Gildan Activewear (GIL)

In a dynamic day for the financial markets, a select group of companies defied broader trends, experiencing significant surges in their stock prices and emerging as today's top gainers. NXP Semiconductors (NASDAQ: NXPI), Brinker International (NYSE: EAT), Gildan Activewear (NYSE: GIL), Sea Limited (NYSE: SE), On Holding AG (NYSE: ONON)

The "innerwear" giant may have received a buyout offer.

Shares of clothing company Hanesbrands (NYSE:HBI) jumped 37.5% in the morning session after reports that it is in advanced talks to be acquired by Canadian apparel company Gildan Activewear (NYSE:GIL). 

Tapestry stock saw a welcome improvement to its Relative Strength (RS) Rating on Wednesday, with an upgrade from 77 to 82.

Barclays analyst Paul Kearney initiated coverage on Gildan Activewear, Macy's, Columbia Sportswear, Carter's and Kohl's, with mixed ratings and price forecasts. Despite strong U.S. consumer trends, Kearney remains cautious, citing market volatility and tariff risks impacting apparel sales into 2026.

Stocks with a strong history of year-over-year dividend growth form a healthy portfolio, offering greater scope for capital appreciation compared to simple dividend-paying stocks or those with high yields.

Premium lifestyle apparel, accessories and fragrances maker Ralph Lauren also sports a terrific 92 EPS Rating.

One key metric to look for in a stock is an 80-plus RS Rating. VF Corp stock now clears that threshold, with jump to 86 Wednesday.

Tapestry stock had its Relative Strength Rating upgraded from 68 to 72 Monday — a nice improvement, but shy of preferred 80-plus score.

GIL stock results show that Gildan Activewear beat analyst estimates for earnings per share and beat on revenue for the first quarter of 2024.

Although the usual suspects have garnered the most attention, these sleeper stocks could surprise patient investors.