Core Insights - Carter's, Inc. (CRI) has faced a decline in net sales within its U.S. Wholesale segment during Q3 2025, primarily due to reduced demand for the Simple Joys brand on Amazon [1][9] - The company perceives the slowdown of Simple Joys as a structural shift rather than a temporary issue, prompting a strategic realignment with Amazon [2][9] - Management anticipates a low single-digit decline in wholesale sales for Q4 2025, although growth in other brands is expected to partially offset this decline [5][9] U.S. Wholesale Segment Performance - The U.S. Wholesale segment's decline is attributed to lower sales of the Simple Joys brand, which has been impacted by Amazon's new brand management strategy [1][2] - The company expects department stores to contribute less than 20% of total Wholesale channel sales in 2025, indicating a shift towards a more diversified wholesale mix [4] Strategic Adjustments - Under the revised strategy, core brands such as Carter's, OshKosh, Little Planet, and Otter Avenues are expected to gain more prominence [3] - The company plans to enhance collaboration with Amazon and share detailed growth initiatives moving forward [3] Financial Outlook - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates a significant year-over-year decline in earnings for CRI, with expected decreases of 44.4% for 2025 and 28.5% for 2026 [15] - CRI's shares have increased by 36.3% over the past six months, contrasting with a 17.7% decline in the industry [6]

Group 1: Alps Electric - Alps Electric is a Japan-based company engaged in the manufacture and sale of electronic components and audio equipment, carrying a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Alps Electric's current year earnings has increased by 6.9% over the last 60 days [1] - The company has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 25.05, compared to 32 for the industry, and possesses a Value Score of A [2] Group 2: Deutsche Bank - Deutsche Bank is the largest bank in Germany and one of the largest financial institutions globally, offering a wide variety of investment and financial products and services, also carrying a Zacks Rank 1 [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Deutsche Bank's current year earnings has increased by 1.4% over the last 60 days [2] - The company has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 9.38, compared to 13.20 for the industry, and possesses a Value Score of B [3] Group 3: Carter's - Carter's is the largest marketer of branded apparel and related products for babies and young children in North America, carrying a Zacks Rank 1 [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Carter's current year earnings has increased by 5.9% over the last 60 days [3] - The company has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 15.72, compared to 22.30 for the industry, and possesses a Value Score of B [4]

Core Insights - Carter's, Inc. (CRI) is experiencing overall growth constraints due to weaknesses in U.S. Wholesale, particularly from the Simple Joys brand, which has offset gains in U.S. Retail and International markets [1][3] - The company's net sales slightly declined by 0.1% to $757.8 million in Q3 2025 compared to the same quarter last year, with U.S. Wholesale declines neutralizing the growth from U.S. Retail and International [1][8] - Adjusted operating income fell by $40 million year-over-year, driven by weaker results in both U.S. Retail and U.S. Wholesale, indicating balanced pressure across these segments [2] U.S. Wholesale Performance - U.S. Wholesale sales decreased due to softer performance from the Simple Joys brand, which has seen moderated demand on Amazon throughout the year [3] - The brand's rapid growth post-launch in 2017 has been impacted by recent shifts in Amazon's brand management strategy, intensifying pressure on this business [3] Future Outlook - The company is developing a framework to better align with Amazon's operating model across its brand portfolio, aiming for a more sustainable long-term business beyond Simple Joys [4] - Management anticipates low-single-digit declines in U.S. Wholesale sales for Q4, while expecting gains in the rest of the U.S. Wholesale portfolio to partially mitigate the overall decline [4] Stock Performance - Carter's shares have increased by 20.8% over the past six months, contrasting with an 8.7% decline in the industry [5] - The current forward price-to-earnings ratio for CRI is 17.04X, which is lower than the industry average of 28.16X [7] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates a year-over-year earnings decline of 44.4% for the current year and 28.5% for the next year [10]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has experienced three consecutive quarters of comparable store growth, maintaining higher average unit retail prices (AUR) without the typical unit degradation associated with price increases [11][12] - The wholesale business in the U.S. represents approximately $1 billion of the company's $3 billion in revenue, with a significant portion attributed to exclusive brands [35] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The direct-to-consumer (DTC) business showed strong performance, with the wholesale business exceeding expectations during the holiday period [11] - The company has identified around 150 stores for closure, primarily those that are lower margin, which collectively represent about $110 million in revenue [22][26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has diversified its market approach, performing well across wholesale, international, and retail channels, with all age categories exceeding expectations [11] - The shift in consumer behavior towards online shopping has been significant, with e-commerce now accounting for about one-third of U.S. retail revenue [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to invest in product design and demand creation to resonate with today's young consumers, particularly Gen Z parents [6][8] - There is a focus on enhancing brand identity for each product line, allowing brands like Oshkosh and Carter's to develop their unique identities [41] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the need for reinvestment in marketing and product quality to attract new consumers and regain the trust of lapsed customers [6][16] - The expectation for growth in sales and earnings remains for 2026, with a focus on sustainable and profitable growth rather than growth driven by discounts [39][40] Other Important Information - The company is transitioning its Amazon business from a private label to core flagship brands, which is expected to drive future growth [36] - The supply chain team has successfully diversified sourcing to mitigate tariff impacts, resulting in meaningful cost savings [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the biggest challenges faced since the new CEO took over? - The CEO highlighted the need for investment in product design and demand creation to align with consumer expectations [6] Question: Can you elaborate on the holiday performance? - The CEO noted strong performance across all channels, with the ability to maintain higher prices without losing unit sales [11] Question: What is the strategy for store closures? - The company plans to close 150 stores identified as lower margin, with expectations that some revenue will transfer to nearby locations [22][26] Question: How does e-commerce fit into the overall strategy? - E-commerce is a significant part of the business, expected to grow as physical store closures occur, with a focus on omnichannel capabilities [29] Question: What is the outlook for the wholesale business? - The wholesale business is expected to evolve, focusing on exclusive brands and adapting to changes in retail environments [36][37]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported strong performance in its direct-to-consumer (DTC) business and wholesale channels, exceeding expectations during the holiday period [11][12] - The fourth quarter marked the third consecutive quarter of comparable store growth, with the company successfully maintaining higher average unit retail (AUR) prices without a decline in unit sales [12][14] - Overall revenue from the identified 150 stores for closure is approximately $110 million, with many being marginally profitable or losing money [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has diversified its approach across wholesale, international, and retail channels, with all age categories outperforming expectations [11] - The DTC business accounted for about one-third of U.S. retail revenue, indicating a well-penetrated e-commerce operation [29] - The wholesale business is approximately $1 billion of the total $3 billion revenue, with a significant portion coming from exclusive brands developed for major retailers [35] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing on attracting new consumers, particularly Gen Z parents, who are more open to higher-priced products [14][15] - The shift in consumer shopping behavior post-pandemic has led to a need for store closures and a focus on enhancing the brand's presence in relevant retail environments [22][23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to invest in product design and demand creation to resonate with today's young consumers [6][8] - A strategic focus on brand identity is emphasized, allowing each brand to develop its unique identity rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach [41] - The company plans to close 150 underperforming stores while also remodeling and relocating stores to better serve consumers [22][23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the challenges posed by rising prices and tariffs but emphasizes the importance of maintaining brand value through quality and style [17][18] - The company expects to achieve growth in sales and earnings by 2026, focusing on long-term sustainable and profitable growth rather than short-term discounts [39][40] - Management is optimistic about the potential for growth in the wholesale business, particularly with key accounts that are focused on attracting new parents [32][33] Other Important Information - The company is enhancing its marketing investments to drive productivity and consumer engagement, particularly through social media and influencers [10][9] - The transition from private label to branded products on platforms like Amazon is seen as a growth opportunity for the company's core brands [36] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the biggest challenges noticed since the new CEO took over? - The CEO highlighted the need for investment in product design and demand creation to align with consumer expectations [6] Question: Can you elaborate on the holiday performance? - The CEO noted strong performance across all channels, with the ability to maintain higher prices without losing unit sales [11][12] Question: What is the strategy for store closures? - The company plans to close 150 stores identified as low-margin, with expectations of transferring some revenue to nearby locations [22][26] Question: How does e-commerce fit into the overall strategy? - E-commerce is a significant part of the business, accounting for about one-third of retail revenue, and is expected to grow as stores close [29] Question: What is the outlook for growth in 2026? - Management remains optimistic about achieving growth in sales and earnings by focusing on sustainable and profitable growth strategies [39][40]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has experienced three consecutive quarters of comparable store growth, indicating a positive trend in sales performance [11][41] - The average unit retail (AUR) has increased, with the company successfully maintaining higher prices without a degradation in unit sales, which is a significant achievement [12][13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The direct-to-consumer (DTC) business showed strong performance, with significant growth across all channels including wholesale and international [11] - The company has identified approximately 150 stores for closure, focusing on those with lower margins, which is expected to streamline operations and improve profitability [23][27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has diversified its market approach, successfully attracting new consumers from higher household income brackets who are more open to premium pricing [14][15] - The wholesale business remains robust, with a focus on growing relationships with key accounts, particularly in the mass retail channel [34][39] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to invest in product design and demand creation to resonate with today's young consumers, particularly Gen Z parents [6][8] - There is a strategic focus on enhancing brand identity for each of its brands, allowing them to develop independently rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach [43] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the need for long-term, sustainable growth rather than growth driven by discounts or one-time events, emphasizing the importance of maintaining brand equity [42] - The company is optimistic about future growth, with expectations set for sales and earnings growth in 2026, supported by recent positive performance trends [40][41] Other Important Information - The company is transitioning its Amazon business from a private label to branded products, which is expected to enhance visibility and sales [36][38] - The supply chain team has successfully diversified sourcing to mitigate costs associated with tariffs, contributing to overall cost savings [20][21] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the biggest challenges faced by the company? - The company needs to invest in product design and demand creation to align with consumer expectations and preferences [6] Question: How does the company plan to approach reinvestment? - The company plans to gradually increase marketing investments while ensuring a good return on investment [8] Question: Can you elaborate on the pricing strategy? - The company aims to maintain a competitive pricing strategy while ensuring that quality and style remain integral to its value proposition [17][18] Question: What is the plan for store closures? - The company has identified 150 stores for closure, focusing on those that are marginally profitable, with a plan to transfer some revenue to other locations [23][27] Question: How does e-commerce fit into the overall strategy? - E-commerce currently accounts for about a third of U.S. retail revenue, and the company aims to enhance its omnichannel capabilities to meet consumer expectations [31][32]

Core Insights - Crude Value Insights provides an investment service and community focused on the oil and natural gas sector, emphasizing cash flow generation and growth potential [1] Group 1 - The service offers subscribers access to a model account with over 50 stocks, detailed cash flow analyses of exploration and production (E&P) firms, and live discussions about the sector [1]

Core Insights - Carter's, Inc. announced preliminary net sales figures for Q4 and fiscal 2025, indicating a high single-digit percentage increase in consolidated net sales year over year [1] - The company reported strong online demand as a primary driver for U.S. Retail net sales growth [1] Sales Performance - U.S. Retail net sales increased in the high single digits, with comparable retail sales in U.S. stores also showing improvement [2] - Average unit retail pricing rose by mid-single digits, while U.S. Wholesale net sales saw a low single-digit increase [2] - For the full fiscal year, consolidated net sales growth was in low single digits, with U.S. Retail segment net sales also increasing by a low single-digit percentage [3] International and Wholesale Sales - International sales achieved high single-digit growth, while U.S. Wholesale net sales declined by a low single-digit rate year over year [4] - The fiscal year included an extra operating week, contributing approximately $33 million in sales [4] Leadership Changes and Events - Carter's appointed David B. Tichiaz as chief brand officer, who will lead product design and merchandising teams [5] - The company will participate in a fireside chat at the ICR Conference on January 12, 2026, with a live broadcast available for viewers [5] Management Commentary - CEO Douglas C. Palladini noted tangible results from turnaround efforts, with fourth quarter comparable retail sales growing for the third consecutive quarter [6] - Higher average unit retail pricing and reduced promotional activity helped offset tariff pressures and support margins, contributing to revenue growth [7] Stock Performance - Carter's shares increased by 3.81% to $35.96 during premarket trading [8]

Financial Results - Carter's, Inc. will participate in a fireside chat at the ICR Conference 2026 on January 12, 2026, to discuss preliminary financial results[4] - The company expects to provide a range of consolidated net sales for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ending January 3, 2026[4] - Preliminary financial results will include data for U.S. Retail, U.S. Wholesale, and International segments for the same period[4]

Core Insights - Carter's, Inc. announced preliminary net sales results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2025, indicating a comparison with the previous fiscal year [1] Group 1: Preliminary Net Sales Results - The fourth quarter of fiscal 2025 consisted of 14 weeks, compared to 13 weeks in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 [1] Group 2: Investor Conference Participation - The company will participate in an upcoming investor conference, details of which were not specified in the announcement [1] Group 3: Management Team Addition - An addition to the company's management team was announced, although specific details regarding the new member were not provided [1]