Gildan Activewear: Look Beyond Proforma Revenue Contraction

Gildan Activewear remains a "Buy" as I see headline revenue weakness as transitory. The 1Q2026 topline was 9.9% lower on a merged basis due to the company's strategic move to optimize production allocation and a high base in 1Q25. GIL's recent quarterly operating income grew 23.1% YoY, with EBIT margin 146 bps above consensus, thanks to the popularity of its high-ASP products and the forward-looking hedging strategy.