Levi Strauss & Co. (LEVI): history, ownership, mission, how it works & makes money

Levi Strauss & Co. (LEVI) Information


A Brief History of Levi Strauss & Co. (LEVI)

Levi Strauss & Co. is a well-known American clothing company famous for its denim jeans. The company was founded by Levi Strauss, a German immigrant, and David Stern in San Francisco in 1853. They started the business by selling dry goods, clothing, and other items to the local population during the Gold Rush.

  • 1873: Levi Strauss & Co. received a patent for the first blue jeans with copper rivets for added durability. These jeans, known as "waist overalls," became incredibly popular among miners, cowboys, and laborers.
  • 1902: Levi Strauss & Co. introduced the iconic Arcuate stitching design on the back pockets of their jeans, which is still a trademark of the brand today.
  • 1934: Levi Strauss & Co. launched the first women's jeans, known as "Lady Levi's," catering to the growing demand for women's workwear.
  • 1960s: Levi's jeans became a symbol of youth rebellion and counterculture during this decade, thanks to their association with rock 'n' roll musicians and celebrities.
  • 1980s-1990s: Levi Strauss & Co. expanded globally and diversified its product line to include different types of clothing and accessories beyond denim jeans.
  • 2003: Levi Strauss & Co. celebrated its 150th anniversary and continued to innovate with new fits, styles, and sustainable practices to meet the demands of modern consumers.


Levi Strauss & Co. (LEVI) is a well-known American clothing company that is privately owned. The company was founded in 1853 by Levi Strauss, a German immigrant who established a dry goods store in San Francisco, California. Levi Strauss & Co. is best known for its denim jeans, which have become a staple in the wardrobes of people all over the world.

As a privately owned company, Levi Strauss & Co. is not traded on the stock market, which means that it does not have any public shareholders. Instead, the company is owned by the descendants of Levi Strauss and his family. The company has been passed down through generations and is currently controlled by a group of family members.

One of the key figures in the ownership of Levi Strauss & Co. is Chip Bergh, who has been the CEO of the company since 2011. Bergh is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the company and ensuring that it remains a leader in the denim industry.

  • Levi Strauss & Co. is a privately owned company.
  • The company is owned by the descendants of Levi Strauss and his family.
  • Chip Bergh is the CEO of Levi Strauss & Co.


Levi Strauss & Co. (LEVI) Mission Statement

At Levi Strauss & Co., our mission is to empower people to express themselves through their clothing. We believe in authentic self-expression, individuality, and creativity. Our goal is to inspire and equip individuals to be their best selves.

Key components of our mission statement include:

  • Quality: We are committed to providing high-quality products that are durable and long-lasting.
  • Inclusivity: We strive to create clothing that is inclusive and accessible to people of all backgrounds.
  • Sustainability: We are dedicated to sustainable practices and reducing our environmental impact.
  • Innovation: We are continuously innovating and evolving to meet the changing needs of our customers.


How Levi Strauss & Co. (LEVI) Works

Levi Strauss & Co. is a renowned American clothing company known for its denim jeans. Their business model revolves around designing, manufacturing, and selling a wide range of clothing items, primarily focusing on denim products.

Design and Manufacturing: Levi Strauss & Co. has a team of designers who come up with new styles and designs for their clothing line. These designs are then sent to manufacturing facilities where skilled workers craft the garments using high-quality denim fabric.

Supply Chain: Levi Strauss & Co. has a complex supply chain that involves sourcing raw materials, manufacturing products, and distributing them to retailers worldwide. They work closely with suppliers to ensure the quality and sustainability of their materials.

Retail: Levi Strauss & Co. sells its products through various channels, including company-owned stores, department stores, online platforms, and third-party retailers. They also have a strong presence in the e-commerce sector, allowing customers to purchase their products online.

Marketing: The company invests heavily in marketing and advertising campaigns to promote their brand and reach a wider audience. They use a mix of traditional and digital marketing strategies to connect with consumers and showcase their latest collections.

  • Global Presence: Levi Strauss & Co. operates in various countries around the world, catering to a diverse customer base. They have a strong brand recognition and customer loyalty in many markets.
  • Sustainability Initiatives: The company is committed to sustainability and ethical practices in their business operations. They focus on reducing their environmental impact, promoting fair labor practices, and giving back to the community.
  • Innovation: Levi Strauss & Co. continues to innovate and adapt to changing market trends. They introduce new technologies, fabrics, and designs to stay relevant and meet the evolving needs of consumers.


How Levi Strauss & Co. (LEVI) Makes Money

Levi Strauss & Co. is a well-known apparel company that generates its revenue through various channels. Here are some of the key ways in which the company makes money:

  • Branded Apparel Sales: Levi Strauss & Co. primarily makes money by selling its branded apparel products, including jeans, shirts, jackets, and accessories. The company operates in multiple markets worldwide and leverages its strong brand recognition to drive sales.
  • Retail Stores: Levi Strauss & Co. operates its own retail stores where it sells its products directly to consumers. These retail stores serve as a key revenue stream for the company and allow it to control its brand image and customer experience.
  • Wholesale Partnerships: In addition to its own retail stores, Levi Strauss & Co. sells its products through various wholesale partnerships with department stores, specialty retailers, and online marketplaces. These partnerships help the company reach a wider customer base and drive sales.
  • Licensing Agreements: Levi Strauss & Co. also generates revenue through licensing agreements with other companies that produce and sell products under the Levi's brand name. These agreements allow the company to extend its brand into new product categories and markets.
  • International Markets: Levi Strauss & Co. has a strong presence in international markets, which serve as a significant source of revenue for the company. By expanding into new geographies and catering to diverse customer preferences, Levi Strauss & Co. is able to drive growth and profitability.

DCF model

Levi Strauss & Co. (LEVI) DCF Excel Template

    5-Year Financial Model

    40+ Charts & Metrics

    DCF & Multiple Valuation

    Free Email Support