• Net sales $792 million vs. $819 million in Q3 2022
• Operating margin 11.8% vs. 11.2% in Q3 2022; adjusted operating margin 12.2% vs. 11.2% in Q3 2022
• Diluted EPS $1.78 vs. $1.67 in Q3 2022; adjusted diluted EPS $1.84 vs. $1.67 in Q3 2022
• Year-to-date operating cash flow $206 million
• $152 million returned to shareholders year-to-date through share repurchases and dividends
• Full year fiscal 2023 outlook¹:
  • Net sales of $2.950 billion to $2.965 billion
  • Adjusted operating income of $325 million to $335 million
  • Adjusted diluted EPS of $5.95 to $6.15
  • Operating cash flow of over $350 million

Carter’s, Inc. (NYSE:CRI), the largest branded marketer in North America of apparel exclusively for babies and young children, today reported its third quarter fiscal 2023 results.

“We achieved our sales and earnings objectives in the third quarter,” said Michael D. Casey, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

“In our U.S. Wholesale segment, demand for our fall and holiday product offerings was higher than planned. Our wholesale customers entered this year leaner on inventories and they planned consumer demand cautiously for 2023. For the fourth consecutive quarter, we saw higher than planned wholesale demand for our brands which provides fresh product offerings for consumers and better sell-throughs for our wholesale customers.

“In our U.S. Retail segment, our sales trend began to slow in September due largely, we believe, to unseasonably warm weather. This September was the warmest on record, and the higher temperatures weighed on demand for cooler weather product offerings in our stores and online.

“Sales in our International segment were also affected in the latter part of September due to unseasonably warm weather that weighed on demand for cool-weather apparel in Canada.

“Warmer weather continued to weigh on the demand for our brands in the early weeks of the fourth quarter. Where weather is cooler, sales trends have improved. With colder weather on the way, we expect sales trends will improve in the weeks ahead.

“We continued to make good progress reducing our inventories that grew following the historic peak in inflation and related slow-down in consumer demand that began in the first half last year. Inventories at the end of September this year were down over 30% and are expected to be lower in the balance of the year.

“Our progress reducing inventories has significantly improved our free cash flow this year and supported the continued return of excess capital to our shareholders.

“Year-over-year comparability has been distorted in recent years by pandemic-related disruptions, unprecedented government stimulus and historic inflation. Our second half forecasts this year reflect a meaningful improvement in the trend in our sales and earnings relative to last year and the first half of this year.

“We believe this planned improvement reflects the strength of our product offerings, on-time deliveries from Asia, lower product and ocean freight costs and the right-sizing of inventories enabling better sell-throughs and price realization.

“Inflation, generational high interest rates, and the suspension of pandemic-related stimulus payments to child-care centers have weighed on families with young children and their demand for our brands. Thankfully, birth trends in the United States have stabilized after a 14-year decline that began with the Great Recession. With a near 40-year high in weddings last year, continued strength in the labor market, and moderation in inflation, we believe market conditions will improve.

“Carter’s is the best-selling brand in young children’s apparel. We believe our unparalleled market distribution capabilities, and brand reputation for quality and value, will enable Carter’s to continue leading the market and be well-positioned to gain market share in the years ahead.”

Adjustments to Reported GAAP Results

In addition to the results presented in this earnings release in accordance with GAAP, the Company has provided adjusted, non-GAAP financial measurements, as presented below. The Company believes these non-GAAP financial measurements provide a meaningful comparison of the Company’s results and afford investors a view of what management considers to be the Company’s underlying performance. These measurements are presented for informational purposes only. See “Reconciliation of Adjusted Results to GAAP” section of this release for additional disclosures and reconciliations regarding these non-GAAP financial measures.

Adjustments made to the third quarter and first three quarters of fiscal 2023 results reflect costs related to organizational restructuring. In the first three quarters of fiscal 2022, a pre-tax adjustment of approximately $19.9 million ($15.2 million net of tax, or $0.38 per diluted share) was made related to a loss on early extinguishment of debt.

Consolidated Results

The discussion of results below is presented on an adjusted (non-GAAP) basis where noted.

Third Quarter of Fiscal 2023 compared to Third Quarter of Fiscal 2022

Net sales decreased $27.0 million, or 3.3%, to $791.7 million, compared to $818.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2022. Macroeconomic factors, including inflation, higher interest rates, higher consumer debt levels, and risk of recession negatively affected demand from consumers and wholesale customers. Unseasonably warm weather began to adversely affect demand for our fall and holiday product offerings in September. Our third quarter 2023 performance reflected declines in U.S. Retail and International segment net sales, partially offset by growth in U.S. Wholesale. U.S. Retail and International segment net sales declined 8.2% and 4.5%, respectively. U.S. Wholesale net sales grew 4.1%. U.S. Retail comparable net sales declined 9.9%. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates in the third quarter of fiscal 2023, as compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2022, had a favorable effect on consolidated net sales of approximately $1.2 million, or 0.1%. The decline in third quarter sales of 3.3% reflects an improvement in trend in the business and compares to a 12.5% decline in net sales in the first half of fiscal 2023.

Operating income increased $1.8 million, or 2.0% to $93.4 million, compared to $91.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2022. Operating margin increased to 11.8%, compared to 11.2% in the prior-year period, reflecting favorable ocean freight rates, lower inventory provisions, and decreased distribution and freight costs, partially offset by fixed cost deleverage on lower sales, higher performance-based compensation provisions, and increased professional fees. The growth in third quarter operating income of 2.0% reflects an improvement in trend in the business and compares to a 47.3% decline in operating income in the first half of fiscal 2023.

Adjusted operating income (a non-GAAP measure) increased $4.7 million, or 5.2% to $96.3 million, compared to $91.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2022. Adjusted operating margin increased to 12.2%, compared to 11.2% in the prior year period, principally due to the factors noted above. The growth in third quarter adjusted operating income of 5.2% reflects an improvement in trend in the business and compares to a 46.4% decline in adjusted operating income in the first half of fiscal 2023.

Net income was $66.1 million, or $1.78 per diluted share, compared to $65.0 million, or $1.67 per diluted share, in the third quarter of fiscal 2022.

Adjusted net income (a non-GAAP measure) was $68.4 million, compared to $65.0 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2022. Adjusted earnings per diluted share (a non-GAAP measure) was $1.84, compared to $1.67 in the prior-year quarter.

First Three Quarters of Fiscal 2023 compared to First Three Quarters of Fiscal 2022

Net sales decreased $212.9 million, or 9.3%, to $2.09 billion, compared to $2.30 billion in the first three quarters of fiscal 2022. Macroeconomic factors, as noted in the discussion of third quarter results above, negatively affected demand from consumers and wholesale customers. U.S. Retail, U.S. Wholesale, and International net sales declined 11.4%, 6.4%, and 8.7%, respectively. U.S. Retail comparable net sales declined 12.8%. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates in the first three quarters of fiscal 2023, as compared to the first three quarters of fiscal 2022, had an unfavorable effect on consolidated net sales of approximately $2.2 million, or 0.1%.

Operating income decreased $82.3 million, or 30.5% to $187.3 million, compared to $269.6 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2022. Operating margin declined to 9.0%, compared to 11.7% in the prior year period, reflecting fixed cost deleverage on lower sales, higher performance-based compensation provisions, and increased professional fees, partially offset by lower inventory provisions, favorable ocean freight rates, and lower air freight costs.

Adjusted operating income (a non-GAAP measure) decreased $77.8 million, or 28.9% to $191.8 million, compared to $269.6 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2022. Adjusted operating margin declined to 9.2%, compared to 11.7% in the prior year period, principally due to the factors noted above.

Net income was $126.0 million, or $3.36 per diluted share, compared to $169.9 million, or $4.26 per diluted share, in the first three quarters of fiscal 2022.

Adjusted net income (a non-GAAP measure) was $129.4 million, compared to $185.0 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2022. Adjusted earnings per diluted share (a non-GAAP measure) was $3.45, compared to adjusted earnings per diluted share of $4.64 in the first three quarters of fiscal 2022.

Net cash provided by operations in the first three quarters of fiscal 2023 was $205.8 million, compared to net cash used in operations of $217.5 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2022. The improved operating cash flow principally reflected favorable changes in working capital, primarily lower inventories.

See the “Business Segment Results” and “Reconciliation of GAAP to Adjusted Results” sections of this release for additional disclosures regarding business segment performance and non-GAAP measures.

Organizational Restructuring and Corporate Office Lease Amendment

Since the global pandemic, the Company has undertaken several organizational restructurings which have collectively reduced corporate offices headcount by approximately 15%. Actions taken in the first three quarters of fiscal 2023 resulted in a pre-tax charge of $6.2 million related to severance and other termination benefits and are expected to yield ongoing savings of approximately $18 million on an annualized basis.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2023, the Company executed an amendment to the lease of its corporate headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. As a result of the related reduction in leased office space, the Company recorded a net gain of approximately $1.8 million related to the partial termination of the lease in the first quarter of fiscal 2023. This action is expected to result in approximately $1 million in annualized savings.

Liquidity and Financial Position

The Company’s total liquidity at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2023 was $945 million, comprised of cash and cash equivalents of $169 million and $776 million in unused borrowing capacity on the Company’s $850 million secured revolving credit facility.

Return of Capital

In the third quarter and first three quarters of fiscal 2023, the Company returned to shareholders a total of $55.4 million and $152.0 million, respectively, through share repurchases and cash dividends as described below.

• Share repurchases: During the third quarter of fiscal 2023, the Company repurchased and retired approximately 0.4 million shares of its common stock for $27.6 million at an average price of $70.69 per share. In the first three quarters of fiscal 2023, the Company repurchased and retired approximately 1.0 million shares of its common stock for $67.5 million at an average price of $69.20 per share. Fiscal year-to-date through October 26, 2023, the Company has repurchased and retired approximately 1.2 million shares for $79.4 million at an average price of $68.82 per share. All shares were repurchased in open market transactions pursuant to applicable regulations for such transactions. As of October 26, 2023, the total remaining capacity under the Company’s previously announced repurchase authorizations was approximately $670 million.
• Dividends: In the third quarter of fiscal 2023, the Company paid a cash dividend of $0.75 per common share totaling $27.9 million. In the first three quarters of fiscal 2023, the Company paid cash dividends totaling $84.5 million. Future payments of quarterly dividends 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.

2023 Business Outlook

We do not reconcile forward-looking adjusted operating income or adjusted diluted earnings per share to their most directly comparable GAAP measures because we cannot predict with reasonable certainty the ultimate outcome of certain components of such reconciliations that are not within our control due to factors described below, or others that may arise, without unreasonable effort. For these reasons, we are unable to assess the probable significance of the unavailable information, which could materially impact the amount of future operating income or diluted EPS, the most directly comparable GAAP metrics to adjusted operating income and adjusted diluted earnings per share, respectively.

For fiscal year 2023, the Company expects approximately:

• $2.950 billion to $2.965 billion in net sales ($3.21 billion in fiscal 2022);
• $325 million to $335 million in adjusted operating income ($388 million in fiscal 2022);
• $5.95 to $6.15 in adjusted diluted earnings per share ($6.90 in fiscal 2022);
• Operating cash flow of over $350 million ($88 million in fiscal 2022); and
• Capital expenditures of approximately $65 million ($40 million in fiscal 2022).

For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, the Company expects approximately:

• $862 million to $877 million in net sales ($912 million in Q4 fiscal 2022);
• $133 million to $143 million in adjusted operating income ($119 million in Q4 fiscal 2022); and
• $2.50 to $2.72 in adjusted diluted earnings per share ($2.29 in Q4 fiscal 2022).

Our forecast for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 assumes:

• Improved consumer demand trend relative to the third quarter;
• Cautious inventory commitments by wholesale customers;
• Gross margin expansion, reflecting improved pricing and lower ocean freight rates;
• Lower SG&A expense;
• Higher effective tax rate; and
• Lower average number of shares outstanding.

Unless otherwise noted, the forecast assumptions above for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 are relative to the prior-year period. Our adjusted operating income and diluted earnings per share forecasts for fiscal year 2023 exclude pre-tax net charges totaling $4.4 million related to organizational restructuring, which were recorded in the first three quarters of the year.

Conference Call

The Company will hold a conference call with investors to discuss third quarter fiscal 2023 results and its business outlook on October 27, 2023 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time. To listen to a live webcast and view the accompanying presentation materials, please visit ir.carters.com and select links for “News & Events” followed by “Webcasts & Presentations.”

To access the call by phone, please preregister via the following link to receive your dial-in number and unique passcode: https://register.vevent.com/register/BI301b7272d1354e46acb9387786e04584

A webcast replay will be available shortly after the conclusion of the call at ir.carters.com.

About Carter’s, Inc.

Carter’s, Inc. is the largest branded marketer in North America of apparel 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 through over 1,000 Company-operated stores in the United States, Canada, and Mexico and online at www.carters.com, www.oshkosh.com, www.cartersoshkosh.ca, and www.carters.com.mx. They are also sold in leading department stores, national chains, and specialty retailers domestically and internationally. The Company’s Child of Mine brand is available at Walmart, its Just One You brand is available at Target, and its Simple Joys brand is available on Amazon. The Company also owns Little Planet, a brand focused on organic fabrics and sustainable materials, and Skip Hop, a global lifestyle brand for families with young children. Carter’s is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Additional information may be found at www.carters.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Statements contained in this press release that are not historical fact and use predictive words such as “estimates”, “outlook”, “guidance”, “expect”, “believe”, “intend”, “designed”, “target”, “plans”, “may”, “will”, “are confident” and similar words are forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). These forward-looking statements and related assumptions involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and outcomes to differ materially from any forward-looking statements or views expressed in this press release. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, 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 31, 2022, and otherwise in our reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as the following factors: the continuing effects of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic; 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 supply chain constraints that have, and could continue, to affect 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 and Israel, acts of terrorism, mass casualty events, social unrest, civil disturbance or disobedience; risks related to a 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 market place; 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 during the fiscal year; and other risks detailed in the Company’s periodic reports as filed in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. 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.