Earnings squeeze at Carter’s (NYSE: CRI) as 2026 EPS guidance falls
Filing Impact
Filing Sentiment
Form Type
8-K
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Carter’s, Inc. reported mixed fourth quarter and full-year 2025 results, with stronger sales but sharply lower profitability. Fourth quarter net sales rose to $925 million from $860 million, and GAAP diluted EPS edged up to $1.76, but adjusted diluted EPS fell to $1.90 from $2.39. For fiscal 2025, net sales increased modestly to $2.898 billion, while GAAP diluted EPS declined to $2.53 from $5.12 and adjusted diluted EPS dropped to $3.47 from $5.81 as the operating margin contracted to 5.0% from 9.0%. Results benefited from a 53rd week that added about $37 million of sales and supported operating cash flow of $122 million, with $56 million returned to shareholders via dividends. The board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share. Looking to 2026, Carter’s expects low- to mid-single-digit growth in net sales and adjusted operating income, but a low double-digit to mid-teens decline in adjusted diluted EPS, and it guides Q1 2026 adjusted EPS to just $0.02–$0.08 versus $0.66 a year earlier.
Positive
- Fourth quarter 2025 net sales rose to $925 million, up 8% year over year, with all business segments posting sales growth and a 14th week contributing about $37 million in additional revenue.
- Fiscal 2025 operating cash flow was a solid $122 million, and Carter’s returned $56 million to shareholders through dividends, while also refinancing its long-term debt and putting an asset-based revolving credit facility in place.
- The Board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share, signaling continued willingness to return cash to shareholders despite profit pressure.
Negative
- Despite higher revenue, profitability deteriorated sharply in 2025: GAAP operating margin fell to 5.0% from 9.0%, and adjusted diluted EPS declined to $3.47 from $5.81, indicating significant margin compression.
- Guidance for fiscal 2026 calls for a low double-digit to mid-teens decline in adjusted diluted EPS even as net sales and adjusted operating income are expected to grow modestly, suggesting ongoing earnings pressure.
- First quarter 2026 guidance is particularly weak, with projected adjusted operating income of $12–$15 million versus $35 million and adjusted diluted EPS of only $0.02–$0.08 compared with $0.66 a year earlier.
Insights
Sales improved modestly, but margins and EPS are under significant pressure into 2026.
Carter’s grew fourth quarter net sales to
For fiscal 2025, net sales reached
The 2026 outlook points to further earnings strain. Despite targeting low- to mid-single-digit growth in net sales and adjusted operating income, Carter’s projects a low double-digit to mid-teens decline in adjusted diluted EPS and guides Q1 2026 adjusted EPS to only
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d)
of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): February 27, 2026
| (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) | ||
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) | (Commission File Number) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | ||||||||||||
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
(678 ) 791-1000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the Registrant under any of the following provisions:
| Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) | |||||
| Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) | |||||
| Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) | |||||
| Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) | |||||
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 ((§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ((§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
On February 27, 2026, Carter’s, Inc. issued a press release announcing its financial results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended January 3, 2026. A copy of that press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.
The information in the Current Report on Form 8-K is being furnished and shall not be deemed "filed" for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that Section. The information in this Current Report on Form 8-K shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document filed pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
| Exhibit Number | Description | ||||
| 99.1 | Press release dated February 27, 2026 | ||||
| 104 | The cover page from this Current Report on Form 8-K, formatted as Inline XBRL | ||||
Signature
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Carter’s, Inc. has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
| February 27, 2026 | CARTER’S, INC. | |||||||
| By: | /s/ Antonio D. Robinson | |||||||
| Name: | Antonio D. Robinson | |||||||
| Title: | Chief Administrative & Compliance Officer, Corporate Secretary | |||||||
Exhibit 99.1
 | ||||||||||||||
| Contact: | |||||
| T.C. Robillard | |||||
| Vice President, Investor Relations | |||||
| TC.Robillard@carters.com | |||||
Carter’s, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2025 Results
•Fourth quarter fiscal 2025 results
◦Net sales $925 million vs. $860 million in Q4 2024, growth of 8%
◦Operating margin 9.2% vs. 9.7% in Q4 2024
◦Adjusted operating margin 9.7% vs. 13.4% in Q4 2024
◦Diluted EPS $1.76 vs. $1.71 in Q4 2024
◦Adjusted diluted EPS $1.90 vs. $2.39 in Q4 2024
•Fiscal year 2025 results
◦Net sales $2.898 billion vs. $2.844 billion in 2024, growth of 2%
◦Operating margin 5.0% vs. 9.0% in 2024
◦Adjusted operating margin 6.1% vs. 10.1% in 2024
◦Diluted EPS $2.53 vs. $5.12 in 2024
◦Adjusted diluted EPS $3.47 vs. $5.81 in 2024
◦Operating cash flow $122 million
◦$56 million returned to shareholders through dividends
•Board of Directors declares quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share
•Fiscal year 2026 outlook, which excludes potential benefits from recent tariff developments1:
◦Low single-digit to mid-single digit percentage growth in net sales
◦Low single-digit to mid-single-digit growth in adjusted operating income
◦Low double-digit to mid-teens decline in adjusted diluted EPS
ATLANTA, February 27, 2026 — Carter’s, Inc. (NYSE:CRI), North America’s largest and most-enduring apparel company exclusively for babies and young children, today reported its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2025 results.
1 Refer to “Business Outlook” section of this release for additional information regarding 2026 tariff assumptions and reconciliations of forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures.
“Carter’s delivered improved fourth quarter results with each of our business segments posting sales growth over last year. We see momentum building behind our products and demand creation initiatives, which have driven an improvement in the rate of traffic, new customer acquisition, higher realized pricing, and increased penetration of the best portions of our product assortments. All of this gives us confidence that our strategies are gaining traction,” said Douglas C. Palladini, Chief Executive Officer & President.
“2025 was a year of meaningful progress in stabilizing our business while responding to significant new tariffs. We took actions to right-size our cost structure and we launched several important initiatives to improve the productivity of our merchandise assortments and store fleet. We also strengthened our balance sheet and liquidity with the successful refinancing of our long-term debt and a new asset-based revolving credit facility in place.
“While we’re encouraged by our progress, much work remains. Excluding the recent tariff developments, for 2026 we’re planning growth in net sales as we build on the momentum of our product and demand creation strategies. We’re also planning growth in operating income. We will remain focused and disciplined in our investments and overall spending and expect solid contributions from productivity initiatives. We believe the recent news regarding tariffs will be net positive for Carter’s, but it will take some time to fully understand the implications for our business and the broader marketplace. Our talented and dedicated teams and I are committed to returning Carter’s to long-term sustainable, profitable growth over time.”
53rd Week
The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest the last day of December, resulting in an additional week of results every five to six years. The fourth quarter of fiscal 2025 included 14 weeks, compared to 13 weeks in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024. Fiscal year 2025 included 53 weeks, compared to 52 weeks in fiscal 2024. The additional week in fiscal 2025 contributed approximately $37 million in consolidated net sales.
Adjustments to Reported GAAP Results
In addition to the results presented in this earnings release in accordance with GAAP, the Company has provided adjusted, non-GAAP financial measurements, as presented below. The Company believes these non-GAAP financial measurements provide a meaningful comparison of the Company’s results and afford investors a view of what management considers to be the Company’s underlying performance. These measures are presented for informational purposes only. See “Reconciliation of Adjusted Results to GAAP” section of this release for additional disclosures and reconciliations regarding these non-GAAP financial measures.
Fourth quarter fiscal 2025 results included expenses related to previously announced organizational restructuring initiatives, operating model improvement costs, leadership transition costs, and a debt extinguishment loss. Fourth quarter fiscal 2024 results included expenses related to organizational restructuring initiatives and a non-cash charge related to the write down of the OshKosh tradename asset.
Fiscal year 2025 results included expenses related to operating model improvement costs, organizational restructuring initiatives, leadership transition costs, a non-cash charge for settlement of the OshKosh B’Gosh Pension Plan, debt extinguishment loss, and a tax charge associated with the termination of the Company’s deferred compensation plan. Fiscal year 2024 results included expenses related to organizational restructuring initiatives, a non-cash Pension Plan settlement charge, and a non-cash charge related to the write down of the OshKosh tradename asset.
| Fourth Fiscal Quarter | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions, except earnings per share) | Operating Income | % Net Sales | Net Income | Diluted EPS | Operating Income | % Net Sales | Net Income | Diluted EPS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As reported (GAAP) | $ | 84.7 | 9.2 | % | $ | 64.2 | $ | 1.76 | $ | 83.2 | 9.7 | % | $ | 61.5 | $ | 1.71 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Organizational restructuring | 3.7 | 2.8 | 0.08 | 1.8 | 1.6 | 0.04 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating model improvement costs | 0.7 | 0.5 | 0.01 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Leadership transition costs | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.01 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on extinguishment of debt | — | 1.3 | 0.03 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intangible asset impairment | — | — | — | 30.0 | 22.8 | 0.63 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As adjusted | $ | 89.5 | 9.7 | % | $ | 69.2 | $ | 1.90 | $ | 115.0 | 13.4 | % | $ | 85.9 | $ | 2.39 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fiscal Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions, except earnings per share) | Operating Income | % Net Sales | Net Income | Diluted EPS | Operating Income | % Net Sales | Net Income | Diluted EPS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As reported (GAAP) | $ | 143.9 | 5.0 | % | $ | 91.8 | $ | 2.53 | $ | 254.7 | 9.0 | % | $ | 185.5 | $ | 5.12 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating model improvement costs | 14.2 | 10.8 | 0.30 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Organizational restructuring | 9.8 | 7.5 | 0.20 | 1.8 | 1.6 | 0.04 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Leadership transition costs | 8.1 | 7.3 | 0.20 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pension plan settlement | — | 6.7 | 0.18 | — | 0.7 | 0.02 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on extinguishment of debt | — | 1.3 | 0.03 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred compensation plan termination | — | 0.8 | 0.03 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intangible asset impairment | — | — | — | 30.0 | 22.8 | 0.63 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As adjusted | $ | 176.0 | 6.1 | % | $ | 126.1 | $ | 3.47 | $ | 286.6 | 10.1 | % | $ | 210.7 | $ | 5.81 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Note: Results may not be additive due to rounding.
Consolidated Results
The discussion of results below is presented on an adjusted (non-GAAP) basis where noted.
Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2025 (14 weeks) compared to Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2024 (13 weeks)
Net sales increased $65.7 million, or 7.6%, to $925.5 million, compared to $859.7 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, reflecting growth in each of our U.S. Retail, International, and U.S. Wholesale segments. The additional week in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal
2024, contributed approximately $37.0 million in consolidated net sales. On a comparable week basis, net sales grew 3.4%. On a reported basis including the extra week in fiscal 2025, the U.S. Retail, International, and U.S. Wholesale segments grew 9.4%, 10.2%, and 3.4%, respectively. U.S. Retail comparable net sales increased 4.7%. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates used for translation in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, as compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, had a favorable effect on consolidated net sales of approximately $3.0 million, or 0.3%.
Operating income increased $1.5 million, or 1.8%, to $84.7 million, compared to $83.2 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024. Operating margin decreased 50 basis points to 9.2%, reflecting incremental tariff costs, investments in product mix and make, and higher performance-based compensation provisions, partially offset by higher pricing, lower corporate expenses, and an asset impairment charge in the prior year period.
Adjusted operating income (a non-GAAP measure) decreased $25.6 million, or 22.2%, to $89.5 million, compared to $115.0 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024. Adjusted operating margin decreased 370 basis points to 9.7%, reflecting incremental tariff costs, investments in product mix and make, and higher performance-based compensation provisions, partially offset by higher pricing and lower corporate expenses.
Net income increased $2.7 million, or 4.4%, to $64.2 million, compared to $61.5 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024. Diluted earnings per share increased 2.9% to $1.76, compared to $1.71 in the prior year period.
Adjusted net income (a non-GAAP measure) decreased $16.8 million, or 19.5%, to $69.2 million, compared to $85.9 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024. Adjusted diluted earnings per share (a non-GAAP measure) decreased 20.5% to $1.90, compared to $2.39 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024.
Fiscal Year 2025 (53 weeks) compared to Fiscal Year 2024 (52 weeks)
Consolidated net sales increased $54.3 million, or 1.9%, to $2.90 billion, compared to $2.84 billion in fiscal 2024, reflecting growth in our U.S. Retail and International segments that were partially offset by a decline in the U.S. Wholesale segment. The additional week in fiscal 2025, compared to fiscal 2024, contributed approximately $37.0 million in consolidated net sales. On a comparable week basis, net sales grew 0.6%. On a reported basis including the extra week in fiscal 2025, the Company’s U.S. Retail and International segments grew 3.5%, and 6.3%, respectively, while U.S. Wholesale net sales declined 2.0%. U.S. Retail comparable net sales increased 1.4%. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates used for translation in fiscal 2025, as compared to fiscal 2024, had an unfavorable effect on consolidated net sales of approximately $6.7 million, or 0.2%.
Operating income in fiscal 2025 decreased $110.8 million, or 43.5%, to $143.9 million, compared to $254.7 million in fiscal 2024. Operating margin decreased 400 basis points to 5.0%, reflecting incremental tariff costs, investments in product mix and make, investments in new and remodeled stores, increased provisions for performance-based compensation, and costs related to operating model improvements, leadership transition, and organizational restructuring. These increases were partially offset by higher pricing and an asset impairment charge in the prior year.
Adjusted operating income (a non-GAAP measure) decreased $110.6 million, or 38.6% to $176.0 million, compared to $286.6 million in fiscal 2024. Adjusted operating margin decreased 400 basis points to 6.1%, principally due to incremental tariff costs, investments in product mix and make, investments in new and remodeled stores, and increased provisions for performance-based compensation, partially offset by higher pricing and lower corporate expenses.
Net income in fiscal 2025 decreased $93.7 million, or 50.5%, to $91.8 million, compared to $185.5 million in fiscal 2024. Diluted earnings per share decreased 50.6% to $2.53, compared to $5.12 in fiscal 2024.
Adjusted net income (a non-GAAP measure) decreased $84.6 million, or 40.2%, to $126.1 million compared to $210.7 million in fiscal 2024. Adjusted earnings per diluted share (a non-GAAP measure) decreased 40.3% to $3.47, compared to $5.81 in fiscal 2024.
Net cash provided by operations in fiscal 2025 was $122.3 million compared to $298.8 million in fiscal 2024. The change in net cash from operating activities was primarily driven by lower earnings and higher inventory levels.
See the “Reconciliation of Adjusted Results to GAAP” section of this release for additional disclosures regarding non-GAAP measures.
Liquidity and Financial Position
The Company’s total liquidity at the end of fiscal 2025 was $1.2 billion, comprised of cash and cash equivalents of $487 million and $744 million in available borrowing capacity under the Company’s $750 million secured asset-based revolving credit facility (“ABL facility”). At the end of fiscal 2025, we had no outstanding borrowings under the ABL facility, exclusive of $6.3 million of outstanding letters of credit.
As previously announced in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, the Company completed the sale of $575 million aggregate principal amount of 7.375% senior unsecured notes due 2031. Proceeds from this offering were used to redeem $500 million principal amount of its 5.625% senior notes due in 2027.
Also in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary The William Carter Company, entered into a five-year secured ABL facility of up to $750 million that matures in November 2030. The ABL facility replaced the Company’s existing $850 million secured cash flow–based revolving credit facility due April 2027.
Return of Capital
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, the Company paid a cash dividend of $0.25 per common share totaling $9.1 million. In fiscal 2025, the Company paid cash dividends totaling $56.4 million. No shares were repurchased in fiscal 2025.
On February 19, 2026, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per share for payment on March 27, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 13, 2026.
Future declarations of quarterly dividends and the establishment of future record and payment dates will be at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors based on a number of factors, including business conditions, the Company’s future financial performance, investment priorities, and other considerations.
Business Outlook
We do not reconcile forward-looking adjusted operating income or adjusted diluted earnings per share to their most directly comparable GAAP measures because we cannot predict with reasonable certainty the ultimate outcome of certain components of such reconciliations that are not within our control due to factors described above, or others that may arise, without unreasonable effort. For these reasons, we are unable to assess the probable significance of the unavailable information, which could materially impact the amount of future operating income or diluted EPS, the most directly comparable GAAP metrics to adjusted operating income and adjusted diluted earnings per share, respectively.
The Company’s outlooks (and related assumptions) for fiscal year 2026 and the first quarter fiscal 2026 do not reflect the potential impacts of the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision regarding tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977, as amended, as well as recently-announced global tariffs imposed under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended.
For fiscal year 2026 (a 52 week fiscal year), the Company projects approximately:
•Low single-digit to mid-single-digit percentage growth in net sales ($2.898 billion in fiscal 2025);
•Low single-digit to mid-single-digit growth in adjusted operating income ($176 million in fiscal 2025);
•Low double-digit to mid-teens decline in adjusted diluted earnings per share ($3.47 in fiscal 2025);
•Operating cash flow of $110 million to $120 million; and
•Capital expenditures of $55 million.
Our outlook for fiscal year 2026 assumes (comparisons vs. prior year unless otherwise noted):
•Earnings contributions weighted to the second half due to greater projected net impact of tariffs and investment spending in the first half relative to the second half;
•Lower gross margin rate, reflecting incremental tariff costs partially offset by higher pricing, other tariff mitigation actions, and productivity savings;
•Comparable SG&A expense, reflecting organizational restructuring and store fleet rationalization savings offset by investments in demand creation, information technology, and other cost inflation across the business;
•Net interest expense of approximately $40 million, reflecting higher principal amount and coupon rate associated with the refinancing of our senior notes in Q4 2025;
•Effective tax rate of approximately 22%; and
•Average number of shares outstanding of approximately 36 million.
For the first quarter of fiscal 2026, the Company projects approximately:
•Mid-single-digit percentage growth in net sales ($630 million in Q1 fiscal 2025);
•$12 million to $15 million in adjusted operating income ($35 million in Q1 fiscal 2025); and
•$0.02 to $0.08 in adjusted diluted earnings per share ($0.66 in Q1 fiscal 2025).
Our outlook for first quarter fiscal 2026 assumes (comparisons vs. prior year unless otherwise noted):
•An earlier Easter holiday;
•Lower gross margin rate, reflecting higher net incremental tariff costs, partially offset by a higher mix of U.S. Retail sales and lower sales of excess inventory;
•Low single-digit growth in SG&A, reflecting investments in demand creation, technology initiatives, and higher wage and rent expenses;
•Net interest expense of approximately $9 million, reflecting higher principal amount and coupon rate associated with the refinancing of our senior notes in Q4 2025;
•Effective tax rate of approximately 37%; and
•Average number of shares outstanding of approximately 36 million.
Conference Call
The Company will hold a conference call with investors to discuss fourth quarter and fiscal 2025 results and its business outlook on February 27, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time. To listen to a live webcast and view the accompanying presentation materials, please visit ir.carters.com and select links for “News & Events” followed by “Events.” To access the call by phone, please preregister on https://register-
conf.media-server.com/register/BI7f4fa80ca3c043a88d01a18358a65daa to receive your dial-in number and unique passcode.
A webcast replay will be available shortly after the conclusion of the call at ir.carters.com.
About Carter’s, Inc.
Carter’s, Inc. is North America’s largest and most-enduring apparel company exclusively for babies and young children. The Company’s core brands are Carter’s and OshKosh B’gosh, iconic and among the sector’s most trusted names. These brands are sold through more than 1,000 Company-operated stores in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and online at www.carters.com, www.oshkosh.com, www.cartersoshkosh.ca, and www.carters.com.mx. Carter’s also is the largest supplier of baby and young children’s apparel to North America’s biggest retailers. The Company’s Child of Mine brand is available exclusively at Walmart, its Just One You brand is available at Target, and its Simple Joys brand is available on Amazon.com. The Company’s emerging brands include Little Planet, crafted with organic fabrics and sustainable materials, Otter Avenue, a toddler-focused apparel brand, and Skip Hop, baby essentials from tubs to toys. Carter’s is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Additional information may be found at www.carters.com.
Forward Looking Statements
Statements in this press release that are not historical fact and use predictive words such as “estimates”, “outlook”, “guidance”, “expect”, “believe”, “intend”, “designed”, “target”, “plans”, “may”, “will”, “are confident” and similar words are forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). These forward-looking statements and related assumptions involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and outcomes to differ materially from any forward-looking statements or views expressed in this press release. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those disclosed in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2026, and otherwise in our reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as the following factors: changes in global economic and financial conditions, and the resulting impact on consumer confidence and consumer spending, as well as other changes in consumer discretionary spending habits; risks related to public health crises; risks related to the organizational restructuring plan, including, but not limited to, our ability to achieve the expected savings from the plan and to fully implement the plan; risks related to consumer tastes and preferences, as well as fashion trends; the failure to protect our intellectual property; the diminished value of our brands, potentially as a result of negative publicity or unsuccessful branding and marketing efforts; delays, product recalls, or loss of revenue due to a failure to meet our quality standards; risks related to
uncertainty regarding the future of international trade agreements and the United States’ position on international trade, as well as significant political, trade, and regulatory developments and other circumstances beyond our control; the roll-back of incremental tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (the “incremental tariffs”) and any additional actions taken in response to their roll-back, including tariffs imposed pursuant to Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 (the “122 tariffs”); our ability to recover refunds of incremental tariff amounts or other tariff amounts paid; increased competition in the marketplace; financial difficulties for one or more of our major customers; identification of locations and negotiation of appropriate lease terms for our retail stores; distinct risks facing our eCommerce business; failure to forecast demand for our products and our failure to manage our inventory; increased margin pressures, including increased cost of materials and labor and our inability to successfully increase prices to offset these increased costs; continued inflationary pressures with respect to labor and raw materials and global supply chain constraints that have, and could continue, to affect freight, transit, and other costs; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; unseasonable or extreme weather conditions; risks associated with corporate responsibility issues; our foreign sourcing arrangements; a relatively small number of vendors supply a significant amount of our products; disruptions in our supply chain, including increased transportation and freight costs; our ability to effectively source and manage inventory; problems with our Braselton, Georgia distribution facility; pending and threatened lawsuits; a breach of our information technology systems and the loss of personal data or a failure to implement new information technology systems successfully; unsuccessful expansion into international markets; failure to comply with various laws and regulations; failure to properly manage strategic initiatives; retention of key individuals; acquisition and integration of other brands and businesses; failure to achieve sales growth plans and profitability objectives to support the carrying value of our intangible assets; our continued ability to meet obligations related to our debt; changes in our tax obligations, including additional customs, duties or tariffs; our continued ability to declare and pay a dividend; volatility in the market price of our common stock; and the cost or effort required for our shareholders to bring certain claims or actions against us, as a result of our designation of the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware as the sole and exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings. Except for any ongoing obligations to disclose material information as required by federal securities laws, the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. The inclusion of any statement in this press release does not constitute an admission by the Company or any other person that the events or circumstances described in such statement are material.
CARTER’S, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(dollars in thousands, except for share data)
(unaudited)
| For the fiscal quarter ended | For the fiscal year ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| January 3, 2026 | December 28, 2024 | January 3, 2026 | December 28, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| (14 weeks) | (13 weeks) | (53 weeks) | (52 weeks) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 925,451 | $ | 859,712 | $ | 2,898,426 | $ | 2,844,102 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of goods sold | 525,293 | 448,687 | 1,583,790 | 1,478,936 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 400,158 | 411,025 | 1,314,636 | 1,365,166 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Royalty income, net | 4,093 | 4,292 | 18,102 | 19,251 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, general, and administrative expenses | 319,557 | 302,117 | 1,188,805 | 1,099,689 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intangible asset impairment | — | 30,000 | — | 30,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | 84,694 | 83,200 | 143,933 | 254,728 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | 11,379 | 8,175 | 34,227 | 31,331 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | (3,467) | (2,395) | (13,474) | (11,039) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other (income) expense, net(*) | (820) | 1,650 | (1,086) | 2,678 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Pension plan settlement(*) | — | — | 8,777 | 949 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on extinguishment of debt | 1,655 | — | 1,655 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 75,947 | 75,770 | 113,834 | 230,809 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax provision | 11,729 | 14,253 | 22,038 | 45,300 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 64,218 | $ | 61,517 | $ | 91,796 | $ | 185,509 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Basic net income per common share | $ | 1.76 | $ | 1.71 | $ | 2.53 | $ | 5.12 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted net income per common share | $ | 1.76 | $ | 1.71 | $ | 2.53 | $ | 5.12 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Dividend declared and paid per common share | $ | 0.25 | $ | 0.80 | $ | 1.55 | $ | 3.20 | ||||||||||||||||||
(*)Pension plan settlement charges for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024, have been reclassified to the Pension plan settlement line item. These charges were previously included in Other (income) expense, net.
CARTER’S, INC.
CONDENSED BUSINESS SEGMENT RESULTS
(dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)
| For the fiscal quarter ended | For the fiscal year ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| January 3, 2026 | % of total sales | December 28, 2024 | % of total sales | January 3, 2026 | % of total sales | December 28, 2024 | % of total sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (14 weeks) | (13 weeks) | (53 weeks) | (52 weeks) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Retail | $ | 509,840 | 55.1 | % | $ | 466,231 | 54.2 | % | $ | 1,466,128 | 50.6 | % | $ | 1,417,108 | 49.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Wholesale | 274,438 | 29.7 | % | 265,374 | 30.9 | % | 1,001,338 | 34.5 | % | 1,021,396 | 35.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| International | 141,173 | 15.2 | % | 128,107 | 14.9 | % | 430,960 | 14.9 | % | 405,598 | 14.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated net sales | $ | 925,451 | 100.0 | % | $ | 859,712 | 100.0 | % | $ | 2,898,426 | 100.0 | % | $ | 2,844,102 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment operating income: | Segment operating margin | Segment operating margin | Segment operating margin | Segment operating margin | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Retail | $ | 56,325 | 11.0 | % | $ | 73,246 | 15.7 | % | $ | 72,377 | 4.9 | % | $ | 132,926 | 9.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Wholesale | 34,095 | 12.4 | % | 54,318 | 20.5 | % | 160,464 | 16.0 | % | 216,980 | 21.2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| International | 22,387 | 15.9 | % | 20,988 | 16.4 | % | 34,951 | 8.1 | % | 38,970 | 9.6 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total segment operating income | $ | 112,807 | 12.2 | % | $ | 148,552 | 17.3 | % | $ | 267,792 | 9.2 | % | $ | 388,876 | 13.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Items not included in segment operating income: | Consolida-ted operating margin | Consolida-ted operating margin | Consolida-ted operating margin | Consolida-ted operating margin | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unallocated corporate expenses (a) | $ | (23,335) | n/a | $ | (33,530) | n/a | $ | (91,801) | n/a | $ | (102,326) | n/a | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Organizational restructuring (b) | (3,690) | n/a | (1,822) | n/a | (9,807) | n/a | (1,822) | n/a | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating model improvement costs (c) | (713) | n/a | — | n/a | (14,182) | n/a | — | n/a | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Leadership transition costs (d) | (375) | n/a | — | n/a | (8,069) | n/a | — | n/a | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Intangible asset impairment (e) | — | n/a | (30,000) | n/a | — | n/a | (30,000) | n/a | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated operating income | $ | 84,694 | 9.2% | $ | 83,200 | 9.7% | $ | 143,933 | 5.0% | $ | 254,728 | 9.0% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(a)Unallocated corporate expenses include corporate overhead expenses that are not directly attributable to one of our business segments and include unallocated accounting, finance, legal, human resources, and information technology expenses, occupancy costs for our corporate headquarters, and other benefit and compensation programs, including performance-based compensation.
(b)Related to charges for severance and other termination benefits as a result of organizational restructuring.
(c)Primarily related to third-party consulting costs.
(d)Related to costs associated with the transition of our former CEO, including accelerated vesting of outstanding time-based restricted stock awards.
(e)Non-cash impairment charge on the OshKosh indefinite-lived tradename asset.
Note: Results may not be additive due to rounding.
CARTER’S, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(dollars in thousands, except for share data)
(unaudited)
| January 3, 2026 | December 28, 2024 | ||||||||||
| ASSETS | |||||||||||
Current assets: | |||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 487,075 | $ | 412,926 | |||||||
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $7,587 and $5,663, respectively | 178,566 | 194,834 | |||||||||
| Finished goods inventories | 544,624 | 502,332 | |||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 60,508 | 32,580 | |||||||||
Total current assets | 1,270,773 | 1,142,672 | |||||||||
Property, plant, and equipment, net | 186,307 | 180,956 | |||||||||
Operating lease assets | 591,806 | 577,133 | |||||||||
Tradenames, net | 268,659 | 268,008 | |||||||||
Goodwill | 208,994 | 206,875 | |||||||||
Customer relationships, net | 20,128 | 23,543 | |||||||||
Other assets | 18,803 | 33,980 | |||||||||
Total assets | $ | 2,565,470 | $ | 2,433,167 | |||||||
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |||||||||||
Current liabilities: | |||||||||||
Accounts payable | $ | 235,700 | $ | 248,200 | |||||||
Current operating lease liabilities | 136,488 | 130,564 | |||||||||
Other current liabilities | 133,809 | 130,052 | |||||||||
Total current liabilities | 505,997 | 508,816 | |||||||||
Long-term debt, net | 567,173 | 498,127 | |||||||||
Deferred income taxes | 39,380 | 38,210 | |||||||||
Long-term operating lease liabilities | 508,461 | 501,503 | |||||||||
Other long-term liabilities | 19,411 | 31,949 | |||||||||
Total liabilities | $ | 1,640,422 | $ | 1,578,605 | |||||||
Shareholders’ equity: | |||||||||||
Preferred stock; par value $0.01 per share; 100,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||
Common stock, voting; par value $0.01 per share; 150,000,000 shares authorized; 36,425,877 and 36,041,995 shares issued and outstanding, respectively | 364 | 360 | |||||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 19,584 | 3,856 | |||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (24,361) | (43,678) | |||||||||
Retained earnings | 929,461 | 894,024 | |||||||||
Total shareholders’ equity | 925,048 | 854,562 | |||||||||
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | $ | 2,565,470 | $ | 2,433,167 | |||||||
CARTER’S, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
(dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)
| For the fiscal year ended | ||||||||||||||
| January 3, 2026 | December 28, 2024 | |||||||||||||
| (53 weeks) | (52 weeks) | |||||||||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 91,796 | $ | 185,509 | ||||||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||||||||||
| Depreciation of property, plant, and equipment | 51,544 | 54,233 | ||||||||||||
| Amortization of intangible assets | 3,719 | 3,693 | ||||||||||||
| Provisions for (recoveries of) excess and obsolete inventory, net | 401 | (348) | ||||||||||||
| Intangible asset impairment | — | 30,000 | ||||||||||||
| Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment | 189 | 865 | ||||||||||||
| Amortization of debt issuance costs | 1,712 | 1,630 | ||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 20,248 | 17,841 | ||||||||||||
| Unrealized foreign currency exchange (gain) loss, net | (457) | 380 | ||||||||||||
| Provisions for doubtful accounts receivable from customers | 2,417 | 1,086 | ||||||||||||
| Loss on extinguishment of debt | 1,655 | — | ||||||||||||
| Unrealized gain on investments | (2,229) | (2,214) | ||||||||||||
| Pension plan settlement | 8,777 | 949 | ||||||||||||
| Deferred income tax benefit | (162) | (6,422) | ||||||||||||
| Effect of changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||||||||||
| Accounts receivable | 15,169 | (13,743) | ||||||||||||
| Finished goods inventories | (37,101) | 26,131 | ||||||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other assets | (8,098) | (2,962) | ||||||||||||
| Accounts payable and other liabilities | (27,246) | 2,159 | ||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 122,334 | $ | 298,787 | ||||||||||
| Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | $ | (53,704) | $ | (56,165) | ||||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | $ | (53,704) | $ | (56,165) | ||||||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from senior notes due 2031 | $ | 575,000 | $ | — | ||||||||||
| Payment of senior notes due 2027 | (500,000) | — | ||||||||||||
| Payments of debt issuance costs | (11,711) | — | ||||||||||||
| Repurchase of common stock | — | (50,526) | ||||||||||||
| Dividends paid | (56,359) | (116,178) | ||||||||||||
| Withholdings from vesting of restricted stock | (4,516) | (7,579) | ||||||||||||
| Proceeds from exercise of stock options | — | 367 | ||||||||||||
| Other | (370) | (900) | ||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | $ | 2,044 | $ | (174,816) | ||||||||||
| Net effect of exchange rate changes on cash | 3,475 | (6,093) | ||||||||||||
| Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | $ | 74,149 | $ | 61,713 | ||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of fiscal year | 412,926 | 351,213 | ||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, end of fiscal year | $ | 487,075 | $ | 412,926 | ||||||||||
CARTER’S, INC.
RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED RESULTS TO GAAP
(dollars in millions, except earnings per share)
(unaudited)
| Fiscal quarter ended January 3, 2026 (14 weeks) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SG&A | % Net Sales | Operating Income | % Net Sales | Income Taxes | Net Income | Diluted EPS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As reported (GAAP) | $ | 319.6 | 34.5 | % | $ | 84.7 | 9.2 | % | $ | 11.7 | $ | 64.2 | $ | 1.76 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Organizational restructuring(b) | (3.7) | 3.7 | 0.9 | 2.8 | 0.08 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating model improvement costs(c) | (0.7) | 0.7 | 0.2 | 0.5 | 0.01 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Leadership transition costs(d) | (0.4) | 0.4 | — | 0.3 | 0.01 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loss on extinguishment of debt(e) | — | — | 0.4 | 1.3 | 0.03 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
As adjusted (a) | $ | 314.8 | 34.0 | % | $ | 89.5 | 9.7 | % | $ | 13.2 | $ | 69.2 | $ | 1.90 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fiscal year ended January 3, 2026 (53 weeks) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SG&A | % Net Sales | Operating Income | % Net Sales | Income Taxes | Net Income | Diluted EPS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As reported (GAAP) | $ | 1,188.8 | 41.0 | % | $ | 143.9 | 5.0 | % | $ | 22.0 | $ | 91.8 | $ | 2.53 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating model improvement costs(c) | (14.2) | 14.2 | 3.4 | 10.8 | 0.30 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Organizational restructuring(b) | (9.8) | 9.8 | 2.4 | 7.5 | 0.20 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Leadership transition costs(d) | (8.1) | 8.1 | 0.7 | 7.3 | 0.20 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pension plan settlement(f) | — | — | 2.1 | 6.7 | 0.18 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loss on extinguishment of debt(e) | — | — | 0.4 | 1.3 | 0.03 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Deferred compensation plan termination(g) | — | — | (0.8) | 0.8 | 0.03 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
As adjusted (a) | $ | 1,156.7 | 39.9 | % | $ | 176.0 | 6.1 | % | $ | 30.3 | $ | 126.1 | $ | 3.47 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fiscal quarter ended December 28, 2024 (13 weeks) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SG&A | % Net Sales | Operating Income | % Net Sales | Income Taxes | Net Income | Diluted EPS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As reported (GAAP) | $ | 302.1 | 35.1 | % | $ | 83.2 | 9.7 | % | $ | 14.3 | $ | 61.5 | $ | 1.71 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Organizational restructuring(b) | (1.8) | 1.8 | 0.2 | 1.6 | 0.04 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Intangible asset impairment(h) | — | 30.0 | 7.2 | 22.8 | 0.63 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
As adjusted (a) | $ | 300.3 | 34.9 | % | $ | 115.0 | 13.4 | % | $ | 21.7 | $ | 85.9 | $ | 2.39 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fiscal year ended December 28, 2024 (52 weeks) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SG&A | % Net Sales | Operating Income | % Net Sales | Income Taxes | Net Income | Diluted EPS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As reported (GAAP) | $ | 1,099.7 | 38.7 | % | $ | 254.7 | 9.0 | % | $ | 45.3 | $ | 185.5 | $ | 5.12 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Organizational restructuring(b) | (1.8) | 1.8 | 0.2 | 1.6 | 0.04 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Intangible asset impairment(h) | — | 30.0 | 7.2 | 22.8 | 0.63 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pension plan settlement(f) | — | — | 0.2 | 0.7 | 0.02 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
As adjusted (a) | $ | 1,097.9 | 38.6 | % | $ | 286.6 | 10.1 | % | $ | 52.9 | $ | 210.7 | $ | 5.81 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fiscal quarter ended March 29, 2025 (13 weeks) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SG&A | % Net Sales | Operating Income | % Net Sales | Income Taxes | Net Income | Diluted EPS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As reported (GAAP) | $ | 270.3 | 42.9 | % | $ | 26.1 | 4.1 | % | $ | 5.8 | $ | 15.5 | $ | 0.43 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Leadership transition costs(d) | (6.1) | 6.1 | 0.3 | 5.8 | 0.16 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating model improvement costs(c) | (3.2) | 3.2 | 0.8 | 2.4 | 0.07 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
As adjusted (a) | $ | 261.0 | 41.4 | % | $ | 35.4 | 5.6 | % | $ | 6.9 | $ | 23.8 | $ | 0.66 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(a)In addition to the results provided in this earnings release in accordance with GAAP, the Company has provided adjusted, non-GAAP financial measurements that present SG&A, operating income, income taxes, net income, and net income on a diluted share basis excluding the adjustments discussed above. The Company believes these adjustments provide a meaningful comparison of the Company’s results and afford investors a view of what management considers to be the Company's core performance. These measures are used by the Company's executive management to assess the Company's performance. The adjusted, non-GAAP financial measurements included in this earnings release should not be considered as an alternative to net income or as any other measurement of performance derived in accordance with GAAP. The adjusted, non-GAAP financial measurements are presented for informational purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of the Company’s future condition or results of operations.
(b)Related to charges for severance and other termination benefits as a result of organizational restructuring.
(c)Primarily related to third-party consulting costs.
(d)Related to costs associated with the transition of our former CEO, including accelerated vesting of outstanding time-based restricted stock awards.
(e)Related to redemption of the $500 million senior notes due 2027 and cash-flow based revolving credit facility.
(f)Non-cash charges for settlement of the OshKosh B’Gosh Pension Plan.
(g)Incremental income tax impact resulting from the announced termination of the Company’s deferred compensation plan.
(h)Non-cash impairment charge on the OshKosh indefinite-lived tradename asset.
Note: Results may not be additive due to rounding.
CARTER’S, INC.
RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME ALLOCABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS
(unaudited)
| For the fiscal quarter ended | For the fiscal year ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| January 3, 2026 | December 28, 2024 | January 3, 2026 | December 28, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (14 weeks) | (13 weeks) | (53 weeks) | (52 weeks) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted-average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic number of common shares outstanding | 35,448,826 | 35,246,887 | 35,404,506 | 35,524,378 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Dilutive effect of equity awards | 1,008 | 1,130 | 414 | 1,238 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding | 35,449,834 | 35,248,017 | 35,404,920 | 35,525,616 | |||||||||||||||||||
| As reported on a GAAP Basis: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| (dollars in thousands, except per share data) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic net income per common share: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 64,218 | $ | 61,517 | $ | 91,796 | $ | 185,509 | |||||||||||||||
| Income allocated to participating securities | (1,760) | (1,299) | (2,306) | (3,679) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income available to common shareholders | $ | 62,458 | $ | 60,218 | $ | 89,490 | $ | 181,830 | |||||||||||||||
| Basic net income per common share | $ | 1.76 | $ | 1.71 | $ | 2.53 | $ | 5.12 | |||||||||||||||
| Diluted net income per common share: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 64,218 | $ | 61,517 | $ | 91,796 | $ | 185,509 | |||||||||||||||
| Income allocated to participating securities | (1,760) | (1,299) | (2,306) | (3,679) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income available to common shareholders | $ | 62,458 | $ | 60,218 | $ | 89,490 | $ | 181,830 | |||||||||||||||
| Diluted net income per common share | $ | 1.76 | $ | 1.71 | $ | 2.53 | $ | 5.12 | |||||||||||||||
| As adjusted (a): | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| (dollars in thousands, except per share data) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic net income per common share: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 69,170 | $ | 85,938 | $ | 126,068 | $ | 210,652 | |||||||||||||||
| Income allocated to participating securities | (1,897) | (1,837) | (3,226) | (4,207) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income available to common shareholders | $ | 67,273 | $ | 84,101 | $ | 122,842 | $ | 206,445 | |||||||||||||||
| Basic net income per common share | $ | 1.90 | $ | 2.39 | $ | 3.47 | $ | 5.81 | |||||||||||||||
| Diluted net income per common share: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 69,170 | $ | 85,938 | $ | 126,068 | $ | 210,652 | |||||||||||||||
| Income allocated to participating securities | (1,897) | (1,837) | (3,226) | (4,207) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income available to common shareholders | $ | 67,273 | $ | 84,101 | $ | 122,842 | $ | 206,445 | |||||||||||||||
| Diluted net income per common share | $ | 1.90 | $ | 2.39 | $ | 3.47 | $ | 5.81 | |||||||||||||||
(a) In addition to the results provided in this earnings release in accordance with GAAP, the Company has provided adjusted, non-GAAP financial measurements that present per share data excluding the adjustments presented above. The Company excluded approximately $5.0 million and $34.3 million in after-tax expenses from these results for the quarter and fiscal year ended January 3, 2026, respectively. The Company excluded approximately $24.4 million and $25.1 million in after-tax expenses from these results for the quarter and fiscal year ended December 28, 2024, respectively.
CARTER’S, INC.
RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED RESULTS TO GAAP
(unaudited)
The following table provides a reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for the periods indicated to net income, which is the most directly comparable financial measure presented in accordance with GAAP:
| Fiscal quarter ended | Fiscal year ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | January 3, 2026 | December 28, 2024 | January 3, 2026 | December 28, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||
| (14 weeks) | (13 weeks) | (53 weeks) | (52 weeks) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 64.2 | $ | 61.5 | $ | 91.8 | $ | 185.5 | |||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | 11.4 | 8.2 | 34.2 | 31.3 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | (3.5) | (2.4) | (13.5) | (11.0) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Tax expense | 11.7 | 14.3 | 22.0 | 45.3 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 14.7 | 14.3 | 55.3 | 57.9 | |||||||||||||||||||
| EBITDA | $ | 98.5 | $ | 95.8 | $ | 189.9 | $ | 309.0 | |||||||||||||||
| Adjustments to EBITDA | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Organizational restructuring(a) | $ | 3.7 | $ | 1.8 | $ | 9.8 | $ | 1.8 | |||||||||||||||
Operating model improvement costs(b) | 0.7 | — | 14.2 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Leadership transition costs(c) | 0.4 | — | 8.1 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Loss on extinguishment of debt(d) | 1.7 | — | 1.7 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Pension plan settlement(e) | — | — | 8.8 | 0.9 | |||||||||||||||||||
Intangible asset impairment(f) | — | 30.0 | — | 30.0 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total adjustments | 6.4 | 31.8 | 42.5 | 32.8 | |||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 105.0 | $ | 127.6 | $ | 232.3 | $ | 341.8 | |||||||||||||||
(a)Related to charges for severance and other termination benefits as a result of organizational restructuring.
(b)Primarily related to third-party consulting costs.
(c)Related to costs associated with the transition of our former CEO, including accelerated vesting of outstanding time-based restricted stock awards.
(d)Related to redemption of the $500 million senior notes due 2027 and cash-flow based revolving credit facility.
(e)Non-cash charges for settlement of the OshKosh B’Gosh Pension Plan.
(f)Non-cash impairment charge on the OshKosh indefinite-lived tradename asset.
Note: Results may not be additive due to rounding.
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are supplemental financial measures that are not defined or prepared in accordance with GAAP. We define EBITDA as net income before interest, income taxes and depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is EBITDA adjusted for the items described in the footnotes (a) - (f) to the table above.
We present EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA because we consider them to be important supplemental measures of our performance and believe they are frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies in our industry. These measures are used by the Company’s executive management to assess the Company’s performance.
The use of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA instead of net income or cash flows from operations has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider them in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not represent net income or cash flow from operations as those terms are defined by GAAP and do not necessarily indicate whether cash flows will be sufficient to fund cash needs. While EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and similar measures are frequently used as measures of operations and the ability to meet debt service requirements, these terms are not necessarily comparable to other similarly titled captions of other companies due to the potential inconsistencies in the method of calculation. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect the impact of earnings or charges resulting from matters that we consider not to be indicative of our ongoing operations. Because of these limitations, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as discretionary cash available to us for working capital, debt service and other purposes.
CARTER’S, INC.
RECONCILIATION OF U.S. GAAP AND NON-GAAP INFORMATION
(dollars in millions)
(unaudited)
The tables below reflect the calculation of constant currency for total net sales of the International segment and consolidated net sales for the fiscal quarter and fiscal year ended January 3, 2026:
| Fiscal quarter ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reported Net Sales January 3, 2026 | Impact of Foreign Currency Translation | Constant-Currency Net Sales January 3, 2026 | Reported Net Sales December 28, 2024 | Reported Net Sales % Change | Constant-Currency Net Sales % Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (14 weeks) | (14 weeks) | (13 weeks) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated net sales | $ | 925.5 | $ | 3.0 | $ | 922.5 | $ | 859.7 | 7.6 | % | 7.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| International segment net sales | $ | 141.2 | $ | 3.0 | $ | 138.2 | $ | 128.1 | 10.2 | % | 7.9 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fiscal year ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reported Net Sales January 3, 2026 | Impact of Foreign Currency Translation | Constant-Currency Net Sales January 3, 2026 | Reported Net Sales December 28, 2024 | Reported Net Sales % Change | Constant-Currency Net Sales % Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (53 weeks) | (53 weeks) | (52 weeks) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated net sales | $ | 2,898.4 | $ | (6.7) | $ | 2,905.1 | $ | 2,844.1 | 1.9 | % | 2.1 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| International segment net sales | $ | 431.0 | $ | (6.7) | $ | 437.7 | $ | 405.6 | 6.3 | % | 7.9 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
The Company evaluates its net sales on both an “as reported” and a “constant currency” basis. The constant currency presentation, which is a non-GAAP measure, excludes the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates that occurred between the comparative periods. Constant currency net sales results are calculated by translating current period net sales in local currency to the U.S. dollar amount by using the currency conversion rate for the prior comparative period. The Company consistently applies this approach to net sales for all countries where the functional currency is not the U.S. dollar. The Company believes that the presentation of net sales on a constant currency basis provides useful supplemental information regarding changes in our net sales that were not due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates and such information is consistent with how the Company assesses changes in its net sales between comparative periods.
Note: Results may not be additive due to rounding.
CARTER’S, INC.
RECONCILIATION OF U.S. GAAP AND NON-GAAP INFORMATION
(dollars in millions)
(unaudited)
The tables below reflect the calculation of net sales change on a comparable week basis for the fiscal quarter and fiscal year ended January 3, 2026:
| Fiscal quarter ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reported Net Sales January 3, 2026 | Reported Net Sales December 28, 2024 | 14th Week Net Sales Contribution | Pro Forma Net Sales January 3, 2026 | Reported Net Sales % Change | Pro Forma Net Sales % Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (14 weeks) | (13 weeks) | (13 weeks) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated net sales | $ | 925.5 | $ | 859.7 | $ | 37.0 | $ | 888.5 | 7.6 | % | 3.4 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fiscal year ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reported Net Sales January 3, 2026 | Reported Net Sales December 28, 2024 | 53rd Week Net Sales Contribution | Pro Forma Net Sales January 3, 2026 | Reported Net Sales % Change | Pro Forma Net Sales % Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (53 weeks) | (52 weeks) | (52 weeks) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated net sales | $ | 2,898.4 | $ | 2,844.1 | $ | 37.0 | $ | 2,861.4 | 1.9 | % | 0.6 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
The above reconciliations enable the evaluation of quarter-over-quarter and year-over-year changes in net sales based on 13-week and 52-week reporting periods.
FAQ
How did Carter’s (CRI) perform in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025?
Carter’s fourth quarter 2025 net sales were $925 million, up 8% from $860 million in 2024. GAAP diluted EPS increased slightly to $1.76, while adjusted diluted EPS fell to $1.90 from $2.39, reflecting lower operating margins despite higher revenue.
What were Carter’s (CRI) full-year 2025 sales and earnings results?
For fiscal 2025, Carter’s reported net sales of $2.898 billion, up from $2.844 billion in 2024. GAAP diluted EPS declined to $2.53 from $5.12, and adjusted diluted EPS dropped to $3.47 from $5.81 as the operating margin fell to 5.0% from 9.0%.
How much did the 53rd week contribute to Carter’s (CRI) 2025 results?
Fiscal 2025 included a 53rd week, which added approximately $37 million to consolidated net sales. This extra week lifted reported growth rates but did not prevent a meaningful decline in operating margins and earnings compared with the prior 52-week fiscal year.
What guidance did Carter’s (CRI) provide for fiscal 2026?
For 2026, Carter’s expects low- to mid-single-digit percentage growth in net sales and adjusted operating income. However, it projects a low double-digit to mid-teens decline in adjusted diluted EPS, excluding potential benefits from recent tariff developments described in its business outlook.
What is Carter’s (CRI) outlook for the first quarter of fiscal 2026?
In Q1 2026, Carter’s projects mid-single-digit growth in net sales compared with $630 million in Q1 2025. It expects adjusted operating income of $12–$15 million versus $35 million and adjusted diluted EPS of just $0.02–$0.08 compared with $0.66 last year.
How much cash did Carter’s (CRI) generate and return to shareholders in 2025?
Carter’s generated $122 million in operating cash flow during fiscal 2025. The company returned $56 million to shareholders through dividends and has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share, maintaining its capital return program despite lower earnings.
What non-GAAP adjustments affected Carter’s (CRI) 2025 results?
Carter’s adjusted 2025 results for operating model improvement costs, organizational restructuring, leadership transition costs, pension plan settlement, loss on extinguishment of debt, and a deferred compensation plan tax charge, excluding about $34.3 million after tax for the year to present adjusted EPS of $3.47.
Filing Exhibits & Attachments
5 documentsPress Releases
Carters
NYSE:CRI
CRI Rankings
CRI Latest News
CRI Latest SEC Filings
Feb 27, 2026
[10-K] CARTERS INC Files Annual Report
Feb 18, 2026
[Form 4] CARTERS INC Insider Trading Activity
Feb 18, 2026
[Form 4] CARTERS INC Insider Trading Activity
Feb 18, 2026
[Form 4] CARTERS INC Insider Trading Activity
CRI Stock Data
1.53B
35.04M
Apparel Retail
Apparel & Other Finishd Prods of Fabrics & Similar Matl
United States
ATLANTA