This Canadian Apparel Giant Could Significantly Outperform

The apparel industry is on track to recovery, and as the environment returns to normalcy, Gildan Activewear (TSX:GIL)(NYSE:GIL) appears very well-positioned to take significant advantage of this.

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Gildan Activewear (TSX:GIL)(NYSE:GIL) demonstrated significant agility last year. The landscape in 2020 prompted an acceleration of a number of Gildan’s Back to Basics Basics initiatives in order to further optimize the company’s operations and strengthen the company’s financial flexibility. These actions included a stronger focus on Gildan’s price positioning, additional significant product line rationalization of Gildan’s imprintable and retail product offerings, and the further reduction of the company’s cost base.

Low-cost model and price leadership

Further, strengthening both Gildan’s low-cost model and price leadership are instrumental actions for driving future growth and enhancing the company’s profitability going forward. Ultimately, Gildan expects that the company’s Back to Basics strategy will enable it to emerge from the pandemic as a stronger company and more formidable competitor, allowing it to deliver on the company’s long-term growth and financial targets.

Impact of remote working conditions and healthier lifestyle trends

Several industry shifts that were well underway in recent years have been reinforced by the pandemic. The most apparent of them is casualization, which has been amplified by remote working conditions and healthier lifestyle trends. Further, Gildan’s portfolio of basic apparel is well-positioned to address the increasing demand for comfort.

Increasing flexibility and resilience to better balance supply chains

In addition, private brands have also been gaining traction in recent years as customers and consumers begin favouring value and convenience. This appears to be another trend heightened by the COVID-19 crisis. From a supply chain perspective, many companies who source products are re-evaluating how the businesses can increase flexibility and resilience to better balance supply chains.

Addressing the risk of disruptions by forging stronger partnerships

This also addresses the risk of disruptions, while exploring strategies like near-shoring or the forging of stronger partnerships. Environmental, social, and governance issues are also becoming an increasingly important part of the decision-making process for consumers, business partners, and all stakeholders, with growing attention on traceability and social impact in the apparel industry.

Vertically integrated and cost-effective global manufacturing operations

These deep shifts should provide new opportunities for Gildan as the company’s scale and capabilities allow it to execute on larger basic apparel programs. Gildan’s vertically-integrated and cost-effective global manufacturing operations offer a stable and transparent supply chain as well as proximity to the company’s markets.

Set for expansion and should facilitate servicing European and Asian markets

Further, Gildan’s Bangladesh hub appears set for expansion and should facilitate servicing European and Asian markets and provide certain products in North America. Most importantly — and central to Gildan’s vision of making apparel better — the company’s strong ESG practices render it a manufacturing partner of choice for those who recognize the inherent link that environmental practices, social impact, and good governance has on strengthening company resilience, sustainability, and financial performance in the long run.

Well-positioned for the future

Overall, Gildan appears well-positioned for the future. The apparel industry is on track to recovery, and Gildan is well able to take significant advantage as the environment returns a semblance of normalcy.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

The Motley Fool recommends GILDAN ACTIVEWEAR INC. Fool contributor Nikhil Kumar has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 

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