Gildan Stock Up 70 Percent

Gildan, the biggest supplier of blank tops to makers of printed clothing such as T-shirts, has had its stock value soar almost 70 percent this year, the most among 23 North American apparel, footwear and accessories makers with market values of more than $1 billion, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The shares are trading at 36 times earnings as investors back the company's move into the retail market for socks, underwear and undershirts.