The ratings for VF Corp. reflect the company's strong market share in jeanswear, its leading brand names in intimate apparel and activewear, solid cash flow, and an experienced management team. These factors are offset by VF's participation in the highly competitive and volatile apparel industry and the integration risks from its acquisition strategy. Jeanswear is the company's largest business group; its portfolio of brands holds a leading 27% market share in the U.S. Products are marketed under the Lee, Wrangler, Rustler, Riders, and Brittania brands, among others. Long-term growth prospects for jeans are favorable, although fashion risk will likely result in some volatility in this segment. Competition in denim apparel is intense not only with Levi Strauss, but also with
