The Children’s Place Reports Third Quarter 2025 Results
Rhea-AI Summary
The Children’s Place (Nasdaq: PLCE) reported third quarter fiscal 2025 results for the period ended November 1, 2025, and announced a $450 million refinancing (a $350M ABL with Wells Fargo plus a $100M FILO term loan) that increases borrowing capacity and improves pro forma liquidity by $35M–$40M. Net sales were $339.5M, down 13.0% year-over-year; comparable retail sales declined 5.4%. Gross margin fell 240 basis points to 33.1%, driven by markdowns, tariffs, and inventory reserves. Net loss was $4.3M (diluted loss $0.19). Management raised estimated transformation benefits to $50M and plans aggressive store growth and merchandising changes.
Positive
- $450M refinancing closed (five-year ABL + FILO term loan)
- Pro forma liquidity improved by $35M–$40M
- Transformation savings estimate increased from $40M to $50M
- Inventories reduced ~20.6% to $390.3M (Nov 1, 2025)
Negative
- Net sales down 13.0% to $339.5M in Q3 2025
- Gross margin declined 240 bps to 33.1% in Q3
- Net loss of $4.3M (Q3 2025) vs net income prior year
- Tariff impact now estimated $15M–$20M for FY2025 and $25M–$30M in H1 FY2026
News Market Reaction 35 Alerts
On the day this news was published, PLCE gained 1.52%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction. Argus tracked a trough of -36.3% from its starting point during tracking. Our momentum scanner triggered 35 alerts that day, indicating elevated trading interest and price volatility. This price movement added approximately $2M to the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $163M at that time. Trading volume was exceptionally heavy at 5.1x the daily average, suggesting very strong buying interest.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
PLCE fell 3.34% while peers showed mixed moves: SGC, LAKE and LITB gained between 0.89% and 2.49%, whereas JRSH and OXM declined 1.64% and 1.14%. This points to stock-specific pressure tied to the earnings and refinancing update, not a broad sector rotation.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 03 | Brand collaboration | Positive | -4.9% | Nutcracker-inspired Gymboree holiday capsule collection launch announcement. |
| Oct 07 | Loyalty program update | Positive | +6.5% | Tiered My Place Rewards refresh with enhanced perks and personalization. |
| Sep 05 | Quarterly earnings | Negative | +15.8% | Q2 sales decline and net loss alongside new transformation initiative. |
| Aug 22 | Earnings scheduling | Neutral | -0.2% | Announcement of timing for upcoming Q2 2025 financial results release. |
| Jul 10 | Brand collaboration | Positive | +0.6% | Multi-season Hello Kitty and Friends capsule collaboration with Sanrio. |
Earnings events for PLCE have produced large moves (average 16.61%) with a mix of aligned and divergent reactions, especially when results are weak but strategic actions are announced.
Over the past several quarters, PLCE has reported declining sales and pressured margins, with Q1 and Q2 2025 both characterized as challenging and producing volatile stock reactions ranging from about -32% to +16%. Strategic steps included a transformation initiative targeting over $40M in benefits, a $90M rights offering that reduced debt, new collaborations (Sanrio, Nutcracker collection), and a refreshed loyalty program. Today’s Q3 2025 results extend the weak top-line trend but add a major refinancing and updated cost-savings outlook.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement combines soft Q3 2025 results—lower sales, weaker margins, and a swing to net loss—with a sizable $450M refinancing and updated cost-savings and tariff-impact guidance. Investors may weigh improved liquidity of $93.4M and reduced inventories against ongoing demand and profitability challenges. Future quarters’ sales trends, gross margin recovery, and progress on the transformation program are critical metrics to monitor.
Key Terms
asset-based lending credit facility financial
filo term loan financial
revolving credit facility financial
basis points financial
non-gaap financial
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
Announces
SECAUCUS, N.J., Dec. 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Children’s Place, Inc. (Nasdaq: PLCE), one of the only pure-play children’s specialty retailers in North America with an omni-channel portfolio of brands and an industry-leading digital-first model, today announced financial results for the Company’s third fiscal quarter ended November 1, 2025.
Muhammad Umair, President and Chief Executive Officer said, “Our third quarter results reflect the challenges we are experiencing in our ecommerce business, with periods of high volatility as we implement our strategic transformation. Separately, our marketing efficiency was also impeded during the quarter in our transition to a new marketing agency and a heightened promotional strategy. Our new operating model envisions an increased physical store presence, and a merchandising reset that adds a more balanced mix of fashion and basics to our product assortment. Our brick-and-mortar business capitalized on its momentum from our second quarter and generated a
Mr. Umair continued, “We opened five new stores during the third quarter, with another 11 store openings slated for the fourth quarter. Looking ahead, we plan to open an additional 15 to 20 new stores in the first half of fiscal year 2026, ahead of our critical back-to-school season to drive revenue growth and profitability, with more store openings in the back-half of fiscal year 2026 and beyond. We also plan to refresh our store layouts, and in conjunction with our revamped My Place Rewards loyalty program, we are excited for the enhanced experience this will create for our new and existing customer file.”
Financing Update
John Szczepanski, Chief Financial Officer said, “We’re also pleased to announce that we have successfully completed the refinancing of a
Additional information about the financing transactions is contained in the Company’s Current Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 16, 2025.
Tariff & Transformation Update
Mr. Umair said, “Tariff pressures continue to affect our bottom line, and we now expect the impact of tariffs to result in incremental expenses of approximately
Third Quarter 2025 Results
Net sales decreased
Gross profit decreased
Selling, general, and administrative expenses were
Operating income was
Net interest expense was
Benefit for income taxes was
Net loss was
Fiscal Year-To-Date 2025 Results
Net sales decreased
Gross profit decreased
Selling, general, and administrative expenses were
Operating loss was
Net interest expense was
Provision for income taxes was
Net loss was
Store Update
During the third quarter, the Company opened five stores and ended the quarter with 499 stores. The store count at the end of the third quarter of 2024 was 510.
Balance Sheet and Cash Flow
As of November 1, 2025, the Company had
Inventories were
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 periods and 39-week periods ended November 1, 2025 and November 2, 2024.
About The Children’s Place
The Children’s Place is one of the only pure-play children’s specialty retailers 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, 499 stores in North America, wholesale marketplaces and distribution in 12 countries through nine international franchise and wholesale 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 1, 2025.
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 our 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 litigation 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) | |||||||||||||||
| Third Quarter Ended | Year-to-Date Ended | ||||||||||||||
| November 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | November 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 339,466 | $ | 390,173 | $ | 879,597 | $ | 977,706 | |||||||
| Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) | 227,162 | 251,832 | 595,238 | 634,830 | |||||||||||
| Gross profit | 112,304 | 138,341 | 284,359 | 342,876 | |||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | 101,301 | 99,817 | 277,567 | 304,976 | |||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 7,334 | 9,266 | 23,134 | 30,406 | |||||||||||
| Asset impairment charges | — | — | — | 28,000 | |||||||||||
| Operating income (loss) | 3,669 | 29,258 | (16,342 | ) | (20,506 | ) | |||||||||
| Related party interest expense | (1,869 | ) | (2,078 | ) | (5,609 | ) | (4,554 | ) | |||||||
| Other interest expense, net | (6,252 | ) | (8,000 | ) | (19,092 | ) | (22,476 | ) | |||||||
| Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes | (4,452 | ) | 19,180 | (41,043 | ) | (47,536 | ) | ||||||||
| Provision (benefit) for income taxes | (132 | ) | (900 | ) | 2,665 | 2,293 | |||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | (4,320 | ) | $ | 20,080 | $ | (43,708 | ) | $ | (49,829 | ) | ||||
| Earnings (loss) per common share(1) | |||||||||||||||
| Basic | $ | (0.19 | ) | $ | 1.57 | $ | (1.99 | ) | $ | (3.91 | ) | ||||
| Diluted | $ | (0.19 | ) | $ | 1.57 | $ | (1.99 | ) | $ | (3.91 | ) | ||||
| Weighted average common shares outstanding(1) | |||||||||||||||
| Basic | 22,170 | 12,801 | 21,980 | 12,753 | |||||||||||
| Diluted | 22,170 | 12,822 | 21,980 | 12,753 | |||||||||||
(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 prior 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) | |||||||||||||||
| Third Quarter Ended | Year-to-Date Ended | ||||||||||||||
| November 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | November 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | (4,320 | ) | $ | 20,080 | $ | (43,708 | ) | $ | (49,829 | ) | ||||
| Non-GAAP adjustments: | |||||||||||||||
| Restructuring costs | $ | 340 | $ | 4,813 | $ | 2,485 | $ | 11,180 | |||||||
| Loss on extinguishment of debt | — | — | 1,039 | — | |||||||||||
| Legal settlement reversal | — | — | (46 | ) | (2,279 | ) | |||||||||
| Credit agreement / lender required consulting | — | 538 | — | 2,390 | |||||||||||
| Broken financing and restructuring fees | — | 347 | — | 7,008 | |||||||||||
| Professional and consulting fees | — | 158 | — | 580 | |||||||||||
| Fleet optimization | — | 148 | — | 857 | |||||||||||
| Asset impairment charges | — | — | — | 28,000 | |||||||||||
| Change of control | — | — | — | 14,589 | |||||||||||
| Accelerated depreciation | — | — | — | 1,813 | |||||||||||
| Canada distribution center closure | — | — | — | 781 | |||||||||||
| Aggregate impact of non-GAAP adjustments | 340 | 6,004 | 3,478 | 64,919 | |||||||||||
| Income tax effect(1) | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||
| Net impact of non-GAAP adjustments | 340 | 6,004 | 3,478 | 64,919 | |||||||||||
| Adjusted net income (loss) | $ | (3,980 | ) | $ | 26,084 | $ | (40,230 | ) | $ | 15,090 | |||||
| GAAP net income (loss) per common share(2) | $ | (0.19 | ) | $ | 1.57 | $ | (1.99 | ) | $ | (3.91 | ) | ||||
| Adjusted net income (loss) per common share(2) | $ | (0.18 | ) | $ | 2.04 | $ | (1.83 | ) | $ | 1.18 | |||||
(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.
(2) 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 prior periods presented by a factor of 1.002.
| THE CHILDREN’S PLACE, INC. RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION TO GAAP (In thousands) (Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||
| Third Quarter Ended | Year-to-Date Ended | ||||||||||||||
| November 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | November 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Operating income (loss) | $ | 3,669 | $ | 29,258 | $ | (16,342 | ) | $ | (20,506 | ) | |||||
| Non-GAAP adjustments: | |||||||||||||||
| Restructuring costs | 340 | 4,813 | 2,485 | 11,180 | |||||||||||
| Legal settlement reversal | — | — | (46 | ) | (2,279 | ) | |||||||||
| Credit agreement / lender required consulting | — | 538 | — | 2,390 | |||||||||||
| Broken financing and restructuring fees | — | 347 | — | 7,008 | |||||||||||
| Professional and consulting fees | — | 158 | — | 580 | |||||||||||
| Fleet optimization | — | 148 | — | 857 | |||||||||||
| Asset impairment charges | — | — | — | 28,000 | |||||||||||
| Change of control | — | — | — | 14,589 | |||||||||||
| Accelerated depreciation | — | — | — | 1,813 | |||||||||||
| Canada distribution center closure | — | — | — | 781 | |||||||||||
| Aggregate impact of non-GAAP adjustments | 340 | 6,004 | 2,439 | 64,919 | |||||||||||
| Adjusted operating income (loss) | $ | 4,009 | $ | 35,262 | $ | (13,903 | ) | $ | 44,413 | ||||||
| THE CHILDREN’S PLACE, INC. RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION TO GAAP (In thousands) (Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||
| Third Quarter Ended | Year-to-Date Ended | ||||||||||||||
| November 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | November 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Gross profit | $ | 112,304 | $ | 138,341 | $ | 284,359 | $ | 342,876 | |||||||
| Non-GAAP adjustments: | |||||||||||||||
| Change of control | — | — | — | 905 | |||||||||||
| Aggregate impact of non-GAAP adjustments | — | — | — | 905 | |||||||||||
| Adjusted gross profit | $ | 112,304 | $ | 138,341 | $ | 284,359 | $ | 343,781 | |||||||
| Third Quarter Ended | Year-to-Date Ended | ||||||||||||||
| November 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | November 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | $ | 101,301 | $ | 99,817 | $ | 277,567 | $ | 304,976 | |||||||
| Non-GAAP adjustments: | |||||||||||||||
| Restructuring costs | (340 | ) | (4,813 | ) | (2,485 | ) | (11,180 | ) | |||||||
| Legal settlement reversal | — | — | 46 | 2,279 | |||||||||||
| Credit agreement / lender required consulting | — | (538 | ) | — | (2,390 | ) | |||||||||
| Broken financing and restructuring fees | — | (347 | ) | — | (7,008 | ) | |||||||||
| Professional and consulting fees | — | (158 | ) | — | (580 | ) | |||||||||
| Fleet optimization | — | (148 | ) | — | (857 | ) | |||||||||
| Change of control | — | — | — | (13,684 | ) | ||||||||||
| Canada distribution center closure | — | — | — | (781 | ) | ||||||||||
| Aggregate impact of non-GAAP adjustments | (340 | ) | (6,004 | ) | (2,439 | ) | (34,201 | ) | |||||||
| Adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses | $ | 100,961 | $ | 93,813 | $ | 275,128 | $ | 270,775 | |||||||
| THE CHILDREN’S PLACE, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands) (Unaudited) | |||||||||||
| November 1, 2025 | February 1 2025* | November 2, 2024 | |||||||||
| Assets: | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 7,253 | $ | 5,347 | $ | 5,749 | |||||
| Accounts receivable | 43,433 | 42,701 | 62,214 | ||||||||
| Inventories | 390,330 | 399,602 | 491,619 | ||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 49,178 | 20,354 | 43,109 | ||||||||
| Total current assets | 490,194 | 468,004 | 602,691 | ||||||||
| Property and equipment, net | 92,230 | 97,487 | 105,486 | ||||||||
| Right-of-use assets | 159,785 | 161,595 | 159,374 | ||||||||
| Tradenames, net | 13,000 | 13,000 | 13,000 | ||||||||
| Other assets, net | 7,300 | 7,466 | 8,242 | ||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 762,509 | $ | 747,552 | $ | 888,793 | |||||
| Liabilities and Stockholders’ Deficit: | |||||||||||
| Revolving loan | $ | 297,214 | $ | 245,659 | $ | 362,375 | |||||
| Accounts payable | 86,151 | 126,716 | 125,912 | ||||||||
| Current portion of operating lease liabilities | 56,253 | 67,407 | 65,151 | ||||||||
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 93,059 | 78,336 | 95,555 | ||||||||
| Total current liabilities | 532,677 | 518,118 | 648,993 | ||||||||
| Related party long-term debt | 107,377 | 165,974 | 165,664 | ||||||||
| Long-term portion of operating lease liabilities | 116,854 | 107,287 | 108,390 | ||||||||
| Other long-term liabilities | 14,212 | 15,584 | 15,320 | ||||||||
| Total liabilities | 771,120 | 806,963 | 938,367 | ||||||||
| Stockholders’ deficit | (8,611 | ) | (59,411 | ) | (49,574 | ) | |||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit | $ | 762,509 | $ | 747,552 | $ | 888,793 | |||||
* Derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2025.
| THE CHILDREN’S PLACE, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In thousands) (Unaudited) | |||||||
| Year-to-Date Ended | |||||||
| November 1, 2025 | November 2, 2024 | ||||||
| Net loss | $ | (43,708 | ) | $ | (49,829 | ) | |
| Non-cash adjustments | 84,351 | 130,448 | |||||
| Working capital | (107,837 | ) | (319,535 | ) | |||
| Net cash used in operating activities | (67,194 | ) | (238,916 | ) | |||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (14,489 | ) | (15,924 | ) | |||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | 80,551 | 248,040 | |||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | 3,038 | (1,090 | ) | ||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 1,906 | (7,890 | ) | ||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 5,347 | 13,639 | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | 7,253 | $ | 5,749 | |||