The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday, Feb. 25, edition that RBC Capital analyst Ryland Conrad is keeping his "outperform" recommendation for Gildan Activewear intact. The Globe's David Leeder writes in the Eye On Equities column that Mr. Conrad boosted his share target by $8 to $79 (all figures U.S.). Analysts on average target the shares at $80.54. Mr. Conrad says in a note: "With the closing of the HanesBrands acquisition, our near-term focus is on: (I) integration execution and progress in realizing cost synergies; (ii) the extent to which Hanes returns to sustainable revenue growth; and (iii) the delevering trajectory including potential divestitures. Despite strong share price performance (up 39 per cent since the acquisition announcement) with Gildan now trading at a FTM [forward 12-month] P/E of 15.1 times, we continue to see potential for multiyear upside in the shares in a successful integration scenario driven by a solid 2026-2028 outlook (more than 20-per-cent EPS CAGR) boosted by Hanes-related cost synergies and continued market share gains." The Globe reported on Oct. 28 that Mr. Conrad had reaffirmed his "outperform" ranking for Gildan Activewear. The shares were then going for $61.26.