreign and state taxes (net of refunds)(3)
    59       9       68       61       70  
Prior years’ income tax liabilities, net(4)
    8       6       14       4       10  
Pension plans
    11       37       48       13       50  
Postretirement health benefit plans
    18       6       24       17       23  
                                         
Total selected cash requirements
  $ 347     $ 239     $ 586     $ 366     $ 605  
                                         
 
 
(1) Projections for capital expenditures in 2006 have increased to approximately $82 million as compared to our projection of approximately $60 million contained in our 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The increase primarily reflects expansion of our retail store network as well as additional information technology systems investment. Our projections for 2007 have also increased from those contained in our second quarter 2006 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for these reasons.
 
(2) Amounts paid in the nine months ended August 27, 2006 primarily represent the prepayment of the remaining balance of our term loan, net of the proceeds from the issuance of our 2016 notes and our 2013 Euro notes. Amounts projected for the remaining three months of fiscal 2006 primarily represent the repayment at maturity of the remaining 2006 notes.
 
(3) Amounts projected for fiscal 2006 relate primarily to estimated payments with respect to 2006 income taxes; amounts projected for fiscal 2007 relate primarily to estimated payments with respect to 2007 income taxes.
 
(4) Our projection for cash tax payments for prior years’ contingent income tax liabilities primarily reflects payments to state and foreign tax authorities.
 
Information in the preceding table reflects our estimates of future cash payments. These estimates and projections are based upon assumptions that are inherently subject to significant economic, competitive, legislative and other uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. Accordingly, our actual expenditures and liabilities may be materially higher or lower than the estimates and projections reflected in these tables. The inclusion of these projections and estimates should not be regarded as a representation by us that the estimates will prove to be correct.
 
Cash Flows
 
As of August 27, 2006, we had total cash and cash equivalents of approximately $342.0 million, a $102.4 million increase from the $239.6 million balance as of November 27, 2005. The increase was primarily driven by cash provided by operating activities during the period, partially offset by the prepayment of our term loan and capital expenditures. Working capital as of August 27, 2006 was $725.8 million compared to $657.4 million as of November 27, 2005. Our working capital requirements reflect seasonality and growth in our business as we typically experience a substantial increase in sales during the fall selling season.


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The following table summarizes, for the periods indicated, selected items in our consolidated statements of cash flows:
 
                 
    Nine Months Ended  
    August 27,
    August 28,
 
    2006     2005  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Cash provided by (used for) operating activities
  $ 171,497     $ (98,682 )
Cash used for investing activities
    (40,553 )     (12,514 )
Cash (used for) provided by financing activities
    (30,085 )     22,284  
Cash and cash equivalents
    341,963       210,193  
 
Cash flows from operating activities
 
Cash provided by operating activities was $171.5 million for the nine-month period 2006, compared to cash used by operating activities of $98.7 million for the same period in 2005. Cash flows from operating activities for the nine-month periods in 2006 and 2005 reflect increases of $168.1 million and $176.8 million, respectively, for net income adjusted to exclude non-cash transactions identified on the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows, and a $3.4 million increase and a $275.5 million decrease, respectively, related to the changes in operating assets and liabilities. The primary components of the changes in operating assets and liabilities for the nine-month periods in 2006 and 2005 were as follows:
 
  •  Trade accounts receivable decreased by $93.7 million in 2006 compared to a decrease of $52.4 million in the prior year. The trade accounts receivable balance is typically lower at the end of the third quarter compared to the year-end balance since the fourth quarter of our fiscal year is generally our strongest selling period. The larger decrease in 2006 is primarily due to a decrease in net sales as compared to 2005, and an improvement in collections, resulting in a lower days sales outstanding ratio.
 
  •  Inventory levels increased $34.5 million in 2006 compared to an increase of $107.3 million in the prior year. Both periods increased due to a build up of finished goods in preparation for the fall/holiday selling season. The increase in 2006 is substantially lower than the increase in 2005, primarily due to improved inventory management and demand planning leading to leaner inventory levels in 2006, and a larger build in 2005 to avoid inventory shortages.
 
  •  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities decreased $10.6 million in 2006 compared to a decrease of $130.9 million in the prior year. The larger 2005 decrease as compared to 2006 primarily relates to our use of full package sourcing. In 2005, we substantially expanded full package sourcing of our product from contract manufacturers who initially demanded very short payment terms. In 2006, we successfully negotiated normal payment terms with our contract vendors, enabling longer payment cycles and resulting in a higher days payable outstanding ratio.
 
  •  Accrued salary, wages and benefits and long-term employee related benefits decreased $65.0 million in 2006 compared to a decrease of $102.1 million in the prior year. The decreases in both years are primarily due to incentive compensation payouts in excess of related accruals. The larger decrease in 2005 is primarily due to higher long-term incentive plan payments made in 2005 as compared to 2006.
 
Cash flows from investing activities
 
Cash used for investing activities was $40.6 million for the nine-month period 2006, compared to $12.5 million for the same period in 2005. Cash used in both periods primarily related to investments made in information technology systems associated with the installation of an enterprise resource planning system in our Asia Pacific region and, for the 2006 period, investments made in our company-operated retail stores. The increase was partially offset by proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment primarily related to the sale of our facilities in Adelaide, Australia during the 2006 period and the sale of assets related to our restructuring activities in the U.S. and Europe in the 2005 period.


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Cash flows from financing activities
 
Cash used for financing activities was $30.1 million for the nine-month period in 2006, compared to cash provided by financing activities of $22.3 million for the same period in 2005. Cash used for financing activities for the nine-month period in 2006 reflects the issuance in March 2006 of $350.0 million of our 2016 notes and the additional €100.0 million of our 2013 Euro notes. We used the net proceeds of this offering, plus cash on hand, to prepay the remaining balance of our term loan of approximately $488.8 million. Cash provided by financing activities for the nine-month period in 2005 reflects our issuance of approximately $1.0 billion in unsecured notes during the period. The increase was largely offset by the repurchases and redemptions of $918.2 million in aggregate principal amount of our 2006 and 2008 notes, the payment of debt issuance costs of approximately $24.6 million and the full repayment of the remaining principal outstanding under our customer service center equipment financing agreement of $55.9 million.
 
Indebtedness
 
As of August 27, 2006, we had fixed rate debt of approximately $1.9 billion (84% of total debt) and variable rate debt of approximately $0.4 billion (16% of total debt). The borrower of substantially all of our debt is Levi Strauss & Co., the parent and U.S. operating company.
 
Principal Payments on Short-term and Long-term Debt
 
As of August 27, 2006, our required aggregate short-term and long-term debt principal payments for the next five fiscal years and thereafter were $86.0 million in fiscal 2006, and the remaining $2,246.2 million in years after fiscal 2011. The fiscal 2006 amount of $86.0 million includes $77.9 million relating to the remaining 2006 notes that we plan to repay at maturity on November 1, 2006 using existing cash and cash equivalents. Please see Note 5 to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion of our indebtedness.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Guarantees and Other Contingent Obligations
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements.  We have no material special-purpose entities or off-balance sheet debt obligations.
 
Indemnification Agreements.  In the ordinary course of our business, we enter into agreements containing indemnification provisions under which we agree to indemnify the other party for specified claims and losses. For example, our trademark license agreements, real estate leases, consulting agreements, logistics outsourcing agreements, securities purchase agreements and credit agreements typically contain these provisions. This type of indemnification provision obligates us to pay certain amounts associated with claims brought against the other party as the result of trademark infringement, negligence or willful misconduct of our employees, breach of contract by us including inaccuracy of representations and warranties, specified lawsuits in which we and the other party are co-defendants, product claims and other matters. These amounts are generally not readily quantifiable: the maximum possible liability or amount of potential payments that could arise out of an indemnification claim depends entirely on the specific facts and circumstances associated with the claim. We have insurance coverage that minimizes the potential exposure to certain of these claims. We also believe that the likelihood of substantial payment obligations under these agreements to third parties is low and that any such amounts would be immaterial.
 
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and the related notes. We believe that the following discussion addresses our critical accounting policies, which are those that are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results and require management’s most difficult, subjective and complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. 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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We summarize our critical accounting policies below.
 
Revenue recognition.  We recognize revenue on sale of product when the goods are shipped and title passes to the customer provided that: there are no uncertainties regarding customer acceptance; persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; the sales price is fixed or determinable; and collectibility is probable. Revenue is recognized when the sale is recorded net of an allowance for estimated returns, discounts and retailer promotions and incentives. Licensing revenues are earned and recognized as products are sold by licensees based on royalty rates as set forth in the licensing agreements.
 
We recognize allowances for estimated returns, discounts and retailer promotions and incentives in the period when the sale is recorded. Allowances principally relate to U.S. operations and primarily reflect price discounts, non-volume-based incentives and other returns and discounts. We estimate non-volume-based allowances by considering customer and product-specific circumstances and commitments, as well as historical customer claim rates. Actual allowances may differ from estimates due to changes in sales volume based on retailer or consumer demand and changes in customer and product-specific circumstances.
 
Accounts receivable, net.  In the normal course of business, we extend credit to our wholesale customers that satisfy pre-defined credit criteria. Accounts receivable, which includes receivables related to our net sales and licensing revenues, are recorded net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. We estimate the allowance for doubtful accounts based upon an analysis of the aging of accounts receivable at the date of the consolidated financial statements, assessments of collectibility based on historic trends and an evaluation of economic conditions.
 
Inventory valuation.  We value inventories at the lower of cost or market value. Inventory costs are based on standard costs on a first-in first-out basis, which are updated periodically and supported by actual cost data. We include materials, labor and manufacturing overhead in the cost of inventories. In determining inventory market values, substantial consideration is given to the expected product selling price. We consider various factors, including estimated quantities of slow-moving and obsolete inventory, by reviewing on-hand quantities, outstanding purchase obligations and forecasted sales. We then estimate expected selling prices based on our historical recovery rates for sale of slow-moving and obsolete inventory and other factors, such as market conditions and current consumer preferences. Estimates may differ from actual results due to the quantity, quality and mix of products in inventory, consumer and retailer preferences and economic conditions.
 
Restructuring liabilities.  Upon approval of a restructuring plan by management with the appropriate level of authority, we record restructuring liabilities in compliance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. (“SFAS”) 112, “Employers’ Accounting for Postemployment Benefits,” and SFAS 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities,” resulting in the recognition of employee severance and related termination benefits for recurring arrangements when they become probable and estimable and on the accrual basis for one-time benefit arrangements. We record other costs associated with exit activities as they are incurred. Employee severance and termination benefit costs reflect estimates based on agreements with the relevant union representatives or plans adopted by us that are applicable to employees not affiliated with unions. These costs are not associated with nor do they benefit continuing activities. Changing business conditions may affect the assumptions related to the timing and extent of facility closure activities. We review the status of restructuring activities on a quarterly basis and, if appropriate, record changes based on updated estimates.
 
Income tax assets and liabilities.  We record a tax provision for the anticipated tax consequences of the reported results of our operations. In accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” our provision for income taxes is computed using the asset and liability method, under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized 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. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the currently enacted tax rates that are expected to apply to taxable income for the years in which those tax assets and liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that is believed more likely than not to be realized.
 
Changes in valuation allowances from period to period are generally included in our tax provision in the period of change. In determining whether a valuation allowance is warranted, we take into account such factors as prior earnings history, expected future earnings, the expected reversal pattern of taxable temporary differences, carryback


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and carryforward periods available under the applicable tax law, and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies that could potentially enhance the likelihood of realization of our deferred tax assets.
 
We are subject to examination of our income tax returns for multiple years by the Internal Revenue Service and certain other domestic and foreign tax authorities. We regularly assess the likelihood of adverse outcomes resulting from these examinations to determine the impact on our deferred tax assets and liabilities, our tax receivables and payables, and the adequacy of our provision for income taxes. We classify interest and penalties related to income taxes as income tax expense.
 
Derivative and foreign exchange management activities.  We recognize all derivatives as assets and liabilities at their fair values. The fair values are determined using widely accepted valuation models that incorporate quoted market prices and dealer quotes and reflect assumptions about currency fluctuations based on current market conditions. The aggregate fair values of derivative instruments used to manage currency exposures are sensitive to changes in market conditions and to changes in the timing and amounts of forecasted exposures.
 
Not all exposure management activities and foreign currency derivative instruments will qualify for hedge accounting treatment. Changes in the fair values of those derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting are recorded in “Other income, net” in our consolidated statements of income. As a result, net income may be subject to volatility. The instruments that qualify for hedge accounting currently hedge our net investment position in certain of our subsidiaries. For these instruments, we document the hedge designation by identifying the hedging instrument, the nature of the risk being hedged and the approach for measuring hedge effectiveness. Changes in fair values of instruments that qualify for hedge accounting are recorded in the “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” section of Stockholders’ Deficit on our consolidated balance sheets.
 
Employee Benefits and Incentive Compensation
 
Pension and Postretirement Benefits.  We have several non-contributory defined benefit retirement plans covering eligible employees. We also provide certain health care benefits for employees who meet age, participation and length of service requirements at retirement. In addition, we sponsor other retirement plans for our foreign employees in accordance with local government programs and requirements. We retain the right to amend, curtail or discontinue any aspect of the plans at any time. Any of these actions (including changes in actuarial assumptions and estimates), either individually or in combination, could have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and on our future financial performance.
 
We account for our U.S. and certain foreign defined benefit pension plans and our postretirement benefit plans using actuarial models in accordance with SFAS 87, “Employers’ Accounting for Pension Plans,” and SFAS 106, “Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions.” These models use an attribution approach that generally spreads individual events over the estimated service lives of the employees in the plan. The attribution approach assumes that employees render service over their service lives on a relatively smooth basis and as such, presumes that the income statement effects of pension or postretirement benefit plans should follow the same pattern. Our policy is to fund our retirement plans based upon actuarial recommendations and in accordance with applicable laws and income tax regulations, as well as in accordance with our credit agreements.
 
Net pension income or expense is determined using assumptions as of the beginning of each fiscal year. These assumptions are established at the end of the prior fiscal year and include expected long-term rates of return on plan assets, discount rates, compensation rate increases and medical trend rates. We use a mix of actual historical rates, expected rates and external data to determine the assumptions used in the actuarial models. As a result of the planned closure of our Little Rock, Arkansas distribution center, we remeasured certain pension and postretirement benefit obligations as of May 28, 2006, which included an update to actuarial assumptions made at the end of the prior fiscal year. Net periodic benefit cost (income) related to these plans for the remainder of the fiscal year will reflect the revised assumptions.
 
Employee Incentive Compensation.  We maintain short-term and long-term employee incentive compensation plans. These plans are intended to reward eligible employees for their contributions to our short-term and long-term success. Provisions for employee incentive compensation are recorded in “Accrued salaries, wages and


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employee benefits” and “Long-term employee related benefits” in our consolidated balance sheets. Changes in the liabilities for these incentive plans generally correlate with our financial results and projected future financial performance and could have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and on future financial performance.
 
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
 
The following recently issued accounting standards have been grouped by their required effective dates as they apply to us.
 
Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2006
 
  •  In March 2005, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation No. 47, “Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations — An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143,” (“FIN 47”), which clarifies that a liability must be recognized for the fair value of a conditional asset retirement obligation when it is incurred if the liability can be reasonably estimated. FIN 47 is effective no later than the end of fiscal years ending after December 15, 2005. We are currently in the process of assessing the impact the adoption of FIN 47 will have on our financial statements.
 
  •  In September 2006, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, “Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements” (“SAB 108”). SAB 108 provides interpretive guidance on how the effects of prior-year uncorrected misstatements should be considered when quantifying misstatements in the current year financial statements. SAB 108 requires registrants to quantify misstatements using both an income statement (“rollover”) and balance sheet (“iron curtain”) approach and evaluate whether either approach results in a misstatement that, when all relevant quantitative and qualitative factors are considered, is material. If prior year errors that had been previously considered immaterial now are considered material based on either approach, no restatement is required so long as management properly applied its previous approach and all relevant facts and circumstances were considered. If prior years are not restated, the cumulative effect adjustment is recorded in opening accumulated earnings (deficit) as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. SAB 108 is effective for fiscal years ending on or after November 15, 2006, with earlier adoption encouraged. We are currently in the process of assessing the impact the adoption of SAB 108 will have on our financial statements.
 
First Quarter of Fiscal 2007
 
  •  In February 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 155, “Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments — An Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 and 140” (“SFAS 155”). SFAS 155 permits hybrid financial instruments containing an embedded derivative that would otherwise require bifurcation to be carried at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in earnings. The election can be made on an instrument-by-instrument basis. In addition, SFAS 155 provides that beneficial interests in securitized financial assets be analyzed to determine if they are freestanding or contain an embedded derivative. SFAS 155 applies to all financial instruments acquired, issued or subject to a remeasurement event after adoption of SFAS 155. SFAS 155 is effective for all financial instruments acquired or issued after the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006, with earlier adoption permitted. We do not believe the adoption of SFAS 155 will have a significant effect on our financial statements.
 
  •  In March 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 156, “Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets — An Amendment of FASB Statement No. 140” (“SFAS 156”). SFAS 156 requires that all separately recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities be initially measured at fair value, if practicable. The statement permits, but does not require, the subsequent measurement of servicing assets and servicing liabilities at fair value. SFAS 156 is effective as of the beginning of the first fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006, with earlier adoption permitted. We do not believe the adoption of SFAS 156 will have a significant effect on our financial statements.


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Second Quarter of Fiscal 2007
 
  •  In June 2006, the FASB ratified the consensus reached by the Emerging Issues Task Force on Issue No. 06-3, “How Sales Taxes Collected From Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should Be Presented in the Income Statement” (“EITF 06-3”). EITF 06-3 requires a company to disclose its accounting policy (i.e. gross vs. net basis) relating to the presentation of taxes within the scope of EITF 06-3. Furthermore, for taxes reported on a gross basis, an enterprise should disclose the amounts of those taxes in interim and annual financial statements for each period for which an income statement is presented. The guidance is effective for all periods beginning after December 15, 2006. We are currently in the process of assessing the impact the adoption of EITF 06-3 will have on our financial statements.
 
Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2007
 
  •  In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans — an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R)” (“SFAS 158”). SFAS 158 requires employers to (a) recognize in its statement of financial position the funded status of a benefit plan measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation, (b) recognize net of tax, the gains or losses and prior service costs or credits that arise during the period but are not recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost pursuant to SFAS No. 87, “Employer’s Accounting for Pensions” or SFAS No. 106, “Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions,” (c) measure defined benefit plan assets and obligations as of the date of the employer’s statement of financial position and (d) disclose additional information in the notes to the financial statements about certain effects on net periodic benefit cost for the next fiscal year that arise from delayed recognition of the gains or losses, prior service costs or credits, and transition asset or obligation. The requirements of SFAS 158 are to be applied prospectively upon adoption. For companies without publicly traded equity securities, the requirements to recognize the funded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan and provide related disclosures are effective for fiscal years ending after June 15, 2007, while the requirement to measure plan assets and benefit obligations as of the date of the employer’s statement of financial position is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008, with earlier application encouraged. We are currently in the process of assessing the impact the adoption of SFAS 158 will have on our financial statements.
 
First Quarter of Fiscal 2008
 
  •  In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”), which is an interpretation of SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” (“SFAS 109”). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS 109 and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. We are currently in the process of assessing the impact the adoption of FIN 48 will have on our financial statements.
 
  •  In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure of fair value measurements. SFAS 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements and accordingly, does not require any new fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We are currently in the process of assessing the impact the adoption of SFAS 157 will have on our 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.


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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, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation:
 
  •  changing U.S., European and other international retail environments;
 
  •  changes in the level of consumer spending or preferences in apparel in view of energy prices and other factors;
 
  •  our customers’ continuing focus on private label and exclusive products in all channels of distribution, including the mass channel;
 
  •  our ability to revitalize our European business and to address challenges in our Japanese business;
 
  •  our ability to expand controlled distribution of our products, including through opening and successfully operating company-operated stores;
 
  •  mergers and acquisitions involving our top customers and their consequences;
 
  •  our dependence on key distribution channels, customers and suppliers;
 
  •  price, innovation and other competitive pressures in the apparel industry and on our key customers;
 
  •  our ability to increase our appeal to younger consumers and women;
 
  •  changing fashion trends;
 
  •  our effectiveness in managing the transition from four to three distribution centers in the U.S.;
 
  •  changes in our management team, including a new chief executive officer as of the end of our fiscal year;
 
  •  the impact of ongoing and potential future restructuring and financing activities;
 
  •  the effectiveness of our internal controls;
 
  •  the investment performance of our defined benefit pension plans;
 
  •  our ability to utilize our tax credits and net operating loss carryforwards;
 
  •  ongoing litigation matters and disputes and regulatory developments;
 
  •  changes in credit ratings;
 
  •  changes in trade laws; and
 
  •  political or financial instability in countries where our products are manufactured.
 
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.


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Item 3.   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
Derivative Financial Instruments
 
We are exposed to market risk primarily related to foreign currencies and interest rates. We actively manage foreign currency risks with the objective of maximizing the U.S. dollar value of cash flows to the parent company and reducing variability of certain cash flows at the subsidiary level. We hold derivative positions only in currencies to which we have exposure. We manage interest rate risk using a combination of medium and long-term fixed and variable rate debt. We currently do not hold any interest rate derivatives.
 
We are exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to the foreign exchange contracts. However, we believe these counterparties are creditworthy financial institutions and do not anticipate nonperformance. We monitor the creditworthiness of our counterparties in accordance with our foreign exchange and investment policies. In addition, we have International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (ISDA) master agreements in place with our counterparties to mitigate the credit risk related to the outstanding derivatives. These agreements provide the legal basis for over-the-counter transactions in many of the world’s commodity and financial markets.
 
Foreign Exchange Risk
 
The global scope of our business operations exposes us to the risk of fluctuations in foreign currency markets. This exposure is the result of certain product sourcing activities, some inter-company sales, foreign subsidiaries’ royalty payments, earnings repatriations, net investment in foreign operations and funding activities. Our foreign currency management objective is to mitigate the potential impact of currency fluctuations on the value of our cash flows. We typically take a long-term view of managing exposures, using forecasts to develop exposure positions and engaging in their active management.
 
We operate a centralized currency management operation to take advantage of potential opportunities to naturally offset exposures against each other. For any residual exposures under management, we use a variety of financial instruments including forward exchange and option contracts to hedge certain anticipated transactions as well as certain firm commitments, including third-party and inter-company transactions. We manage the currency risk as of the inception of the exposure. We do not currently manage the timing mismatch between our forecasted exposures and the related financial instruments used to mitigate the currency risk.
 
Our foreign exchange risk management activities are governed by a foreign exchange risk management policy approved by our board of directors. Our foreign exchange committee, comprised of a group of our senior financial executives, reviews our foreign exchange activities to ensure compliance with our policies. The operating policies and guidelines outlined in the foreign exchange risk management policy provide a framework that allows for an active approach to the management of currency exposures while ensuring the activities are conducted within established parameters. Our policy includes guidelines for the organizational structure of our risk management function and for internal controls over foreign exchange risk management activities, including various measurements for monitoring compliance. We monitor foreign exchange risk, interest rate risk and related derivatives using different techniques including a review of market value, sensitivity analysis and a value-at-risk model. We use widely accepted valuation models that incorporate quoted market prices or dealer quotes to determine the estimated fair value of our foreign exchange derivative contracts.
 
We have entered into U.S. dollar, spot and option contracts to manage our exposure to foreign currencies.
 
At August 27, 2006, we had U.S. dollar spot and forward currency contracts to buy $311.3 million and to sell $327.2 million against various foreign currencies. These contracts are at various exchange rates and expire at various dates through April 2007.
 
At August 27, 2006, we bought U.S. dollar option contracts resulting in a net purchase of $85.2 million against various foreign currencies should the options be exercised. To finance the premium related to bought options, we sold U.S. dollar options resulting in a net purchase of $25.2 million against various foreign currencies should the options be exercised. The option contracts are at various strike prices and expire at various dates through September 2006.


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At the respective maturity dates of the outstanding spot, forward and option currency contracts, we expect to enter into various derivative transactions in accordance with our currency risk management policy.
 
Item 4.   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
   Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedure
 
As of August 27, 2006, 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 have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13(a)-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e) under the Exchange Act) are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information relating to us and our subsidiaries that we are required to disclose in the reports that we file or submit to the SEC is recorded, processed, summarized and reported with the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure 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.
 
We are currently implementing a SAP enterprise resource planning system on a staged basis in our businesses around the world. We began in Asia (including implementing the system in Japan during the three months ended August 27, 2006) and will continue implementation in other affiliates and organizations in the coming years. We designed our rollout and transition plan to minimize the risk of disruption to our business and controls. We believe implementation of this system will change, simplify and strengthen our internal control over financial reporting.
 
As a result of the SEC’s deferral of the deadline for non-accelerated filers’ compliance with the internal control requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as a non-accelerated filer we are not yet subject to the requirements in our annual report on Form 10-K. The SEC is presently reconsidering the compliance date for companies like us; depending on the outcome, we will be required to be fully compliant (i.e., both management and auditor reports) as early as fiscal year 2007 and as late as fiscal year 2009. We are currently undergoing a comprehensive effort designed to ensure compliance with the Section 404 requirements, including internal control documentation and review under the direction of senior management.


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PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
Wrongful Termination Litigation.  There have been no material developments in this litigation since we filed our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended May 28, 2006. Based on the parties’ recent agreement to extend the discovery schedule, we expect a change in the scheduled trial date of March 2007. For more information about the litigation, see Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements contained in that Form 10-K.
 
Class Actions Securities Litigation.  There have been no material developments in this litigation since we filed our 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K. For more information about the litigation, see Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements contained in that Form 10-K.
 
Other Litigation.  In the ordinary course of business, we have various other 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
 
The following risk factors update and supersede the corresponding risk factors that were included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
Our revenues are influenced by general economic cycles.
 
Apparel is a cyclical industry that is dependent upon the overall level of consumer spending. Our customers anticipate and respond to adverse changes in economic conditions and uncertainty by reducing inventories and canceling orders. As a result, any substantial deterioration in general economic conditions, increases in energy costs or interest rates, acts of war, acts of nature or terrorist or political events that diminish consumer spending and confidence in any of the regions in which we compete, could reduce our sales and adversely affect our business and financial condition. For example, the price of oil has fluctuated dramatically in the past and has risen substantially in 2006. A continual rise in oil prices could adversely affect consumer spending and demand for our products and also increase our operating costs, both of which could adversely affect our business and financial condition.
 
During the past 24 months, we have experienced significant management turnover. The success of our business depends on our ability to attract and retain qualified employees.
 
We need talented and experienced personnel in a number of areas including our core business activities. An inability to retain and attract qualified personnel, especially our key executives, could harm our business. In the past 24 months, we have had several changes in our senior management, including two chief financial officers, a new general counsel and new leaders of our global sourcing organization and our U.S. Dockers® business, and the position of president of our European business has been vacant since February 2006. In addition, our president and chief executive officer, Philip A. Marineau, will retire at the end of fiscal 2006. R. John Anderson, executive vice president and chief operating officer and president of our Asia Pacific business, will become president and chief executive officer, effective upon Mr. Marineau’s retirement. Mr. Anderson will at that time also become a member of the board of directors. Turnover among our senior management could have a material adverse effect on our ability to implement our strategies and on our results of operations. Our ability to attract and retain qualified employees is also adversely affected by the San Francisco location of our headquarters due to the high cost of living in the San Francisco area.
 
There have been no material changes to the other remaining risk factors as disclosed in our 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
Item 2.   UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
Please refer to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 19, 2006 in connection with our award, on July 13, 2006, of stock appreciation rights under our 2006 Equity Incentive Plan covering 1,318,310 shares of our common stock to a small group of our senior-most executives.


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Item 3.   DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
 
None.
 
Item 4.   SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
 
On July 13, 2006, our board of directors adopted, and our stockholders approved (through written consent action by the voting trustees) our 2006 Equity Incentive Plan. For more information on our 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, please refer to Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements included herein and to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 19, 2006.
 
As disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2005, all shares of our common stock are deposited in a voting trust, a legal arrangement that transfers the voting power of the shares to a trustee or group of trustees. As of July 13, 2006, the four voting trustees were Miriam L. Haas, Peter E. Haas, Jr., Robert D. Haas and F. Warren Hellman, all of whom voted in favor of approving the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan. Accordingly, all shares were voted in favor of approving the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan and no shares were voted against or withheld.
 
Item 5.   OTHER INFORMATION
 
None.
 
Item 6.   EXHIBITS
 
         
  10 .3   Letter Agreement, dated as of July 5, 2006, between Levi Strauss & Co. and Philip A. Marineau. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on July 11, 2006.
  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. Filed 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: October 10, 2006


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EXHIBITS INDEX
 
         
  10 .3   Letter Agreement, dated as of July 5, 2006, between Levi Strauss & Co. and Philip A. Marineau. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on July 11, 2006.
  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. Filed herewith.