Core Insights - American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (AEO) is recognized as one of the 12 Best Retail Dividend Stocks to buy currently [1] - The company primarily targets teens and young adults with its two main brands: American Eagle and Aerie, operating 1,185 stores and expanding globally through franchises [2] - Recent strategies focus on differentiating brands, streamlining supply chains, enhancing digital capabilities, and promoting sustainability, particularly through the Real Good line [3] Dividend Information - On September 16, AEO declared a quarterly dividend of $0.125 per share, consistent with previous dividends, maintaining regular payments for the last two decades [4] - The stock currently has a dividend yield of 2.79% as of September 22 [4]

Core Viewpoint - Gildan Activewear Inc. has announced the pricing of a US$1.2 billion offering of senior unsecured notes to fund the acquisition of Hanesbrands Inc. and refinance existing debt [1][2]. Group 1: Offering Details - The offering consists of two series of senior unsecured notes: US$600 million of 4.700% notes due October 7, 2030, and US$600 million of 5.400% notes due October 7, 2035 [1]. - The expected closing date for the offering is around October 7, 2025, subject to customary closing conditions [2]. Group 2: Use of Proceeds - The net proceeds from the notes will be used for the cash portion of the acquisition of Hanesbrands, refinancing Hanesbrands' existing debt, and covering related transaction fees and expenses [2]. Group 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® [10]. - The company operates large-scale manufacturing facilities primarily located in Central America, the Caribbean, North America, and Bangladesh, with a strong commitment to labor, environmental, and governance practices [11].

Core Insights - Gildan Activewear Inc. will participate in the 24th Annual CIBC Eastern Institutional Investor Conference in Montreal on September 25, 2025, with key executives engaging in a fireside chat and one-on-one meetings with investors [1] Company Overview - Gildan is a leading manufacturer of everyday basic apparel, offering products such as activewear, underwear, and socks to a diverse customer base including wholesale distributors, screenprinters, retailers, and global lifestyle brand companies [2] - The company markets its products across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America under various owned brands, including Gildan, American Apparel, Comfort Colors, GOLDTOE, and Peds, as well as through an exclusive licensing agreement for Champion in the printwear channel [2] Manufacturing and ESG Practices - Gildan operates large-scale, vertically integrated manufacturing facilities primarily located in Central America, the Caribbean, North America, and Bangladesh [3] - The company is committed to industry-leading labor, environmental, and governance practices throughout its supply chain, which is integrated into its comprehensive ESG program aligned with its long-term business strategy [3]

Industry Overview - The Zacks Shoes and Retail Apparel industry is focusing on brand-building initiatives and promotional efforts to enhance consumer engagement, driven by strong demand for activewear and wellness-oriented products [1][5] - Companies are leveraging product innovation, expanding athleisure collections, and investing in e-commerce and omnichannel strategies to capitalize on the growing trend towards healthy lifestyles [1][3] Challenges - The industry is facing persistent headwinds such as rising input and logistics costs, supply-chain disruptions, and elevated selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses, which are pressuring profit margins [2][7] - Macroeconomic factors including currency fluctuations, geopolitical uncertainty, and changes in tax and tariff policies are adding complexity to the operating environment [2][7] Future Outlook - Sustainable growth in the industry will depend on continued innovation, upgrades to digital infrastructure, and enhanced consumer engagement [3][5] - Established players like NIKE, Adidas, Skechers, Birkenstock, and Wolverine are well-positioned to navigate challenges and seize long-term opportunities [3][5] Consumer Demand Trends - There is a strong and steady consumer demand for athletic and athleisure products, projected to continue through 2025, with a growing appetite for performance and style [5] - The health and wellness movement is influencing buying patterns, leading to increased popularity of versatile, multi-functional footwear designs [5] E-Commerce Investments - Digital channels are a major growth engine for the athleisure market, with brands expanding their online presence through websites and social media [6] - Investments in supply-chain efficiency and fulfillment enhancements are critical for maintaining competitive advantages [6] Cost Headwinds - Companies are grappling with elevated costs due to commodity price inflation, supply-chain bottlenecks, and increased logistics expenses [7] - Higher SG&A expenses are driven by increased spending on marketing and digital initiatives, compounded by economic uncertainties and a challenging labor market [7] Industry Performance - The Zacks Shoes and Retail Apparel industry has underperformed compared to the broader Consumer Discretionary sector and the S&P 500, with a collective decline of 6.4% over the past year [12] - The industry currently holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 58, placing it in the top 24% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating positive earnings outlooks for constituent companies [9][10] Valuation - The industry is trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 28.96X, higher than the S&P 500's 23.02X and the sector's 20.24X [13] Notable Companies - **Skechers**: Focused on a multi-brand approach and e-commerce growth, with a projected sales growth of 8.2% for 2025 [18] - **Wolverine**: Emphasizing brand structure and efficiency, with expected sales growth of 6.5% and earnings growth of 46.2% for 2025 [22] - **NIKE**: Implementing a Consumer Direct Acceleration strategy, with projected declines in sales and earnings for fiscal 2026 [25] - **Adidas**: Benefiting from strong demand and improved margins, with projected sales growth of 13.8% and earnings growth of 86.5% for 2025 [29] - **Birkenstock**: Focused on high-quality products and DTC channels, with projected sales growth of 26.9% and earnings growth of 39.6% for fiscal 2025 [33]

Core Insights - Gildan Activewear Inc. will participate in the 29th Annual Scotiabank Back to School Conference in Toronto on September 17, 2025, with key executives engaging in a fireside chat and one-on-one meetings with investors [1] Company Overview - Gildan is a leading manufacturer of everyday basic apparel, offering products such as activewear, underwear, and socks to a diverse customer base including wholesale distributors, screenprinters, retailers, and global lifestyle brand companies [2] - The company markets its products across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America under various owned brands, including Gildan, American Apparel, Comfort Colors, GOLDTOE, and Peds, as well as through an exclusive licensing agreement for the printwear channel for Champion [2] Manufacturing and ESG Practices - Gildan operates large-scale, vertically integrated manufacturing facilities primarily located in Central America, the Caribbean, North America, and Bangladesh [3] - The company is committed to industry-leading labor, environmental, and governance practices throughout its supply chain, which is integrated into its comprehensive ESG program aligned with its long-term business strategy [3]

Core Insights - Gildan Activewear has appointed S&S Activewear as the exclusive wholesale distributor for its brands in the Canadian imprintables market, effective December 28, 2025 [1][3]. Group 1: Partnership Details - The partnership aims to enhance product availability and streamline the ordering process for Gildan's Canadian customers through S&S Activewear's distribution network [2][3]. - S&S Activewear will provide improved service with inventory depth that allows for one and two-day service to over 99% of the Canadian population [3]. Group 2: Company Background - Gildan is a leading manufacturer of basic apparel, offering products such as activewear, underwear, and socks, marketed under various brands including Gildan, American Apparel, and Champion [4][5]. - The company operates large-scale manufacturing facilities primarily in Central America, the Caribbean, North America, and Bangladesh, with a strong commitment to ESG practices [5]. Group 3: S&S Activewear Overview - S&S Activewear, founded in 1988, is a major distributor of apparel and accessories in North America, offering over 100 brands and operating more than 6 million square feet of warehouse space [6]. - The company serves a diverse customer base, including retail brands, e-commerce companies, and garment decorators [6].

Core Viewpoint - Gildan Activewear Inc. is set to report its second quarter 2025 financial and operating results on July 31, 2025, with a conference call scheduled for discussion with financial analysts and institutional investors [1][2]. Company Overview - Gildan is a leading manufacturer of everyday basic apparel, offering products such as activewear, underwear, and socks to a diverse customer base including wholesale distributors, screenprinters, retailers, and global lifestyle brand companies [4]. - The company markets its products across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America under various brands including Gildan, American Apparel, Comfort Colors, GOLDTOE, and Peds, as well as through an exclusive licensing agreement for Champion in the printwear channel [4]. Manufacturing and ESG Practices - Gildan operates large-scale, vertically integrated manufacturing facilities primarily located in Central America, the Caribbean, North America, and Bangladesh [5]. - The company is committed to industry-leading labor, environmental, and governance practices throughout its supply chain, which is integrated into its comprehensive ESG program as part of its long-term business strategy [5].

Core Insights - Gildan Activewear Inc. has been recognized on Canada's Best 50 Corporate Citizens list for the fourth consecutive year, being one of only two companies in the Textiles and Clothing Manufacturing sector to achieve this honor [1] - The company is also featured on TIME's World's Most Sustainable Companies list, marking its presence as one of 13 Canadian companies and one of only two in the "Apparel, Footwear & Sporting Goods" subcategory [1] Group 1: Recognition and Awards - Gildan's inclusion in Canada's Best 50 Corporate Citizens is based on a dataset of companies with over $1 billion in annual revenues, evaluated on 25 key performance indicators (KPIs) related to sustainability and corporate responsibility [2] - TIME's World's Most Sustainable Companies list identifies the top 500 companies from a pool of 5,000, assessed across more than 20 key indicators, including sustainability ratings and commitments from reputable organizations [3] Group 2: Company Overview - Gildan is a leading manufacturer of everyday basic apparel, offering products such as activewear, underwear, and socks, marketed under various brands including 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]

Core Insights - Gildan Activewear Inc. has been recognized on Canada's Best 50 Corporate Citizens list for the fourth consecutive year, being one of only two companies in the Textiles and Clothing Manufacturing sector to achieve this honor [1] - The company is also featured on TIME's World's Most Sustainable Companies list, marking its presence as one of 13 Canadian companies and one of only two in the "Apparel, Footwear & Sporting Goods" subcategory [1] Group 1: Recognition and Achievements - Gildan's inclusion in Canada's Best 50 Corporate Citizens is based on a dataset of companies with over $1 billion in annual revenues, evaluated on 25 key performance indicators (KPIs) related to sustainability and corporate responsibility [2] - TIME's World's Most Sustainable Companies list identifies the top 500 companies from a pool of 5,000, assessed across more than 20 key indicators, including sustainability ratings and commitments from reputable organizations [3] Group 2: Company Overview - Gildan is a leading manufacturer of everyday basic apparel, offering products such as activewear, underwear, and socks, marketed under various brands including 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]

Legal Action - Lululemon accuses Costco of selling knockoff activewear under the Kirkland brand [1]