SEC Filing | Carter’s, Inc.

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cri-20240629

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 29, 2024

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from __________to __________

Commission file number: 001-31829

CARTER’S, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware						13-3912933
(State or other jurisdiction of						(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)

Phipps Tower,

3438 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1800

Atlanta, Georgia 30326

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(678) 791-1000

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:


Title of Each Class	Trading Symbol(s)	Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share	CRI	New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes x No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer x Accelerated filer ☐

Non-accelerated filer ☐ Smaller reporting company ☐

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 provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).Yes ☐ No x

As of July 19, 2024, there were 36,132,947 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.

CARTER’S, INC.

INDEX



Part I. Financial Information			Page

	Item 1	Financial Statements
		Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 29, 2024, December 30, 2023 and July 1, 2023	1
		Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal quarter and two fiscal quarters ended June 29, 2024 and July 1, 2023	2
		Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the fiscal quarter and two fiscal quarters ended June 29, 2024 and July 1, 2023	3
		Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the fiscal quarters ended June 29, 2024, March 30, 2024, July 1, 2023 and April 1, 2023	4
		Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the two fiscal quarters ended June 29, 2024 and July 1, 2023	5
		Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	6
	Item 2	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	13
	Item 3	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	27
	Item 4	Controls and Procedures	27

Part II. Other Information

	Item 1	Legal Proceedings	29
	Item 1A	Risk Factors	29
	Item 2	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	29
	Item 3	Defaults upon Senior Securities	29
	Item 4	Mine Safety Disclosures	29
	Item 5	Other Information	30
	Item 6	Exhibits	31

Signatures			32

Certifications

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CARTER’S, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)


	June 29, 2024		December 30, 2023		July 1, 2023
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	316,646	$	351,213	$	174,503
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $4,895, $4,754, and $3,849, respectively	132,360		183,774		132,679
Finished goods inventories, net of inventory reserves of $13,844, $8,990, and $17,847, respectively	599,295		537,125		681,573
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	54,085		29,131		56,616
Total current assets	1,102,386		1,101,243		1,045,371
Property, plant, and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $640,751, $615,907, and $592,310, respectively	181,659		183,111		178,100
Operating lease assets	509,168		528,407		499,689
Tradenames, net	298,097		298,186		298,274
Goodwill	209,086		210,537		210,517
Customer relationships, net	25,386		27,238		28,995
Other assets	29,735		29,891		27,525
Total assets	$	2,355,517	$	2,378,613	$	2,288,471

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	313,796	$	242,149	$	281,333
Current operating lease liabilities	128,952		135,369		137,473
Other current liabilities	84,895		134,344		98,730
Total current liabilities	527,643		511,862		517,536
Long-term debt, net	497,735		497,354		496,984
Deferred income taxes	48,910		41,470		45,436
Long-term operating lease liabilities	436,575		448,810		420,805
Other long-term liabilities	32,904		33,867		32,701
Total liabilities	$	1,543,767	$	1,533,363	$	1,513,462

Commitments and contingencies - Note 12

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; 36,280,056, 36,551,221, and 37,354,464 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	363		366		374
Additional paid-in capital	—		—		—
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(32,814)		(23,915)		(24,963)
Retained earnings	844,201		868,799		799,598
Total shareholders’ equity	811,750		845,250		775,009
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	2,355,517	$	2,378,613	$	2,288,471

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

CARTER’S, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)


	Fiscal quarter ended				Two fiscal quarters ended
	June 29, 2024		July 1, 2023		June 29, 2024		July 1, 2023
Net sales	$	564,434	$	600,199	$	1,225,926	$	1,296,079
Cost of goods sold	281,497		308,303		627,799		694,716

Gross profit	282,937		291,896		598,127		601,363
Royalty income, net	4,004		4,341		9,220		10,860
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	247,489		258,676		512,859		518,308


Operating income	39,452		37,561		94,488		93,915
Interest expense	7,870		8,083		15,775		17,727
Interest income	(3,186)		(1,005)		(6,274)		(1,705)
Other expense (income), net	404		(767)		678		(1,025)

Income before income taxes	34,364		31,250		84,309		78,918
Income tax provision	6,725		7,383		18,637		19,055
Net income	$	27,639	$	23,867	$	65,672	$	59,863

Basic net income per common share	$	0.76	$	0.64	$	1.80	$	1.59
Diluted net income per common share	$	0.76	$	0.64	$	1.80	$	1.59
Dividend declared and paid per common share	$	0.80	$	0.75	$	1.60	$	1.50

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

CARTER’S, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(dollars in thousands)

(unaudited)


	Fiscal quarter ended				Two fiscal quarters ended
	June 29, 2024		July 1, 2023		June 29, 2024		July 1, 2023
Net income	$	27,639	$	23,867	$	65,672	$	59,863
Other comprehensive income:

Foreign currency translation adjustments	(7,147)		5,449		(8,899)		9,375
Comprehensive income	$	20,492	$	29,316	$	56,773	$	69,238

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

CARTER’S, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(amounts in thousands, except share amounts)

(unaudited)


	Common stock - shares	Common stock - $		Additional paid-in capital		Accumulated other comprehensive loss		Retained earnings		Total shareholders’ equity
Balance at December 31, 2022	37,692,132	$	377	$	—	$	(34,338)	$	830,370	$	796,409
Exercise of stock options	1,400	—		83		—		—		83
Withholdings from vesting of restricted stock	(61,423)	(1)		(4,404)		—		(371)		(4,776)
Restricted stock activity	303,015	3		(3)		—		—		—
Stock-based compensation expense	—	—		4,343		—		—		4,343

Repurchase of common stock	(135,873)	(1)		—		—		(9,585)		(9,586)
Cash dividends declared and paid of $0.75 per common share	—	—		—		—		(28,483)		(28,483)
Comprehensive income	—	—		—		3,926		35,996		39,922
Other	—	—		(19)		—		—		(19)
Balance at April 1, 2023	37,799,251	$	378	$	—	$	(30,412)	$	827,927	$	797,893
Exercise of stock options	—	—		—		—		—		—
Withholdings from vesting of restricted stock	(932)	—		(61)		—		—		(61)
Restricted stock activity	5,626	—		—		—		—		—
Stock-based compensation expense	—	—		6,641		—		—		6,641
Repurchase of common stock	(449,481)	(4)		(6,294)		—		(24,038)		(30,336)
Cash dividends declared and paid of $0.75 per common share	—	—		—		—		(28,158)		(28,158)
Comprehensive income	—	—		—		5,449		23,867		29,316
Other	—	—		(286)		—		—		(286)
Balance at July 1, 2023	37,354,464	$	374	$	—	$	(24,963)	$	799,598	$	775,009


	Common stock - shares	Common stock - $		Additional paid-in capital		Accumulated other comprehensive loss		Retained earnings		Total shareholders’ equity
Balance at December 30, 2023	36,551,221	$	366	$	—	$	(23,915)	$	868,799	$	845,250
Exercise of stock options	4,408	—		367		—		—		367
Withholdings from vesting of restricted stock	(90,922)	(1)		(5,535)		—		(1,842)		(7,378)
Restricted stock activity	243,120	2		(2)		—		—		—
Stock-based compensation expense	—	—		5,170		—		—		5,170
Repurchase of common stock	(107,795)	(1)		—		—		(8,998)		(8,999)
Cash dividends declared and paid of $0.80 per common share	—	—		—		—		(29,338)		(29,338)
Comprehensive income	—	—		—		(1,752)		38,033		36,281
Other	—	—		—		—		—		—
Balance at March 30, 2024	36,600,032	$	366	$	—	$	(25,667)	$	866,654	$	841,353

Withholdings from vesting of restricted stock	(839)	—		(58)		—		—		(58)
Restricted stock activity	34,956	1		(1)		—		—		—
Stock-based compensation expense	—	—		4,120		—		—		4,120
Repurchase of common stock	(354,093)	(4)		(3,854)		—		(20,920)		(24,778)
Cash dividends declared and paid of $0.80 per common share	—	—		—		—		(29,172)		(29,172)
Comprehensive income	—	—		—		(7,147)		27,639		20,492
Other	—	—		(207)		—		—		(207)
Balance at June 29, 2024	36,280,056	$	363	$	—	$	(32,814)	$	844,201	$	811,750

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

CARTER’S, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(dollars in thousands)

(unaudited)


	Two fiscal quarters ended
	June 29, 2024		July 1, 2023
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	65,672	$	59,863
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation of property, plant, and equipment	27,386		30,655
Amortization of intangible assets	1,858		1,877
Provision for (recoveries of) excess and obsolete inventory, net	4,986		(1,581)
Gain on partial termination of corporate lease	—		(4,366)


Other asset impairments and loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment, net of recoveries	87		2,751
Amortization of debt issuance costs	809		788
Stock-based compensation expense	9,290		10,984
Unrealized foreign currency exchange loss (gain), net	109		(429)
Provision for (recoveries of) doubtful accounts receivable from customers	285		(491)
Unrealized gain on investments	(1,081)		(633)

Deferred income taxes expense	7,153		4,274

Effect of changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	50,516		67,425
Finished goods inventories	(70,802)		70,017
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(24,320)		(21,643)
Accounts payable and other liabilities	19,743		(10,249)
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	91,691	$	209,242

Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	$	(24,315)	$	(26,356)


Net cash used in investing activities	$	(24,315)	$	(26,356)

Cash flows from financing activities:






Payments on secured revolving credit facility	$	—	$	(120,000)
Repurchases of common stock	(33,778)		(39,922)
Dividends paid	(58,510)		(56,641)
Withholdings from vesting of restricted stock	(7,436)		(4,837)
Proceeds from exercises of stock options	367		83

Net cash used in financing activities	$	(99,357)	$	(221,317)

Net effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(2,586)		1,186
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	$	(34,567)	$	(37,245)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	351,213		211,748
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	316,646	$	174,503

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

CARTER’S, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

NOTE 1 – THE COMPANY

Carter’s, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) design, source, and market branded childrenswear under the Carter’s, OshKosh B’gosh (or “OshKosh”), Skip Hop, Child of Mine, Just One You, Simple Joys, Little Planet, and other brands. The Company’s products are sourced through contractual arrangements with manufacturers worldwide for wholesale distribution to leading department stores, national chains, and specialty retailers domestically and internationally and for sale in the Company’s retail stores and eCommerce sites that market its brand name merchandise and other licensed products manufactured by other companies.

Our trademarks that are referred to in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including Carter’s, OshKosh B’gosh, OshKosh, Skip Hop, Child of Mine, Just One You, Simple Joys, Little Planet, and other brands, many of which are registered in the United States and in over 100 other countries and territories, are each the property of one or more subsidiaries of Carter’s, Inc.

NOTE 2 – BASIS OF PRESENTATION, RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS, AND OTHER

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all normal and recurring adjustments necessary to state fairly the consolidated financial condition, results of operations, comprehensive income, statement of shareholders’ equity, and cash flows of the Company for the interim periods presented. Except as otherwise disclosed, all such adjustments consist only of those of a normal recurring nature. Operating results for the fiscal quarter ended June 29, 2024 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the current fiscal year ending December 28, 2024.

The preparation of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 30, 2023 was derived from the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements included in its most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K. Certain information and footnote disclosure normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC and the instructions to Form 10-Q.

Accounting Policies

The accounting policies the Company follows are set forth in its most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have been no material changes to these accounting policies.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Segment Reporting - Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (ASU 2023-07)

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting - Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. This new guidance is designed to improve the disclosures about a public entity’s reportable segments and address requests from investors for more detailed information about a reportable segment’s expenses on an interim and annual basis. ASU 2023-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Public entities must adopt the changes to the segment reporting guidance on a retrospective basis. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this amendment on its consolidated financial statements but does not expect the effect of the adoption of ASU 2023-07 to be material.

Income Taxes - Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (ASU 2023-09)

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes - Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. This new guidance requires consistent categories and greater disaggregation of information in the rate reconciliation and greater

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

disaggregation of income taxes paid by jurisdiction. ASU 2023-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this amendment on its consolidated financial statements but does not expect the effect of the adoption of ASU 2023-09 to be material.

Supplier Finance Program

We have established a voluntary supply chain finance (“SCF”) program through participating financial institutions. This SCF program enables participating suppliers to accelerate payments for receivables due from the Company by selling them directly to the participating financial institutions at their discretion. As of June 29, 2024, the SCF program has a $70.0 million revolving capacity. We are not a party to the agreements between the participating financial institutions and the suppliers in connection with the SCF program. Payment terms for most of our suppliers are 60 days, regardless of participation in the SCF program. The Company does not provide any guarantees under the SCF program.

The Company’s liability related to amounts payable to the participating financial institution for suppliers who voluntarily participate in the SCF program are included in Accounts payable on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. As of June 29, 2024, December 30, 2023, and July 1, 2023, amounts under the SCF program included in Accounts payable were $31.9 million,$14.8 million, and $23.0 million, respectively. Payments made in connection with the SCF program, like payments of other accounts payable, are reflected as a reduction to our operating cash flow.

OshKosh B’Gosh Pension Plan

During the second quarter of fiscal 2024, the Company announced the offering of a single-sum payment option to certain participants in the frozen OshKosh B’Gosh, Inc. Pension Plan (the “pension plan”), which commenced on June 1, 2024 and closed on July 15, 2024. Payments to electing participants are expected to be made in August 2024, after which the pension plan will have no further obligations to these participants. The Company expects to recognize related non-cash charges of approximately $1.0 million to $2.0 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2024 in connection with payments to these participants. The actual amount of such charges will depend on the number of participants who receive payments and various actuarial assumptions.

Additionally, the Board of Directors authorized the termination of the pension plan, with an anticipated effective date of November 30, 2024. The Company expects to make a contribution to fully fund the plan for termination, followed by the purchase of annuity contracts to transfer its remaining liabilities under the pension plan, in the second half of fiscal 2025. The contribution amount will depend upon the nature and timing of participant settlements and prevailing market conditions. The Company expects to recognize non-cash charges upon settlement of the pension plan’s obligations in the second half of fiscal 2025. The Company has the right to change the effective date of the termination date or revoke the decision to terminate, but it has no current intent to do so.

NOTE 3 - REVENUE RECOGNITION

The Company’s revenues are earned from contracts or arrangements with retail and wholesale customers and licensees. Contracts include written agreements, as well as arrangements that are implied by customary practices or law.

Disaggregation of Revenue

The Company sells its products directly to consumers (“direct-to-consumer”) and to other retail companies and partners that subsequently sell the products directly to their own retail customers (“wholesale channel”). The Company also earns royalties from certain of its licensees. Disaggregated revenues from these sources for the fiscal periods indicated were as follows:


	Fiscal quarter ended June 29, 2024
(dollars in thousands)	U.S. Retail		U.S. Wholesale		International		Total
Direct-to-consumer	$	290,249	$	—	$	54,349	$	344,598
Wholesale channel	—		192,911		26,925		219,836

	$	290,249	$	192,911	$	81,274	$	564,434

Royalty income, net	$	558	$	2,484	$	962	$	4,004

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)


	Two fiscal quarters ended June 29, 2024
(dollars in thousands)	U.S. Retail		U.S. Wholesale		International		Total
Direct-to-consumer	$	597,890	$	—	$	109,411	$	707,301
Wholesale channel	—		457,042		61,583		518,625

	$	597,890	$	457,042	$	170,994	$	1,225,926

Royalty income, net	$	2,042	$	5,843	$	1,335	$	9,220


	Fiscal quarter ended July 1, 2023
(dollars in thousands)	U.S. Retail		U.S. Wholesale		International		Total
Direct-to-consumer	$	323,466	$	—	$	56,657	$	380,123
Wholesale channel	—		186,867		33,209		220,076

	$	323,466	$	186,867	$	89,866	$	600,199

Royalty income, net	$	1,432	$	1,988	$	921	$	4,341


	Two fiscal quarters ended July 1, 2023
(dollars in thousands)	U.S. Retail		U.S. Wholesale		International		Total
Direct-to-consumer	$	647,187	$	—	$	110,331	$	757,518
Wholesale channel	—		466,856		71,705		538,561

	$	647,187	$	466,856	$	182,036	$	1,296,079

Royalty income, net	$	3,510	$	5,546	$	1,804	$	10,860

Accounts Receivable from Customers and Licensees

The components of Accounts receivable, net were as follows:


(dollars in thousands)	June 29, 2024		December 30, 2023		July 1, 2023
Trade receivables from wholesale customers, net	$	127,583	$	172,106	$	128,421
Royalties receivable	3,799		4,753		4,369
Other receivables(1)	10,857		20,032		11,965
Total gross receivables	$	142,239	$	196,891	$	144,755
Less: Wholesale accounts receivable reserves(2)(3)	(9,879)		(13,117)		(12,076)
Accounts receivable, net	$	132,360	$	183,774	$	132,679

(1)Includes tenant allowances, tax, payroll, gift card and other receivables. The balance for the fiscal period ended December 30, 2023 includes a receivable for a $6.9 million court approved settlement in December 2023 related to payment card interchange fees. This payment was received in the first quarter of fiscal 2024.

(2)Includes allowance for chargebacks of $5.0 million, $8.4 million, and $8.2 million for the periods ended June 29, 2024, December 30, 2023, and July 1, 2023, respectively.

(3)Includes allowance for credit losses of $4.9 million, $4.8 million, and $3.8 million for the periods ended June 29, 2024, December 30, 2023, and July 1, 2023, respectively.

Contract Assets and Liabilities

The Company’s contract assets are not material.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

Contract Liabilities

The Company recognizes a contract liability when it has received consideration from a customer and has a future obligation to transfer goods to the customer. Total contract liabilities consisted of the following amounts:


(dollars in thousands)	June 29, 2024		December 30, 2023		July 1, 2023
Contract liabilities - current:
Unredeemed gift cards(1)	$	24,484	$	25,162	$	23,987
Unredeemed customer loyalty rewards	1,832		3,355		3,575
Carter’s credit card - upfront bonus(2)	714		714		714
Total contract liabilities - current(3)	$	27,030	$	29,231	$	28,276

Contract liabilities - non-current(4)	$	357	$	714	$	1,071
Total contract liabilities	$	27,387	$	29,945	$	29,347

(1)During the second quarters of fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023, the Company recognized revenue of $2.0 million and $1.8 million related to the gift card liability balance that existed at March 30, 2024 and April 1, 2023, respectively. Additionally, during the first two quarters of fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023, the Company recognized revenue of $5.7 million and $5.3 million related to the gift card liability balance that existed at December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.

(2)The Company received an upfront signing bonus from a third-party financial institution, which will be recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement. This amount reflects the current portion of this bonus to be recognized as revenue over the next twelve months.

(3)Included with Other current liabilities on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets.

(4)This amount reflects the non-current portion of the Carter’s credit card upfront bonus and is included within Other long-term liabilities on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets.

NOTE 4 – OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

The components of Other current liabilities were as follows:


(dollars in thousands)	June 29, 2024		December 30, 2023		July 1, 2023
Unredeemed gift cards	$	24,484	$	25,162	$	23,987
Accrued salaries and wages	11,940		12,458		11,551
Accrued employee benefits	11,546		17,928		12,900
Accrued taxes	7,671		12,909		11,467


Accrued bonuses and incentive compensation	2,418		20,817		6,488
Income taxes payable	—		12,697		973
Accrued other	26,836		32,373		31,364
Other current liabilities	$	84,895	$	134,344	$	98,730

NOTE 5 – LONG-TERM DEBT

The components of Long-term debt, net were as follows:


(dollars in thousands)	June 29, 2024		December 30, 2023		July 1, 2023
$500 million 5.625% senior notes due March 15, 2027	$	500,000	$	500,000	$	500,000
Less unamortized issuance-related costs for senior notes	(2,265)		(2,646)		(3,016)
Senior notes, net	$	497,735	$	497,354	$	496,984
Secured revolving credit facility	—		—		—
Long-term debt, net	$	497,735	$	497,354	$	496,984

Secured Revolving Credit Facility

As of June 29, 2024, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under its secured revolving credit facility, exclusive of $5.7 million of outstanding letters of credit. As of June 29, 2024, there was approximately $844.3 million available for future borrowing. All outstanding borrowings under the Company’s secured revolving credit facility are classified as non-current liabilities on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets because of the contractual repayment terms under the credit facility.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

The Company’s secured revolving credit facility provides for an aggregate credit line of $850 million which includes a $750 million U.S. dollar facility and a $100 million multicurrency facility. The credit facility matures in April 2027. The facility contains covenants that restrict the Company’s ability to, among other things: (i) create or incur liens, debt, guarantees or other investments, (ii) engage in mergers and consolidations, (iii) pay dividends or other distributions to, and redemptions and repurchases from, equity holders, (iv) prepay, redeem or repurchase subordinated or junior debt, (v) amend organizational documents, and (vi) engage in certain transactions with affiliates.

On June 24, 2024, the Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, The William Carter Company (“TWCC”), entered into Amendment No. 5 to its fourth amended and restated credit agreement (“Amendment No. 5”) that provides for the transition from Canadian Dollar Offered Rate (“CDOR”) to Canadian Overnight Repo Rate Average (“CORRA”) for use as a reference rate when determining interest for Term Benchmark Loans.

As of June 29, 2024, the interest rate margins applicable to the secured revolving credit facility were 1.125% for adjusted term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) loans and 0.125% for base rate loans. As of June 29, 2024, the applicable borrowing rate for the secured revolving credit facility would have accrued interest at an adjusted term SOFR rate plus the applicable margin, which would have resulted in a borrowing rate of 6.56%. As of June 29, 2024, the Company was in compliance with its financial and other covenants under the secured revolving credit facility.

NOTE 6 – COMMON STOCK

Open Market Share Repurchases

The Company repurchased and retired shares in open market transactions in the following amounts for the fiscal periods indicated:


	Fiscal quarter ended				Two fiscal quarters ended
	June 29, 2024		July 1, 2023		June 29, 2024		July 1, 2023
Number of shares repurchased(1)	354,093		449,481		461,888		585,354
Aggregate cost of shares repurchased (dollars in thousands)(2)	$	24,778	$	30,336	$	33,778	$	39,922
Average price per share(2)	$	69.98	$	67.49	$	73.13	$	68.20

(1)Share repurchases were made in compliance with all applicable rules and regulations and in accordance with the share repurchase authorizations.

(2)The aggregate cost of share repurchases and average price paid per share excludes excise tax on share repurchases.

The total aggregate remaining capacity under outstanding repurchase authorizations as of June 29, 2024 was approximately $615.7 million, based on settled repurchase transactions. The share repurchase authorizations have no expiration date.

Future repurchases may occur from time to time in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions, or otherwise. The timing and amount of any repurchases will be at the discretion of the Company subject to restrictions under the Company’s secured revolving credit facility, market conditions, stock price, other investment priorities, and other factors.

Dividends

In each of the first two quarters of fiscal 2024, the Board of Directors declared, and the Company paid, a cash dividend per common share of $0.80 (for an aggregate cash dividend per common share of $1.60 for the first two quarters of fiscal 2024). Additionally, in each of the first two quarters of fiscal 2023, the Board of Directors declared, and the Company paid, a cash dividend per common share of $0.75 (for an aggregate cash dividend per common share of $1.50 for the first two quarters of fiscal 2023). The Board of Directors will evaluate future dividend declarations based on a number of factors, including restrictions under the Company’s secured revolving credit facility, business conditions, the Company’s financial performance, and other considerations.

Provisions in the Company’s secured revolving credit facility could have the effect of restricting the Company’s ability to pay cash dividends on, or make future repurchases of, its common stock, as further described in Note 5, Long-term Debt, to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 7 – STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense as follows:


	Fiscal quarter ended				Two fiscal quarters ended
(dollars in thousands)	June 29, 2024		July 1, 2023		June 29, 2024		July 1, 2023

Restricted stock:
Time-based awards	$	3,670	$	4,183	$	8,431	$	8,545
Performance-based awards	(1,379)		908		(1,048)		889
Market-based awards	229		—		307		—
Stock awards	1,600		1,550		1,600		1,550
Total	$	4,120	$	6,641	$	9,290	$	10,984

The Company recognizes compensation cost ratably over the applicable performance periods based on the estimated probability of achievement of its performance targets at the end of each period. During the second quarter of fiscal 2024, the achievement of performance target estimates related to certain performance-based grants were revised resulting in a reversal of $1.9 million of previously recognized stock-based compensation expense.

NOTE 8 – ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

The components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss consisted of the following:


(dollars in thousands)	June 29, 2024		December 30, 2023		July 1, 2023
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments	$	(27,132)	$	(18,233)	$	(19,451)
Pension and post-retirement obligations(*)	(5,682)		(5,682)		(5,512)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(32,814)	$	(23,915)	$	(24,963)

(*)Net of income taxes of $1.8 million, $1.8 million, and $1.7 million for the periods ended June 29, 2024, December 30, 2023, and July 1, 2023, respectively.

During the first two quarters of both fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023, no amounts were reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss to the condensed consolidated statement of operations.

NOTE 9 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Investments

The Company invests in marketable securities, principally equity-based mutual funds, to mitigate the risk associated with the investment return on employee deferrals of compensation. All of the marketable securities are included in Other assets on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets, and their aggregate fair values were approximately $18.4 million, $17.3 million, and $15.7 million at June 29, 2024, December 30, 2023, and July 1, 2023, respectively. These investments are classified as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. The change in the aggregate fair values of marketable securities is due to the net activity of gains and losses and any contributions and distributions during the period. Gains on the investments in marketable securities were $0.5 million and $1.1 million for the second quarter and the first two quarters of fiscal 2024, respectively. Gains on the investments in marketable securities were $0.2 million and $0.6 million for the second quarter and the first two quarters of fiscal 2023, respectively. These amounts are included in Other expense (income), net on the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of operations.

Borrowings

As of June 29, 2024, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under its secured revolving credit facility.

The fair value of the Company’s senior notes at June 29, 2024 was approximately $491.3 million. The fair value of these senior notes with a notional value and carrying value (gross of debt issuance costs) of $500.0 million was estimated using a quoted price as provided in the secondary market, which considers the Company’s credit risk and market related conditions, and is therefore within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Goodwill, Intangible Assets, and Long-Lived Tangible Assets

Some assets are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis but are subject to fair value adjustments only in certain circumstances. These assets can include goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets, and long-lived tangible assets that have

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

been reduced to fair value when impaired. Assets that are written down to fair value when impaired are not subsequently adjusted to fair value unless further impairment occurs.

NOTE 10 – INCOME TAXES

As of June 29, 2024, the Company had gross unrecognized income tax benefits of approximately $8.6 million, of which $6.0 million, if ultimately recognized, may affect the Company’s effective income tax rate in the periods settled. The Company has recorded tax positions for which the ultimate deductibility is more likely than not, but for which there is uncertainty about the timing of such deductions.

Included in the reserves for unrecognized tax benefits at June 29, 2024 is approximately $1.3 million of reserves for which the statute of limitations is expected to expire within the next 12 months. If these tax benefits are ultimately recognized, such recognition, net of federal income taxes, may affect the annual effective income tax rate for fiscal 2024 along with the effective income tax rate in the quarter in which the benefits are recognized.

The Company recognizes interest related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of interest expense and recognizes penalties related to unrecognized income tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. Interest expense recorded on uncertain tax positions was not material for the second quarter and first two quarters of fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023. The Company had approximately $1.9 million, $1.5 million, and $1.6 million of interest accrued on uncertain tax positions as of June 29, 2024, December 30, 2023, and July 1, 2023, respectively.

NOTE 11 – EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following is a reconciliation of basic common shares outstanding to diluted common and common equivalent shares outstanding:


	Fiscal quarter ended				Two fiscal quarters ended
	June 29, 2024		July 1, 2023		June 29, 2024		July 1, 2023
Weighted-average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding:
Basic number of common shares outstanding	35,688,755		36,824,490		35,774,748		36,964,509
Dilutive effect of equity awards	135		127		1,692		3,850
Diluted number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding	35,688,890		36,824,617		35,776,440		36,968,359

Earnings per share:
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Basic net income per common share:
Net income	$	27,639	$	23,867	$	65,672	$	59,863
Income allocated to participating securities	(523)		(426)		(1,218)		(1,018)
Net income available to common shareholders	$	27,116	$	23,441	$	64,454	$	58,845

Basic net income per common share	$	0.76	$	0.64	$	1.80	$	1.59

Diluted net income per common share:
Net income	$	27,639	$	23,867	$	65,672	$	59,863
Income allocated to participating securities	(523)		(426)		(1,218)		(1,018)
Net income available to common shareholders	$	27,116	$	23,441	$	64,454	$	58,845

Diluted net income per common share	$	0.76	$	0.64	$	1.80	$	1.59

Anti-dilutive awards excluded from diluted earnings per share computation(*)	424,161		565,956		438,632		497,076

(*)The volume of anti-dilutive awards is, in part, due to the related unamortized compensation costs.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 12 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company is subject to various claims and pending or threatened lawsuits in the normal course of business. The Company is not currently a party to any legal proceedings that it believes would have a material adverse impact on its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

The Company’s contractual obligations and commitments include obligations associated with leases, the secured revolving credit agreement, senior notes, and employee benefit plans.

NOTE 13 – SEGMENT INFORMATION

The table below presents certain information for the Company’s reportable segments and unallocated corporate expenses for the periods indicated:


	Fiscal quarter ended								Two fiscal quarters ended
(dollars in thousands)	June 29, 2024		% of consolidated net sales		July 1, 2023		% of consolidated net sales		June 29, 2024		% of consolidated net sales		July 1, 2023		% of consolidated net sales
Net sales:
U.S. Retail	$	290,249	51.4	%	$	323,466	53.9	%	$	597,890	48.8	%	$	647,187	49.9	%
U.S. Wholesale	192,911		34.2	%	186,867		31.1	%	457,042		37.3	%	466,856		36.0	%
International	81,274		14.4	%	89,866		15.0	%	170,994		13.9	%	182,036		14.1	%
Consolidated net sales	$	564,434	100.0	%	$	600,199	100.0	%	$	1,225,926	100.0	%	$	1,296,079	100.0	%

Operating income:			% of segment net sales				% of segment net sales				% of segment net sales				% of segment net sales
U.S. Retail	$	18,078	6.2	%	$	28,211	8.7	%	$	32,372	5.4	%	$	55,150	8.5	%
U.S. Wholesale	36,207		18.8	%	29,209		15.6	%	99,535		21.8	%	81,301		17.4	%
International	5,557		6.8	%	6,690		7.4	%	7,744		4.5	%	9,814		5.4	%
Corporate expenses(*)	(20,390)		n/a		(26,549)		n/a		(45,163)		n/a		(52,350)		n/a
Consolidated operating income	$	39,452	7.0	%	$	37,561	6.3	%	$	94,488	7.7	%	$	93,915	7.2	%

(*)Corporate expenses include expenses related to incentive compensation, stock-based compensation, executive management, severance and relocation, finance, office occupancy, information technology, certain legal fees, consulting fees, and audit fees.


(dollars in millions)	Fiscal quarter ended July 1, 2023						Two fiscal quarters ended July 1, 2023
Charges:	U.S. Retail		U.S. Wholesale		International		U.S. Retail		U.S. Wholesale		International

Organizational restructuring(*)	$	0.2	$	0.1	$	—	$	(0.6)	$	(0.4)	$	—

(*)Relates to charges (gains) for organizational restructuring and related corporate office lease amendment actions. Additionally, the second fiscal quarter and first two fiscal quarters ended July1, 2023 includes a corporate charge of $0.1 million and $2.5 million, respectively, related to organizational restructuring and related corporate office lease amendment actions.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q 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 Form 10-Q. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the factors disclosed in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023, and otherwise in our reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as the following factors: risks related to public health crises; 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; continued inflationary pressures with respect to labor and raw materials and global

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

supply chain constraints that have had, and could continue to have, an effect on freight, transit, and other costs; risks related to geopolitical conflict, including ongoing geopolitical challenges between the United States and China, the ongoing hostilities in Ukraine, Israel, and the Red Sea region, acts of terrorism, mass casualty events, social unrest, civil disturbance or disobedience; risks related to a potential shutdown of the U.S. government; financial difficulties for one or more of our major customers; an overall decrease in consumer spending, including, but not limited to, decreases in birth rates; our products not being accepted in the marketplace and our failure to manage our inventory; increased competition in the marketplace; diminished value of our brands; the failure to protect our intellectual property; the failure to comply with applicable quality standards or regulations; unseasonable or extreme weather conditions; pending and threatened lawsuits; a breach of our information technology systems and the loss of personal data; increased margin pressures, including increased cost of materials and labor and our inability to successfully increase prices to offset these increased costs; our foreign sourcing arrangements; disruptions in our supply chain, including increased transportation and freight costs; the management and expansion of our business domestically and internationally; the acquisition and integration of other brands and businesses; changes in our tax obligations, including additional customs, duties or tariffs; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; risks associated with corporate responsibility issues; our ability to achieve our forecasted financial results for the fiscal year; our continued ability to declare and pay a dividend and conduct share repurchases in future periods; our planned opening and closing of stores. 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 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q does not constitute an admission by the Company or any other person that the events or circumstances described in such statement are material.

OVERVIEW

We are the largest branded marketer of young children’s apparel in North America. We own two of the most highly recognized and trusted brand names in the children’s apparel market, Carter’s and OshKosh B’gosh (or “OshKosh”). We also own Skip Hop, a leading young children’s lifestyle brand, Little Planet, a brand focused on organic fabrics and sustainable materials, and exclusive Carter’s brands developed for Amazon, Target, and Walmart.

Established in 1865, our Carter’s brand is recognized and trusted by consumers for high-quality apparel and accessories for children in sizes newborn to 14.

Established in 1895, OshKosh is a well-known brand, trusted by consumers for high-quality apparel and accessories for children in sizes newborn to 14, with a focus on playclothes for toddlers and young children. We acquired OshKosh in 2005.

Established in 2003, the Skip Hop brand rethinks, reenergizes, and reimagines durable necessities to create higher value, superior quality, and top-performing products for parents, babies, and toddlers. We acquired Skip Hop in 2017.

Launched in 2021, the Little Planet brand focuses on sustainable clothing through the sourcing of mostly organic cotton as certified under the Global Organic Textile Standard (“GOTS”), a global textile processing standard for organic fibers. This brand includes a wide assortment of baby and toddler apparel, accessories, and sleepwear.

Additionally, Child of Mine, an exclusive Carter’s brand, is sold at Walmart; Just One You, an exclusive Carter’s brand, is sold at Target, and Simple Joys, an exclusive Carter’s brand, is available on Amazon.

Our mission is to serve the needs of families with young children, with a vision to be the world’s favorite brands in young children’s apparel and related products. We believe our brands are complementary to one another in product offering and aesthetic. Each brand is uniquely positioned in the marketplace and offers great value to families with young children. Our multichannel, global business model, which includes retail stores, eCommerce, and wholesale distribution capabilities, as well as omni-channel capabilities in the United States and Canada, enables us to reach a broad range of consumers around the world. As of June 29, 2024, our channels included 1,027 company-owned retail stores in North America, eCommerce websites, approximately 19,350 wholesale locations in North America, as well as our international wholesale accounts and licensees who operate in over 1,100 locations outside of North America in over 90 countries.

The following is a discussion of our results of operations and current financial condition. This should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this Form 10-Q and audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 2023 fiscal year ended December 30, 2023.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

Segments

Our three business segments are: U.S. Retail, U.S. Wholesale, and International. These segments are our operating and reporting segments. Our U.S. Retail segment consists of revenue primarily from sales of products in the United States through our retail stores and eCommerce websites. Similarly, our U.S. Wholesale segment consists of revenue primarily from sales in the United States of products to our wholesale partners. Our International segment consists of revenue primarily from sales of products outside the United States, largely through our retail stores and eCommerce websites in Canada and Mexico, and sales to our international wholesale customers and licensees.

Gross Profit and Gross Margin

Gross profit is calculated as consolidated net sales less cost of goods sold. Gross margin is calculated as gross profit divided by consolidated net sales. Cost of goods sold includes expenses related to the merchandising, design, and procurement of product, including inbound freight costs, purchasing and receiving costs, and inspection costs. Also included in costs of goods sold are the costs of shipping eCommerce product to end consumers. Retail store occupancy costs, distribution expenses, and generally all other expenses other than interest and income taxes are included in Selling, general, and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses. Distribution expenses that are included in SG&A primarily consist of payments to third-party shippers and handling costs to process product through our distribution facilities, including eCommerce fulfillment costs, and delivery to our wholesale customers and to our retail stores. Our gross profit and gross margin may not be comparable to other entities that define their metrics differently.

Known or Anticipated Trends

Macroeconomic Factors and Consumer Demand

Macroeconomic factors, including persistent inflationary pressures on families with young children, increased interest rates, increased consumer debt levels, decreased savings rates, and geopolitical unrest continue to create a complex and challenging retail environment. These macroeconomic factors have had and may continue to have a negative impact on consumer sentiment and consumer demand for our products. Additionally, we have observed increased promotional activity across the retail industry, which may negatively impact our financial results, including revenue and operating margins in the future.

We have taken actions to mitigate this decrease in consumer demand, including strengthening our product offerings through a focus on style and value, lowering prices on select essential core products, increasing our mix of premium price offerings, including through our Little Planet brand and our PurelySoft collection, optimizing our fleet of retail stores, improving our marketing effectiveness to drive traffic, including through the relaunch of our loyalty program in the second quarter of fiscal 2024, and investing in our exclusive wholesale brands, in our international omnichannel capabilities, and in the talent in our organization.

Supply Chain

Overall, we experienced improvement in our freight rates in fiscal 2023 and in the first two quarters of fiscal 2024. However, the disruption of container shipping traffic through the Red Sea has affected transit times and shipping costs for our inventory from our Asia manufacturers in the first two quarters of fiscal 2024. The adverse impact of the disruptions in the region, including additional transportation fees to re-reroute these shipments, were approximately $5.0 million in the first two quarters of fiscal 2024, and we believe it could be approximately $1.0 million to $2.0 million for the remainder of fiscal 2024. However, if these hostilities continue or escalate, our business and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

Additionally, as a result of capacity shortages with some of our carriers in Asia, we are estimating an additional $5.0 million to $7.0 million of transportations costs related to surcharges and increased market spot rates associated with our use of non-contractual carriers through the end of fiscal 2024. Despite these additional costs, we expect our freight input costs for fiscal 2024 to be favorable to those incurred in fiscal 2023.

Second Fiscal Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights

Unless otherwise stated, comparisons are to the second quarter of fiscal 2023:

•Consolidated net sales decreased $35.8 million, or 6.0%, to $564.4 million, driven by lower U.S. Retail sales.

◦Traffic and demand in our U.S. Retail businesses decreased, in part due to ongoing macroeconomic headwinds negatively impacting families with young children including inflationary pressures, increased interest rates, increased consumer debt levels, and decreased savings rates. U.S. Retail comparable net sales

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

decreased 11.7%. The effects of macroeconomic headwinds may continue to negatively impact our financial results in the second half of fiscal 2024.

◦We continue to experience increased growth in our exclusive Carter’s brands, in our Little Planet brand, and in Mexico. We believe we will see continued growth with our exclusive Carter’s brands in the future due to consumer demand trends in the mass channel. We have meaningful growth planned for the Little Planet brand as we expand product assortment and distribution. Our Mexican retail stores continue to deliver growth and reinforce plans for further expansion in Mexico.

•Consolidated gross profit decreased $9.0 million, or 3.1%, to $282.9 million as a result of decreased net sales. Despite increased pressure on pricing from our competitors, gross margin increased 150 bps to 50.1%, driven by lower average cost per unit sold as a result of decreased ocean freight rates and decreased product input costs.

•Consolidated SG&A expenses decreased $11.2 million, or 4.3%, to $247.5 million. SG&A as a percentage of consolidated net sales (“SG&A rate”) increased 70 bps to 43.8%, driven by fixed costs deleverage on decreased net sales and investments in new retail stores.

◦We have continued to invest in the optimization of our fleet of U.S. retail stores, including through opening new retail stores, developing new store formats, and remodeling existing store locations. During the second quarter of fiscal 2024, we opened 8 stores and closed 8 stores in the United States. We are projecting approximately 25 store openings and 11 store closures in the remainder of fiscal 2024.

•Consolidated operating income increased $1.9 million, or 5.0%, to $39.5 million and operating margin increased 70 bps to 7.0% due to the factors discussed above.

•Consolidated net income increased $3.8 million, or 15.8%, to $27.6 million due to the factors discussed above and an increase in interest income of $2.2 million.

•Diluted net income per common share increased $0.12, or 18.8%, to $0.76, and adjusted diluted net income per common share increased $0.12, or 18.8%, to $0.76.

•Inventories decreased $82.3 million, or 12.1%, to $599.3 million, due to decreased “pack and hold” inventory (inventory originally intended for sale in fiscal 2022 which was packed and held for sale profitably in a future period), decreased days of supply, and decreased ocean freight rates and product input costs.

•As a result of our strong financial position and available liquidity in the second quarter of fiscal 2024, we returned $54.0 million to our shareholders, comprised of $29.2 million in cash dividends and $24.8 million in share repurchases.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

SECOND FISCAL QUARTER ENDED JUNE 29, 2024 COMPARED TO SECOND FISCAL QUARTER ENDED JULY 1, 2023

The following table summarizes our results of operations. All percentages shown in the below table and the discussion that follows have been calculated using unrounded numbers.


	Fiscal quarter ended
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)	June 29, 2024			July 1, 2023			$ Change		% / bps Change
Consolidated net sales	$	564,434		$	600,199		$	(35,765)	(6.0)	%
Cost of goods sold	281,497			308,303			(26,806)		(8.7)	%

Gross profit	282,937			291,896			(8,959)		(3.1)	%
Gross profit as % of consolidated net sales	50.1		%	48.6		%			150 bps
Royalty income, net	4,004			4,341			(337)		(7.8)	%
Royalty income as % of consolidated net sales	0.7		%	0.7		%			0 bps
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	247,489			258,676			(11,187)		(4.3)	%
SG&A expenses as % of consolidated net sales	43.8		%	43.1		%			70 bps


Operating income	39,452			37,561			1,891		5.0	%
Operating income as % of consolidated net sales	7.0		%	6.3		%			70 bps
Interest expense	7,870			8,083			(213)		(2.6)	%
Interest income	(3,186)			(1,005)			(2,181)		>100%
Other expense (income), net	404			(767)			1,171		nm

Income before income taxes	34,364			31,250			3,114		10.0	%
Income tax provision	6,725			7,383			(658)		(8.9)	%
Effective tax rate(*)	19.6		%	23.6		%			(400) bps
Net income	$	27,639		$	23,867		$	3,772	15.8	%

Basic net income per common share	$	0.76		$	0.64		$	0.12	18.8	%
Diluted net income per common share	$	0.76		$	0.64		$	0.12	18.8	%
Dividend declared and paid per common share	$	0.80		$	0.75		$	0.05	6.7	%

(*)Effective tax rate is calculated by dividing the provision for income taxes by income before income taxes.

Note: Results may not be additive due to rounding. Percentage changes that are not considered meaningful are denoted with “nm”.

Consolidated Net Sales

Consolidated net sales decreased $35.8 million, or 6.0%, to $564.4 million. This decrease in net sales was driven by decreased traffic and demand in our U.S. Retail businesses, decreased average selling prices per unit, decreased sales to off-price wholesale channel customers as a result of our lower excess inventory levels, decreased demand in Canada, and the timing of wholesale shipments to our international partners. These decreases were partially offset by increased sales of our exclusive Carter’s brands in the U.S. and increased sales in Mexico. Units sold decreased in the low-single digits and average selling prices per unit decreased in the low-single digits. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates used for translation had an unfavorable effect on our consolidated net sales of approximately $0.4 million.

Gross Profit and Gross Margin

Consolidated gross profit decreased $9.0 million, or 3.1%, to $282.9 million and consolidated gross margin increased 150 bps to 50.1%. The decrease in consolidated gross profit was driven by decreased net sales. The increase in gross margin was driven by lower average cost per unit sold, favorable wholesale customer mix, and decreased sales to off-price wholesale channel customers. These factors were partially offset by a benefit in fabric purchase commitments and in excess inventory provisions in the second quarter of fiscal 2023 that did not reoccur in the second quarter of fiscal 2024, decreased average selling prices per unit mentioned above, and an increase in the mix of U.S. Wholesale net sales, including sales of our exclusive Carter’s brands, which have a lower contribution to gross margin than our U.S. Retail segment. Average cost per unit sold decreased high-single digits, driven by lower ocean freight rates and lower product input costs. We expect to experience decreased product input costs for the remainder of fiscal 2024.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

Royalty Income

Consolidated royalty income decreased $0.3 million, or 7.8%, to $4.0 million, driven by decreased wholesale customer demand.

Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses

Consolidated SG&A expenses decreased $11.2 million, or 4.3%, to $247.5 million and increased as a percentage of consolidated net sales by approximately 70 bps to 43.8%. This increase in SG&A rate was driven by fixed cost deleverage on decreased sales, investments in new retail stores, and increased marketing expense, partially offset by decreased performance-based compensation expense.

Operating Income

Consolidated operating income increased $1.9 million, or 5.0%, to $39.5 million and increased as a percentage of net sales by approximately 70 bps to 7.0%, primarily due to the factors discussed above.

Interest Expense

Consolidated interest expense decreased $0.2 million, or 2.6%, to $7.9 million. Weighted-average borrowings for the second quarter of fiscal 2024 were $500.0 million at an effective interest rate of 6.11%, compared to weighted-average borrowings for the second quarter of fiscal 2023 of $521.5 million at an effective interest rate of 6.20%. The decrease in weighted-average borrowings was attributable to decreased borrowings under our secured revolving credit facility.

Interest Income

Consolidated interest income increased $2.2 million to $3.2 million due to increased cash balances during the period.

Other Expense (Income), Net

Consolidated other expense (income), net increased $1.2 million to $0.4 million due to unfavorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates, primarily between the U.S. dollar and the Canadian dollar and the Mexican Peso.

Income Taxes

Our consolidated income tax provision decreased $0.7 million, or 8.9%, to $6.7 million and the effective tax rate decreased 400 bps to 19.6%. The effective tax rate decreased due to the mix of earnings in our revised full year outlook. This outlook reflects a lower proportion of income generated in the United States, which is a higher tax rate relative to some of our international jurisdictions.

Net Income

Our consolidated net income increased $3.8 million, or 15.8%, to $27.6 million, primarily due to the factors previously discussed.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

Results by Segment - Second Quarter of Fiscal 2024 compared to Second Quarter of Fiscal 2023

The following table summarizes net sales and operating income, by segment, for the second quarter of fiscal 2024 and the second quarter of fiscal 2023:


	Fiscal quarter ended
(dollars in thousands)	June 29, 2024		% of consolidated net sales		July 1, 2023		% of consolidated net sales		$ Change		% Change
Net sales:
U.S. Retail	$	290,249	51.4	%	$	323,466	53.9	%	$	(33,217)	(10.3)	%
U.S. Wholesale	192,911		34.2	%	186,867		31.1	%	6,044		3.2	%
International	81,274		14.4	%	89,866		15.0	%	(8,592)		(9.6)	%
Consolidated net sales	$	564,434	100.0	%	$	600,199	100.0	%	$	(35,765)	(6.0)	%

Operating income:			% of segment net sales				% of segment net sales
U.S. Retail	$	18,078	6.2	%	$	28,211	8.7	%	$	(10,133)	(35.9)	%
U.S. Wholesale	36,207		18.8	%	29,209		15.6	%	6,998		24.0	%
International	5,557		6.8	%	6,690		7.4	%	(1,133)		(16.9)	%
Unallocated corporate expenses	(20,390)		n/a		(26,549)		n/a		6,159		(23.2)	%
Consolidated operating income	$	39,452	7.0	%	$	37,561	6.3	%	$	1,891	5.0	%

Comparable Sales Metrics

We present comparable sales metrics because we consider them an important supplemental measure of our U.S. Retail and International performance, and the Company uses such information to assess the performance of the U.S. Retail and International segments. Additionally, we believe they are frequently used by securities analysts, investors, and other interested parties in the evaluation of our business.

Our comparable sales metrics include sales for all stores and eCommerce sites that were open and operated by us during the comparable fiscal period, including stand-alone format stores that converted to multi-branded format stores and certain remodeled or relocated stores. A store or site becomes comparable following 13 consecutive full fiscal months of operations. If a store relocates within the same center with no business interruption or material change in square footage, the sales of such store will continue to be included in the comparable store metrics. If a store relocates to another center more than five miles away, or there is a material change in square footage, such store is treated as a new store. Stores that are closed during the relevant fiscal period are included in the comparable store sales metrics up to the last full fiscal month of operations.

The method of calculating sales metrics varies across the retail industry. As a result, our comparable sales metrics may not be comparable to those of other retailers.

U.S. Retail

U.S. Retail segment net sales decreased $33.2 million, or 10.3%, to $290.2 million. The decrease in net sales was driven by lower traffic and demand in our eCommerce channels and in our retail stores, in part due to ongoing macroeconomic headwinds negatively impacting families with young children. These factors were partially offset by sales contribution of our new retail stores and increased average selling prices per unit. Average selling prices per unit increased low-single digits due to higher price realization on clearance sales, partially offset by planned price reductions on select essential core products. Units sold decreased low-teens.

Comparable net sales, including retail store and eCommerce, decreased 11.7% driven by the factors mentioned above. As of June 29, 2024, we operated 789 retail stores in the U.S. compared to 792 as of December 30, 2023, and 763 as of July 1, 2023.

U.S. Retail segment operating income decreased $10.1 million, or 35.9%, to $18.1 million, primarily due to a decrease in gross profit of $14.3 million, partially offset by a decrease in SG&A expenses of $5.1 million. Operating margin decreased 250 bps to 6.2%. The primary drivers of the decrease in operating margin were a 430 bps increase in SG&A rate, partially offset by a 210 bps increase in gross margin. The increase in gross margin was due to decreased average cost per unit sold and increased average selling prices per unit mentioned above. Average cost per unit sold decreased mid-single digits due to decreased ocean

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

freight rates. The increase in SG&A rate was driven by fixed cost deleverage on decreased net sales, investments in optimizing our retail store fleet, including opening new retail stores, developing new store formats, and remodeling existing store locations, increased marketing expense, and increased retail store employee compensation costs, partially offset by decreased performance-based compensation expense.

U.S. Wholesale

U.S. Wholesale segment net sales increased $6.0 million, or 3.2%, to $192.9 million, driven by increased sales of our exclusive Carter’s brands, partially offset by decreased sales to off-price wholesale channel customers as a result of our lower excess inventory levels. Units sold increased high-single digits, while average selling prices per unit decreased mid-single digits.

U.S. Wholesale segment operating income increased $7.0 million, or 24.0%, to $36.2 million, primarily due to an increase in gross profit of $6.9 million, partially offset by an increase in SG&A expenses of $0.4 million. Operating margin increased 320 bps to 18.8%. The primary drivers of the increase in operating margin were a 270 bps increase in gross margin and a 20 bps decrease in SG&A rate. The increase in gross margin was driven by decreased average cost per unit sold, favorable customer mix, and decreased off-price wholesale channel sales, partially offset by decreased average selling prices per unit mentioned above, a benefit in excess inventory provisions and fabric purchase commitment charges in the second quarter of fiscal 2023 that did not reoccur in the second quarter of fiscal 2024, and increased air freight costs. Average cost per unit sold decreased double-digits due to decreased ocean freight rates and product input costs. The decrease in the SG&A rate was driven by fixed cost leverage on increased sales and decreased performance-based compensation expense, partially offset by increased bad debt expense due to the timing of customer payments.

International

International segment net sales decreased $8.6 million, or 9.6%, to $81.3 million. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates, primarily between the U.S. dollar and the Canadian dollar, had a $0.4 million unfavorable effect on International segment net sales. The decrease in net sales was driven by decreased net sales in Canada, and decreased demand from our international partners, partially offset by growth in sales in our Mexico retail stores. Units sold decreased high-single digits.

Canadian comparable net sales, including retail stores and eCommerce, decreased 8.3%, driven by decreased traffic in our retail stores and eCommerce channels as a result of macroeconomic headwinds and the late arrival of Spring weather, which negatively impacted demand for our Spring and warm weather offerings. As of June 29, 2024, we operated 186 stores and 52 stores in Canada and Mexico, respectively. As of December 30, 2023, we operated 188 and 54 stores in Canada and Mexico, respectively. As of July 1, 2023, we operated 186 and 50 stores in Canada and Mexico, respectively.

International segment operating income decreased $1.1 million, or 16.9%, to $5.6 million, primarily due to a decrease in gross profit of $1.6 million, partially offset by a decrease in SG&A expenses of $0.4 million. Operating margin decreased 60 bps to 6.8%. The primary drivers of the decrease in operating margin were a 390 bps increase in the SG&A rate, partially offset by a 310 bps increase in gross margin. The increase in gross margin was due to decreased average cost per unit sold, partially offset by a benefit in excess inventory provisions and fabric purchase commitment charges in the second quarter of fiscal 2023 that did not reoccur in the second quarter of fiscal 2024. Average cost per unit sold decreased high-single digits due to decreased ocean freight rates and product input costs. The increase in the SG&A rate was driven by fixed cost deleverage on decreased sales, increased investments in our Mexican retail stores, and increased retail store employee costs, partially offset by decreased performance-based compensation expense and decreased bad debt expense.

Unallocated Corporate Expenses

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.

Unallocated corporate expenses decreased $6.2 million, or 23.2%, to $20.4 million and unallocated corporate expenses, as a percentage of consolidated net sales, decreased 80 bps to 3.6%. The decrease as a percentage of consolidated net sales was driven by decreased performance-based compensation expense and consulting costs, partially offset by fixed cost deleverage on decreased sales.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

TWO FISCAL QUARTERS ENDED JUNE 29, 2024 COMPARED TO TWO FISCAL QUARTERS ENDED JULY 1, 2023

The following table summarizes our results of operations. All percentages shown in the below table and the discussion that follows have been calculated using unrounded numbers.


	Two fiscal quarters ended
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)	June 29, 2024			July 1, 2023			$ Change		% / bps Change
Consolidated net sales	$	1,225,926		$	1,296,079		$	(70,153)	(5.4)	%
Cost of goods sold	627,799			694,716			(66,917)		(9.6)	%

Gross profit	598,127			601,363			(3,236)		(0.5)	%
Gross profit as % of consolidated net sales	48.8		%	46.4		%			240 bps
Royalty income, net	9,220			10,860			(1,640)		(15.1)	%
Royalty income, net as % of consolidated net sales	0.8		%	0.8		%			0 bps
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	512,859			518,308			(5,449)		(1.1)	%
SG&A expenses as % of consolidated net sales	41.8		%	40.0		%			180 bps
Operating income	94,488			93,915			573		0.6	%
Operating income as % of consolidated net sales	7.7		%	7.2		%			50 bps
Interest expense	15,775			17,727			(1,952)		(11.0)	%
Interest income	(6,274)			(1,705)			(4,569)		>100%
Other expense (income), net	678			(1,025)			1,703		nm

Income before income taxes	84,309			78,918			5,391		6.8	%
Income tax provision	18,637			19,055			(418)		(2.2)	%
Effective tax rate(*)	22.1		%	24.1		%			(200) bps
Net income	$	65,672		$	59,863		$	5,809	9.7	%

Basic net income per common share	$	1.80		$	1.59		$	0.21	13.2	%
Diluted net income per common share	$	1.80		$	1.59		$	0.21	13.2	%
Dividend declared and paid per common share	$	1.60		$	1.50		$	0.10	6.7	%

(*)Effective tax rate is calculated by dividing the provision for income taxes by income before income taxes.

Note: Results may not be additive due to rounding. Percentage changes that are not considered meaningful are denoted with “nm”.

Consolidated Net Sales

Consolidated net sales decreased $70.2 million, or 5.4%, to $1.23 billion. The decrease in net sales was driven by decreased traffic and demand in our U.S. Retail businesses, decreased sales to off-price wholesale channel customers as a result of our lower excess inventory levels, and decreased average selling prices per unit. These decreases were partially offset by increased sales of our exclusive Carter’s brands and growth from our Mexican retail stores. Average selling prices per unit decreased low-single digits and units sold decreased low-single digits. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates used