The Children’s Place Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results
Rhea-AI Summary
The Children's Place (PLCE) reported Q4 and full-year 2024 results, marking its third consecutive quarter of adjusted operating profits. Q4 net sales decreased 10.2% to $408.6 million, while full-year sales declined 13.5% to $1.386 billion.
Key Q4 highlights include:
- Gross profit margin improved to 28.5% (up 680 basis points)
- Operating income of $6.8 million (vs loss of $61.8M in 2023)
- Net loss of $8.0 million or $(0.62) per share
The company completed a $90 million rights offering post year-end, with $29.8 million in cash proceeds and $60.2 million used to pay down debt. The company ended the year with 495 stores after closing 16 locations in Q4 and opening its first new Gymboree store in over two years.
Positive
- Third consecutive quarter of adjusted operating profits
- Gross profit margin improved significantly to 28.5% in Q4 (up 680 basis points)
- Lowest SG&A spending level in 15+ years
- Operating income improved by $68.6 million in Q4 vs 2023
- Successfully raised $90 million through rights offering to improve liquidity
Negative
- Net sales declined 10.2% to $408.6M in Q4
- Comparable retail sales decreased 15.3% in Q4
- Net loss of $8.0 million ($0.62 per share) in Q4
- Operating cash flow usage of $117.6 million for full year
- $245.7 million outstanding on revolving credit facility
News Market Reaction 1 Alert
On the day this news was published, PLCE declined 15.27%, reflecting a significant negative market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Reports Third Consecutive Quarter of Adjusted Operating Profits
Net Sales of
Significant Improvement in Gross Profit Margin to
Lowest Level of SG&A Spending in more than 15 Years during Fourth Quarter and Full Year
Improvement in Operating Income of
Significant Improvement in Liquidity Position with Completion of
SECAUCUS, N.J., April 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Children’s Place, Inc. (Nasdaq: PLCE), the largest pure-play children’s specialty retailer in North America with an omni-channel portfolio of brands and an industry-leading digital-first model, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter ended February 1, 2025.
Muhammad Umair, President and Interim Chief Executive Officer said, “During the fourth quarter, we continued our efforts to expand gross margin, reduce inefficient SG&A spending and remain laser-focused on improving the profitability of the business, which has enabled us to achieve a third consecutive quarter of adjusted operating profits. As expected, along with the ongoing transformation of our business model, these strategic changes and other macroeconomic headwinds have continued to put pressure on top-line sales. However, we remain extremely pleased with the resulting sequential improvement in the gross profit margin for all four quarters this year.”
Mr. Umair added, “With the recent completion of our rights offering, we were also successful in deleveraging our balance sheet. We were able to raise additional capital of
Mr. Umair continued, “Looking ahead for fiscal 2025, we remain determined to deliver profitable top-line sales as we continue to refine our omni-channel strategy and rebalance our product mix, by offering relevant product that resonates with parents. As we continue to optimize our marketing spend, we will re-invest in a revitalized loyalty program with a best-in-class unified customer database that will allow us to acquire, retain and reactivate our customers. As part of our reimagined business strategy, we are committed to strengthening and enhancing our store portfolio by improving the performance of our existing store fleet, while developing innovative designs to be used in targeted store openings for both The Children’s Place and Gymboree brands in the back-half of 2025 and beyond.
Our Executive Chairman, Turki S. AlRajhi, provides a long-term outlook for the Company, with further details on these strategic initiatives and other business priorities, in his letter to shareholders that can be found on our corporate website at: https://corporate.childrensplace.com/chairmans-letters.”
Mr. Umair concluded, “At a time when many families are already feeling pressure on their wallets, potential tariffs could represent additional headwinds for the apparel sector. We do expect margin pressure as a result, though we believe our existing country migration and diversification strategies have us well-positioned to partially offset potential impacts. At the same time, we see an opportunity as families grow increasingly value-conscious to continue to deliver quality at accessible prices, which can position us to capture trade-down traffic and support our customers when they need us most.”
Fourth Quarter 2024 Results
Net sales decreased
Comparable retail sales decreased
Gross profit increased
Selling, general, and administrative expenses were well-controlled at
Operating income was
Net interest expense was
Provision for income taxes was
Net loss was
Fiscal Year 2024 Results
Net sales decreased
Gross profit increased
Selling, general, and administrative expenses were
Operating loss was
Net interest expense was
Provision for income taxes was
Net loss, which included certain non-cash impairment charges, restructuring charges, and charges due to the Company’s change in control, was
Store Update
During the fourth quarter, the Company opened its first new store in more than two years, which was a Gymboree stand-alone store located in Garden State Plaza Mall. The Company closed 16 stores in the three months ended February 1, 2025, and ended the year with 495 stores.
Balance Sheet and Cash Flow
As of February 1, 2025, the Company had
Inventories were
On February 6, 2025, the Company raised
Non-GAAP Reconciliation
The Company’s results are reported in this press release on a GAAP and as adjusted, non-GAAP basis. Adjusted net income (loss), adjusted net income (loss) per diluted share, adjusted gross profit, adjusted selling, general, and administrative expenses, and adjusted operating income (loss) are non-GAAP measures, and are not intended to replace GAAP financial information, and may be different from non-GAAP measures reported by other companies. The Company believes the income and expense items excluded as non-GAAP adjustments are not reflective of the performance of its core business, and that providing this supplemental disclosure to investors will facilitate comparisons of the past and present performance of its core business.
Please refer to the “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Information to GAAP” later in this press release, which sets forth the non-GAAP operating adjustments for the 13-week period and 52-week period ended February 1, 2025, and for the 14-week period and 53-week period ended February 3, 2024.
About The Children’s Place
The Children’s Place is the largest pure-play children’s specialty retailer in North America with an omni-channel portfolio of brands and an industry-leading digital-first model. Its global retail and wholesale network includes two digital storefronts, 495 stores in North America, wholesale marketplaces and distribution in 13 countries through six international franchise partners. The Children’s Place designs, contracts to manufacture, and sells fashionable, high-quality, head-to-toe outfits predominantly at value prices, primarily under its proprietary brands: “The Children’s Place”, “Gymboree”, “Sugar & Jade”, and “PJ Place”. For more information, visit: www.childrensplace.com and www.gymboree.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains or may contain forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including but not limited to statements relating to the Company’s strategic initiatives and results of operations, including adjusted net income (loss) per diluted share. Forward-looking statements typically are identified by use of terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “plan,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “believe” and similar words, although some forward-looking statements are expressed differently.
These forward-looking statements are based upon the Company’s current expectations and assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and performance to differ materially.
Some of these risks and uncertainties are described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including in the “Part 1, item1A. Risk Factors” section of its annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2024.
Included among the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and performance to differ materially are the risk that the Company will be unable to achieve operating results at levels sufficient to fund and/or finance the Company’s current level of operations and repayment of indebtedness, the risk that changes in trade policy and tariff regimes, including newly imposed U.S. tariffs and any responsive non-U.S. tariffs, may impact the Company’s international manufacturing and operations or our customers’ discretionary spending habits, the risk that the Company will be unsuccessful in gauging fashion trends and changing consumer preferences, the risks resulting from the highly competitive nature of the Company’s business and its dependence on consumer spending patterns, which may be affected by changes in economic conditions (including inflation), the risk that changes in the Company’s plans and strategies with respect to pricing, capital allocation, capital structure, investor communications and/or operations may have a negative effect on the Company’s business, the risk that the Company’s strategic initiatives to increase sales and margin, improve operational efficiencies, enhance operating controls, decentralize operational authority and reshape the Company’s culture are delayed or do not result in anticipated improvements, the risk of delays, interruptions, disruptions and higher costs in the Company’s global supply chain, including resulting from disease outbreaks, foreign sources of supply in less developed countries, more politically unstable countries, or countries where vendors fail to comply with industry standards or ethical business practices, including the use of forced, indentured or child labor, the risk that the cost of raw materials or energy prices will increase beyond current expectations or that the Company is unable to offset cost increases through value engineering or price increases, various types of litigation, including class action litigations brought under securities, consumer protection, employment, and privacy and information security laws and regulations, risks related to the existence of a controlling shareholder, and the uncertainty of weather patterns, as well as other risks discussed in the Company’s filings with the SEC from time to time.
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they were made. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
Contact: Investor Relations (201) 558-2400 ext. 14500
| THE CHILDREN’S PLACE, INC. | |||||||||||||||
| CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS | |||||||||||||||
| (In thousands, except per share amounts) | |||||||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||
| Fourth Quarter Ended | Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||||||||
| February 1, 2025 | February 3, 2024 | February 1, 2025 | February 3, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 408,562 | $ | 455,034 | $ | 1,386,269 | $ | 1,602,508 | |||||||
| Cost of sales | 291,977 | 356,123 | 926,808 | 1,157,234 | |||||||||||
| Gross profit | 116,585 | 98,911 | 459,461 | 445,274 | |||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | 100,574 | 117,587 | 405,550 | 447,343 | |||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 9,206 | 11,652 | 39,612 | 47,186 | |||||||||||
| Asset impairment charges | — | 31,429 | 28,000 | 34,543 | |||||||||||
| Operating income (loss) | 6,805 | (61,757 | ) | (13,701 | ) | (83,798 | ) | ||||||||
| Related party interest expense | (1,939 | ) | — | (6,493 | ) | — | |||||||||
| Other interest expense, net | (6,778 | ) | (8,518 | ) | (29,254 | ) | (30,000 | ) | |||||||
| Loss before provision for income taxes | (1,912 | ) | (70,275 | ) | (49,448 | ) | (113,798 | ) | |||||||
| Provision for income taxes | 6,078 | 58,561 | 8,371 | 40,743 | |||||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (7,990 | ) | $ | (128,836 | ) | $ | (57,819 | ) | $ | (154,541 | ) | |||
| Loss per common share (1) | |||||||||||||||
| Basic | $ | (0.62 | ) | $ | (10.24 | ) | $ | (4.53 | ) | $ | (12.34 | ) | |||
| Diluted | $ | (0.62 | ) | $ | (10.24 | ) | $ | (4.53 | ) | $ | (12.34 | ) | |||
| Weighted average common shares outstanding (1) | |||||||||||||||
| Basic | 12,805 | 12,577 | 12,766 | 12,522 | |||||||||||
| Diluted | 12,805 | 12,577 | 12,766 | 12,522 | |||||||||||
(1) In connection with the completion of the rights offering on February 6, 2025, the Company’s weighted average common shares outstanding and basic and diluted loss per share were retroactively adjusted for all periods presented by a factor of 1.002.
| THE CHILDREN’S PLACE, INC. | |||||||||||||||
| RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION TO GAAP | |||||||||||||||
| (In thousands, except per share amounts) | |||||||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||
| Fourth Quarter Ended | Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||||||||
| February 1, 2025 | February 3, 2024 | February 1, 2025 | February 3, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (7,990 | ) | $ | (128,836 | ) | $ | (57,819 | ) | $ | (154,541 | ) | |||
| Non-GAAP adjustments: | |||||||||||||||
| Fleet optimization | 571 | 1,546 | 1,428 | 3,086 | |||||||||||
| Restructuring costs | 498 | (225 | ) | 11,678 | 10,458 | ||||||||||
| Accelerated depreciation | 432 | 597 | 2,246 | 1,959 | |||||||||||
| Asset impairment charges | — | 31,429 | 28,000 | 34,543 | |||||||||||
| Change of control | — | — | 14,589 | — | |||||||||||
| Contract termination costs | — | — | 7,008 | 2,961 | |||||||||||
| Credit agreement / lender-required consulting fees | — | 1,012 | 2,390 | 1,762 | |||||||||||
| Canada distribution center closure | — | — | 781 | — | |||||||||||
| Professional and consulting fees | — | — | 580 | — | |||||||||||
| Provision for legal settlement | — | 3,000 | (2,279 | ) | 3,000 | ||||||||||
| Settlement payment received | — | (6,461 | ) | — | (6,461 | ) | |||||||||
| Aggregate impact of non-GAAP adjustments | 1,501 | 30,898 | 66,421 | 51,308 | |||||||||||
| Income tax effect (1) | (3,113 | ) | 5,228 | (3,113 | ) | (80 | ) | ||||||||
| Net impact of non-GAAP adjustments | (1,612 | ) | 36,126 | 63,308 | 51,228 | ||||||||||
| Adjusted net income (loss) | $ | (9,602 | ) | $ | (92,710 | ) | $ | 5,489 | $ | (103,313 | ) | ||||
| GAAP net loss per common share | $ | (0.62 | ) | $ | (10.24 | ) | $ | (4.53 | ) | $ | (12.34 | ) | |||
| Adjusted net income (loss) per common share | $ | (0.75 | ) | $ | (7.37 | ) | $ | 0.43 | $ | (8.25 | ) | ||||
(1) The tax effects of the non-GAAP items are calculated based on the statutory rate of the jurisdiction in which the discrete item resides, adjusted for the impact of any valuation allowance.
| THE CHILDREN’S PLACE, INC. | ||||||||||||||
| RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION TO GAAP | ||||||||||||||
| (In thousands, except per share amounts) | ||||||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||
| Fourth Quarter Ended | Fiscal Year Ended | |||||||||||||
| February 1, 2025 | February 3, 2024 | February 1, 2025 | February 3, 2024 | |||||||||||
| Operating income (loss) | $ | 6,805 | $ | (61,757 | ) | $ | (13,701 | ) | $ | (83,798 | ) | |||
| Non-GAAP adjustments: | ||||||||||||||
| Fleet optimization | 571 | 1,546 | 1,428 | 3,086 | ||||||||||
| Restructuring costs | 498 | (225 | ) | 11,678 | 10,458 | |||||||||
| Accelerated depreciation | 432 | 597 | 2,246 | 1,959 | ||||||||||
| Asset impairment charges | — | 31,429 | 28,000 | 34,543 | ||||||||||
| Change of control | — | — | 14,589 | — | ||||||||||
| Contract termination costs | — | — | 7,008 | 2,961 | ||||||||||
| Credit agreement / lender-required consulting fees | — | 1,012 | 2,390 | 1,762 | ||||||||||
| Canada distribution center closure | — | — | 781 | — | ||||||||||
| Professional and consulting fees | — | — | 580 | — | ||||||||||
| Provision for legal settlement | — | 3,000 | (2,279 | ) | 3,000 | |||||||||
| Settlement payment received | — | (6,461 | ) | — | (6,461 | ) | ||||||||
| Aggregate impact of non-GAAP adjustments | 1,501 | 30,898 | 66,421 | 51,308 | ||||||||||
| Adjusted operating income (loss) | $ | 8,306 | $ | (30,859 | ) | $ | 52,720 | $ | (32,490 | ) | ||||
| THE CHILDREN’S PLACE, INC. | |||||||||||
| RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION TO GAAP | |||||||||||
| (In thousands, except per share amounts) | |||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||||||
| Fourth Quarter Ended | Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||||
| February 1, 2025 | February 3, 2024 | February 1, 2025 | February 3, 2024 | ||||||||
| Gross profit | $ | 116,585 | $ | 98,911 | $ | 459,461 | $ | 445,274 | |||
| Non-GAAP adjustments: | |||||||||||
| Change of Control | — | — | 905 | — | |||||||
| Aggregate impact of non-GAAP adjustments | — | — | 905 | — | |||||||
| Adjusted gross profit | $ | 116,585 | $ | 98,911 | $ | 460,366 | $ | 445,274 | |||
| Fourth Quarter Ended | Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||||||||
| February 1, 2025 | February 3, 2024 | February 1, 2025 | February 3, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | $ | 100,574 | $ | 117,587 | $ | 405,550 | $ | 447,343 | |||||||
| Non-GAAP adjustments: | |||||||||||||||
| Fleet optimization | (571 | ) | (1,546 | ) | (1,428 | ) | (3,086 | ) | |||||||
| Restructuring costs | (498 | ) | 225 | (11,678 | ) | (10,458 | ) | ||||||||
| Change of control | — | — | (13,684 | ) | — | ||||||||||
| Contract termination costs | — | — | (7,008 | ) | (2,961 | ) | |||||||||
| Credit agreement / lender-required consulting fees | (1,012 | ) | (2,390 | ) | (1,762 | ) | |||||||||
| Canada distribution center closure | — | — | (781 | ) | — | ||||||||||
| Professional and consulting fees | — | — | (580 | ) | — | ||||||||||
| Provision for legal settlement | — | (3,000 | ) | 2,279 | (3,000 | ) | |||||||||
| Settlement payment received | — | 6,461 | — | 6,461 | |||||||||||
| Aggregate impact of non-GAAP adjustments | (1,069 | ) | 1,128 | (35,270 | ) | (14,806 | ) | ||||||||
| Adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses | $ | 99,505 | $ | 118,715 | $ | 370,280 | $ | 432,537 | |||||||
| THE CHILDREN’S PLACE, INC. | |||||||
| CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | |||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||
| February 1, 2025 | February 3, 2024* | ||||||
| Assets: | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 5,347 | $ | 13,639 | |||
| Accounts receivable | 42,701 | 33,219 | |||||
| Inventories | 399,602 | 362,099 | |||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 20,354 | 43,169 | |||||
| Total current assets | 468,004 | 452,126 | |||||
| Property and equipment, net | 97,487 | 124,750 | |||||
| Right-of-use assets | 161,595 | 175,351 | |||||
| Tradenames, net | 13,000 | 41,123 | |||||
| Other assets | 7,466 | 6,958 | |||||
| Total assets | $ | 747,552 | $ | 800,308 | |||
| Liabilities and Stockholders’ Deficit: | |||||||
| Revolving loan | $ | 245,659 | $ | 226,715 | |||
| Accounts payable | 126,716 | 225,549 | |||||
| Current portion of operating lease liabilities | 67,407 | 69,235 | |||||
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 78,336 | 94,905 | |||||
| Total current liabilities | 518,118 | 616,404 | |||||
| Long-term debt | — | 49,818 | |||||
| Related party long-term debt | 165,974 | — | |||||
| Long-term portion of operating lease liabilities | 107,287 | 118,073 | |||||
| Other long-term liabilities | 15,584 | 25,032 | |||||
| Total liabilities | 806,963 | 809,327 | |||||
| Stockholders’ deficit | (59,411 | ) | (9,019 | ) | |||
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit | $ | 747,552 | $ | 800,308 | |||
* Derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2024.
| THE CHILDREN’S PLACE, INC. | ||||||||||
| PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET | ||||||||||
| (In thousands) | ||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | ||||||||||
| February 1, 2025 | ||||||||||
| Pre-Rights Offering | Adjustments | Post Rights Offering | ||||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 5,347 | $ | 29,813 | $ | 35,160 | ||||
| Total assets | 747,552 | 29,813 | 777,365 | |||||||
| Related party long-term debt | 165,974 | (59,148 | ) | 106,826 | ||||||
| Total liabilities | 806,963 | (59,148 | ) | 747,815 | ||||||
| Stockholder's equity (deficit) | (59,411 | ) | 88,961 | 29,550 | ||||||
| Total liabilities and stockholder’s equity (deficit) | $ | 747,552 | $ | 29,813 | $ | 777,365 | ||||
| Number of shares of Common stock outstanding | 12,782 | 9,231 | 22,013 | |||||||
| THE CHILDREN’S PLACE, INC. | |||||||
| CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS | |||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||
| Fiscal Year Ended | |||||||
| February 1, 2025 | February 3, 2024 | ||||||
| Net loss | $ | (57,819 | ) | $ | (154,541 | ) | |
| Non-cash adjustments | 160,143 | 197,448 | |||||
| Working capital | (219,918 | ) | 49,893 | ||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | (117,594 | ) | 92,800 | ||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (15,830 | ) | (27,790 | ) | |||
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 128,398 | (68,268 | ) | ||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | (3,266 | ) | 208 | ||||
| Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | (8,292 | ) | (3,050 | ) | |||
| Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 13,639 | 16,689 | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | 5,347 | $ | 13,639 | |||