Core Insights - Carter's, Inc. (CRI) reported mixed third-quarter 2025 results, with net sales exceeding estimates but earnings per share (EPS) falling short and declining significantly year-over-year [1][2][3] Financial Performance - Consolidated net sales reached $757.8 million, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $751 million, remaining stable year-over-year despite lower U.S. Wholesale sales [3] - Adjusted EPS was 74 cents, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 78 cents, and down 54.9% from $1.64 in the prior-year quarter [2][9] - U.S. Retail segment sales increased by 2.6% year-over-year to $299.6 million, while U.S. Wholesale sales decreased by 5.1% to $192.9 million [4][9] - International segment sales grew by 4.9% year-over-year to $92.8 million [5] Margins and Costs - 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] - Adjusted SG&A expenses rose by 8.1% year-over-year to $307.7 million, accounting for 40.6% of net sales, an increase of 310 basis points [7] Strategic Initiatives - The company plans to cut approximately 300 roles and close 150 stores, targeting $35 million in annual savings starting in 2026 [9][11][12] - Carter's aims for over $10 million in annual spending reductions across various categories, with savings beginning in 2026 [12] - The closures are expected to be accretive to profitability due to sales transfer to nearby stores and online channels [13] Financial Position - As of the end 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 in Q3, totaling $9.1 million, with total cash dividends for the first nine months amounting to $47.2 million [8] Outlook and Challenges - The company faces challenges from new tariffs, with an estimated $110 million in duties paid in 2024 and projected annualized impacts of $200-$250 million from additional import duties [14][15] - Carter's has suspended its 2025 guidance due to uncertainties surrounding tariffs and their potential impact on business [16]

Core Insights - Three stocks with strong value characteristics and a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) are highlighted for investors: Energizer, Guess, and Dana [1][2][3]. Company Summaries - **Energizer (ENR)**: - Leading manufacturer and distributor of batteries and lighting products - Current year earnings estimate increased by 1.4% over the last 60 days - Price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) is 6.26, significantly lower than the industry average of 25.90 - Holds a Value Score of A [1][2]. - **Guess (GES)**: - Designs, markets, distributes, and licenses casual apparel and accessories - Current year earnings estimate increased by 8.1% over the last 60 days - Price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) is 10.58, compared to the industry average of 23.20 - Holds a Value Score of A [1][3]. - **Dana (DAN)**: - Provider of technology driveline, sealing, and thermal-management products - Current year earnings estimate increased by 35.6% over the last 60 days - Price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) is 13.16, slightly below the industry average of 13.40 - Holds a Value Score of A [1][4].

Core Insights - Three stocks are highlighted with strong income characteristics and a buy rank as of October 15th, including Guess (GES), Kodiak Gas Services, Inc. (KGS), and Energizer (ENR) [1][2][3] Group 1: Company Profiles - Guess (GES) designs, markets, distributes, and licenses casual apparel and accessories, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate for current year earnings increasing by 8.1% over the last 60 days [1] - Kodiak Gas Services, Inc. (KGS) operates contract compression infrastructure primarily in the United States, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate for current year earnings increasing by 0.9% over the last 60 days [2] - Energizer (ENR) is a leading manufacturer and distributor of batteries and lighting products, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate for current year earnings increasing by 1.4% over the last 60 days [3] Group 2: Dividend Yields - Guess (GES) has a dividend yield of 5.3%, significantly higher than the industry average of 0.0% [2] - Kodiak Gas Services, Inc. (KGS) has a dividend yield of 5.2%, also compared to the industry average of 0.0% [2] - Energizer (ENR) has a dividend yield of 5%, compared to the industry average of 0.0% [3]

Core Insights - Five stocks have been added to the Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) List, indicating strong potential for investment Group 1: Company Performance - Guess (GES) has seen a Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increase of 8.1% over the last 60 days [1] - Argan (AGX) has experienced a Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increase of 6.5% over the last 60 days [2] - Elbit Systems (ESLT) has had a Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increase of 4.2% over the last 60 days [3] - MillerKnoll (MLKN) has seen a Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increase of 3.3% over the last 60 days [3] - UBS (UBS) has experienced a Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increase of 2.2% over the last 60 days [4]