Gildan Reports Results for the First Quarter of 2025; Maintains Full Year Guidance

Core Viewpoint - Gildan Activewear Inc. reported a strong performance in Q1 2025, with a 9% increase in Activewear sales, driven by strategic initiatives and a focus on sustainable growth despite a challenging macroeconomic environment [2][3][11]. Financial Performance - Net sales for Q1 2025 were $712 million, reflecting a 2.3% increase year-over-year, aligning with previous guidance of low single-digit growth [3][25]. - Activewear sales reached $647 million, up 9%, attributed to higher sales volumes and a favorable product mix in North America [3][26]. - Gross profit was $222 million, representing 31.2% of net sales, an improvement from 30.3% in the prior year [4][25]. - Operating income increased to $130 million, or 18.2% of net sales, compared to $105 million, or 15.1% of net sales, in the previous year [6][25]. - Adjusted diluted EPS remained flat at $0.59, while GAAP diluted EPS increased by 19.1% to $0.56 [8][9][25]. Cost Management - SG&A expenses decreased to $87 million from $105 million in the prior year, with adjusted SG&A expenses up 1% to $86 million [5][25]. - The company reported net financial expenses of $30 million, an increase of $7 million due to higher borrowing levels [7][25]. Cash Flow and Capital Allocation - Cash flows used in operating activities totaled $142 million, compared to $27 million in the same period last year, primarily due to an increase in non-cash working capital [10][47]. - Free cash flow consumed was $166 million, with capital expenditures of $23 million [10][47]. - The company returned $62 million to shareholders through share repurchases during the quarter [10][14]. 2025 Guidance - Gildan reaffirmed its full-year 2025 guidance, expecting mid-single-digit growth in net sales and an adjusted operating margin increase of approximately 50 basis points [12][14]. - Adjusted diluted EPS is projected to be in the range of $3.38 to $3.58, reflecting a year-over-year increase of approximately 13% to 19% [14][12]. ESG and Sustainability - Gildan was included in S&P's 2025 Sustainability Yearbook for the 13th consecutive year and recognized by CDP for its climate change disclosures [16]. Shareholder Returns - The Board declared a cash dividend of $0.226 per share, payable on June 16, 2025 [17].