** Shares of denim apparel maker Levi Strauss & Co LEVI.N rise 9.6% to $21.6 in premarket trading

** Co boosted its annual sales and profit outlook, driven by robust denim demand and strength in its direct‑to‑consumer segment despite headwinds from U.S. tariffs

** Co's Q1 net revenue jumps 14% to $1.74 bln, surpassing estimates of $1.65 bln, while adjusted earnings of 42 cents per share also beat forecasts

** Barclays maintaining "overweight" rating on the stock says global brand growth will be driven by expansion into new geographies, a larger direct‑to‑consumer footprint and a broader “head‑to‑toe” lifestyle strategy, positioning Levi’s as a long‑term brand compounder

** "Trends remain strong quarter to date and co has not seen any elasticity from tariff-driven price increases or recent gas price spikes", adds Jefferies

** 14 of 16 brokerages rate the stock "buy" or higher, 2 "hold"; their median PT is $27 - data compiled by LSEG

** As of last day's close, the stock is down ~5% YTD