Release Details

• Fourth quarter fiscal 2016 results
  • Net sales $934 million, growth of 8%
  • Diluted EPS $1.76, growth of 27%; adjusted diluted EPS $1.79, growth of 28%
• Full year fiscal 2016 performance
  • Net sales $3.2 billion, growth of 6%
  • Diluted EPS $5.08, growth of 13%; adjusted diluted EPS $5.14, growth of 11%
• Returned $367 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends in 2016
• Board of Directors authorizes 12% increase to quarterly dividend to $0.37 per share
• Full year fiscal 2017 outlook: net sales growth of 4% to 6%; adjusted EPS growth of 8% to 10%

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 23, 2017-- Carter’s, Inc. (NYSE:CRI), the largest branded marketer in the United States and Canada of apparel exclusively for babies and young children, today reported its fourth quarter and fiscal 2016 results.

“The fourth quarter represented a strong finish to another record year of sales and profitability for Carter’s,” said Michael D. Casey, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Our focus on providing the best value and experience in young children's apparel, extending the reach of our brands, and improving profitability enabled us to achieve our 28th consecutive year of sales growth, improve our profit margins, and increase the return of capital to shareholders. We are forecasting good growth in sales and earnings in 2017 as we strive to be the world's favorite brands in young children’s apparel.”

(Carter’s, Inc. today also issued a separate news release announcing the acquisition of Skip Hop Holdings, Inc., a leading global lifestyle brand for families with young children.)

Consolidated Results

Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2016 compared to Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2015

Consolidated net sales increased $67.7 million, or 7.8%, to $934.2 million. This increase reflects sales growth in nearly every business segment.

Changes in foreign currency exchange rates in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 negatively affected consolidated net sales in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 by $0.4 million. On a constant currency basis (a non-GAAP measure), consolidated net sales increased 7.9% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016.

Operating income in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 increased $23.2 million, or 20.0%, to $139.4 million, compared to $116.2 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015. Operating margin in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 increased 150 basis points to 14.9%, compared to 13.4% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015. Adjusted operating income (a non-GAAP measure) in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 was $142.0 million, compared to $117.1 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015. Adjusted operating margin (a non-GAAP measure) in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 was 15.2%, compared to 13.5% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, principally driven by improved gross margin.

Net income in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 increased $14.5 million, or 20.0%, to $87.1 million, or $1.76 per diluted share, compared to $72.6 million, or $1.39 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015. Adjusted net income (a non-GAAP measure) in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 increased $15.5 million, or 21.2%, to $88.7 million, compared to $73.2 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015. Adjusted earnings per diluted share (a non-GAAP measure) in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 increased 27.9% to $1.79, compared to $1.40 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015.

Fiscal 2016 compared to Fiscal 2015

Consolidated net sales increased $185.3 million, or 6.1%, to $3.2 billion. The net sales increase reflects growth in nearly every business segment.

Changes in foreign currency exchange rates in fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015 negatively affected consolidated net sales in fiscal 2016 by $7.1 million. On a constant currency basis, consolidated net sales increased 6.4% in fiscal 2016.

Operating income in fiscal 2016 increased $33.7 million, or 8.6%, to $426.6 million, compared to $392.9 million in fiscal 2015. Operating margin in fiscal 2016 increased 30 basis points to 13.3%, compared to 13.0% in fiscal 2015. Adjusted operating income in fiscal 2016 increased $30.4 million, or 7.6%, to $431.4 million, compared to $401.0 million in fiscal 2015. Adjusted operating margin in fiscal 2016 increased 20 basis points to 13.5%, compared to 13.3% in fiscal 2015, reflecting improved gross margin and expense deleverage.

Net income in fiscal 2016 increased $20.3 million, or 8.5%, to $258.1 million, or $5.08 per diluted share, compared to $237.8 million, or $4.50 per diluted share, in fiscal 2015. Adjusted net income in fiscal 2016 increased $17.5 million, or 7.2%, to $261.1 million, compared to $243.6 million in fiscal 2015. Adjusted earnings per diluted share in fiscal 2016 increased 11.5% to $5.14, compared to $4.61 in fiscal 2015.

Cash flow from operations in fiscal 2016 was $369.2 million compared to $308.0 million in fiscal 2015. The increase reflects higher net income and favorable changes in net working capital.

See the "Reconciliation of GAAP to Adjusted Results" section of this release for additional disclosures and reconciliations regarding non-GAAP measures.

Business Segment Results

In the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company saw a moderation in the effects of the stronger U.S. dollar which we believe still affected the demand from international consumers for our brands and weighed on 2016 comparable retail store sales.

Carter’s Retail Segment Results

Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2016 compared to Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2015

Carter’s retail segment sales increased $41.7 million, or 11.8%, to $393.3 million. Carter’s retail comparable sales increased 5.4%, comprised of eCommerce comparable sales growth of 21.7% and a comparable retail store sales increase of 0.1%.

Fiscal 2016 compared to Fiscal 2015

Carter’s retail segment sales increased $102.9 million, or 8.9%, to $1.3 billion. Carter’s retail comparable sales increased 3.1%, comprised of eCommerce comparable sales growth of 20.4% and a comparable retail store sales decline of 1.7%.

As of the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company operated 654 Carter’s retail stores in the United States, comprised of 495 stand-alone and 159 dual-branded locations.

Carter’s Wholesale Segment Results

Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2016 compared to Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2015

Carter’s wholesale segment sales increased $3.1 million, or 1.1%, to $286.2 million, reflecting increased fall product shipments, offset in part by lower spring 2017 product shipments.

Fiscal 2016 compared to Fiscal 2015

Carter’s wholesale segment sales increased $20.7 million, or 1.9%, to $1.1 billion, reflecting increased demand and favorable product mix, offset in part by lower spring 2017 product shipments.

OshKosh Retail Segment Results

Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2016 compared to Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2015

OshKosh retail segment sales increased $16.3 million, or 13.7%, to $134.6 million. OshKosh retail comparable sales increased 5.8%, comprised of eCommerce comparable sales growth of 25.9% and a comparable retail stores decline of 0.6%.

Fiscal 2016 compared to Fiscal 2015

OshKosh retail segment sales increased $39.2 million, or 10.8%, to $402.3 million. OshKosh retail comparable sales increased 3.3%, comprised of eCommerce comparable sales growth of 25.3% and a comparable retail store sales decline of 2.6%.

As of the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company operated 297 OshKosh retail stores in the United States, comprised of 138 stand-alone and 159 dual-branded locations.

OshKosh Wholesale Segment Results

Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2016 compared to Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2015

OshKosh wholesale segment sales decreased $5.6 million, or 33.8%, to $10.9 million, due to lower demand.

Fiscal 2016 compared to Fiscal 2015

OshKosh wholesale segment sales decreased $15.9 million, or 24.3%, to $49.7 million, due to lower demand and a decrease in the average price per unit.

International Segment Results

Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2016 compared to Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2015

International segment sales increased $12.2 million, or 12.6%, to $109.2 million, principally driven by growth in the Company's retail and wholesale businesses in Canada and China, offset in part by a decrease in wholesale demand in other international markets.

Changes in foreign currency exchange rates in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 as compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 negatively affected international segment net sales in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 by $0.4 million. On a constant currency basis, international segment net sales increased 13.0%.

The Company's Canadian retail comparable sales increased 10.9% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, reflecting retail stores comparable sales growth of 6.9% and eCommerce comparable sales growth of 61.1%.

Fiscal 2016 compared to Fiscal 2015

International segment sales increased $38.5 million, or 11.8%, to $364.7 million. This increase principally reflects growth in the Company’s retail businesses in Canada, and eCommerce and wholesale growth in China, partially offset by unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates.

Changes in foreign currency exchange rates in fiscal 2016 as compared to fiscal 2015 negatively affected international net sales in fiscal 2016 by $7.1 million. On a constant currency basis, international segment net sales increased 14.0%.

Compared to fiscal 2015, the Company's Canadian retail comparable sales increased 8.4% in fiscal 2016, primarily due to retail stores sales growth of 5.9% and eCommerce sales growth of 46.4%.

As of the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company operated 164 retail stores in Canada.

Return of Capital

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company returned a total of $77.5 million to shareholders through share repurchases and cash dividends. In fiscal 2016, the Company returned a total of $366.8 million to shareholders through share repurchases and cash dividends, as described below.

Cumulatively from fiscal years 2013 through 2016, the Company returned a total of $1.1 billion to shareholders through share repurchases and cash dividends.

Stock Repurchase Activity

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company repurchased and retired 690,434 shares of its common stock for $61.3 million at an average price of $88.79 per share. During fiscal 2016, the Company repurchased and retired 3.0 million shares for $300.4 million at an average price of $98.53 per share. Fiscal 2017 year-to-date through February 22, 2017, the Company has repurchased and retired a total of 356,729 shares for $30.0 million at an average price of $84.10 per share. All shares were repurchased in open market transactions pursuant to applicable regulations for open market share repurchases.

As of February 22, 2017, the total remaining capacity under the Company's previously-announced repurchase authorizations was approximately $244 million.

Dividends

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company paid a cash dividend of $0.33 per share totaling $16.2 million. In fiscal 2016, the Company paid cash dividends of $1.32 per share totaling $66.4 million.

On February 15, 2017, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a 12% increase ($0.04 per share) to its quarterly cash dividend, to $0.37 per share, for payment on March 24, 2017, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 10, 2017.

Future declarations of quarterly dividends and the establishment of related record and payment dates will be at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors based on a number of factors, including the Company’s future financial performance and other considerations.

2017 Business Outlook

For fiscal 2017, the Company projects net sales to increase approximately 4% to 6% over fiscal 2016 and adjusted diluted earnings per share to increase approximately 8% to 10% compared to adjusted diluted earnings per share of $5.14 in fiscal 2016. This forecast for fiscal 2017 adjusted earnings per share excludes anticipated expenses of approximately $1.0 million related to the announced Skip Hop transaction and approximately $1.4 million related to the Company's direct sourcing initiative. The Company believes these non-GAAP measurements provide investors with a meaningful view of the Company’s core operating results, and are the same measurements used by the Company's executive management to assess the Company's performance.

For the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company projects net sales to decline in the low-single digit range compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2016 and adjusted diluted earnings per share to be approximately $0.80 to $0.85 compared to adjusted diluted earnings per share of $1.05 in the first quarter of fiscal 2016. This projection contemplates growth in U.S. retail sales, declines in domestic wholesale and international sales, and increased investments in the Company's growth agenda compared to the prior-year period. This forecast for first quarter fiscal 2017 adjusted earnings per share excludes anticipated expenses of approximately $1.0 million related to the announced Skip Hop transaction and approximately $0.3 million related to the Company's direct sourcing initiative. The Company believes these non-GAAP measurements provide investors with a meaningful view of the Company’s core operating results, and are the same measurements used by the Company's executive management to assess the Company's performance.

Conference Call

The Company will hold a conference call with investors to discuss fourth quarter and fiscal 2016 results and its business outlook on February 23, 2017 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time. To participate in the call, please dial 913-312-0822. To listen to a live broadcast of the call on the internet, please visit www.carters.com and select the “Fourth Quarter 2016 Earnings Conference Call” link under the “Investor Relations” tab. Presentation materials for the call can be accessed under the same tab by selecting links for “News & Events” followed by “Webcasts & Presentations”. A replay of the call will be available shortly after the broadcast through March 4, 2017, at 888-203-1112 (U.S. / Canada) or 719-457-0820 (international), passcode 2504885. The replay will also be archived on the Company's website under the “Investor Relations” tab.

About Carter’s, Inc.

Carter’s, Inc. is the largest branded marketer in the United States and Canada of apparel and related products exclusively for babies and young children. The Company owns the Carter’s and OshKosh B'gosh brands, two of the most recognized brands in the marketplace. These brands are sold in leading department stores, national chains, and specialty retailers domestically and internationally. They are also sold through nearly 1,000 Company-operated stores in the United States and Canada and online at www.carters.com, www.oshkoshbgosh.com, and www.cartersoshkosh.ca. The Company’s Just One You, Precious Firsts, and Genuine Kids brands are available at Target, and its Child of Mine brand is available at Walmart. Carter’s is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Additional information may be found at www.carters.com.

Cautionary Language

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 relating to the Company’s future performance, including, without limitation, statements with respect to the Company’s anticipated financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2017 and fiscal year 2017, or any other future period, assessments of the Company’s performance and financial position, and drivers of the Company’s sales and earnings growth. Such statements are based on current expectations only, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or not materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated, or projected. Certain of the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and performance to differ materially are described in the Company’s most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time under the headings “Risk Factors” and “Forward-Looking Statements.” Included among the risks and uncertainties that may impact future results are the risks of: losing one or more major customers, vendors, or licensees, due to competition, inadequate quality of the Company’s products, or otherwise; financial difficulties for one or more of the Company’s major customers, vendors, or licensees, or an overall decrease in consumer spending; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; our products not being accepted in the marketplace, due to quality concerns, changes in consumer preference and fashion trends, or otherwise; negative publicity, including as a result of product recalls or otherwise; failure to protect the Company’s intellectual property; various types of litigation, including class action litigation brought under various consumer protection, employment, and privacy and information security laws; a breach of the Company’s consumer databases, systems, or processes; the risk of slow-downs, disruptions, or strikes along the Company’s supply chain, including disruptions resulting from foreign supply sources, the Company’s distribution centers, or in-sourcing capabilities; unsuccessful expansion into international markets or failure to successfully manage legal, regulatory, political and economic risks of the Company’s existing international operations, including maintaining compliance with worldwide anti-bribery laws; and an inability to obtain additional financing on favorable terms. 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.

Note: Results may not be additive due to rounding.

Note: Results may not be additive due to rounding.

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 (b) - (d) 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.

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.

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Source: Carter’s, Inc.

Carter’s, Inc.
Sean McHugh, 678-791-7615
Vice President & Treasurer