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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.

NEW YORK -- With gross margins continuing to grow, St. John Knits Inc. said third-quarter earnings increased 19.7 percent to $7.2 million, or 42 cents a share, from $6 million, [...]

St John Knits had a strong 1997 first quarter, increasing sales by 24.2% and profits by 29.8%. Sales were $45.3 million for the first quarter of 1996 and $56.2 million for the same quarter in 1997. The quarter ended Feb 2, with profits of $7.4 million. The company is looking for acquisitions but has been unable to find targets that fit the highly selective wholesaler and retailer., NEW YORK -- St. John Knits continued its winning ways in the first quarter, racking up a 29.8 percent profit gain, as sales ran ahead 24.2 percent. Apparently not content [...]

St. John Knits Inc.'s profits rose 40% to $8.6 million, or $.50 per share, during the 3rd qtr ended Nov 3, 1996, up from Wall Street expectations by $.46. The firm is one of the several luxury goods companies that are gaining ground during the holiday season. During the quarter, sales rose 27.6% to $6.1 million, compared with the previous year, and gross margins reached 57.9% of sales., NEW YORK -- Driven by higher margins and strength across all product categories, St. John Knits Inc. reported profits surged 40 percent in the fourth quarter ended Nov. 3., to [...]

St. John Knits earnings during 3d 1996 rose from $4.3 million to $6 million, an increase of 39.8%, while sales rose from $36.9 million to $46.5 million, an increase of 25.9%. The company's strong performance exceeded Wall Street projections, as well as the company's own estimates. St. John Chmn and CEO Bob Gray says that in the face of strong demand for the company's products, St John plans to raise its production capacity., NEW YORK -- St. John Knits continues to roar ahead with strong gains in earnings, sales, gross margins and order backlog. Earnings were up 39.8 percent to $6 million, or [...]

St. John Knits Inc. reported earnings of $4.3 million in 3rd qtr 1995, a rise of 21% over the previous year. Per-share earnings translated to an increase of 9 cents per share over 3rd qtr 1994. The report sent the stock up 2 3/8 to 47 3/8. The company credited its strong product mix and also two of its specialty lines, St. John Sport and Tyber by St. John. The former is a line of dressy warm-up clothing, the latter a line of fake fur products., IRVINE, Calif. -- St. John Knits continues to outpace expectations, as earnings climbed 21 percent in the third quarter ended July 30 on a 25 percent sales gain. Earnings rose [...]

IRVINE, Calif. -- St. John Knits Inc. said it expects to post lower-than-anticipated earnings in the third quarter ended Aug. 2, citing below-plan sales and higher markdowns. The designer knitwear [...]

NEW YORK -- St. John Knits Inc.'s second-quarter profits rose 10 percent to $9.7 million, or 57 cents a share, in line with the company's revised forecast issued May 28. [...]

IRVINE, Calif. -- St. John Knits said it expects earnings in the second quarter ended May 3 to rise about 10 percent to 57 cents a share, from 52 cents, [...]

NEW YORK -- Spurred by stronger-than-expected sales of its new SJK bridge line and rock-solid margins, St. John Knits Inc. first-quarter earnings rose 24.8 percent to $9.2 million, or 54 [...]

IRVINE, Calif. -- Sparked by stellar gains for its eveningwear collection, St. John Knits Inc. reported earnings rose 27 percent in the fourth quarter and the year ended Nov. 2. [...]

St. John Knits Inc. outdid itself in the second quarter ended May 4, sending earnings up 30.8 percent and registering the highest quarterly gross margin rate in the firm's 34-year [...]

St. John Knits' 2d qtr 1996 earnings rose by 32.9%, thanks largely to heftier margins and strong sales. St. John, which manufactures women's clothing, exceeded Wall Street estimates by its impressive performance, by posting earnings of 40 cents per share, two cents more than Wall Street's average estimate. Meanwhile, company executive Karla R. Guyer notes that while backlog at the end of April 1995 stood at $78 million, backlog at the end of April 1996 stood at $89 million., NEW YORK -- Strong sales and meatier margins pushed earnings at St. John Knits Inc. ahead 32.9 percent in the second quarter ended April 28, beating Wall Street estimates. In [...]

St. John Knits Inc's earnings for its fiscal first quarter, which ended Jan 28, 1996, jumped 43.1% to $5.7 million. That translates into $.69 per share, well above the $.62 that Wall St. analysts had predicted. The company enjoyed strong wholesale demand, 21% higher same-store sales at its boutiques, and good response to new product lines. St John's overall sales increased 24.7%, thanks in part to a 42% jump in retail sales., NEW YORK -- St. John Knits Inc. continues to excel, reporting earnings catapulted 43.1 percent in the first quarter ended Jan. 28. The gains -- which shattered Wall Street's average [...]

IRVINE, Calif. - St. John Knits continues to buck the apparel slump, posting improved gross margin, a 45 percent gain in net earnings and a 26 percent hike in sales [...]