01:32 PM EST, 02/05/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Gildan Activewear ( GIL ) target has been raised by $4, to $78 at National Bank. The company is expected to report its fourth-quarter results in February.

National Bank is projecting fourth-quarter EPS of $0.80 versus consensus at $0.81; last year was $0.75.

Analyst Vishal Shreedhar believes that wholesale channel POS trends were tepid in Q4/24 (similar to Q3/24), although he believes Gildan is taking market share. "We understand that January industry trends have improved, and wholesalers are optimistic for improved performance in 2025."

Given that Gildan generates ~90% of sales in the U.S., and the Honduras/Caribbean basin is not targeted for higher potential tariffs, it's more insulated from trade disruption (vs. National's other discretionary coverage). F/X translation to the Canadian stock is helpful, though possible economic weakness related to trade disruption could offset, Shreedhar adds.

Maintain Outperform and Top Pick rating.

Price: 74.96, Change: +1.16, Percent Change: +1.57