• Net sales $701 million
• Diluted EPS $0.93; adjusted diluted EPS $1.30
• Returned $132 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends in Q2; $237 million returned in the first half of fiscal 2022
• Full year fiscal 2022 outlook:
  • Net sales of approximately $3.25 billion to $3.30 billion
  • Adjusted diluted EPS of approximately $7.10 to $7.60

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Carter’s, Inc. (NYSE: CRI), the largest branded marketer in North America of apparel exclusively for babies and young children, today reported its second quarter fiscal 2022 results.

“After a strong start to the year, our sales slowed in the second quarter,” said Michael D. Casey, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “In 2021, the United States government provided unprecedented stimulus payments and support to families with young children to help them recover from the pandemic. The absence of that support this year, together with the surge in gas prices and inflation, have weighed on consumers’ demand for our brands.

“Since the pandemic began, year-over-year comparisons have been affected by historic challenges and the related disruption to the lives of families with young children. Our performance relative to the pre-pandemic period reflects our progress increasing the profitability of Carter’s. By that measure, our earnings are significantly higher in 2022 and have been driven by the structural improvements made to our business since 2019.

“Those improvements include the rationalization of lower margin product choices, closure of less productive stores, investment in inventory management and pricing capabilities, reduction in promotions and improved price realization. These changes enabled Carter’s to achieve record earnings in 2021.

“We have revised our outlook for the balance of the year to reflect the trends in our business, and market risks related to inflation and related impact on consumer demand.

“We are focused on mitigating the effects of the current retail environment, including reducing inventory commitments and discretionary spending. We plan to continue investing in our direct-to-consumer, merchandising, brand marketing, and pricing capabilities which we believe will enable us to achieve our longer-term growth objectives.”

Adjustments to Reported GAAP Results

In addition to the results provided in this earnings release in accordance with GAAP, the Company has provided adjusted, non-GAAP financial measurements, as presented below. These adjusted, non-GAAP financial measurements are presented for informational purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of the Company’s future condition or results of operations. See “Reconciliation of GAAP to Adjusted Results” section of this release for additional disclosures and reconciliations regarding these non-GAAP financial measures.

In the second quarter of fiscal 2022, a pre-tax adjustment of approximately $19.9 million ($15.2 million net of tax, or $0.38 per diluted share) was made related to a loss on extinguishment of debt.

Consolidated Results

The discussion of results below is presented on an adjusted (non-GAAP) basis where noted.

Second Quarter of Fiscal 2022 compared to Second Quarter of Fiscal 2021

Net sales decreased $45.7 million, or 6.1%, to $700.7 million, driven by declines in the Company’s U.S. Retail and U.S. Wholesale sales, partially offset by growth in its International sales. U.S. Retail and U.S. Wholesale net sales declined by 11% and 3%, respectively. International net sales grew 7%. U.S. Retail comparable net sales declined 8%. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates used for translation in the second quarter of fiscal 2022, as compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2021, had an unfavorable effect on consolidated net sales of approximately $2.3 million, or 0.3%.

Operating income decreased $32.2 million to $75.4 million, compared to $107.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2021. Operating margin was 10.8%, compared to 14.4% in the prior-year period. Adjusted operating income (a non-GAAP measure) decreased $35.0 million to $75.4 million, compared to $110.4 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2021. Adjusted operating margin was 10.8%, compared to 14.8% in the prior year period, reflecting higher ocean freight rates, increased inventory provisions, and fixed cost deleverage on lower sales, partially offset by lower air freight expenses, lower performance-based compensation provisions, and reduction of other discretionary spending.

Net income was $37.0 million, or $0.93 per diluted share, compared to $71.6 million, or $1.62 per diluted share, in the second quarter of fiscal 2021. Adjusted net income (a non-GAAP measure) was $52.1 million, compared to $73.7 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2021. Adjusted earnings per diluted share (a non-GAAP measure) was $1.30, compared to $1.67 in the prior-year quarter.

First Half of Fiscal 2022 compared to First Half of Fiscal 2021

Net sales decreased $51.8 million, or 3.4%, to $1.48 billion, driven by a decline in the Company’s U.S. Retail segment, partially offset by growth in its International and U.S. Wholesale segments. U.S. Retail net sales declined 10%, reflecting the comparison to the first half of 2021 which benefited from significant and unprecedented government stimulus payments made to consumers in response to the pandemic and a lower store count related to the closure of low-margin stores. U.S. Retail comparable net sales declined 7%. International and U.S. Wholesale net sales increased by 9% and 3%, respectively. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates used for translation in the first half of fiscal 2022, as compared to the first half of fiscal 2021, had an unfavorable effect on consolidated net sales of approximately $2.5 million, or 0.2%.

Operating income decreased $57.0 million to $178.0 million, compared to $235.1 million in the first half of fiscal 2021. Operating margin was 12.0%, compared to 15.3% in the prior year period. Adjusted operating income (a non-GAAP measure) decreased $60.9 million to $178.0 million, compared to $239.0 million in the first half of fiscal 2021. Adjusted operating margin was 12.0%, compared to 15.6% in the prior year period, reflecting higher ocean freight rates, increased inventory provisions, and fixed cost deleverage on lower sales, partially offset by lower air freight, lower performance-based compensation provisions, and reduction in other discretionary spending.

Net income was $104.9 million, or $2.59 per diluted share, compared to $157.8 million, or $3.58 per diluted share, in the first half of fiscal 2021. Adjusted net income (a non-GAAP measure) was $120.1 million, compared to $160.7 million in the first half of fiscal 2021. Adjusted earnings per diluted share (a non-GAAP measure) was $2.97, compared to adjusted loss per diluted share of $3.64 in the first half of fiscal 2021.

Net cash used in operations in the first half of fiscal 2022 was $93.6 million, compared to net cash provided by operations of $49.5 million in the first half of fiscal 2021. The decline primarily reflected lower net sales, planned earlier inventory receipts to improve second half deliveries, and payment of fiscal 2021 performance-based compensation, partially offset by a decrease in payment terms to certain of our vendors in 2021.

See the “Business Segment Results” and “Reconciliation of GAAP to Adjusted Results” sections of this release for additional disclosures regarding business segment performance and non-GAAP measures.

Return of Capital

In the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2022, the Company returned to shareholders a total of $131.7 million and $236.8 million, respectively, through share repurchases and cash dividends as described below.

• During the second quarter of fiscal 2022, the Company repurchased and retired 1.3 million shares of its common stock for $101.8 million at an average price of $80.02 per share. In the first half of fiscal 2022, the Company repurchased and retired 2.1 million shares of its common stock for $176.3 million at an average price of $85.36 per share. These first half repurchases represent approximately 5% of shares outstanding as of the beginning of fiscal year 2022. Fiscal year-to-date through July 28, 2022, the Company has repurchased and retired a total of 2.5 million shares for $206.8 million at an average price of $83.86 per share. All shares were repurchased in open market transactions pursuant to applicable regulations for such transactions. As of July 28, 2022, the total remaining capacity under the Company’s previously announced repurchase authorizations was approximately $842 million.
• In the second quarter of fiscal 2022, the Company paid a cash dividend of $0.75 per share totaling $29.9 million. In the first half of fiscal 2022, the Company paid cash dividends totaling $60.5 million. Future payments of quarterly dividends will be at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors based on a number of factors, including the Company’s future financial performance and other considerations.

Early Extinguishment of Debt

On April 4, 2022, the Company redeemed senior notes with a principal amount of $500 million, bearing an interest rate of 5.5%. Cash on hand was utilized to extinguish this debt.

2022 Business Outlook

The Company’s outlooks for the third quarter of fiscal 2022 and fiscal year 2022 reflect:

• A continuation of second quarter demand trends;
• Inventory commitments aligned with our revised sales outlook, and a better mix and level of inventories relative to last year, supporting the upcoming back-to-school and holiday seasons;
• Improving supply chain performance;
• Reduced discretionary spending;
• Improved price realization;
• Continued investment in our direct-to-consumer, merchandising, brand marketing, and pricing capabilities;
• Lower interest expense; and
• Benefit of share repurchases.

For the third quarter of fiscal 2022, the Company projects:

• Net sales of approximately $850 million to $865 million;
• Adjusted operating income of approximately $90 million to $100 million, compared to $123.9 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2021; and
• Adjusted diluted earnings per share of approximately $1.50 to $1.70, compared to $1.93 in the third quarter of fiscal 2021.

For fiscal year 2022, the Company projects:

• Net sales of approximately $3.25 billion to $3.30 billion;
• Adjusted operating income of approximately $415 million to $440 million, compared to $500.8 million in fiscal 2021; and
• Adjusted diluted earnings per share of approximately $7.10 to $7.60, compared to $7.87 in fiscal 2021.

Our adjusted diluted earnings per share outlook for fiscal year 2022 excludes a pre-tax loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $19.9 million, which was recorded in the second fiscal quarter.

We have not reconciled forward-looking adjusted operating income or adjusted diluted earnings per share to their most directly comparable GAAP measures because we cannot predict with reasonable certainty the ultimate outcome of certain components of such reconciliations that are not within our control due to factors described above, or others that may arise, without unreasonable effort. For these reasons, we are unable to assess the probable significance of the unavailable information, which could materially impact the amount of future operating income or diluted EPS, the most directly comparable GAAP metrics to adjusted operating income and adjusted diluted earnings per share, respectively.

Conference Call

The Company will hold a conference call with investors to discuss second quarter fiscal 2022 results and its business outlook on July 29, 2022 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time. To listen to a live webcast and view the accompanying presentation materials, please visit ir.carters.com and select links for “News & Events” followed by “Webcasts & Presentations.” To access the call by phone, please preregister on https://register.vevent.com/register/BIdd252838d6814c208b63afb9b9f145e5 to receive your dial-in number and unique passcode.

A webcast replay will be available shortly after the conclusion of the call at ir.carters.com.

About Carter’s, Inc.

Carter’s, Inc. is the largest branded marketer in North America of apparel exclusively for babies and young children. The Company owns the Carter’s and OshKosh B’gosh brands, two of the most recognized brands in the marketplace. These brands are sold in leading department stores, national chains, and specialty retailers domestically and internationally. They are also sold through approximately 970 Company-operated stores in the United States, Canada, and Mexico and online at www.carters.com, www.oshkosh.com, www.cartersoshkosh.ca, and www.carters.com.mx. The Company’s Child of Mine brand is available at Walmart, its Just One You brand is available at Target, and its Simple Joys brand is available on Amazon. The Company also owns Skip Hop, a global lifestyle brand for families with young children. Carter’s is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Additional information may be found at www.carters.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws relating to our future performance, including statements with respect to the potential effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Company’s future outlook, financial results, liquidity, strategy, financings, and investments. Such statements are based on current expectations only, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or not materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated, or projected. Certain of the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and performance to differ materially are described in the Company’s most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time under the headings “Risk Factors.” Included among those risks are those related to: the effects of the current coronavirus outbreak; financial difficulties for one or more of our major customers; an overall decrease in consumer spending; our products not being accepted in the marketplace; increased competition in the market place; diminished value of our brands; the failure to protect our intellectual property; the failure to comply with applicable quality standards or regulations; unseasonable or extreme weather conditions; pending and threatened lawsuits; a breach of our information technology systems and the loss of personal data; increased margin pressures, including increased cost of materials and labor; our foreign sourcing arrangements; disruptions in our supply chain; the management and expansion of our business domestically and internationally; the acquisition and integration of other brands and businesses; and changes in our tax obligations, including additional customs, duties or tariffs. The Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Note: Results may not be additive due to rounding.

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are supplemental financial measures that are not defined or prepared in accordance with GAAP. We define EBITDA as net income before interest, income taxes, and depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is EBITDA adjusted for the items described in footnotes (a) - (d) to the table above.

We present EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA because we consider them important supplemental measures of our performance and believe they are frequently used by securities analysts, investors, and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies in our industry. These measures also afford investors a view of what management considers to be the Company's core performance.

The use of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA instead of net income or cash flows from operations has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider them in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not represent net income or cash flow from operations as those terms are defined by GAAP and do not necessarily indicate whether cash flows will be sufficient to fund cash needs. While EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and similar measures are frequently used as measures of operations and the ability to meet debt service requirements, these terms are not necessarily comparable to other similarly titled captions of other companies due to the potential inconsistencies in the method of calculation. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect the impact of earnings or charges resulting from matters that we consider not to be indicative of our ongoing operations. Because of these limitations, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as discretionary cash available to us for working capital, debt service and other purposes.