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The men's clothing segment of the apparel industry remained strong during the 2nd qtr of 1998, although there was weakness in the women's fashion area of the industry. The Asian currency crisis has had a negative effect on the textile sector and Congress is discussing legislation to extend the North American Free Trade Agreement to the Caribbean Basin. Several apparel stocks have attractive price/earnings ratios, but investors need to be selective.

There has been an improvement in apparel pricing and demand in 1998 with healthier backlogs and inventories at all industry levels, and this can be expected to continue with improved economic conditions. The Asian economic crisis, NAFTA, and less expensive offshore production capacity has also improved the industry's cost structure. However, investors need to show caution with these stocks, although they are timely in 1998.

Lack of sales and other factors have led some apparel companies to forecast lower earnings for the 4th qtr of 1997, and profits will be impacted by the retail chain store industry. Brand and fashion names have become important to the clothing industry in the 1990s, and apparel spending based on this trend has been growing. Investors need to be cautions when making selections in this industry, although it is timely for the late 1990s.

Pricing and demand for apparel has improved in 1997, but sales for the 1997 holiday selling season and after are an unknown factor in spite of a good US economy. Stable material costs, better cost structures in apparel companies, and improved European economic conditions through 1999 are likely to support earnings growth in the industry. Investors need to be cautious with their stock evaluations, although the industry is ranked for timeliness in 1997.

Consolidation within the retail industry, especially national chains and department stores, in the 1990s has had an impact on the profitability of apparel makers. Brand names have become the best method to generate customer interest and growth, and the US economy, inventory backlogs, and good 1997 comparisons to 1996 are positive factors for the industry, as well. However, investors need to be selective when evaluating these stocks.

The apparel industry and apparel company stocks have shown better than average results in recent quarterly periods and these, coupled with the good 1996 earnings have aroused investor interest. Despite a rise in consumer confidence in the industry, investors should be aware that retail apparel sales have been dropping in recent months and that apparel industry stocks have always been volatile. Selection of top companies should help venturous investors but short-term investments should be avoided.

Stock prices in the apparel industry are moderately weak in early 1997 after a disappointing Christmas sales season in 1996. The business formula for the industry is a combination compelling fashions and leading brands. However, the industry is being faced with short order cycles, squeezed margins, and other problems, which are being dealt with. Industry earnings in 1997 should be decent with good fundamentals, and these shares are timely.

Consumer demand has given the retail industry good results in the 3rd qtr of 1996. Lower inventory levels, along with better consumer confidence and retail conditions, and a stable economy will also benefit the industry in 1997. However, offshore production and sourcing operations and computerized systems are needed for the industry to remain competitive and profitable. Investors must be selective and value-oriented when evaluating these stocks.

Apparel manufacturers' results were mixed during the first six months of 1996, although statistical improvement is indicated. However, the industry is changing, even with rising trends in retail sales, shipments, and inventory-to-sales figures. Well-designed fashions and brands have allowed some apparel makers to do well, in spite of the business climate. There is above average risk in these stocks, although several have investment appeal.

The apparel industry is not timely in 1996, although the retail area has improved. Consumers have reallocated their spending with concerns over the economy, personal debt, and job security, and apparel prices have been reduced. Fashion trends have become important and manufacturers are catering to consumer needs, but competition is still intense. Some apparel stocks are suitable investments, but most will underperform the market in 1996.

Soft demand and the effects of a weak 1995 Christmas retail season are continuing to plague the apparel industry. There is much less consumer spending for apparel, with declines in same-store sales and margins, except for collections such as Nautica and Tommy Hilfiger. Low job security, high consumer debt, and slow economic growth continue to be industry concerns. Most stocks here are not timely and investors should look elsewhere.

Profitability for the apparel industry is not likely to improve in 1995 over 1994. Profit margins will probably slip even though sales will increase at a rate of 5% to 6%. At the retail level, same-store sales have declined due to weak consumer spending, and bankruptcy protection filings are increasing. Retail competition is increasing and the woman's apparel market is changing. Apparel stocks are not good investments in 1995 and 1996.

Earnings and sales in the apparel industry are lower in the 1st half of 1995 than for the same period in 1994. Apparel manufacturers are keeping bank credit lines and inventory levels lower to maintain earning margins, and results for 1996 will be modest, mainly through retrenchment. These stocks are expected to underperform the market in 1996, and conservative investors need to choose from the few timely issues in this industry.

Sales and earnings in the apparel industry were sluggish in the 1st qtr of 1995, and several clothing firms had lower results than for the same period of 1994. Higher costs, especially for cotton, modest orders, and weak demand are the major factors influencing results. This industry will underperform the market in 1995 and 1996, and only two stocks are ranked for timeliness. Investors must be selective when investing in apparel stocks.

Fruit of the Loom Inc posted a $412.5 million loss in the 4th qtr ending Dec 31, 1997. Much of the loss was the result of a major restructuring where some of the distribution and manufacturing operations in the US were closed. The company posted sales of $428.5 million in the quarter, which was 26.2% lower than the $581 million in sales garnered in the 4th qtr ending Dec 31, 1996., NEW YORK -- It was a bloodbath at Fruit of the Loom in the fourth quarter. After a series of special items totaling $441.7 million before taxes and $372.2 million [...]

NEW YORK -- It was a bloodbath at Fruit of the Loom in the fourth quarter. After a series of special items totaling $441.7 million before taxes and $372.2 million [...]

Fruit of the Loom earnings increased by 2.6% in 2d qtr 1995. They increased from $38.7 million in 2d qtr 1994 to $39.7 million in 2d qtr 1995. Sales increased by 14.1% in 2d qtr 1995. Sales increased from $635.2 million in 2d qtr 1994 to $724.8 million in 2d qtr 1995. Inventories increased by 22.8%. Inventories were $676.8 million on Jan 1, 1995 to $831.1 million on Jun 30, 1995. Underwear and socks sold well while t-shirts sold poorly., CHICAGO (FNS) -- Profits at Fruit of the loom Inc. inched ahead 2.6 percent in the second quarter ended June 30 as a robust sales of underwear and socks offset [...]

NEW YORK -- After taking major restructuring charges last year, Fruit of the Loom Inc. is now ready for sales growth initiatives. And for 1999, FTL sales should be between [...]

NEW YORK -- Despite slightly lower sales, apparel and underwear giant Fruit of the Loom Inc.'s second-quarter earnings more than tripled in the first quarter. The firm posted earnings of [...]

NEW YORK -- Despite slightly lower sales, apparel and underwear giant Fruit of the Loom Inc.'s second-quarter earnings more than tripled. The firm posted earnings of $65.3 million, or 90 [...]

NEW YORK -- Despite lower than expected sales across the board, Fruit of the Loom Inc. first quarter net earnings jumped 38.2 percent to $31.2 million, or 43 cents a [...]