Paul Naude on Billabong results, plus more details from conference call

<p>I spoke at length to Billabong Americas President Paul Naude this morning about Billabong’s half-year results and read a transcript of the earnings conference call for additional details.</p> <p>Topics covered on the conference call and in my conversation with Paul include an analysis of conditions in the U.S. market, how certain brands performed, the state of Billabong’s business with PacSun, how the company has reduced overhead costs, some interesting trends at company-owned retail stores and Billabong’s retail philosophy including its approach to online retailing.</p>