They say that politics makes for strange bedfellows. So does retailing. For example, there is a New York outfit with subsidiaries that include the largest selling shoe maker in America, a well-known creator of trendy fashions, an equally well known maker of sports knits and the number one dress shirt producer in the world.

Phillips-Van Heusen (NYSE: PVH) markets clothes, sunglasses and shoes for men, women and children under its Van Heusen, Bass, Calvin Klein and IZOD brands. It also sells items under licensed names and private labels. Products are distributed to wholesale clients and through the firm's own outlet stores, which operate under the names of its various brands. Customers include Kohl's (NYSE: KSS) and JCPenney (NYSE: JCP).

The company pleased investors late last month, when it announced Q2 EPS of 70 cents and revenues of $552.4 million. Analysts had been looking for 62 cents and $540.6 million. The CEO noted that all PVH businesses experienced revenue and earnings growth, despite recent challenges in the overall retail environment. Management also guided Q3 EPS to $1.02-$1.03 ($1.02 consensus), Q3 revenues to $705 million ($652.29M consensus), FY08 EPS to $3.15-$3.17 ($3.10 consensus) and FY08 revenues to $2.44 billion ($2.42B consensus). Lehman Brothers and Wedbush Morgan subsequently reiterated "buy" ratings on the issue and declared price targets in the $69-$70 range.

Phillips-Van Heusen (NYSE:PVH) sells clothes, sunglasses, and shoes for men, women, and children under its Van Heusen, Bass, Calvin Klein, and IZOD brands, as well as licensed names and private labels. Products are distributed to wholesale clients and through the firm's own outlet stores.

The company pleased investors late last month, when it announced Q3 EPS of 89 cents and revenues of $568.3 million. Analysts were looking for 84 cents and $563.7 million. Management also guided Q4 EPS to 43 cents (43 cent consensus), Q4 revenues to $528-$532 million ($483.70M consensus), FY07 EPS to $2.59 ($2.53 consensus), FY07 revenues to $2.06-$2.07 billion ($2.01B consensus) and FY08 EPS to $2.97-$3.05 ($2.92 consensus).

The CEO cited strength in the Calvin Klein brand and growth in the retail outlet and wholesale sportswear businesses for success. Four brokerages subsequently reiterated "buy" ratings on the issue and declared price targets in the range $56-$62.