$VFC

Cramer recommends buying 2 stocks he says he normally wouldn't

Jim Cramer recommended VF Corp (VFC) and Kontoor Brands (KTB) on his Mad Money show, citing their depressed valuations. Both stocks have shown recent gains, with VF Corp up 33% in a month and Kontoor up 18.6% this year. Analysts upgraded both stocks, setting price targets of $20 for VFC and $89 for KTB. Both companies face risks, including debt and economic headwinds.

Original reporting
Published Oct 19, 2026, 3:33 PM UTC
Analysis
AlphAI AI DeskAI-generated
Added to AlphAI Oct 19, 2026, 3:39 PM UTC. Informational, not investment advice.
How this was made
AlphAI summarizes source reporting and applies a structured AI analysis for relevance, timing, sentiment and ticker impact. Always verify material claims with the original publisher.
Cramer recommends buying 2 stocks he says he normally wouldn't — source image
Decision brief

The 30-second read

$VFCBullishLow
01

Why it matters

The endorsement could generate short‑term buying interest, but underlying business risks remain.

02

Market read

The article offers a fresh recommendation that may prompt short‑term buying in VFC and KTB, but overall market impact is modest.

03

What to watch

VF Corp's debt load and Kontoor's integration risks could limit upside.

Relevance 4/10Novelty 3/10Timing: today

Background

Jim Cramer used his Mad Money show to suggest two apparel stocks as alternatives to volatile AI names, citing recent price recoveries and analyst upgrades.

Company-level read

Ticker impact

$VFCBullishMedium confidence
Context

Cramer recommends buying VF Corp after its price fell and now trades at depressed valuations.

Expected impact

likely upward pressure from new buying interest

Evidence & confidence

Cramer's endorsement is a fresh catalyst that could lift the stock in the short term.

$KTBBullishMedium confidence
Context

Cramer also recommends Kontoor Brands, noting its recent share price rise and a $89 price target from Jefferies.

Expected impact

likely upward pressure from increased demand

Evidence & confidence

The recommendation and analyst upgrade provide a new positive signal for the stock.

Market effects

May boost sentiment toward apparel sector as a defensive alternative to AI stocks.

Limited to US equity markets where VF Corp and Kontoor trade.

Low, confined to the two companies.

Counterpoint

Investors may view the recommendation as hype given recent price gains and still‑high valuation concerns.

Key entities

  • Jim Cramer

    Host of Mad Money, providing the stock recommendation.

  • Truist

    Upgraded VF Corp to Buy.

  • Piper Sandler

    Upgraded VF Corp to Buy with $20 price target.

  • Jefferies

    Upgraded Kontoor Brands to Buy with $89 price target.

Related articles

$VFCHigh

VF Corporation faces earnings test as Vans turnaround hangs in balance

VF Corporation (VFC) reports Q2 2027 earnings on Wednesday, with investors focused on the Vans brand's recovery. The company expects $0.53 EPS on $2.66B revenue, a turnaround from last quarter's loss. Analysts expect a 5% revenue decline but watch for signs of sequential improvement and guidance updates. VFC's stock has risen 30% from September lows, with a consensus price target of $18.96.

$VFCMed

Williams Trading raises VF Corp. stock price target on improved outlook

Williams Trading raised its price target on VF Corp. (VFC) to $22 from $20, citing improved revenue estimates for Vans, Timberland, and other segments. The stock, currently at $16.48, has potential upside of 33%. The firm expects VF Corp. to increase fiscal 2027 guidance, driven by strong performance in Vans and Altra. Other analysts have also updated their ratings and estimates for the company.

$KTBHigh

This struggling denim stock is bound to bounce back, Jefferies says

Jefferies upgraded Kontoor Brands (KTB) to buy, raising its price target to $89 from $82, citing growth potential in denim and outdoor brands. Shares have fallen 15% over the past year. Analysts highlight Helly Hansen's U.S. expansion and renewed demand for denim as growth drivers. 8 of 10 analysts rate KTB as buy or strong buy.

$VFCHigh

Why is VF stock rallying today?

VF Corporation (VFC) stock rose 3.9% pre-market after upgrades from Piper Sandler and Truist, citing stabilization at its Vans brand. Piper Sandler raised its target to $20, while Truist doubled its target to $20. JPMorgan also upgraded VFC previously. The stock is up on company-specific developments ahead of its Q2 earnings report.