Executive Leadership Changes - Gildan Activewear Inc. announced executive leadership nominations and a CFO transition as part of a multi-year succession planning process to ensure continuity in the Gildan Sustainable Growth Strategy [1][2] - Chuck Ward has been appointed as Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer (EVP and COO), effective March 1, 2025, while Rhodri J. Harries will retire on January 1, 2026, after nearly 10 years in the role of EVP, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer [5] - Luca Barile will succeed Rhodri J. Harries as EVP, Chief Financial Officer, assuming responsibilities on March 1, 2025, after serving as CFO for Sales, Marketing and Distribution [5] Financial Performance and Guidance - Gildan announced its fourth-quarter and full-year results for 2024, along with annual guidance for 2025, indicating ongoing financial goals and growth strategies [3] Company Overview - Gildan is a leading manufacturer of everyday basic apparel, including activewear, underwear, and socks, marketed under various brands such as Gildan, American Apparel, and Champion [4] - The company operates large-scale, vertically integrated manufacturing facilities primarily located in Central America, the Caribbean, North America, and Bangladesh, with a strong commitment to labor, environmental, and governance practices [5][6]

Core Insights - Gildan Activewear Inc. reported record revenue of $3,271 million for the full year 2024, reflecting a 2% increase year over year, and a 10% increase in dividends for 2025 [2][10][23]. Financial Performance - Fourth quarter net sales reached $822 million, a 5% increase from the previous year, with activewear sales up 11% to $714 million [3][30]. - Gross profit for the fourth quarter was $253 million, representing 30.8% of sales, an improvement from 30.2% in the prior year [4][30]. - SG&A expenses decreased to $78 million from $88 million year over year, reflecting a reduction in costs related to proxy contests and leadership changes [5][30]. - Operating income for the fourth quarter was $179 million, or 21.8% of net sales, with adjusted operating income at $175 million, up 160 basis points from the prior year [6][30]. - The company generated cash flow from operations of $211 million in Q4 and $501 million for the full year, with free cash flow of $208 million in Q4 and $389 million for the full year [7][30]. Market Dynamics - International sales increased by 20% year over year, driven by higher sell-through in certain markets and inventory replenishment by distributors [3][10]. - The Hosiery and underwear category saw a 23% decline in net sales, primarily due to the phase-out of the Under Armour business, although excluding this impact, sales were up in high single digits [3][10]. Strategic Initiatives - The company continues to focus on its Gildan Sustainable Growth (GSG) strategy, enhancing its competitive advantage as a low-cost, large-scale, vertically integrated sustainable manufacturer [2][17]. - Gildan aims for mid-single digit net sales growth and mid-teen adjusted diluted EPS growth over the next three years [17][21]. Shareholder Returns - The company returned $246 million to shareholders in Q4 and $889 million for the full year through dividends and share repurchases [7][15]. - A 10% increase in the quarterly dividend was announced, with a cash dividend of $0.226 per share payable on April 7, 2025 [23][21]. Leadership Changes - Gildan announced executive leadership changes, including the appointment of Chuck Ward as EVP and COO effective March 1, 2025, and Luca Barile as CFO [20][28].

Core Viewpoint - Gildan Activewear Inc. is set to release its fourth-quarter 2024 results, with expectations of revenue growth and stable earnings per share, driven by strategic initiatives and market demand [1][3][5]. Group 1: Financial Expectations - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is $793.5 million, reflecting a 1.4% increase from the previous year [1]. - The consensus estimate for earnings per share is stable at 80 cents, indicating a 6.7% increase from the year-ago period [1]. - Gildan has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise average of 5.4% [1]. Group 2: Strategic Initiatives - Gildan's Sustainable Growth Strategy focuses on capacity expansion, innovation, and ESG initiatives, which are expected to enhance competitive strength and profitability [3]. - The new manufacturing complex in Bangladesh is projected to reach a 75% exit capacity rate by year-end, improving supply chain efficiencies [4]. - Ongoing modernization of yarn operations in the U.S. is driving operational improvements, likely benefiting the upcoming quarter [4]. Group 3: Market Dynamics - The company is expected to benefit from lower raw material and manufacturing input costs, which should enhance margins [5]. - The Activewear segment is gaining momentum due to market share expansion and strong demand for new soft cotton technology products [5]. - Increased international sales, particularly in Europe, are anticipated to positively impact revenue, driven by inventory replenishment and improved distribution capabilities [5]. Group 4: Management Outlook - Management has refined its outlook, expecting low-single-digit revenue growth, with mid-single-digit growth anticipated when excluding the impact of the Under Armour sock license expiration [6]. - Adjusted operating margin is projected to be slightly above 21%, with positive POS trends expected to continue through the final quarter [6]. Group 5: Stock Performance and Valuation - Gildan's stock has increased by 47.1% over the past year, outperforming the broader industry decline of 2.9% and the Consumer Discretionary sector's growth of 15.7% [8]. - The stock is trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio of 14.81x, below its five-year high of 15.82x and the industry's average of 22.45x, indicating attractive valuation for investors [10].

Core Insights - Gildan Activewear (GIL) is currently more attractive to value investors compared to Kontoor Brands (KTB) based on various financial metrics and rankings [1][3][7] Valuation Metrics - GIL has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a more favorable earnings estimate revision trend compared to KTB, which has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [3] - GIL's forward P/E ratio is 15.52, while KTB's forward P/E ratio is 16.73, suggesting GIL is relatively undervalued [5] - The PEG ratio for GIL is 1.72, compared to KTB's PEG ratio of 2.09, indicating GIL's expected earnings growth is more favorable relative to its valuation [5] - GIL's P/B ratio is 5.18, significantly lower than KTB's P/B ratio of 13.63, further supporting GIL's valuation attractiveness [6] Value Grades - GIL has a Value grade of B, while KTB has a Value grade of C, reflecting GIL's stronger overall valuation metrics [6]

MONTREAL, Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gildan Activewear Inc. (GIL; TSX and NYSE) will report its 2024 fourth quarter and full year results on Wednesday, February 19th, 2025. A press release will be issued before markets open, and a conference call is scheduled on that same day at 8:30 AM ET to discuss the Company's results. The conference call can be accessed by dialing (800) 715-9871 (Canada & U.S.) or (646) 307-1963 (international) and entering passcode 3105768#. A replay will be available for 7 day ...

MONTREAL, Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gildan Activewear Inc. (GIL; TSX and NYSE) will report its 2024 fourth quarter and full year results on Wednesday, February 19th, 2025. A press release will be issued before markets open, and a conference call is scheduled on that same day at 8:30 AM ET to discuss the Company’s results. The conference call can be accessed by dialing (800) 715-9871 (Canada & U.S.) or (646) 307-1963 (international) and entering passcode 3105768#. A replay will be available for 7 day ...

CHARLESTON, S.C., Jan. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gildan is pleased to donate U.S.$200,000 worth of American Apparel® and Gildan® garments to FireAid, a concert benefiting those affected by the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles, California. Shirts and hoodies will be available for purchase at the event with all funds from their sale going directly to short-term relief efforts as well as long-term initiatives to prevent future fire disasters in Southern California. “At Gildan, we believe in making apparel r ...

Gildan's Product Innovations and Brand Updates - Gildan is showcasing its latest styles and product innovations at the Impressions Expo Long Beach, featuring brands like Gildan, Comfort Colors, American Apparel, and Champion [1] - The company is introducing Plasma Print Technology to enhance direct-to-garment printing, offering softer fabrics, brighter colors, and improved print consistency [2] - New styles include additions to the Light Cotton™, Gildan Hammer Maxweight, and Softstyle™ Midweight Fleece collections, reinforcing Gildan's position as a preferred choice for decorators [3] Comfort Colors' 50th Anniversary and New Offerings - Comfort Colors is celebrating 50 years with new colors in best-selling styles 3023CL and 6030, as well as new youth styles 1467Y and 1745Y [4] - The brand is also introducing a cozy Fleece Dorm Blanket and previewing its 2026 collection with fresh silhouettes for women [5] - Comfort Colors continues to emphasize its Pigment Pure™ dyeing and reactive hues, inspired by nature [5] American Apparel's New Collections and Brand Identity - American Apparel is launching new colors in its iconic 2001 and 2001CVC styles, along with a Super Heavyweight collection featuring a street-style oversized fit [6] - The brand is also featuring its recently launched Logo collection, available exclusively on Amazon, reaffirming its dedication to blending apparel with pop culture [7] Champion's Bold and Stylish Collection - Gildan, through its licensing agreement with Authentic Brands Group, is presenting Champion's athletic apparel collection, including styles like S450, S600, and S700, embodying individuality and uniqueness [8] Gildan's Market Presence and ESG Commitment - Gildan is a leading manufacturer of everyday basic apparel, with products sold in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America under brands like Gildan, American Apparel, Comfort Colors, and Champion [9] - The company operates vertically integrated manufacturing facilities in Central America, the Caribbean, North America, and Bangladesh, with a strong commitment to ESG practices [10]

ESG Performance and Recognition - Gildan Activewear Inc has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability™ North America Index (DJSI North America) for the 12th consecutive year, marking its leadership in sustainability [1] - The company ranks in the 98th percentile of the Textiles, Apparel, and Luxury Goods industry out of 189 companies assessed, making it the only apparel manufacturing company included in the DJSI North America [1] - The DJSI North America represents the top 20% of the largest 600 North American companies in the S&P Global Broad Market Index that lead in sustainability [2] ESG Strategy and Commitment - Gildan's ESG strategy is an integral part of its long-term business strategy, with a two-decade-long commitment to sustainability [2] - The company's Next Generation ESG strategy is rooted in the Gildan Sustainable Growth strategy, aiming to create a more sustainable future for the company, its people, communities, and the environment [2] - Gildan operates with industry-leading labor, environmental, and governance practices throughout its supply chain, embedded in its comprehensive ESG program [6] Company Overview - Gildan is a leading manufacturer of everyday basic apparel, including activewear, underwear, and socks, sold to wholesale distributors, screenprinters, retailers, and global lifestyle brand companies [4] - The company markets its products in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America under brands such as Gildan, American Apparel, Comfort Colors, GOLDTOE, and Peds [5] - Gildan owns and operates vertically integrated, large-scale manufacturing facilities primarily located in Central America, the Caribbean, North America, and Bangladesh [6]

The Consumer Discretionary group has plenty of great stocks, but investors should always be looking for companies that are outperforming their peers. Has Gildan Activewear (GIL) been one of those stocks this year? A quick glance at the company's year-to-date performance in comparison to the rest of the Consumer Discretionary sector should help us answer this question.Gildan Activewear is a member of the Consumer Discretionary sector. This group includes 272 individual stocks and currently holds a Zacks Sect ...