This stock offers limited prospects: Hanesbrands

Article Excerpt

You should remain wary of stocks that attract broker/media attention because of high-profile products or services, and their business models. Here’s a closer look at one stock with risks that prospective investors should take into consideration: HANESBRANDS INC., $4.98, (New York symbol HBI; TSINetwork Rating: Extra Risk) (hanes.comhanes.com; Shares o/s: 351.6 million; Market cap: $1.8 billion; No dividends paid) manufactures apparel such as t-shirts, underwear, bras, and sweatshirts under the Hanes, Champion, Maidenform, and Playtex brands. It has 48,000 employees in 30 countries. Under pressure from activist investor Barington Capital, Hanesbrands is now selling its struggling Champion business to Authentic Brands Group for $1.2 billion. The deal could reach $1.5 billion if Champion meet certain targets. Hanesbrands aims to use the Champion sale to pay down debt, although that debt will remain high. Meanwhile, the company also needs to successfully keep optimizing its supply chains and increasing investments across its other brands including Hanes, Bonds, Maidenform and Bali. At the same time, it needs to reignite…