Barclays(US:BCS) Benzingaยท2025-04-28 18:15Group 1: Analyst Coverage and Price Forecasts - Barclays analyst Paul Kearney initiated coverage on Gildan Activewear Inc (GIL) with a price forecast of $51 [1] - Coverage was also initiated on Macy's Inc (M) and Columbia Sportswear Co (COLM) with an Equal Weight rating and price forecasts of $12 and $64, respectively [1] - Kearney initiated coverage on Carter's Inc (CRI) and Kohls Corp (KSS) with an Underweight rating and price forecasts of $25 and $4, respectively [1] Group 2: Market Conditions and Consumer Sentiment - The analyst acknowledges the strength of the U.S. consumer but remains cautious due to market turbulence and policy uncertainties affecting consumer and business sentiment [2] - Apparel is highlighted as a sector vulnerable to tariff policy shifts, with expectations of a decline in unit sales during the second half of 2025 and the first half of 2026 [2] Group 3: Retailer Strategies and Inventory Management - Despite normalized inventory management among department stores and retailers throughout 2024, supply chain risks and weakening consumer demand may lead to conservative buying strategies in the second half of 2025 [3] - Retailers are expected to prioritize key brands that drive traffic, manage costs effectively, and offer better value to shoppers [3] Group 4: Preferred Companies and Strategies - Preference is given to companies expanding their direct-to-consumer (DTC) businesses and strengthening brand positioning to support price increases, such as Ralph Lauren Corp (RL), Kontoor Brands Inc (KTB), and Levi Strauss & Co (LEVI) [4] - Companies with diversified geographic exposure to mitigate pricing challenges internationally include Ralph Lauren, Levi, and PVH Corp (PVH) [4] Group 5: Operational Advantages and Cash Flow - Companies demonstrating operational advantages in sourcing to handle tariff risks include Gildan and Kontoor Brands, which also offer strong free cash flow to equity, providing flexibility to return capital to shareholders [5]