Release Details

• Net Sales $850 Million, Up 6%
• Operating Profit $130 Million, Up 18%; Adjusted Operating Profit $131 Million, Up 16%
• Diluted EPS $1.51, Up 22%; Adjusted Diluted EPS $1.52, Up 20%
• Company Reaffirms Fiscal 2015 Adjusted Diluted EPS Growth Outlook of 13% - 15%

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 29, 2015-- 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 third quarter fiscal 2015 results.

“We continued to outperform the market, with good growth in sales and earnings in the third quarter,” said Michael D. Casey, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “The strength of our brands, broad market distribution, and expense discipline enabled us to achieve our profit objectives and mitigate the effects of foreign currency fluctuations. Given the progress with our growth initiatives this year and current business trends, we are reaffirming our profit objectives for fiscal 2015.”

Consolidated Results

Third Quarter of Fiscal 2015 compared to Third Quarter of Fiscal 2014
Net sales increased $50.9 million, or 6.4%, to $849.8 million, principally driven by growth in the Company's Carter’s wholesale and U.S. Carter’s and OshKosh direct-to-consumer (“DTC”) businesses. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 as compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2014 negatively impacted consolidated net sales in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 by $12.7 million, or 1.6%. On a constant currency basis, consolidated net sales increased 8.0% in the third quarter of fiscal 2015.

Operating income in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 increased $19.8 million, or 17.9%, to $130.2 million, compared to $110.5 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2014. Operating margin in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 increased 150 basis points to 15.3%, compared to 13.8% in the third quarter of fiscal 2014. Adjusted operating income (a non-GAAP measure) in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 increased $17.7 million, or 15.6%, to $131.2 million, compared to $113.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2014. Adjusted operating margin (a non-GAAP measure) in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 increased 120 basis points to 15.4%, compared to 14.2% in the third quarter of fiscal 2014, principally driven by improved gross margin and expense leverage.

Net income in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 increased $13.4 million, or 20.4%, to $79.3 million, or $1.51 per diluted share, compared to $65.9 million, or $1.23 per diluted share, in the third quarter of fiscal 2014. Adjusted net income (a non-GAAP measure) in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 increased $12.0 million, or 17.7%, to $79.9 million, compared to $67.9 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2014. Adjusted earnings per diluted share (a non-GAAP measure) in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 increased 19.5% to $1.52, compared to $1.27 in the third quarter of fiscal 2014.

First Three Quarters of Fiscal 2015 compared to First Three Quarters of Fiscal 2014
Net sales increased $122.7 million, or 6.1%, to $2.1 billion, principally driven by growth in the Company’s U.S. Carter’s and OshKosh DTC and Carter’s wholesale businesses. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates in the first three quarters of fiscal 2015 as compared to the first three quarters of fiscal 2014 negatively impacted consolidated net sales in the first three quarters of fiscal 2015 by $23.9 million, or 1.2%. On a constant currency basis, consolidated net sales increased 7.2% in the first three quarters of fiscal 2015.

Operating income in the first three quarters of fiscal 2015 increased $57.3 million, or 26.1%, to $276.7 million, compared to $219.3 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2014. Operating margin in the first three quarters of fiscal 2015 increased 210 basis points to 12.9%, compared to 10.8% in the first three quarters of fiscal 2014. Adjusted operating income in the first three quarters of fiscal 2015 increased $41.5 million, or 17.1%, to $283.9 million, compared to $242.4 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2014. Adjusted operating margin in the first three quarters of fiscal 2015 increased 120 basis points to 13.2%, compared to 12.0% in the first three quarters of fiscal 2014, reflecting improved gross margin and expense leverage.

Net income in the first three quarters of fiscal 2015 increased $39.1 million, or 31.0%, to $165.2 million, or $3.12 per diluted share, compared to $126.1 million, or $2.34 per diluted share, in the first three quarters of fiscal 2014. Adjusted net income in the first three quarters of fiscal 2015 increased $29.5 million, or 21.0%, to $170.4 million, compared to $140.9 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2014. Adjusted earnings per diluted share in the first three quarters of fiscal 2015 increased 23.3% to $3.22, compared to $2.61 in the first three quarters of fiscal 2014.

Cash flow from operations in the first three quarters of fiscal 2015 was $146.0 million compared to $24.9 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2014. The increase reflects higher earnings and favorable movements 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.

Note on Net Sales vs. Comparable Sales (52 vs. 53 Week Calendars)

The Company's fiscal 2015 results will include 52 weeks compared to 53 weeks in fiscal 2014 (a 13 week fourth quarter in 2015 versus a 14 week fourth quarter in 2014). This change in weeks will impact the comparability of results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2015 compared to fiscal 2014. In the following segment discussions the net sales amounts and related comparisons are based on the Company's reported fiscal 2015 and 2014 calendars. However, DTC, retail store, and eCommerce comparable sales are based on adjusted 2014 periods that have been aligned to the corresponding 13 and 39 week periods in fiscal 2015.

Carter’s Retail Segment Results

Third Quarter of Fiscal 2015 compared to Third Quarter of Fiscal 2014
Carter’s retail segment sales increased $13.5 million, or 4.8%, to $294.9 million. Carter’s DTC comparable sales decreased 3.2%, comprised of a retail stores comparable sales decline of 5.6%, partially offset by eCommerce comparable sales growth of 6.2%. During the third quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company believes, based on analysis of credit card transactions and other data, that Carter’s DTC comparable sales were negatively impacted by lower demand from international tourists shopping in its U.S. stores and websites, driven by the strength of the U.S. dollar.

In the third quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company opened 15 Carter’s retail stores in the United States. The Company operated 577 Carter’s retail stores in the United States as of October 3, 2015.

First Three Quarters of Fiscal 2015 compared to First Three Quarters of Fiscal 2014
Carter’s retail segment sales increased $54.2 million, or 7.3%, to $799.6 million. Carter’s DTC comparable sales decreased 0.7%, comprised of a retail stores comparable sales decline of 3.7%, partially offset by eCommerce comparable sales growth of 12.0%. During the first three quarters of fiscal 2015, the Company believes that Carter’s DTC comparable sales were negatively impacted by lower demand from international tourists shopping in its U.S. stores and websites, driven by the strength of the U.S. dollar.

In the first three quarters of fiscal 2015, the Company opened 48 Carter’s retail stores in the United States and closed two stores.

Carter’s Wholesale Segment Results

Third Quarter of Fiscal 2015 compared to Third Quarter of Fiscal 2014
Carter’s wholesale segment sales increased $33.8 million, or 10.9%, to $343.6 million, reflecting increased product demand, in part due to timing, and a new playwear initiative.

First Three Quarters of Fiscal 2015 compared to First Three Quarters of Fiscal 2014
Carter’s wholesale segment sales increased $43.1 million, or 5.5%, to $824.6 million, reflecting increased product demand, in part due to timing, and a new playwear initiative.

OshKosh Retail Segment Results

Third Quarter of Fiscal 2015 compared to Third Quarter of Fiscal 2014
OshKosh retail segment sales increased $6.9 million, or 7.5%, to $98.3 million. OshKosh DTC comparable sales decreased 2.0%, comprised of a retail stores comparable sales decline of 5.4%, partially offset by eCommerce comparable sales growth of 14.1%. During the third quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company believes that OshKosh DTC comparable sales were negatively impacted by lower demand from international tourists shopping in its U.S. stores and websites, driven by the strength of the U.S. dollar.

In the third quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company opened 12 OshKosh retail stores in the United States and closed one store. The Company operated 232 OshKosh retail stores in the United States as of October 3, 2015.

First Three Quarters of Fiscal 2015 compared to First Three Quarters of Fiscal 2014
OshKosh retail segment sales increased $22.3 million, or 10.0%, to $244.8 million. OshKosh DTC comparable sales increased 1.7%, comprised of eCommerce comparable sales growth of 21.9%, partially offset by a retail stores comparable sales decline of 2.6%. During the first three quarters of fiscal 2015, the Company believes that OshKosh DTC comparable sales were negatively impacted by lower demand from international tourists shopping in its U.S. stores and websites, driven by the strength of the U.S. dollar.

In the first three quarters of fiscal 2015, the Company opened 36 OshKosh retail stores in the United States and closed four stores.

OshKosh Wholesale Segment Results

Third Quarter of Fiscal 2015 compared to Third Quarter of Fiscal 2014
OshKosh wholesale segment sales decreased $6.3 million, or 25.1%, to $18.8 million, reflecting lower seasonal bookings and a decline in sales to the off-price channel.

First Three Quarters of Fiscal 2015 compared to First Three Quarters of Fiscal 2014
OshKosh wholesale segment sales decreased $3.2 million, or 6.1%, to $49.2 million, reflecting a decline in sales to the off-price channel and lower seasonal bookings.

International Segment Results

Third Quarter of Fiscal 2015 compared to Third Quarter of Fiscal 2014
International segment sales increased $3.1 million, or 3.4%, to $94.2 million, driven by growth in the Company’s DTC business in Canada and new eCommerce sales in China. This growth was partially offset by unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates and the impact of the Target Canada bankruptcy in early 2015.

Changes in foreign currency exchange rates in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 as compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2014 negatively impacted international segment net sales in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 by $12.7 million, or 14.0%. On a constant currency basis, international segment net sales increased 17.3%.

Canadian comparable retail stores sales increased 4.8%. In the third quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company opened 7 retail stores in Canada. The Company operated 140 retail stores in Canada as of October 3, 2015.

First Three Quarters of Fiscal 2015 compared to First Three Quarters of Fiscal 2014
International segment sales increased $6.3 million, or 2.8%, to $229.2 million. This increase reflects growth in the Company’s DTC business in Canada, increased wholesale demand in other international markets, and new eCommerce sales in China. This growth was partially offset by unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates, the impact of the Target Canada bankruptcy in early 2015, and the Company’s exit of retail operations in Japan in fiscal 2014. The Company’s former retail operations in Japan contributed $4.4 million to segment sales in the first three quarters of fiscal 2014.

Changes in foreign currency exchange rates in the first three quarters of fiscal 2015 as compared to the first three quarters of fiscal 2014 negatively impacted international segment net sales in the first three quarters of fiscal 2015 by $23.9 million, or 10.7%. On a constant currency basis, international segment net sales increased 13.5%.

Canadian comparable retail stores sales increased 3.9% in the first three quarters of fiscal 2015. In the first three quarters of fiscal 2015, the Company opened 16 retail stores in Canada.

Return of Capital

During the third quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company paid a cash dividend of $0.22 per share totaling $11.5 million. The Company paid cash dividends totaling $34.6 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2015. 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.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company repurchased and retired 290,800 shares of its common stock for $29.4 million at an average price of $101.26 per share. In the first three quarters of fiscal 2015, the Company repurchased and retired 795,025 shares for $78.3 million at an average price of $98.54 per share. Year-to-date through October 28, 2015, the Company repurchased and retired a total of 908,188 shares for $88.5 million at an average price of $97.49 per share. All shares were repurchased in open market transactions pursuant to applicable regulations for such transactions. As of October 28, 2015, the total remaining capacity under the Company’s previously-announced repurchase authorizations was $97 million.

In the first three quarters of fiscal 2015, the Company returned a total of $113.0 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.

2015 Business Outlook

As noted above, the Company’s fiscal 2015 results will include 52 weeks, compared to 53 weeks in fiscal 2014. The Company’s fourth quarter fiscal 2015 results will include 13 weeks, compared to 14 weeks in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014. The Company estimates that the additional week in fiscal 2014 contributed approximately $44.1 million in consolidated net sales and approximately $0.05 in adjusted diluted earnings per share.

For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company projects net sales to decline approximately 2% compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 and adjusted diluted earnings per share in the range of $1.22 to $1.30 compared to adjusted diluted earnings per share of $1.32 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014. The adjusted diluted earnings per share forecast excludes anticipated expenses of approximately $1 million related to the amortization of acquired tradenames and other items the Company believes to be non-representative of underlying business performance.

For fiscal 2015, the Company projects net sales to increase approximately 4% over fiscal 2014 and adjusted diluted earnings per share to increase approximately 13% to 15% compared to adjusted diluted earnings per share of $3.93 in fiscal 2014. This forecast for fiscal 2015 adjusted diluted earnings per share excludes anticipated expenses of approximately $6 million related to the amortization of acquired tradenames, approximately $2 million related to the revaluation of the Bonnie Togs contingent consideration, and other items the Company believes to be non-representative of underlying business performance.

Conference Call

The Company will hold a conference call with investors to discuss third quarter fiscal 2015 results and its business outlook on October 29, 2015 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time. To participate in the call, please dial 913-312-6677. To listen via the internet, please visit www.carters.com and select links for “Investor Relations” followed by “Third Quarter 2015 Earnings Conference Call”. Presentation materials for the call can be accessed under the same “Investor Relations” section by selecting links for “News & Events” followed by “Webcasts & Presentations”. A replay of the call will be available shortly after the broadcast through November 6, 2015, at 888-203-1112 (U.S. / Canada) or 719-457-0820 (international), passcode 585850. 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 more than 900 Company-operated stores in the United States and Canada and on-line 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 our future performance, including, without limitation, statements with respect to our anticipated financial results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 and fiscal year 2015, or any other future period, assessment of our performance and financial position, and drivers of our 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 our 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 our products, or otherwise; financial difficulties for one or more of our major customers, vendors, or licensees, or an overall decrease in consumer spending; 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; failing to protect our intellectual property; a breach of our consumer databases, systems or processes; the risk of slow-downs, disruptions or strikes along our supply chain, including disruptions resulting from foreign supply sources, our distribution centers or in-sourcing capabilities; and unsuccessful expansion into international markets or failure to successfully manage legal, regulatory, political and economic risks of our existing international operations, including maintaining compliance with worldwide anti-bribery laws. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are supplemental financial measures that are not defined or prepared in accordance with GAAP. We define EBITDA as net income before interest, income taxes, and depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is EBITDA adjusted for the items described in the footnotes (a) - (e) to the table above.

We present EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA because we consider them 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.

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.

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Source: Carter’s, Inc.

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