Carter’s(US:CRI)2025-10-27 13:30Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q3 2025, net sales were $758 million, with operating income of $29 million and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.32, compared to EPS of $1.62 in the previous year [7][16] - Year-to-date sales reached nearly $2 billion, with an operating income of $59 million, representing a 3% operating margin, and year-to-date EPS of $0.75 [7][10] - Adjusted Q3 EPS was $0.74, down from $1.64 a year ago, reflecting significant one-time charges [16][28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. Retail segment saw a 3% increase in net sales, with a positive 2% comparable sales growth [18][19] - U.S. Wholesale segment experienced a decline in sales, particularly in the Simple Joys brand, while International segment sales increased by 5% [25][26] - Adjusted operating income declined by nearly $40 million, with U.S. Retail and U.S. Wholesale contributing equally to this decline [16][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International sales were up 5%, with strong performance in Mexico (+16% comp) and a 10% increase in sales to international partners [26] - U.S. Retail's average unit retail (AUR) increased in the mid-single digits, contributing to a low single-digit increase in average transaction values [14][19] - The impact of higher tariffs on gross margin was approximately $20 million in Q3, with gross margin decreasing to 45.1% [13][44] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on transforming its business model, aiming for sustainable and profitable growth while managing costs and enhancing productivity [4][32] - Plans include closing 150 North American stores, which is expected to lead to a sales transfer to nearby stores and e-commerce channels [36][68] - The company is also investing in demand creation and marketing, with a planned increase of nearly 20% in marketing spend for 2026 [40][41] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted the significant impact of tariffs, estimating an annualized incremental impact of $200 million to $250 million for 2025 [44] - The company has not reinstated sales and earnings guidance due to ongoing uncertainties regarding tariffs and consumer response to price increases [45][52] - Management expressed confidence in achieving sales growth in 2026, primarily driven by price increases rather than unit growth [75][76] Other Important Information - The company ended Q3 with $184 million in cash and a strong liquidity position, with net inventories up 8% year-over-year [27][28] - The company is pursuing a new credit facility and evaluating opportunities to refinance existing senior notes [29][30] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is happening with the Simple Joys brand and its future? - Management indicated that Simple Joys will be reduced in significance as the focus shifts to core brands like Carter's and OshKosh, which are expected to grow on platforms like Amazon [61][62] Question: Can you elaborate on the store closures and expected sales transfer? - The company expects a 20% transfer rate of sales to nearby stores and e-commerce channels, with closed stores generating about $110 million in revenue [68] Question: What is the preliminary view on sales growth for 2026? - Management expects sales growth to be higher than typical due to price increases, with a focus on maintaining competitiveness in the market [75][76]