The Children’s Place Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Results
The Children’s Place, Inc. reported a decrease in net sales for the fourth quarter and fiscal year of 2023, primarily due to lower store count and traffic declines, offset by e-commerce growth. Despite a boost in gross profit, the company faced margin pressure from aggressive promotions and underperforming wholesale business. Operating loss and net loss increased, impacted by impairment charges and higher interest expenses. The Company secured new capital through loans, enhancing liquidity.
Comparable retail sales increased by 4.8% in the fourth quarter.
Adjusted gross profit increased by $19.2 million, leveraging 420 basis points.
Operating loss decreased from ($64.8) million to ($61.8) million in the fourth quarter.
Generated $135.4 million in operating cash flows in the three months ended February 3, 2024.
Secured $78.6 million in unsecured subordinated loans and an additional $90 million term loan for working capital.
Net sales decreased by $106.0 million, or 6.2%, for fiscal year 2023.
Gross profit decreased by $68.9 million, deleveraging 230 basis points in the twelve months ended February 3, 2024.
Operating loss increased from ($1.5) million to ($83.8) million in the twelve months ended February 3, 2024.
Net loss increased from ($1.1) million to ($154.5) million in the twelve months ended February 3, 2024.
Impairment charges of $29.0 million on the Gymboree tradename impacted financial results.
Insights
The reported decrease in net sales by $1.1 million, paired with the reductions in retail sales, illustrate a challenging retail environment for The Children's Place. However, the strength in e-commerce suggests a shift in consumer preferences towards online shopping. The increase in adjusted gross profit highlights the company's ability to manage costs effectively, particularly in a period marked by reductions in product input costs.
While the decrease in operating loss is a positive signal, the underlying drivers, such as the impairment charge on the Gymboree tradename, indicate potential long-term challenges in brand valuation. Additionally, the increase in net interest expense reflects the company's higher leverage and the burden of rising interest rates on its balance sheet.
The large increase in the provision for income taxes, due to the establishment of a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets, casts a shadow on the company's future tax benefits and indicates a bearish outlook on profitability. The net losses reported both quarterly and annually are significant and could be of concern to investors evaluating the company's long-term health.
Finally, the store closure initiative aligns with the industry's shift towards digital transformation but also sheds light on the challenges brick-and-mortar retailers face in maintaining physical store profitability.
The omni-channel strategy and the adept handling of supply chain costs reflect The Children's Place's efforts to navigate a retail segment that is experiencing a fundamental transformation. The increase in wholesale revenue, despite its lower margin profile, may be a strategic move to diversify revenue streams.
As the company closes stores and ends the year with a reduced square footage of 2.6 million, the pivot towards e-commerce could be a double-edged sword; it may drive efficiency but also must contend with rising competition in the online space. The deleveraging of fixed expenses against the backdrop of declining net sales is a notable point, as it suggests that cost containment efforts are not fully offsetting revenue declines.
The mix of financing strategies, including the utilization of a revolving credit facility, term loans and securing loans from a major shareholder, indicates an active approach to financial management. However, the reliance on such measures also underscores a need for capital which may raise investor concerns regarding the company's liquidity and solvency in the near to medium term.
The increase in net interest expense is significant and suggests that The Children's Place's cost of borrowing has risen notably due to market-based rate increases. This could signal tighter financial conditions for the company, potentially impacting its future capital raising activities and financial flexibility.
Moreover, securing unsecured subordinated loans from a majority shareholder and entering into a commitment for additional credit facilities indicate that the company is seeking alternative liquidity solutions, which can be both a sign of proactive management and a red flag regarding the state of the company's balance sheet.
From an investor's perspective, the focus would be on the terms of these loans and their implications on the company's financial health, particularly in terms of debt servicing capabilities and potential dilution of existing shareholders' interests.
SECAUCUS, N.J., May 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Children’s Place, Inc. (Nasdaq: PLCE), an omni-channel children’s specialty portfolio of brands with an industry-leading digital-first model, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended February 3, 2024.
Fourth Quarter 2023 Results
Net sales decreased
Gross profit and adjusted gross profit increased by
Selling, general, and administrative expenses were
Operating loss was (
Net interest expense was
Provision for income taxes was
Net loss was (
Fiscal 2023 Results
Net sales decreased
Gross profit decreased
Selling, general, and administrative expenses were
Operating loss was (
Net interest expense was
Provision for income taxes was
Net loss was (
Store Update
The Company closed 68 stores in the three months ended February 3, 2024 and closed 90 stores in the twelve months ended February 3, 2024.
The Company ended the quarter with 523 stores and square footage of 2.6 million, a decrease of
Balance Sheet and Cash Flow
As of February 3, 2024, the Company had
Inventories were
As previously announced, the Company recently secured a total of
Non-GAAP Reconciliation
The Company’s results are reported in this press release on a GAAP and as adjusted, non-GAAP basis. Adjusted net income (loss), adjusted net income (loss) per diluted share, adjusted gross profit, adjusted selling, general, and administrative expenses and adjusted operating income (loss) are non-GAAP measures, and are not intended to replace GAAP financial information, and may be different from non-GAAP measures reported by other companies. The Company believes the income and expense items excluded as non-GAAP adjustments are not reflective of the performance of its core business, and that providing this supplemental disclosure to investors will facilitate comparisons of the past and present performance of its core business.
Please refer to the “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Information to GAAP” later in this press release, which sets forth the non-operating adjustments for the 14- and 53-week period ended February 3, 2024, and 13- and 52-week period ended January 28, 2023.
About The Children’s Place
The Children’s Place is an omni-channel children’s specialty portfolio of brands with an industry-leading digital-first model. Its global retail and wholesale network includes two digital storefronts, more than 500 stores in North America, wholesale marketplaces and distribution in 16 countries through six international franchise partners. The Children’s Place is proud to be a woman-led Company, including industry-leading gender diversity in senior management and throughout all levels of its workforce, and of its commitment to sustainable business practices that benefit its customers, associates, investors, suppliers and the communities it serves. The Children’s Place designs, contracts to manufacture, and sells fashionable, high-quality apparel, accessories and footwear predominantly at value prices, primarily under its proprietary brands: “The Children’s Place”, “Gymboree”, “Sugar & Jade”, and “PJ Place”. For more information , visit: www.childrensplace.com and www.gymboree.com, as well as the Company’s social media channels on Instagram, Facebook, X, formerly known as Twitter, YouTube and Pinterest.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains or may contain forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including but not limited to statements relating to the Company’s strategic initiatives and results of operations, including adjusted net income (loss) per diluted share. Forward-looking statements typically are identified by use of terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “plan,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate” and similar words, although some forward-looking statements are expressed differently. These forward-looking statements are based upon the Company’s current expectations and assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and performance to differ materially. Some of these risks and uncertainties are described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including in the “Risk Factors” section of its annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2024. Included among the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and performance to differ materially are the risk that the Company will be unable to achieve operating results at levels sufficient to fund and/or finance the Company’s current level of operations and repayment of indebtedness, the risk that the Company will be unsuccessful in gauging fashion trends and changing consumer preferences, the risks resulting from the highly competitive nature of the Company’s business and its dependence on consumer spending patterns, which may be affected by changes in economic conditions (including inflation), the risk that the Company’s strategic initiatives to increase sales and margin are delayed or do not result in anticipated improvements, the risk of delays, interruptions, disruptions and higher costs in the Company’s global supply chain, including resulting from disease outbreaks, foreign sources of supply in less developed countries, more politically unstable countries, or countries where vendors fail to comply with industry standards or ethical business practices, including the use of forced, indentured or child labor, the risk that the cost of raw materials or energy prices will increase beyond current expectations or that the Company is unable to offset cost increases through value engineering or price increases, various types of litigation, including class action litigations brought under securities, consumer protection, employment, and privacy and information security laws and regulations, the imposition of regulations affecting the importation of foreign-produced merchandise, including duties and tariffs, risks related to the existence of a controlling shareholder, and the uncertainty of weather patterns. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they were made. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
Contact: Investor Relations (201) 558-2400 ext. 14500
THE CHILDREN’S PLACE, INC. | |||||||||||||||
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS | |||||||||||||||
(In thousands, except per share amounts) | |||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||
Fourth Quarter Ended | Year Ended | ||||||||||||||
February 3, 2024 | January 28, 2023 | February 3, 2024 | January 28, 2023 | ||||||||||||
Net sales | $ | 455,034 | $ | 456,126 | $ | 1,602,508 | $ | 1,708,482 | |||||||
Cost of sales | 356,123 | 376,402 | 1,157,234 | 1,194,320 | |||||||||||
Gross profit | 98,911 | 79,724 | 445,274 | 514,162 | |||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 117,587 | 130,494 | 447,343 | 460,972 | |||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 11,652 | 12,145 | 47,186 | 51,464 | |||||||||||
Asset impairment charges | 31,429 | 1,877 | 34,543 | 3,256 | |||||||||||
Operating loss | (61,757 | ) | (64,792 | ) | (83,798 | ) | (1,530 | ) | |||||||
Interest expense, net | (8,518 | ) | (5,152 | ) | (30,000 | ) | (13,232 | ) | |||||||
Loss before provision (benefit) for income taxes | (70,275 | ) | (69,944 | ) | (113,798 | ) | (14,762 | ) | |||||||
Provision (benefit) for income taxes | 58,561 | (19,419 | ) | 40,743 | (13,624 | ) | |||||||||
Net loss | $ | (128,836 | ) | $ | (50,525 | ) | $ | (154,541 | ) | $ | (1,138 | ) | |||
Loss per common share | |||||||||||||||
Basic | $ | (10.26 | ) | $ | (4.10 | ) | $ | (12.36 | ) | $ | (0.09 | ) | |||
Diluted | $ | (10.26 | ) | $ | (4.10 | ) | $ | (12.36 | ) | $ | (0.09 | ) | |||
Weighted average common shares outstanding | |||||||||||||||
Basic | 12,556 | 12,332 | 12,501 | 13,041 | |||||||||||
Diluted | 12,556 | 12,332 | 12,501 | 13,041 |
THE CHILDREN’S PLACE, INC. | |||||||||||||||
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION TO GAAP | |||||||||||||||
(In thousands, except per share amounts) | |||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||
Fourth Quarter Ended | Year Ended | ||||||||||||||
February 3, 2024 | January 28, 2023 | February 3, 2024 | January 28, 2023 | ||||||||||||
Net loss | $ | (128,836 | ) | $ | (50,525 | ) | $ | (154,541 | ) | $ | (1,138 | ) | |||
Non-GAAP adjustments: | |||||||||||||||
Asset impairment charges | 31,429 | 1,877 | 34,543 | 3,256 | |||||||||||
Provision for legal settlement | 3,000 | — | 3,000 | — | |||||||||||
Fleet optimization | 1,546 | 873 | 3,086 | 1,215 | |||||||||||
Credit agreement amendment | 1,012 | — | 1,762 | — | |||||||||||
Accelerated depreciation | 597 | — | 1,959 | 746 | |||||||||||
Restructuring costs | (225 | ) | 702 | 10,458 | 1,897 | ||||||||||
Settlement payment received | (6,461 | ) | — | (6,461 | ) | — | |||||||||
Contract termination costs | — | — | 2,961 | — | |||||||||||
Professional and consulting fees | — | — | — | 721 | |||||||||||
Legal reserve | — | 375 | — | 375 | |||||||||||
Provision for foreign settlement | — | — | — | 375 | |||||||||||
Aggregate impact of non-GAAP adjustments | 30,898 | 3,827 | 51,308 | 8,585 | |||||||||||
Income tax effect(1) | 5,228 | (995 | ) | (80 | ) | (2,162 | ) | ||||||||
Settlement of tax examination | — | — | — | (6,379 | ) | ||||||||||
Net impact of non-GAAP adjustments | 36,126 | 2,832 | 51,228 | 44 | |||||||||||
Adjusted net loss | $ | (92,710 | ) | $ | (47,693 | ) | $ | (103,313 | ) | $ | (1,094 | ) | |||
GAAP net loss per common share | $ | (10.26 | ) | $ | (4.10 | ) | $ | (12.36 | ) | $ | (0.09 | ) | |||
Adjusted net loss per common share | $ | (7.38 | ) | $ | (3.87 | ) | $ | (8.26 | ) | $ | (0.08 | ) |
(1) The tax effects of the non-GAAP items are calculated based on the statutory rate of the jurisdiction in which the discrete item resides, adjusted for the impact of any valuation allowance.
THE CHILDREN’S PLACE, INC. | |||||||||||||||
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION TO GAAP | |||||||||||||||
(In thousands, except per share amounts) | |||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||
Fourth Quarter Ended | Year Ended | ||||||||||||||
February 3, 2024 | January 28, 2023 | February 3, 2024 | January 28, 2023 | ||||||||||||
Operating loss | $ | (61,757 | ) | $ | (64,792 | ) | $ | (83,798 | ) | $ | (1,530 | ) | |||
Non-GAAP adjustments: | |||||||||||||||
Asset impairment charges | 31,429 | 1,877 | 34,543 | 3,256 | |||||||||||
Provision for legal settlement | 3,000 | — | 3,000 | — | |||||||||||
Fleet optimization | 1,546 | 873 | 3,086 | 1,215 | |||||||||||
Credit agreement amendment | 1,012 | — | 1,762 | — | |||||||||||
Accelerated depreciation | 597 | — | 1,959 | 746 | |||||||||||
Restructuring costs | (225 | ) | 702 | 10,458 | 1,897 | ||||||||||
Settlement payment received | (6,461 | ) | — | (6,461 | ) | — | |||||||||
Contract termination costs | — | — | 2,961 | — | |||||||||||
Professional and consulting fees | — | — | — | 721 | |||||||||||
Legal reserve | — | 375 | — | 375 | |||||||||||
Provision for foreign settlement | — | — | — | 375 | |||||||||||
Aggregate impact of non-GAAP adjustments | 30,898 | 3,827 | 51,308 | 8,585 | |||||||||||
Adjusted operating income (loss) | $ | (30,859 | ) | $ | (60,965 | ) | $ | (32,490 | ) | $ | 7,055 |
THE CHILDREN’S PLACE, INC. | ||||||||||||
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION TO GAAP | ||||||||||||
(In thousands, except per share amounts) | ||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||
Fourth Quarter Ended | Year Ended | |||||||||||
February 3, 2024 | January 28, 2023 | February 3, 2024 | January 28, 2023 | |||||||||
Gross profit | $ | 98,911 | $ | 79,724 | $ | 445,274 | $ | 514,162 | ||||
Non-GAAP adjustments: | ||||||||||||
Fleet optimization | — | — | — | (621 | ) | |||||||
Aggregate impact of non-GAAP adjustments | — | — | — | (621 | ) | |||||||
Adjusted gross profit | $ | 98,911 | $ | 79,724 | $ | 445,274 | $ | 513,541 |
Fourth Quarter Ended | Year Ended | ||||||||||||||
February 3, 2024 | January 28, 2023 | February 3, 2024 | January 28, 2023 | ||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | $ | 117,587 | $ | 130,494 | $ | 447,343 | $ | 460,972 | |||||||
Non-GAAP adjustments: | |||||||||||||||
Provision for legal settlement | (3,000 | ) | — | (3,000 | ) | — | |||||||||
Fleet optimization | (1,546 | ) | (873 | ) | (3,086 | ) | (1,836 | ) | |||||||
Credit agreement amendment | (1,012 | ) | — | (1,762 | ) | — | |||||||||
Restructuring costs | 225 | (702 | ) | (10,458 | ) | (1,897 | ) | ||||||||
Settlement payment received | 6,461 | — | 6,461 | — | |||||||||||
Contract termination costs | — | — | (2,961 | ) | (721 | ) | |||||||||
Legal reserve | — | (375 | ) | — | (375 | ) | |||||||||
Provision for foreign settlement | — | — | — | (375 | ) | ||||||||||
Aggregate impact of non-GAAP adjustments | 1,128 | (1,950 | ) | (14,806 | ) | (5,204 | ) | ||||||||
Adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses | $ | 118,715 | $ | 128,544 | $ | 432,537 | $ | 455,768 |
THE CHILDREN’S PLACE, INC. | ||||||
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | ||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||
February 3, 2024 | January 28, 2023* | |||||
Assets: | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 13,639 | $ | 16,689 | ||
Accounts receivable | 33,219 | 49,584 | ||||
Inventories | 362,099 | 447,795 | ||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 43,169 | 47,875 | ||||
Total current assets | 452,126 | 561,943 | ||||
Property and equipment, net | 124,750 | 149,874 | ||||
Right-of-use assets | 175,351 | 155,481 | ||||
Tradenames, net | 41,123 | 70,891 | ||||
Other assets, net | 6,958 | 48,092 | ||||
Total assets | $ | 800,308 | $ | 986,281 | ||
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity (Deficit): | ||||||
Revolving loan | $ | 226,715 | $ | 286,990 | ||
Accounts payable | 225,549 | 177,147 | ||||
Current portion of operating lease liabilities | 69,235 | 78,576 | ||||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 94,905 | 105,672 | ||||
Total current liabilities | 616,404 | 648,385 | ||||
Long-term debt | 49,818 | 49,752 | ||||
Long-term portion of operating lease liabilities | 118,073 | 96,482 | ||||
Other long-term liabilities | 25,032 | 33,184 | ||||
Total liabilities | 809,327 | 827,803 | ||||
Stockholders' equity (deficit) | (9,019 | ) | 158,478 | |||
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit) | $ | 800,308 | $ | 986,281 |
* Derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2023.
THE CHILDREN’S PLACE, INC. | |||||||
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS | |||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||
(Unaudited) | |||||||
Year Ended | |||||||
February 3, 2024 | January 28, 2023 | ||||||
Net loss | $ | (154,541 | ) | $ | (1,138 | ) | |
Non-cash adjustments | 197,448 | 159,732 | |||||
Working capital | 49,893 | (166,812 | ) | ||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 92,800 | (8,218 | ) | ||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (27,790 | ) | (45,948 | ) | |||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | (68,268 | ) | 17,056 | ||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | 208 | (988 | ) | ||||
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | (3,050 | ) | (38,098 | ) | |||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 16,689 | 54,787 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | 13,639 | $ | 16,689 |
FAQ
What were The Children’s Place net sales for the fourth quarter of 2023?
The Children's Place reported a decrease in net sales by $1.1 million, or 0.2%, to $455.0 million in the three months ended February 3, 2024.
How did the Company's operating loss change in the fourth quarter of 2023?
The operating loss decreased from ($64.8) million to ($61.8) million in the three months ended February 3, 2024.
What was the impact of impairment charges on The Children’s Place financial results?
The Company faced impairment charges of $29.0 million on the Gymboree tradename in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Did The Children’s Place secure additional capital recently?
Yes, the Company secured $78.6 million in unsecured subordinated loans and an additional $90 million term loan for working capital.
How did the Company's net loss change in fiscal year 2023?
The net loss increased from ($1.1) million to ($154.5) million in the twelve months ended February 3, 2024.