Kontoor Brands, Inc. 8-K

What Happened
Kontoor Brands, Inc. (KTB) filed an 8‑K on Feb. 13, 2026 disclosing that on Feb. 12, 2026 its Talent and Compensation Committee adopted the Kontoor Brands Executive Severance Plan for eligible employees, including named executive officers. The Plan provides severance benefits on a “Qualifying Termination” (termination by the company without Cause or resignation for Good Reason) that include base salary continuation, subsidized COBRA coverage and a prorated annual bonus based on actual performance. The Plan is attached as Exhibit 10.1 to the 8‑K. Separately, on Feb. 13, 2026 the company announced a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.53 per share, payable March 20, 2026 to holders of record at the close of business on March 10, 2026 (press release filed as Exhibit 99.1).

Key Details

• Plan adoption date: February 12, 2026; 8‑K filed February 13, 2026.
• Severance tiers: CEO — 24 months salary continuation and 18 months COBRA; Executive VPs — 18 months salary and 12 months COBRA; Senior VPs/other — 12 months salary and 9 months COBRA.
• Benefits also include prorated annual bonus (based on actual performance) and eligibility requires a signed participation agreement and execution of a release; excludes employees with opportunity to continue in same/qualifying alternative role or those covered by a Change in Control Agreement.
• Dividend: $0.53 per share, payable March 20, 2026; record date March 10, 2026.

Why It Matters
The severance plan formalizes post‑termination protections and retention terms for senior executives—potentially increasing one‑time or ongoing compensation expense and clarifying management transition costs for investors. The dividend declaration signals continued shareholder cash returns; the payment and record dates are specified in the filing. The filing does not report earnings, revenue or other financial results.