| BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Description of Business Kontoor Brands, Inc. ("Kontoor," the "Company," "we," "us" or "our") is a global lifestyle apparel company headquartered in the United States ("U.S."). We completed a spin-off transaction from VF Corporation ("VF" or "former parent") on May 22, 2019 (the "Separation") and began to trade as a standalone public company (NYSE: KTB) on May 23, 2019. The Company designs, produces, procures, markets and distributes apparel primarily under the brand names Wrangler ® and Lee ® . The Company's products are sold in the U.S. through mass merchants, specialty stores, mid-tier and traditional department stores, company-operated stores and online. The Company's products are also sold internationally, primarily in Europe and Asia, through department, specialty, company-operated, concession retail and independently operated partnership stores and online. Fiscal Year The Company operates and reports using a 52/53 week fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to December 31 of each year. For presentation purposes herein, all references to periods ended December 2020, December 2019 and December 2018 correspond to the 53-week fiscal year ended January 2, 2021 and the 52-week fiscal years ended December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018, respectively. Impact of COVID-19 Throughout 2020, the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic significantly impacted global economic conditions, as well as the Company's operations. The Company considered the impact of COVID-19 on the assumptions and estimates used when preparing these financial statements including, but not limited to, our allowance for doubtful accounts, inventory valuations, liabilities for variable consideration, deferred tax valuation allowances, fair value measurements, asset impairment charges, the effectiveness of the Company’s hedging instruments, and expected compliance with all applicable financial covenants in our Credit Agreement (as defined in Note 10 to the Company's financial statements). These assumptions and estimates may change as new events occur and additional information is obtained regarding the impact of COVID-19. Basis of Presentation - Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements The Company’s financial statements from May 23, 2019 were consolidated financial statements based on the reported results of Kontoor Brands, Inc. as a standalone company. The Company’s financial statements through the Separation date of May 22, 2019 were combined financial statements prepared on a "carve-out" basis as discussed below. The consolidated and combined financial statements and related disclosures are presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. ("GAAP"). The Company’s consolidated and combined financial statements for all periods presented are referred to throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K as “financial statements.” Basis of Presentation - Carve Out Accounting Through the Separation date in 2019, the Company's combined financial statements were prepared on a carve-out basis under GAAP, which reflected the historical financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company for the periods presented, through the Separation date, as historically managed within VF. The combined financial statements were derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of VF. The combined statements of operations included costs for certain centralized functions and programs provided and administered by VF that were charged directly to the Company. These centralized functions and programs included, but were not limited to, information technology, human resources, accounting shared services, supply chain, insurance and related benefits associated with those functions. These historical allocations were included in the measurement of segment profit for periods through the Separation date as presented in Note 3 to the Company's financial statements. In addition, for purposes of preparing these combined financial statements on a carve-out basis, a portion of VF's total corporate expenses were allocated to the Company. These expense allocations included the cost of corporate functions and resources provided by or administered by VF including, but not limited to, executive management, finance, accounting, legal, human resources and related benefit costs associated with such functions, such as stock-based compensation and pension. Allocations also included the cost of operating VF's corporate headquarters located in Greensboro, North Carolina. These additional allocations were reported as "corporate and other expenses" for periods through the Separation date as presented in Note 3 to the Company's financial statements. Costs were allocated to the Company based on direct usage when identifiable or, when not directly identifiable, on the basis of proportional revenues, cost of goods sold or square footage, as applicable. Management considered the basis on which the expenses were allocated to reasonably reflect the utilization of services provided to, or benefit received by, the Company during the periods presented. However, the allocations may not reflect the expenses that would have been incurred if the Company had been a standalone company for the periods presented. All intracompany transactions were eliminated. All transactions between the Company and VF were included in the combined financial statements. For those transactions between the Company and VF that were historically settled in cash, the Company reflected such balances in the balance sheets within "due from former parent" or "due to former parent." All amounts due to and from former parent were settled in connection with the Separation. The accumulated net earnings after taxes and the net effect of transactions with and allocations from VF that were not historically settled in cash represented VF's historical investment in the Company and were reflected in the balance sheets within "former parent investment" and in the statements of cash flows within "net transfers to former parent." Subsequent to the Separation, the Company continued to service commercial arrangements with VF, which included sales of VF-branded products at VF Outlet ™ stores, as well as sales to VF for products manufactured in our plants, use of our transportation fleet and fulfillment of a transition services agreement related to VF’s sale of its Nautica ® brand business in mid-2018. None of these arrangements with VF have continued in 2020. Income Taxes — Prior to the Separation, the Company's operations were included in VF’s U.S. federal consolidated and certain state income tax returns and certain foreign tax returns. For periods prior to the Separation, the income tax expense and deferred tax balances presented in the financial statements were calculated on a carve-out basis, which applied accounting guidance as if the Company filed its own tax returns in each jurisdiction and included tax losses and tax credits that may not reflect tax positions taken by VF. Certain tax attributes reported by the Company on a carve-out basis were not transferred to the Company as part of the Separation. These attributes primarily related to losses in certain Central America and South America jurisdictions. Use of Estimates In preparing the financial statements in accordance with GAAP, management makes estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates. Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions The financial statements of most foreign subsidiaries are measured using the foreign currency as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency are translated into U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet dates, and revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates during the period. Resulting translation gains and losses are reported in other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCL”). The Company accounted for Argentina as highly inflationary from July 1, 2018 through the Separation as the projected three-year cumulative inflation rate exceeded 100%. At the Separation, the Company transitioned the Argentina market to a licensed model, which transacts in U.S. dollars. Certain transactions are denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of a particular subsidiary, and typically result in receivables or payables that are denominated in the foreign currency. Transaction gains or losses arise when exchange rate fluctuations either increase or decrease the functional currency cash flows from the originally recorded transactions. As discussed in Note 14 to the Company's financial statements, the Company enters into contracts to manage foreign currency risk on certain of these transactions. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses reported in the statements of operations, net of the related hedging gains and losses, were gains of $6.0 million and $5.6 million in 2020 and 2019, respectively, and a loss of $3.4 million in 2018. Cash and Equivalents Cash and equivalents are demand deposits, receivables from third-party credit card processors, and highly liquid investments that mature within three months of their purchase dates. Cash equivalents totaling $170.7 million and $30.5 million at December 2020 and 2019, respectively, consist of money market funds and short-term time deposits. Accounts Receivable, Net of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Trade accounts receivable are recorded at invoiced amounts, less contractual allowances for trade terms, sales incentive programs and discounts. Royalty receivables are recorded at amounts earned based on the licensees’ sales of licensed products, subject in some cases to contractual minimum royalties due from individual licensees. The Company is exposed to credit losses primarily through trade accounts receivable from customers and licensees which are generally short-term in nature. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts that will result from the inability of customers to make required payments of outstanding balances. In estimating this allowance, accounts receivable are evaluated on a pooled basis at each reporting date and aggregated on the basis of similar risk characteristics, including current and forecasted industry trends and economic conditions, aging status of accounts, and the financial strength and credit standing of customers, including payment and default history. Additionally, specific allowance amounts are established for customers that have a higher probability of default. Receivables are written off against the allowance when all collection efforts have been exhausted and the likelihood of collection is remote. Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined on the first-in, first-out method. Existence of physical inventory is verified through periodic physical inventory counts and ongoing cycle counts at most locations throughout the year. Property, Plant and Equipment and Capitalized Computer Software Property, plant and equipment is initially recorded at cost. The Company capitalizes improvements to property, plant and equipment that substantially extend the useful life of an asset, and interest cost incurred during construction of major assets. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over each asset's estimated useful life, ranging from three Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Expenditures for major software purchases and software developed for internal use are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from five During 2020, the Company capitalized $43.5 million related to the Company's ongoing global ERP implementation and information technology infrastructure build-out, of which $42.9 million is reflected in "other assets" and $0.6 million is reflected in "property, plant and equipment, net" at December 2020. During 2019, the Company capitalized $27.1 million related to the Company's global ERP implementation and information technology infrastructure build-out, of which $23.6 million is reflected in "other assets" and $3.5 million is reflected in "property, plant and equipment, net" at December 2019. Intangible Assets Intangible assets include acquired trademarks and trade names, some of which are registered in multiple countries. Amortization of finite-lived trademarks is computed on a straight-line basis over a 16 year estimated useful life. Trademarks and trade names determined to have indefinite lives are not amortized. Additionally, the Company had acquired customer relationship assets that were amortized using accelerated methods over a 15 year estimated useful life, all of which were fully amortized by the end of 2020. Depreciation and Amortization Expense Depreciation and amortization expense related to producing or otherwise obtaining finished goods inventories is reflected in the Company's statements of operations within "cost of goods sold" and all other depreciation and amortization expense is reflected within "selling, general and administrative expenses." Impairment of Long-lived Assets, Including Goodwill and Intangibles Property, Plant and Equipment, Operating Lease Assets and Finite-lived Intangible Assets — The Company’s policy is to review property, plant and equipment, right-of-use operating lease assets and amortizable intangible assets for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. If the forecasted undiscounted cash flows to be generated by an asset are not expected to recover the asset’s carrying value, the estimated fair value is calculated, and an impairment charge is recorded to the extent that an asset’s carrying value exceeds its estimated fair value. Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets — The Company’s policy is to evaluate goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for possible impairment as of the beginning of the fourth quarter of each year, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the fair value of such assets may be below their carrying value. The Company may first assess qualitative factors as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform quantitative impairment testing. If the Company determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of an asset or reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then no further testing is required. Otherwise, the assets must be quantitatively tested for possible impairment. An indefinite-lived intangible asset is quantitatively tested for possible impairment by comparing the estimated fair value of the asset with its carrying value. An impairment charge is recorded to the extent that the carrying value of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value. Goodwill is quantitatively tested for possible impairment by comparing the estimated fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying value, including the goodwill assigned to that reporting unit. An impairment charge is recorded to the extent that the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value. Leases and Rent Expense The Company enters into operating leases for retail stores, operational facilities, vehicles and certain equipment, with terms expiring at various dates through 2031. Leases for real estate typically have initial terms ranging from two three The Company determines whether an arrangement is a lease at inception. Upon adoption of Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)," in 2019, the Company elected to combine lease and non-lease components as a single component for all asset classes. For leases with a term of 12 months or less, the Company elected not to recognize a right-of-use asset and related lease liability. Most leases have fixed rentals, with many of the real estate leases requiring additional payments for real estate taxes and occupancy-related costs. Certain of the Company’s leases contain fixed, indexed, or market-based escalation clauses which impact future payments. Certain of the Company's leases contain variable payment provisions, such as contingent rent based on percent of sales or excess mileage over specified levels. Variable rent is recognized when the liability is probable. The Company's leases typically contain customary covenants and restrictions. Rent expense for leases having landlord incentives or scheduled rent fluctuations is recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term beginning on the lease commencement date, which is the date the underlying asset is made available to the Company. Lease agreements may include optional renewals, terminations or purchases, which are considered in the Company’s assessments of lease terms when such options are reasonably certain to be exercised. For retail real estate leases, the Company does not typically include renewal options in the underlying lease term. For non-retail real estate leases, the Company includes the renewal options in the underlying lease term if renewal options are reasonably certain to be exercised, up to a maximum of ten years. Renewals for all other leases are determined on a lease-by-lease basis. The Company measures right-of-use operating lease assets and related operating lease liabilities based on the present value of remaining lease payments, including in-substance fixed payments, the current payment amount when payments depend on an index or rate (e.g., inflation adjustments, market renewals), and the amount the Company believes is probable to be paid to the lessor under residual value guarantees, when applicable. As applicable borrowing rates are not typically implied within our lease arrangements, the Company discounts lease payments based on its estimated incremental borrowing rate at lease commencement, or modification, which is based on the Company’s estimated credit rating, the lease term at commencement and the contract currency of the lease arrangement. Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes revenue when performance obligations under the terms of a contract with the customer are satisfied based on the transfer of control of promised goods or services. The transfer of control typically occurs at a point in time based on consideration of when the customer has i) an obligation to pay for, ii) physical possession of, iii) legal title to, iv) risks and rewards of ownership of and v) accepted the goods or services. Revenue recognition within the wholesale channels occurs either upon shipment or delivery of goods based on contractual terms with the customer. Revenue recognition in the direct-to-consumer channels typically occurs at the point of sale for Company-operated or concession retail stores and either upon shipment or delivery of goods for e-commerce transactions based on contractual terms with the customer. For finished products shipped directly to customers from our suppliers, the Company’s promise to the customer is a performance obligation to provide the specified goods and the Company has discretion in establishing pricing. Thus, the Company is the principal in the arrangement and revenue is recognized on a gross basis at the transaction price. Contractual arrangements with customers in our wholesale channels are typically on a purchase order basis with terms of less than one year. Payment terms with customers are typically between 30 and 60 days. The Company does not adjust the promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component as it is expected, at contract inception, that the period between the transfer of the promised good or service to the customer and the customer payment for the good or service will be one year or less. The amount of revenue recognized reflects the expected consideration to be received for providing the goods or services to the customer, net of estimates for variable consideration which includes allowances for trade terms, sales incentive programs, discounts, markdowns, chargebacks and product returns. Estimates of variable consideration are determined at contract inception and reassessed at each reporting date, at a minimum, to reflect any changes in facts and circumstances. The Company utilizes the expected value method in determining its estimates of variable consideration, based on evaluations of specific product and customer circumstances, historical and anticipated trends, and current economic conditions. Estimates for variable consideration are recorded as accrued liabilities. Revenue from the sale of gift cards is deferred and recorded as a contract liability until the gift card is redeemed by the customer, factoring in breakage as appropriate, which considers whether the Company has a legal obligation to remit the value of the unredeemed gift card to any jurisdiction under unclaimed property regulations. The VF Outlet™ stores maintained customer loyalty programs where customers earned rewards from qualifying purchases, which were redeemable for discounts on future purchases or other rewards. Under the program, the Company estimated the standalone selling price of the loyalty rewards and allocated a portion of the consideration for the sale of products to the loyalty points earned. The deferred amount was recorded as a contract liability, and recognized as revenue when the points were redeemed or when the likelihood of redemption was remote. As of December 2020, this program has been discontinued with no remaining contract liability. The Company has elected to treat all shipping and handling activities as fulfillment costs and recognize the costs as selling, general and administrative expenses at the time the related revenue is recognized. Shipping and handling costs billed to customers are included in net revenues. Sales taxes and value added taxes collected from customers and remitted directly to governmental authorities are excluded from the transaction price. The Company has licensing agreements for its symbolic intellectual property, most of which include minimum guarantees for sales-based royalties. Royalty income is recognized as earned over the respective license term based on the greater of minimum guarantees or the licensees’ sales of licensed products at rates specified in the licensing contracts. Royalty income related to the minimum guarantees is recognized using a measure of progress with variable amounts recognized only when the cumulative earned royalty exceeds the minimum guarantees and collection is probable. As of December 2020, the Company has contractual rights under its licensing agreements to receive $24.3 million of fixed consideration related to the future minimum guarantees through December 2025. The variable consideration is not disclosed as a remaining performance obligation as the licensing arrangements qualify for the sales-based royalty exemption. Royalty income was included in net revenues in the statements of operations and was $18.7 million, $32.1 million and $32.7 million in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company has applied the practical expedient to recognize the incremental costs of obtaining a contract as an expense when incurred if the amortization period of the asset that otherwise would have been recognized is one year or less. Cost of Goods Sold Cost of goods sold for Company-manufactured goods includes all materials, labor and overhead costs incurred in the production process. Cost of goods sold for purchased finished goods includes the purchase costs and related overhead. In both cases, overhead includes all costs related to manufacturing or purchasing finished goods, including costs of planning, purchasing, quality control, depreciation, restructuring, freight, duties, royalties paid to third parties and shrinkage. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses include costs of product development, selling, marketing and advertising, Company-operated retail stores, concession retail stores, warehousing, distribution, shipping and handling, licensing, restructuring and administration. Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and totaled $98.8 million in 2020, $119.3 million in 2019 and $127.8 million in 2018. Advertising costs include cooperative advertising payments made to the Company's customers as reimbursement for their costs of advertising the Company’s products, and totaled $4.6 million in 2020, $5.9 million in 2019 and $7.2 million in 2018. Shipping and handling costs for delivery of products to customers totaled $56.2 million in 2020, $66.1 million in 2019 and $59.7 million in 2018. Expenses related to royalty income were $0.3 million in 2020, $1.8 million in 2019 and $1.3 million in 2018. Derivative Financial Instruments Derivative financial instruments are measured at fair value in the Company's balance sheet. Unrealized gains and losses are recognized as assets and liabilities, respectively, and classified as current or noncurrent based on the derivatives’ maturity dates. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivative instruments (i.e., gains and losses) depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether the Company has elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. To qualify for hedge accounting treatment, all hedging relationships must be formally documented at the inception of the hedges and must be highly effective in offsetting changes in future cash flows of hedged transactions. Further, at the inception of a contract and on an ongoing basis, the Company assesses whether the hedging instruments are effective in offsetting the risk of the hedged transactions. Occasionally, a portion of a derivative instrument will be considered ineffective in hedging the originally identified exposure due to a decline in amount or a change in timing of the hedged exposure. In such cases, hedge accounting treatment is discontinued for the ineffective portion of that hedging instrument, and any change in fair value for the ineffective portion is recognized in net income. The Company does not use derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes. Hedging cash flows are classified in the Company's statements of cash flows in the same category as the items being hedged. Hedging contracts are further described in Note 14 to the Company's financial statements. Cash Flow Hedges — The Company uses foreign currency exchange contracts primarily to hedge a portion of the exchange risk for its forecasted sales, purchases, intercompany service fees and royalties. The Company uses interest rate swap agreements to partially hedge the interest rate risk associated with the volatility of monthly LIBOR rate movements. Derivative Contracts Not Designated as Hedges — The Company uses derivative contracts to manage foreign currency exchange risk on accounts receivable and accounts payable. These contracts are not designated as hedges and are recorded at fair value in the Company's balance sheets. Changes in the fair values of these instruments are recognized directly in earnings. Gains or losses on these contracts largely offset the net transaction gains or losses on the related assets and liabilities. The counterparties to our derivative contracts are financial institutions with investment grade credit ratings, but this does not eliminate the Company's exposure to credit risk with these institutions. To manage its credit risk, the Company continually monitors the credit risks of its counterparties, limits its exposure in the aggregate and to any single counterparty, and adjusts its hedging positions as appropriate. The impact of the Company's credit risk and the credit risk of its counterparties, as well as the ability of each party to fulfill its obligations under the contracts, is considered in determining the fair value of the derivative contracts. Credit risk has not had a significant effect on the fair value of our derivative contracts. The counterparties to our derivative contracts are also lenders under our credit facility. These derivative contracts are secured by the same collateral that secures our credit facility. Self-insurance The Company is self-insured for a significant portion of its employee medical, workers’ compensation, property and general liability exposures. Liabilities for self-insured exposures are accrued at the present value of amounts expected to be paid based on historical claims experience and actuarial data for forecasted settlements of claims filed and for incurred but not yet reported claims. Accruals for self-insured exposures are included in current and noncurrent liabilities based on the expected periods of payment. Excess liability insurance has been purchased to limit the amount of self-insured risk on claims. Income Taxes Income taxes are provided on pre-tax income for financial reporting purposes. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities, as presented in the Company's balance sheets, reflect the net future tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Net temporary differences and net operating losses are recorded utilizing tax rates currently enacted for the years in which the differences are expected to be settled or realized. We periodically assess the realizability of deferred income tax assets and the adequacy of deferred income tax liabilities, including the results of local, state, federal or foreign statutory tax audits and changes in estimates and judgments used. A valuation allowance is recognized if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not (likelihood of more than 50%) that some portion, or all, of a deferred income tax asset will not be realized. Accrued income taxes as presented in the Company's balance sheets include unrecognized income tax benefits along with related interest and penalties, appropriately classified as current or noncurrent. All deferred income tax assets and liabilities are classified as noncurrent in the Company's balance sheets. The provision for income taxes as presented in the Company's statements of income also includes estimated interest and penalties related to uncertain tax position s . Concentration of Risks The Company markets products to a broad customer base throughout the world. Products are sold at a range of price points through our wholesale and direct-to-consumer channels. The Company’s largest customer, a U.S.-based retailer, accounted for 38% of 2020 net revenues, and the top ten customers accounted for 60% of 2020 net revenues. Sales are typically made on an unsecured basis under customary terms that vary by product, channel of distribution or geographic region. The Company continuously monitors the creditworthiness of its customers and has established internal policies regarding customer credit limits. The Company is not aware of any issues with respect to relationships with any of its top customers. Legal and Other Contingencies Management periodically assesses liabilities and contingencies in connection with legal proceedings and other claims that may arise from time to time. When it is probable that a loss has been or will be incurred, an estimate of the loss is recorded in the financial statements. Estimates of losses are adjusted when additional information becomes available or circumstances change. A contingent liability is disclosed when there is at least a reasonable possibility that a material loss may have been incurred. Management believes that the outcome of any outstanding or pending matters, individually and in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the financial statements. Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share assumes conversion of potentially dilutive securities such as stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units. Reclassifications Certain prior year amounts in the Company's financial statements and related disclosures have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation. Recently Adopted Accounting Standards In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2016-13, "Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (T |
