Carter's Q2 Earnings Miss Estimates, Stock Dips After Tariff Concerns

Core Insights - Carter's, Inc. (CRI) reported second-quarter 2025 results with net sales exceeding estimates but adjusted earnings per share (EPS) falling short, indicating mixed performance [1][10] - The company's stock experienced a significant decline of over 15% following the disappointing results and concerns regarding tariffs impacting future profitability [2][6] Financial Performance - Consolidated net sales reached $585.3 million, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $580 million, and reflecting a 4% increase from $564.4 million in the prior year [4][10] - Adjusted EPS was reported at 17 cents, missing the consensus estimate of 43 cents, and representing a 77.6% decline from 76 cents in the same quarter last year [3][10] Segment Analysis - U.S. Retail segment sales increased by 3.2% year over year to $299.6 million, with comparable net sales rising 2.2% [11] - The International segment saw a notable 14.1% year-over-year increase in sales to $92.8 million, outperforming expectations [12] - U.S. Wholesale segment sales remained flat at $192.9 million, below the anticipated $206.8 million [11] Margin and Cost Structure - Gross profit decreased by 0.4% year over year to $281.8 million, with gross margin contracting by 200 basis points to 48.1% due to pricing investments [13] - Adjusted operating income fell 70.2% year over year to $11.8 million, with adjusted operating margin decreasing by 500 basis points to 2% [14] Future Outlook - Carter's anticipates a $35 million hit to pre-tax earnings in the second half of fiscal 2025 due to proposed U.S. import tariffs, with total annual impacts estimated between $125 million and $150 million [16][17] - The company has suspended its financial guidance for the remainder of fiscal 2025 due to tariff uncertainties and a recent leadership transition [17]