Canadian casual and sportswear company Gildan Activewear Inc. has reported higher sales for its second quarter ended April 1.

Sales totalled US$232.1 million, up 26.3% from $183.8 million in the second quarter of last year. The increase in revenues was attributed to $32.8 million in sock sales following its acquisition of Kentucky Derby Hosiery and an 11.2% increase in unit sales volumes for activewear, partially offset by a reduction in unit selling prices for activewear of approximately 2% compared with last year.

Growth in international activewear sales was strong during the second quarter. In particular, unit shipments in Europe increased 34% compared with the prior-year period.

Second quarter net earnings were $21.1 million after recording a restructuring charge of $16.4 million after-tax, primarily related to the restructuring of the company’s Canadian and Mexican manufacturing facilities. Before reflecting the restructuring charge, adjusted net earnings were $37.5 million, up 21% from $31 million.

Sales for the first six months were $418 million, up 37.4% compared with the same period last year. This growth reflected $75.4 million of sock sales, an increase of 12.7% in unit sales volumes for activewear and a higher-valued activewear product-mix, partially offset by a decrease in unit selling prices for activewear. Net earnings totalled $36.8 million compared with $47.2 million. Before the impact of restructuring and other charges, adjusted net earnings increased to $54.5 million.