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]

Core Viewpoint - Carter's, Inc. announced a proposed offering of $500 million in senior notes due 2031 to refinance existing debt and cover related expenses [1][2]. Group 1: Offering Details - The offering will consist of $500 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes due 2031 [1]. - The net proceeds will be used to redeem all outstanding 5.625% senior notes due 2027 and to pay related fees and expenses [2]. - The notes are being offered to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A and to non-U.S. persons outside the United States under Regulation S [3]. Group 2: Company Overview - Carter's, Inc. is North America's largest apparel company exclusively for babies and young children, with core brands including Carter's and OshKosh B'gosh [5]. - The company operates over 1,000 stores across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, and sells online through multiple platforms [5]. - Carter's is also the largest supplier of baby and young children's apparel to major North American retailers [5].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales in Q2 2025 were $585 million, representing a 4% increase compared to the previous year [13][22] - Adjusted operating income for Q2 was $12 million, with an adjusted operating margin of 2% [21][22] - Earnings per share were $0.17 in Q2, down from $0.76 in the same quarter last year [22] - Gross margin in Q2 was 48.1%, a decrease of 200 basis points from the previous year [16][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. Retail sales grew by $9 million, while International sales increased by $11 million in Q2 [23] - U.S. Wholesale sales were comparable to the previous year, with a 14% adjusted operating margin [29] - Baby apparel, the largest segment, saw double-digit sales growth in Q2, continuing a trend from previous quarters [25][26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International segment showed strong performance with sales growth across all components, particularly in Canada (+8% comp) and Mexico (+19% comp) [30][31] - The company experienced a higher mix of excess inventory sales to the off-price channel, impacting profitability [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to return to long-term sustainable and profitable growth by focusing on its iconic brands and improving product development processes [5][35] - A new fleet segmentation strategy is being implemented to enhance consumer connectivity and optimize store assortments [61] - The company is diversifying its sourcing footprint to mitigate tariff impacts and is prepared to raise prices as necessary [39][40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by tariffs and inflation but expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate these issues [7][8] - The company is optimistic about the second half of 2025, with early indicators of positive sales trends and improved inventory positions [27][42] - Key risks include potential additional tariffs and consumer response to price increases [43] Other Important Information - The company has a strong balance sheet with good liquidity and cash on hand, projecting positive operating and free cash flow for the full year [33][34] - Significant investments are being made in demand creation and marketing to drive growth [96] Q&A Session Summary Question: Sales growth opportunity and EBIT margin expectations - Management refrained from providing specific sales growth or EBIT margin targets but expressed confidence in returning to profitable growth [68][69] Question: Impact of tariffs and potential offsets - The most meaningful opportunity to offset tariff impacts is through price increases, alongside sharing costs with wholesale partners [70][72] Question: U.S. Retail strategy and store closures - The company is evaluating store closures as leases expire, with a focus on improving productivity in the existing store fleet [79][84] Question: Pricing strategy and consumer response - Price increases have begun in the wholesale channel, with positive consumer response noted for higher-priced products with added features [86][89]