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## Panorama del mercado Las acciones estadounidenses experimentaron un descenso generalizado el viernes, con los principales índices cerrando a la baja mientras los inversores reaccionaban a la escalada de las tensiones comerciales entre EE. UU. y China. Los comentarios del expresidente Donald Trump sobre las prácticas comerciales de China, junto con los nuevos controles de exportación implementados por Beijing sobre minerales de tierras raras críticos, inyectaron una volatilidad significativa en los mercados globales. ## Los catalizadores: la retórica de Trump y la estrategia china de tierras raras La caída del mercado fue impulsada principalmente por una confluencia de desarrollos geopolíticos. En las redes sociales, el **presidente Donald Trump** emitió comentarios críticos, acusando a China de volverse "muy hostil" y amenazando con un "aumento masivo de aranceles sobre los productos chinos". Además, sugirió la cancelación de una reunión planificada con el presidente Xi Jinping en la próxima cumbre de la APEC, amplificando los temores de una guerra comercial renovada. Simultáneamente, el Ministerio de Comercio de China (MOFCOM) anunció nuevos y estrictos controles de exportación sobre elementos de tierras raras y tecnologías de procesamiento avanzadas relacionadas, con efecto a partir del 9 de octubre de 2025. Estas medidas, percibidas como una maniobra estratégica en las disputas comerciales en curso, requieren que las entidades extranjeras obtengan la aprobación del gobierno para exportar productos que contengan más del 0,1 % de materiales de tierras raras de origen chino. Beijing citó preocupaciones de seguridad nacional, afirmando que ciertas tierras raras y tecnologías han sido desviadas para aplicaciones militares, particularmente en semiconductores avanzados e inteligencia artificial. ## Reacción del mercado e impacto sectorial La reacción inmediata del mercado fue una fuerte venta masiva en varios sectores. El **Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI)** cayó un 1,20 %, o 554,58 puntos, hasta los 45.803,84. El **S&P 500 (SPX)** perdió un 1,56 %, o 105,34 puntos, hasta los 6.629,77, mientras que el **Nasdaq Composite (IXIC)**, fuertemente ponderado con acciones tecnológicas, disminuyó un 2,05 %, perdiendo 471,76 puntos hasta los 22.552,86. El **CBOE Volatility Index (VIX)**, a menudo denominado el "indicador del miedo" de Wall Street, se disparó a su nivel más alto en un mes, subrayando la mayor ansiedad de los inversores. Las empresas con una exposición significativa a las cadenas de suministro o a los mercados de consumo chinos fueron las que más sufrieron la presión de venta. Grandes minoristas estadounidenses como **Best Buy** y **American Eagle** vieron sus acciones caer más del 5 %, y **Abercrombie & Fitch** bajó aproximadamente un 4 %. Otras caídas notables incluyeron **Ralph Lauren (RL)**, que bajó un 3,3 %, **Lululemon** y **Nike**, cada una con una disminución de alrededor del 2 %. En el sector tecnológico, las acciones de **NVIDIA (NVDA)** cayeron un 2,7 % y **Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)** se hundieron casi un 6 %. **Qualcomm (QCOM)** también experimentó una caída del 4,5 % después de que el regulador del mercado chino supuestamente iniciara una investigación antimonopolio sobre el fabricante de semiconductores. Las empresas chinas que cotizan en EE. UU. se enfrentaron a una venta masiva aún más pronunciada, con el fabricante de vehículos eléctricos **NIO** liderando los descensos con un 7 %. **Xpeng** cayó un 6 %, **Baidu** disminuyó un 5,5 % y **Alibaba** bajó un 5,5 %. **JD.com** y **PDD Holdings** también registraron caídas entre el 3,9 % y el 6,7 %. Más allá de la renta variable, la huida hacia la seguridad fue evidente en los mercados de bonos, con una caída de los **rendimientos de los bonos del Tesoro de EE. UU.** El rendimiento del Tesoro a 10 años bajó 8 puntos básicos hasta el 4,063 %. Las materias primas también reaccionaron, con los **futuros del petróleo crudo West Texas Intermediate (WTI)** cayendo un 4 % hasta aproximadamente los 59 dólares por barril, mientras que los **futuros del oro** avanzaron un 0,8 % hasta los 4.005 dólares, reflejando su papel tradicional como activo refugio. ## Contexto más amplio e implicaciones La reciente escalada subraya la persistente fragilidad de las relaciones comerciales entre EE. UU. y China. La posición dominante de China en la producción de tierras raras, que suministra más del 90 % de las tierras raras procesadas del mundo, le otorga una influencia significativa. Estos minerales son indispensables para las industrias de alta tecnología, incluidos los vehículos eléctricos, los semiconductores avanzados y los sistemas de defensa. Los datos iniciales del mercado indican graves interrupciones, con los precios del disprosio triplicándose y los envíos de tierras raras de EE. UU. desde China cayendo un asombroso 93 % después del anuncio. > "Ha vuelto a pillar al mercado desprevenido y ha introducido más interrogantes", comentó **Robert Pavlik**, gestor de carteras senior en Dakota Wealth, destacando la naturaleza impredecible del panorama geopolítico y su impacto en el sentimiento de los inversores. Las hostilidades comerciales renovadas amenazan con interrumpir las cadenas de suministro globales, aumentar los costos de fabricación y potencialmente alimentar la inflación si se implementan aranceles, complicando las decisiones de política monetaria de la **Reserva Federal**. Si bien los rendimientos más bajos del Tesoro podrían ofrecer un alivio a corto plazo para los prestatarios, la incertidumbre económica general plantea importantes obstáculos. ## Mirando hacia el futuro Los inversores seguirán de cerca cualquier retórica adicional de los gobiernos de EE. UU. y China, particularmente en lo que respecta al potencial de aumento de aranceles o controles de exportación adicionales. El impacto en las cadenas de suministro globales, especialmente en los sectores de tecnología y automotriz, será un enfoque clave. Las empresas con cadenas de suministro diversificadas o aquellas que invierten activamente en el reciclaje de tierras raras y tecnologías de sustitución pueden encontrar una resiliencia relativa. La perspectiva de tensiones comerciales sostenidas podría seguir pesando sobre las previsiones de crecimiento global y las ganancias corporativas, con especial atención a los próximos informes económicos y cualquier indicio de cambios en la política monetaria de los bancos centrales a nivel mundial.

## VF Corp Exceeds Expectations Amidst Transformation Efforts **VF Corporation (NYSE:VFC)** reported first-quarter fiscal 2026 results that surpassed analyst projections, signaling progress in its ongoing transformation. The company's shares advanced **16.94%** in pre-market trading following the announcement, and have since risen **19.1%** since its latest earnings report. The apparel and footwear conglomerate posted an adjusted loss of **$0.24 per share**, significantly better than the estimated **$0.33 loss**. Revenue reached **$1.76 billion**, exceeding the consensus estimate of **$1.7 billion** and remaining flat year-over-year, though a **2%** decline on a constant currency basis. Excluding the **Vans** brand, which experienced a **14%** year-over-year sales decline due to channel rationalization, total revenue increased **6%** or **5%** in constant currency compared to the prior year. Brands such as **The North Face** and **Timberland** maintained positive momentum, with **Altra** demonstrating strong growth. **Bracken Darrell**, President and CEO of **VF Corp**, stated, > "We performed ahead of our expectations and guidance in Q1’26, improving our top-line trend versus last year to flat while delivering a much stronger bottom line...As I pass the two-year mark in my role as CEO, we are on track with VF’s transformation. We are lowering costs, improving margins, reducing debt and transforming the organization." The company reported an adjusted operating loss of **$56 million**, a notable improvement over its guidance range of **$110 million** to **$125 million**. Gross margin improved **290 basis points** on an adjusted basis. For the second quarter of fiscal 2026, **VF Corp** anticipates revenue to decline **2% to 4%** on a constant currency basis, with adjusted operating income projected between **$260 million** and **$290 million**. The company also expects higher free cash flow, adjusted operating income, and operating cash flow for the full fiscal year compared to the previous year. ## Carter's Faces Headwinds with Significant Earnings Miss Conversely, **Carter's (NYSE:CRI)**, a prominent American designer and marketer of children's apparel, reported a challenging second quarter. The company posted revenues of **$585.3 million**, an increase of **3.7%** year-on-year, yet registered a significant miss on analysts’ **EBITDA** estimates. This performance led to a **9.5%** decline in its stock price since the results were announced, with shares currently trading at **$29.60**. The earnings miss was primarily driven by a confluence of factors that compressed the company's operating margin to **0.7%** from **7.0%** in the prior year. Key headwinds included **tariff-driven costs**, adding approximately **$110 million** in expenses in 2024 with a projected **$125–150 million** annualized impact under current trade policies. Additionally, increased operational costs, unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates impacting sales by **$3.1 million**, and strategic pricing investments to drive market share contributed to the pressure. The company faces a **4.5x EBITDA valuation discount** but its **$300 million debt** limits financial flexibility. **Carter's** has suspended its 2025 guidance, reflecting uncertainty surrounding tariffs and leadership changes. ## Figs Delivers Strong Q2 Performance in Healthcare Apparel **Figs (NYSE:FIGS)**, a healthcare apparel company, demonstrated robust performance in its second quarter of calendar year 2025. The company surpassed Wall Street’s revenue expectations, with sales rising **5.8%** year-on-year to **$152.6 million**, beating analyst estimates of **$144.7 million** by **5.5%**. **Figs** also reported a GAAP profit of **$0.04 per share**, exceeding consensus estimates of **$0.02**. Adjusted **EBITDA** reached **$19.73 million**, significantly outperforming analyst estimates of **$12.6 million** and achieving a **12.9% margin**, representing a **56.5%** beat. Following the announcement, **Figs’** stock jumped **12%**. Operational details highlight an improved operating margin of **6.5%**, up from **1.1%** in the same quarter last year. Despite a decrease in Free Cash Flow to **-$13.52 million** from **$7.55 million** in Q2 2024, the company's active customer base grew to **2.74 million**, and its market capitalization stood at **$1.06 billion**. Net revenues increased **6%** year-over-year, propelled by an **8%** rise in scrubwear sales, which account for **83%** of total revenue. The average order value (**AOV**) increased **4%** to **$117**. The company maintains a strong balance sheet with **$238.8 million** in cash and equivalents and has raised its full-year 2025 guidance, signaling confidence in its growth strategy. International revenue saw significant growth of **19.8%** year-over-year, with plans for market expansion into Japan and South Korea later in 2025. ## Divergent Performance Highlights Sector-Specific Challenges and Opportunities The varied earnings reports from **VF Corp**, **Carter's**, and **Figs** underscore a complex and selective environment within the broader **Apparel and Accessories Sector**. The industry continues to contend with persistent inflation, supply-chain disruptions, elevated selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses, and rising input and labor costs. Tariff volatility further strains margins in an already cautious consumer landscape where demand for discretionary purchases is muted. The **Zacks Textile – Apparel industry** has underperformed both the **Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector** and the **S&P 500 Composite** over the past year, declining **16.6%** against gains of **23.9%** and **19.8%**, respectively. Despite these macro headwinds, companies demonstrating strategic agility and operational efficiency are finding success. **VF Corp's** "Reinvent" program, focusing on cost reduction, margin improvement, and debt reduction, appears to be yielding positive results. Similarly, **Figs'** strong performance is attributed to product innovation, operational efficiency, and international expansion. Conversely, **Carter's** experience highlights the vulnerability of companies to external factors like tariffs and internal pressures such as operational costs and pricing strategies that impact profitability. The market is increasingly rewarding companies that can effectively manage these challenges through digital and AI-driven transformation, omnichannel strategies, and robust brand building. ## Looking Ahead: Navigating Macroeconomic Factors and Strategic Adjustments The immediate future for the **Apparel and Accessories Sector** will likely remain influenced by ongoing macroeconomic factors. Investors will closely monitor consumer spending patterns, inflation trajectories, and potential shifts in global trade policies, particularly concerning tariffs. For companies like **VF Corp** and **Figs**, continued execution of their strategic initiatives, including brand momentum and international growth, will be crucial for sustained positive performance. Their ability to innovate and adapt to evolving consumer preferences and market dynamics will likely distinguish them from competitors. For companies like **Carter's**, the path forward involves significant strategic adjustments to address margin compression and regain investor confidence. This may include domestic sourcing shifts, vendor cost-sharing agreements, and considered price increases, alongside resolving uncertainties around leadership and guidance. The bifurcated nature of the recent earnings reports suggests that while the overall sector faces structural challenges, well-managed and adaptable companies can still achieve growth and attract investment, indicating a market increasingly selective in its allocation of capital.

## VF Corp's The North Face Shifts Production from Türkiye Amidst Rising Costs U.S. apparel and footwear giant **VF Corporation** (NYSE: **VFC**), parent company of **The North Face**, is executing a significant strategic shift in its manufacturing operations. The company is relocating approximately 80% of **The North Face's** production from Türkiye to lower-cost hubs in Vietnam and Bangladesh, a move aimed at mitigating escalating manufacturing expenses. This decision is poised to impact its primary Turkish supplier, **Gelisim Tekstil**, and reflects a broader trend of supply chain re-optimization within the global apparel industry. ## Production Relocation Details The core of this strategic adjustment involves a drastic reduction in orders placed with **Gelisim Tekstil**, a long-standing Turkish supplier. Previously one of **The North Face's** largest global producers and its most significant within the European Union, **Gelisim Tekstil** is now expected to see its annual order value from **The North Face** plummet from approximately €30 million to between €4 million and €5 million. This substantial cutback means that out of an estimated 4 million pieces previously produced, only 400,000 to 500,000 pieces will remain with the Turkish manufacturer. **Mustafa Akcay**, chairman of **Gelisim Tekstil's** board of directors, confirmed the shift, stating, "Starting last year, they decided to go to Bangladesh and Vietnam. About 10%-20% of production will remain." ## Analysis of Cost Drivers in Türkiye The impetus for **VF Corp's** decision stems directly from a sharp rise in production costs within Türkiye. Over the past three years, the country has experienced a **302% surge** in the minimum wage and a **290% climb** in inflation. In contrast, the value of the U.S. dollar against the Turkish Lira increased by only **132%** over the same period. This disparity has effectively more than doubled Turkish production expenses when calculated in dollar terms, making them uncompetitive on a global scale. **Akcay** elaborated on this challenge: > "In 2023, labour costs rose 110% while the exchange rate increased 50%. We tolerated the difference in yarn prices. But in subsequent years, labour costs remained well above the exchange rate, making us more expensive than even the EU." **Vedat Yavuz**, vice chairman of **Gelisim Tekstil**, affirmed that **The North Face's** relocation decision was "purely due to price," despite **Gelisim Tekstil's** established reputation for quality and timely delivery. ## Broader Context and Market Implications The ripple effects of this production shift extend beyond **Gelisim Tekstil**. The Turkish textile sector as a whole is grappling with a severe competitiveness crisis. Data from the **Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM)** indicated a marginal decline of **0.6%** in textile and raw materials sector exports to **$9.5 billion** in 2024, with ready-to-wear exports decreasing by **6.9%** to **$17.9 billion**. The sector's cost-based competitiveness index plummeted to **86.15** in Q1 2025, marking its lowest level in a decade. Consequently, Turkish apparel products are now approximately **60%** more expensive than those from East Asia and about **45%** costlier than North African equivalents. This has led to substantial production losses, with the **Turkish Clothing Manufacturers' Association (TGSD)** reporting a **$4.6 billion** loss over two years and 1,270 companies closing in the first four months of 2024, resulting in **20,700 job losses**. For **Gelisim Tekstil**, the immediate impact is a dramatic decrease in monthly capacity utilization, which has fallen from **1 million pieces** in 2022 to just **400,000-500,000 pieces** currently. The company, which currently employs 1,200 individuals, faces the prospect of halving its workforce, as articulated by **Akcay**: > "We currently have 1,200 employees. If things don't go as we hope, there may be employees we will part ways with. We will shrink. Starting from May next year, the number of employees may drop by half." The company's export revenue, which stood at **$90 million** in 2022, declined to **$50-60 million** in 2023 and is projected to remain at similar levels through 2025. Without new partnerships, **Gelisim Tekstil** anticipates a **50% contraction** next year. From **VF Corp's** perspective, this move is integral to its broader "Reinvent" transformation program. The company aims to realize **$300 million** in annualized cost savings by mid-fiscal year 2025 and targets a medium-term net operating income expansion of **$500 million to $600 million**. **The North Face** brand has been identified as a key growth driver for **VF Corp**, demonstrating sustained positive momentum, including **6% growth** in Q1 FY26 driven by Asia-Pacific demand and product innovation. The cost-cutting measures are expected to bolster the brand's profitability within **VF Corp's** portfolio. ## Looking Ahead The relocation by **The North Face** underscores a significant restructuring within global apparel supply chains. Major brands are increasingly prioritizing cost optimization and supply chain resilience, leading to a continuous re-evaluation of manufacturing footprints. For **VF Corp**, the shift is expected to contribute to improved profit margins and operational efficiency for **The North Face**, a critical brand in its portfolio. Conversely, the challenges for Türkiye's textile sector are likely to persist, particularly given the ongoing inflationary pressures and wage increases. The country's textile manufacturers will need to adapt by exploring new market opportunities, improving efficiency, or shifting towards higher-value production to counteract the exodus of cost-sensitive orders. The event also highlights a broader cautionary tale for emerging market producers regarding the impact of macroeconomic instability on global competitiveness.

## VF Corp Divests Dickies Brand for $600 Million **VF Corporation** (NYSE:VFC), the global apparel and footwear company behind brands such as **Vans**, **The North Face**, and **Timberland**, announced an agreement to sell its **Dickies** workwear brand to **Bluestar Alliance** for $600 million in cash. Following the announcement, shares of **VFC** experienced a 2.9% decline in morning trading. ## Transaction Details and Strategic Context The transaction, anticipated to conclude by the end of 2025, is a significant component of **VF Corp's** ongoing "Reinvent" strategy. **VF Corp** initially acquired **Dickies** in 2017 for $820 million. However, the century-old workwear brand has encountered significant operational challenges and declining revenues in recent years. After a 19% revenue jump to $837.7 million in fiscal 2022, **Dickies'** sales slid 12% year-over-year to $542.1 million for the fiscal year ended March 29, 2025, contributing approximately 6% of **VF Corp's** total revenue. **Bracken Darrell**, **VF Corp's** CEO, articulated the strategic imperative behind the sale, stating, "This transaction will enable us to bring our net debt level down and will be accretive to our growth on a pro-forma basis." The proceeds from the sale are earmarked for reducing **VF Corp's** liabilities, which stood at $8.8 billion as of June 2025. This divestiture follows other recent asset sales, including **Supreme** in 2024 and **Eagle Creek** in 2021, as the company sharpens its focus on its higher-performing labels. ## Market Reaction and Debt Management Despite **VF Corp's** positive framing of the divestiture as a move to reduce debt and enhance financial flexibility, the market reacted with skepticism, as evidenced by the stock's decline. This sentiment suggests investors may harbor concerns regarding the immediate impact of the sale or the company's broader financial trajectory. **VF Corp's** debt levels remain a focal point for analysts. The company had already lowered its net debt by $1.4 billion, or 20%, compared to the prior year, yet its net debt is still projected to remain above $4 billion even after the **Dickies** sale. Management has prioritized debt reduction, aiming to achieve a net leverage ratio below 2.5x by fiscal year 2028. The $600 million cash infusion is expected to aid in addressing upcoming debt maturities, notably EUR500 million notes due in March 2026. ## Analyst Commentary and Outlook Analysts have offered varied perspectives on **VF Corp's** strategic maneuvers. **Williams Trading** reiterated a "Sell" rating on the stock following the announcement, reflecting persistent concerns, while **Telsey Advisory Group** maintained a "Market Perform" rating. In contrast, **Baird** upgraded **VF Corp** to "Outperform" in 2025, citing improved brand performance and favorable cost trends, indicating a divergence in expert opinion regarding the long-term efficacy of the company's turnaround efforts. **VF Corp's** shares have demonstrated significant volatility, experiencing 31 moves greater than 5% over the past year. The stock is down 33.8% since the beginning of the year, trading at $14.25 per share, which is 47.1% below its 52-week high of $26.93 observed in January 2025. This performance underscores the challenges the company faces in regaining investor confidence. Looking ahead, investors will closely monitor **VF Corp's** progress in debt reduction, its ability to achieve its leverage targets, and the continued turnaround efforts for **Vans**. The company has guided for 2Q26 revenue to decline by 4%-2% on an FX-neutral basis, with gross margin expected to remain approximately flat at around 52.2%. The successful execution of its portfolio optimization strategy and the revitalization of its core brands will be crucial for **VF Corp's** future financial health and stock performance.