In the last 12 months, shares of Pacific Brands (ASX: PBG) have risen 31%, versus a 16% rise in the S&P/ASX 200 index (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO). What's behind this impressive outperformance?
Mr. Market front-running the turnaround
With the run-up in the stock in the past year, it seems Mr. Market has been front-running the company's turnaround.
Pacific Brands is the company behind iconic Australian underwear brand Bonds as well as Berlei, which the company distributes through wholesale channels such as David Jones (ASX: DJS) and Myer (ASX: MYR). It also sells in its own retail and online stores.
But the last several years have seen Pacific Brands' topline fall from $2.1 billion in 2008 to $1.3 billion in 2012, while net income fell from $117 million to a loss of about $450 million (the company wrote down $500 million worth of goodwill).
For the most recent half, sales fell 6.6% but net profits after tax increased 8.9% and earnings per share grew 10% (before significant items in the previous corresponding period) and the company raised its interim dividend by 25%.
Plans to return to growth
This morning, the company released a presentation detailing its plan to return to growth, including expanding its direct-to-consumer channels and a focus on international expansion. As the company points out, Pacific Brands has had a largely Australia-centric business, "with international markets largely untested."
However, the company did not release guidance or a trading update, so it's difficult to determine exactly what the full year results will hold.
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- This stock is getting cheaper… and boasts a 7.8% dividend yield!
Motley Fool contributor Catherine Baab-Muguira owns no shares in any company mentioned in this article.
