HanesBrands Reports Strong Q4 Sales as CEO Steve Bratspies Prepares to Step Down

HanesBrands began 2025 on a high note, reporting a 4.5% increase in fourth-quarter sales, bringing total revenue to $888 million. This impressive performance surpassed expectations, largely driven by strong growth in its core innerwear segment both domestically and internationally. However, the financial news came with a major leadership change—CEO Steve Bratspies announced he will step down by the end of 2025, marking a significant transition for the iconic apparel brand.

A Year of Change at HanesBrands

On February 13, 2025, HanesBrands not only reported its quarterly earnings but also revealed Bratspies’ decision to leave his position as CEO. The company has already enlisted executive search firm Spencer Stuart to identify a successor. While Bratspies will be stepping away from the board of directors, he plans to remain as an advisor to ensure a smooth transition in leadership.

Board Chairman Bill Simon acknowledged Bratspies’ role in guiding the company through a transformative period. Under his leadership, HanesBrands navigated industry challenges, streamlined operations, and repositioned itself by selling its Champion brand in September 2024. This strategic move allowed HanesBrands to refocus on its core business, which includes established brands like Hanes, Playtex, and Bali.

Financial Performance and Strategic Transformation

Despite strong sales momentum, HanesBrands reported a net loss of $12.9 million in the fourth quarter. A key contributor to this loss was the financial impact of discontinuing operations related to the Champion brand, which incurred a $58.5 million loss. However, Bratspies remained optimistic, emphasizing that these efforts were part of a broader strategy to strengthen the company.

“We outperformed expectations across all key metrics,” Bratspies said, calling 2025 a pivotal year for HanesBrands. He highlighted plans to drive further sales growth, reduce debt, and enhance opportunities for shareholders.

Strong Domestic and International Growth

The company’s financial results affirmed that its core business remains robust:

– U.S. sales increased by 3%, driven by innovations in the innerwear category.
– International revenue grew by 2%, with solid performance in Australia, Asia, and the Americas.

These numbers suggest that HanesBrands’ focus on customer-driven innovation and targeted restructuring is beginning to bear fruit. With an emphasis on strengthening its best-performing segments, the company is setting itself up for long-term stability and growth.

Looking Ahead

Bratspies’ impending departure marks a new chapter for HanesBrands, but its strong fourth-quarter results indicate that the company remains in a position of strength. As the search for new leadership progresses, HanesBrands is focused on reinforcing its status as a market leader in foundational apparel.

With steady sales growth, a refined business strategy, and a commitment to shareholder value, the company appears to be on a promising path. As HanesBrands moves forward, industry observers will closely watch how it transitions leadership while continuing to build on recent successes.