Carter’s, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2020 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Carter's, Inc. (NYSE:CRI) reported its Q4 and fiscal 2020 results, despite ongoing pandemic challenges. Q4 consolidated net sales decreased 10.1% to $989.9 million, while operating income fell 17.8% to $133.9 million. Adjusted diluted EPS declined 12.5% to $2.46. However, Carter's achieved a record gross profit margin due to enhanced inventory management and strong eCommerce growth, which saw 16% gains. The company anticipates approximately 5% growth in sales and 10% increase in adjusted EPS for 2021. Total liquidity stands at $1.8 billion, ensuring operational stability.

Positive

• Record gross profit margin achieved in Q4 through improved inventory management and eCommerce growth.
• Projected sales growth of approximately 5% and adjusted EPS increase of about 10% for fiscal 2021.
• Total liquidity of $1.8 billion provides financial security amidst ongoing pandemic challenges.

Negative

• Consolidated net sales decreased by $110.6 million (10.1%) in Q4 and $495 million (14.1%) for fiscal 2020.
• Net income for Q4 decreased 20.9% to $99 million, and for fiscal 2020, it dropped 58.6% to $109.7 million.
• Operating income for fiscal 2020 fell to $189.9 million from $371.9 million in fiscal 2019.

Carter’s, Inc. (NYSE:CRI), the largest branded marketer in North America of apparel exclusively for babies and young children, today reported its fourth quarter and fiscal 2020 results.

“Despite the ongoing pandemic-related challenges, we achieved our sales and earnings objectives in the fourth quarter,” said Michael D. Casey, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “The strength and growth of our eCommerce capabilities and exclusive brands sold through Amazon, Target and Walmart helped to mitigate the impact of lower traffic to our stores and demand from international customers.

“Since the market disruption began last March, we have focused on profitability and cash flow. As a result, we achieved a record gross profit margin in the fourth quarter through exceptional inventory management, more effective promotions, and improved price realization. Our progress with these initiatives enabled us to strengthen our digital capabilities including eCommerce, which continued to be our fastest growing and highest margin business.

“We are also reporting a record level of cash flow from operations and liquidity achieved through working capital management and the support from our lenders, suppliers, and landlords.

“We’re projecting good growth in sales and profitability in 2021. The new year got off to a good start with the arrival of our Spring product offerings and the benefit from government stimulus payments to families with young children.

“With the promise of vaccines more broadly available in the months ahead, we are expecting a good multi-year recovery from the pandemic. As the leader in young children’s apparel, we believe Carter’s is well-positioned to benefit from this recovery.”

53rd Week

The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest the last day of December, resulting in an additional week of results every five to six years. Accordingly, the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 included 14 weeks, compared to 13 weeks in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. Fiscal year 2020 included 53 weeks, compared to 52 weeks in fiscal 2019. The additional week in fiscal 2020 contributed approximately $32 million in consolidated net sales.

Adjustments to Reported GAAP Results

In addition to the results presented in this earnings release in accordance with GAAP, the Company has provided adjusted, non-GAAP financial measurements, as presented below. The Company believes these adjustments provide a meaningful comparison of the Company’s results and afford investors a view of what management considers to be the Company’s core performance. These measures are presented for informational purposes only. See “Reconciliation of GAAP to Adjusted Results” section of this release for additional disclosures and reconciliations regarding these non-GAAP financial measures.

	Fourth Fiscal Quarter
	2020 (14 weeks)																2019 (13 weeks)
(In millions, except earnings per share)	Operating Income				% Net Sales			Net Income				Diluted EPS					Operating Income				% Net Sales			Net Income				Diluted EPS
As reported (GAAP)	$	133.9			13.5	%		$	99.0			$	2.26				$	162.8			14.8	%		$	125.1			$	2.82
Restructuring costs	7.9							6.0				0.14					—							—				—
COVID-19 expenses	2.5							1.9				0.04					—							—				—
Retail store operating leases and other long-lived asset impairments, net	1.2							0.9				0.02					—							—				—
Customer bankruptcy recovery	—							—				—					(0.6		)					(0.4		)		(0.01		)
As adjusted	$	145.5			14.7	%		$	107.9			$	2.46				$	162.2			14.7	%		$	124.7			$	2.81
	Fiscal Year
	2020 (53 weeks)																2019 (52 weeks)
(In millions, except earnings per share)	Operating Income				% Net Sales			Net Income				Diluted EPS					Operating Income				% Net Sales			Net Income				Diluted EPS
As reported (GAAP)	$	189.9			6.3	%		$	109.7			$	2.50				$	371.9			10.6	%		$	263.8			$	5.85
Intangible asset impairment	26.5							20.2				0.46					30.8							23.7				0.52
Goodwill impairment	17.7							17.7				0.40					—							—				—
COVID-19 expenses	21.4							16.2				0.37					—							—				—
Restructuring costs	16.6							12.9				0.29					1.6							1.3				0.03
Retail store operating leases and other long-lived asset impairments, net	7.6							5.8				0.13					—							—				—
Debt extinguishment loss	—							—				—					—							6.0				0.13
Customer bankruptcy recovery	—							—				—					(0.6		)					(0.4		)		(0.01		)
Store restructuring	—							—				—					(0.7		)					(0.6		)		(0.01		)
China business model change	—							—				—					(2.1		)					(2.1		)		(0.05		)
As adjusted	$	279.8			9.3	%		$	182.6			$	4.16				$	401.0			11.4	%		$	291.7			$	6.46
Note: Results may not be additive due to rounding.

Consolidated Results

Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2020 (14 weeks) compared to Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2019 (13 weeks)

Consolidated net sales decreased $110.6 million, or 10.1%, to $989.9 million, compared to $1,100.5 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. Sales declined in all segments principally due to disruptions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. Wholesale segment sale decline reflected lower shipments to certain customers, in part due to the Company’s decision to reduce fall and winter inventory commitments and delayed inventory receipts, partially offset by continued momentum in sales of exclusive brands to Target, Walmart, and Amazon. U.S. Retail segment comparable sales declined 9%, reflecting a decline in store sales, partially offset by eCommerce growth of 16%. The International segment sales decline reflected reduced wholesale channel shipments outside of North America and the adverse effects of lower traffic and store closures in Canada, partially offset by strong eCommerce growth in Canada and Mexico.

Operating income decreased $28.9 million, or 17.8%, to $133.9 million, compared to $162.8 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. Operating margin decreased 130 basis points to 13.5%. Adjusted operating income (a non-GAAP measure) decreased $16.8 million, or 10.3%, to $145.5 million, compared to $162.2 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. Adjusted operating margin was comparable at 14.7%, reflecting improved price realization and lower inventory provisions that were offset by higher compensation provisions and increased investments in marketing, omni-channel capabilities, and distribution.

Net income decreased $26.1 million, or 20.9%, to $99.0 million, or $2.26 per diluted share, compared to $125.1 million, or $2.82 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. Adjusted net income (a non-GAAP measure) decreased $16.9 million, or 13.5%, to $107.9 million, compared to $124.7 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. Adjusted earnings per diluted share (a non-GAAP measure) decreased 12.5% to $2.46, compared to $2.81 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019.

Fiscal Year 2020 (53 weeks) compared to Fiscal Year 2019 (52 weeks)

Consolidated net sales decreased $495.0 million, or 14.1%, to $3.0 billion. This decline primarily reflected the temporary closure of Company-operated stores (particularly during the months of March, April, and May), and for many of the Company’s stores in Canada and Mexico (in December), and decreased sales to certain wholesale customers as a result of disruptions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. These declines were partially offset by strong eCommerce channel growth. Comparable eCommerce sales in the U.S. and Canada increased 30% and 71%, respectively. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates used for translation in fiscal 2020, as compared to fiscal 2019, had an unfavorable effect of approximately $4.7 million, or 0.2%.

Operating income in fiscal 2020 was $189.9 million, compared to $371.9 million in fiscal 2019. Adjusted operating income (a non-GAAP measure) was $279.8 million, compared to $401.0 million in fiscal 2019. The decrease reflects the decline in net sales, increased inventory provisions, and lower royalty income, partially offset by a reduction in selling, general, and administrative expenses.

Net income in fiscal 2020 was $109.7 million, or $2.50 per diluted share, compared to $263.8 million, or $5.85 per diluted share, in fiscal 2019. Adjusted net income (a non-GAAP measure) was $182.6 million, compared to $291.7 million in fiscal 2019. Adjusted earnings per diluted share (a non-GAAP measure) was $4.16, compared to $6.46 in fiscal 2019.

Net cash provided by operations in fiscal 2020 was $589.9 million compared to $387.2 million in fiscal 2019. The increase was primarily due to an extension of vendor payment terms and deferrals of retail store lease payments, partially offset by lower earnings related to COVID-19.

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.

Liquidity and Financial Position

The Company’s total liquidity at the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 was $1.8 billion, comprised of cash and cash equivalents of $1.1 billion and approximately $745 million in available borrowing capacity on its secured revolving credit facility.

In the first half of 2020, the Company announced that, in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, it temporarily suspended its common stock share repurchase program and quarterly cash dividend. No distributions of capital occurred in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020. Provisions in the Company’s amended secured revolving credit facility restrict the Company’s ability to pay cash dividends or repurchase its common stock through the third fiscal quarter of 2021. The Company’s Board of Directors will evaluate future distributions of capital, including share repurchases and dividends, based on a number of factors, including restrictions under the Company’s revolving credit facility, business conditions, the Company’s financial performance, and other considerations.

The Company believes it has sufficient liquidity for the foreseeable future to maintain its operations and manage through the ongoing disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021 Business Outlook

For fiscal 2021 (a 52 week fiscal year), the Company projects net sales will increase approximately 5% and adjusted diluted earnings per share will increase approximately 10% compared to adjusted diluted earnings per share of $4.16 in fiscal 2020. This forecast contemplates: 1) lingering effects of the global pandemic and 2) sales and adjusted diluted earnings per share growth to be heavily weighted to the first half of the fiscal year. This forecast excludes approximately $7 million of expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including costs associated with additional protective equipment and cleaning supplies.

For the first quarter of fiscal 2021, the Company projects net sales will be comparable to the first quarter of fiscal 2020 and adjusted diluted earnings per share will be approximately $0.25 compared to adjusted diluted loss per share of $0.81 in the first quarter of fiscal 2020. This forecast: 1) contemplates lingering effects of the global pandemic and the adverse effects of transportation delays resulting in late product receipts and 2) excludes approximately $3 million of expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including costs associated with additional protective equipment and cleaning supplies.

The Company will hold a conference call with investors to discuss fourth quarter and fiscal 2020 results and its business outlook on February 26, 2021 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time. To participate in the call, please dial 323-701-0225. To listen to a live broadcast via the internet and view the accompanying presentation materials, please visit ir.carters.com and select links for “News & Events” followed by “Webcasts & Presentations.” A replay of the call will be available shortly after the broadcast through March 28, 2021, at 888-203-1112 (U.S./Canada) or +1 719-457-0820 (international), passcode 9054653. The replay will also be archived online on the “Webcasts & Presentations” page noted above.

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 1,100 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, earnings, liquidity, strategy, 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.

CARTER’S, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (dollars in thousands, except for share data) (unaudited)
		For the fiscal quarter ended								For the fiscal year ended
		January 2, 2021				December 28, 2019				January 2, 2021				December 28, 2019
		(14 weeks)				(13 weeks)				(53 weeks)				(52 weeks)
Net sales		$	989,897			$	1,100,523			$	3,024,334			$	3,519,286
Cost of goods sold		525,446				632,295				1,696,224				2,008,630
Adverse purchase commitments (inventory and raw materials), net		(1,498		)		752				14,668				2,106
Gross profit		465,949				467,476				1,313,442				1,508,550
Royalty income, net		6,287				7,266				26,276				34,637
Selling, general, and administrative expenses		338,370				311,975				1,105,607				1,140,515
Goodwill impairment		—				—				17,742				—
Intangible asset impairment		—				—				26,500				30,800
Operating income		133,866				162,767				189,869				371,872
Interest expense		15,539				8,950				56,062				37,617
Interest income		(298		)		(366		)		(1,515		)		(1,303		)
Other (income) expense, net		(2,309		)		(691		)		338				(217		)
Loss on extinguishment of debt		—				—				—				7,823
Income before income taxes		120,934				154,874				134,984				327,952
Provision for income taxes		21,920				29,727				25,267				64,150
Net income		$	99,014			$	125,147			$	109,717			$	263,802
Basic net income per common share		$	2.26			$	2.84			$	2.51			$	5.89
Diluted net income per common share		$	2.26			$	2.82			$	2.50			$	5.85
Dividend declared and paid per common share		$	—			$	0.50			$	0.60			$	2.00

CARTER’S, INC. CONDENSED BUSINESS SEGMENT RESULTS (dollars in thousands) (unaudited)
	For the fiscal quarter ended															For the fiscal year ended
	January 2, 2021 (14 weeks)				% of total sales			December 28, 2019 (13 weeks)				% of total sales				January 2, 2021 (53 weeks)				% of total sales			December 28, 2019 (52 weeks)				% of total sales
Net sales:
U.S. Retail	$	585,762			59.2	%		$	619,868			56.3	%			$	1,671,644			55.3	%		$	1,884,150			53.5	%
U.S. Wholesale	290,079				29.3	%		348,932				31.7	%			996,088				32.9	%		1,205,646				34.3	%
International	114,056				11.5	%		131,723				12.0	%			356,602				11.8	%		429,490				12.2	%
Total net sales	$	989,897			100.0	%		$	1,100,523			100.0	%			$	3,024,334			100.0	%		$	3,519,286			100.0	%
Operating income (loss):					Operating margin							Operating margin								Operating margin							Operating margin
U.S. Retail	$	107,904			18.4	%		$	101,307			16.3	%			$	146,806			8.8	%		$	225,874			12.0	%
U.S. Wholesale	52,315				18.0	%		67,377				19.3	%			141,456				14.2	%		212,558				17.6	%
International	14,595				12.8	%		21,299				16.2	%			(1,224		)		(0.3	)%		36,650				8.5	%
Corporate expenses (*)	(40,948		)		n/a			(27,216		)		n/a				(97,169		)		n/a			(103,210		)		n/a
Total operating income	$	133,866			13.5	%		$	162,767			14.8	%			$	189,869			6.3	%		$	371,872			10.6	%

(∗)	Corporate expenses include expenses related to incentive compensation, stock-based compensation, executive management, severance and relocation, finance, office occupancy, information technology, certain legal fees, consulting fees, and audit fees.

(dollars in millions)	Fiscal quarter ended January 2, 2021												Fiscal year ended January 2, 2021
Charges:	U.S. Retail				U.S. Wholesale				International				U.S. Retail				U.S. Wholesale				International
Restructuring costs(1)	$	1.6			$	0.5			$	0.3			$	5.0			$	2.0			$	2.2
Goodwill impairment	—				—				—				—				—				17.7
Skip Hop tradename impairment charge	—				—				—				0.5				6.8				3.7
OshKosh tradename impairment charge	—				—				—				13.6				1.6				0.3
Incremental costs associated with COVID-19 pandemic	1.3				1.1				0.2				9.6				9.6				2.2
Retail store operating leases and other long-lived asset impairments, net of gain(2)	1.1				—				0.1				7.4				—				0.3
Total charges	$	4.0			$	1.6			$	0.6			$	36.1			$	20.0			$	26.4

(1)	The fiscal quarter and fiscal year ended January 2, 2021 also include corporate charges related to organizational restructuring of $5.4 million and $7.4 million, respectively.
(2)	Impairments include an immaterial gain on the remeasurement of retail store operating leases.

(dollars in millions)	Fiscal quarter ended December 28, 2019												Fiscal year ended December 28, 2019
Charges:	U.S. Retail				U.S. Wholesale				International				U.S. Retail				U.S. Wholesale				International
Skip Hop tradename impairment charge	$	—			$	—			$	—			$	1.2			$	19.1			$	10.5
Benefit related to sale of inventory previously reserved in China	—				—				—				—				—				(2.1		)
Reversal of store restructuring costs previously recorded during the third quarter of fiscal 2017	—				—				—				(0.7		)		—				—
Customer bankruptcy recovery					(0.6		)		—				—				(0.6		)		—
Total charges(1)	$	—			$	(0.6	)		$	—			$	0.5			$	18.5			$	8.4

(1)	The fiscal year ended December 28, 2019 also includes corporate charges related to organizational restructuring of $1.6 million.

CARTER’S, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (dollars in thousands, except for share data) (unaudited)
	January 2, 2021				December 28, 2019
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,102,323			$	214,311
Accounts receivable, net of allowanc

FAQ

What were Carter's financial results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020?

Carter's reported a Q4 net sales decrease of 10.1% to $989.9 million, with net income falling 20.9% to $99 million.

What is Carter's projected outlook for fiscal 2021?

Carter's expects approximately 5% growth in net sales and a 10% increase in adjusted diluted EPS for fiscal 2021.

How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact Carter's sales?

The pandemic led to decreased sales across all segments, with a significant decline in the U.S. Wholesale and International segments.

What is the current liquidity position of Carter's, Inc.?

Carter's total liquidity at the end of Q4 fiscal 2020 was $1.8 billion, providing financial stability.