Core Viewpoint - Carter's reported mixed Q3 2025 results, with top-line sales exceeding estimates but bottom-line earnings falling short, indicating ongoing challenges in profitability despite some positive sales trends [2][3]. Financial Performance - Consolidated net sales reached $757.8 million, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $751 million, remaining stable year over year [4]. - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) were 74 cents, missing the consensus estimate of 78 cents, and down 54.9% from $1.64 in the prior-year quarter [3]. Segment Performance - U.S. Retail segment sales increased by 2.6% year over year to $299.6 million, with comparable net sales rising 2% [5]. - U.S. Wholesale segment sales decreased by 5.1% year over year to $192.9 million [5]. - International segment sales grew by 4.9% year over year to $92.8 million [5]. Cost and Margin Analysis - Gross profit fell by 4% year over year to $341.6 million, with gross margin contracting by 180 basis points to 45.1% [6]. - Adjusted operating income decreased by 48.9% to $39.4 million, with adjusted operating margin down 500 basis points to 5.2% due to increased costs [6]. Expense Overview - Adjusted selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses rose by 8.1% year over year to $307.7 million, accounting for 40.6% of net sales [7]. Financial Snapshot - As of Q3 2025, Carter's had cash and cash equivalents of $184.2 million, net long-term debt of $498.7 million, and shareholders' equity of $864.6 million [8]. - The company paid a cash dividend of 25 cents per share, totaling $9.1 million for the quarter [8]. Strategic Initiatives - Carter's plans to reduce office-based roles by nearly 300 positions (15%) by the end of 2025, aiming for annualized savings of about $35 million starting in 2026 [11]. - The company intends to close approximately 150 stores in North America over the next three years, which is expected to positively impact profitability [12][13]. Tariff Impact and Outlook - Additional tariffs have resulted in approximately $110 million in duties for 2024, with an estimated gross pre-tax earnings impact of $200-$250 million annually [14][15]. - The company has suspended its 2025 guidance due to uncertainties surrounding tariffs and their potential impact on business [16]. Market Sentiment - There has been a downward trend in earnings estimates, with a consensus estimate shift of -13.74% [17]. - Carter's currently holds a Zacks Rank 5 (Strong Sell), indicating expectations of below-average returns in the near term [19].