Carter's, Inc. Reports Second Quarter Fiscal 2013 Results

Carter's, Inc. Reports Second Quarter Fiscal 2013 Results

• Net Sales $518 Million, Up 10%

• EPS $0.33, Down 6%; Adjusted EPS $0.46, Up 24%

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Carter's, Inc. (NYS: CRI) , the largest branded marketer in the United States of apparel exclusively for babies and young children, today reported its second quarter fiscal 2013 results.

"Our second quarter results reflect strong sales growth driven by our Carter's brand retail stores, and our eCommerce and International operations," said Michael D. Casey, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We've made good progress with our growth initiatives in the first half of this year, which include consolidating our operations in Atlanta, improving our supply chain capabilities, integrating our operations in Japan, and strengthening our information systems. We believe these initiatives will help enable the long term growth we envision for our business. We continue to expect good growth in sales and earnings this year."

Second Quarter of Fiscal 2013 compared to Second Quarter of Fiscal 2012

Consolidated net sales increased $45.7 million, or 9.7%, to $517.9 million. Net domestic sales of the Company's Carter's brands increased $32.3 million, or 8.9%, to $396.1 million. Net domestic sales of the Company's OshKosh B'gosh brand decreased $3.4 million, or 4.7%, to $67.7 million. Net international sales increased $16.8 million, or 44.9%, to $54.0 million.

Operating income in the second quarter of fiscal 2013 was $32.7 million, a decrease of $1.7 million, or 4.9%, from $34.4 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2012. Second quarter fiscal 2013 pre-tax income includes approximately $12.1 million in costs incurred in connection with the office consolidation, the revaluation of contingent consideration associated with the acquisition of Bonnie Togs in 2011, and amortization of recently acquired tradenames, which is detailed later in this release. Second quarter fiscal 2012 pre-tax income included expenses totaling approximately $1.8 million related to the previously-announced Hogansville, Georgia distribution center closure in 2013 and revaluation of the Bonnie Togs contingent consideration. The Hogansville facility is expected to close by the end of fiscal 2013. Excluding the facility consolidation and closure-related costs and acquisition-related expenses noted above, adjusted operating income in the second quarter of fiscal 2013 increased $8.6 million, or 23.8%, to $44.9 million. This compares to adjusted operating income of $36.2 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2012.

Net income in the second quarter of fiscal 2013 decreased $1.1 million, or 5.4%, to $19.7 million, or $0.33 per diluted share, compared to $20.8 million, or $0.35 per diluted share, in the second quarter of fiscal 2012. Excluding the facility consolidation and closure-related costs, and acquisition-related expenses noted above, adjusted net income in the second quarter of fiscal 2013 increased $5.3 million, or 23.8%, to $27.7 million, or $0.46 per diluted share. This compares to adjusted net income of $22.4 million, or $0.37 per diluted share, in the second quarter of fiscal 2012.

A reconciliation of income as reported under GAAP to adjusted income is provided at the end of this release.

Business Segment Results (Second Quarter of Fiscal 2013 compared to Second Quarter of Fiscal 2012)

Carter's Segments

Carter's retail segment sales increased $30.1 million, or 17.8%, to $199.4 million. The increase was driven by incremental sales of $18.1 million from new store openings, a 39.0% increase in eCommerce sales, or $7.9 million, and a comparable store sales increase of 3.9%, or $5.6 million. This growth was partially offset by $1.5 million in lower sales due to store closings. In the second quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company opened 15 Carter's retail stores. As of the end of the second quarter, the Company operated 438 Carter's retail stores in the United States.

Carter's wholesale segment sales increased $2.2 million, or 1.1%, to $196.7 million.

OshKosh B'gosh Segments

OshKosh retail segment sales decreased $1.9 million, or 3.2%, to $56.4 million. The decrease reflects a comparable store sales decline of $2.5 million, or 5.1%, and $2.5 million in lower sales due to store closings. The decreases were partially offset by $1.8 million in sales from new store openings, and a 24.9% increase in eCommerce sales, or $1.4 million. As of the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company operated 164 OshKosh retail stores in the United States.

OshKosh wholesale segment sales decreased $1.5 million, or 11.6%, to $11.3 million.

International Segment

International segment sales increased $16.8 million, or 44.9%, to $54.0 million, principally driven by growth in the wholesale channel and the Company's Canadian retail store business. Canadian comparable store sales declined 1.2%, reflecting a 7.2% decline in Bonnie Togs format stores and a 3.9% increase in Carter's / OshKosh co-branded stores. Japan operations contributed $4.7 million to segment sales.

Acquisition of Tradenames

On June 13, 2013, the Company acquired worldwide rights to Carter's Watch the Wear and H.W. Carter & Sons brands. The Company believes the acquisition reduces possible brand confusion and facilitates expansion in certain key international markets. Total consideration paid for these assets was approximately $38.0 million in cash. This transaction was recorded as an asset acquisition and the value of the tradenames is being amortized on an accelerated basis over three years.

First Half of Fiscal 2013 compared to First Half of Fiscal 2012

Consolidated net sales increased $85.1 million, or 8.3%, to $1,108.9 million. Net domestic sales of the Company's Carter's brands increased $62.2 million, or 7.9%, to $852.7 million. Net domestic sales of the Company's OshKosh B'gosh brand decreased $8.1 million, or 5.4%, to $141.3 million. Net international sales increased $30.9 million, or 36.8%, to $114.9 million.

Operating income in the first half of fiscal 2013 was $99.7 million, an increase of $11.5 million, or 13.0%, from $88.2 million in the first half of fiscal 2012. Pre-tax income for the first half of fiscal 2013 includes approximately $21.6 million in costs incurred in connection with the office consolidation, the revaluation of contingent consideration associated with the acquisition of Bonnie Togs in 2011, costs associated with the Hogansville distribution center closure, and the amortization of acquired tradenames noted above. Pre-tax income for the first half of fiscal 2012 includes expenses totaling approximately $3.6 million related to the Hogansville distribution center closure and revaluation of the Bonnie Togs contingent consideration. Excluding the facility consolidation and closure-related costs, and acquisition-related expenses noted above, adjusted operating income in the first half of fiscal 2013 increased $29.4 million, or 32.0%, to $121.3 million. This compares to adjusted operating income of $91.8 million in the first half of fiscal 2012.

Net income in the first half of fiscal 2013 increased $8.0 million, or 15.1%, to $61.1 million, or $1.02 per diluted share, compared to $53.1 million, or $0.89 per diluted share, in the first half of fiscal 2012. Excluding the facility consolidation and closure-related costs, and acquisition-related expenses noted above, adjusted net income in the first half of fiscal 2013 increased $19.4 million, or 34.6%, to $75.4 million, or $1.26 per diluted share. This compares to adjusted net income of $56.0 million, or $0.94 per diluted share, in the first half of fiscal 2012.

A reconciliation of income as reported under GAAP to adjusted income is provided at the end of this release.

Cash flow from operations in the first half of fiscal 2013 was $69.8 million compared to cash flow from operations of $89.9 million in the first half of fiscal 2012. The decrease principally reflects changes in working capital.

Business Segment Results (First Half of Fiscal 2013 compared to First Half of Fiscal 2012)

Carter's Segments

Carter's retail segment sales increased $61.3 million, or 17.7%, to $407.8 million in the first half of fiscal 2013. The increase was driven by incremental sales of $37.4 million from new store openings, as well as a comparable store sales increase of 2.2%, or $6.5 million, and a 49.7% increase in eCommerce sales, or $21.2 million. This growth was partially offset by $3.7 million in lower sales due to store closings. In the first half of fiscal 2013, the Company opened 27 Carter's retail stores and closed two.

Carter's wholesale segment sales increased $0.9 million, or 0.2%, to $444.9 million.

OshKosh B'gosh Segments

OshKosh retail segment sales decreased $4.5 million, or 3.9%, to $111.8 million. The decrease reflects a comparable store sales decline of $7.2 million, or 7.3%, and $5.0 million in lower sales due to store closings. The decreases were partially offset by a 35.8% increase in eCommerce sales, or $4.2 million, and $3.5 million in sales from new store openings. In the first half of fiscal 2013, the Company closed four OshKosh retail stores.

OshKosh wholesale segment sales decreased $3.6 million, or 10.8%, to $29.5 million.

International Segment

International segment sales increased $30.9 million, or 36.8%, to $114.9 million, principally driven by growth in the wholesale channel and the Company's Canadian retail store business. Canadian comparable store sales declined 2.5%, reflecting an 8.7% decline in Bonnie Togs format stores and a 3.4% increase in Carter's / OshKosh co-branded stores. Japan operations contributed $8.2 million to segment sales.

Stock Repurchase Program

On May 9, 2013, our Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase shares of its common stock up to $300 million, inclusive of amounts remaining under previous authorizations. Such purchases may be made in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, with the level and timing of activity being at the discretion of the Company's management depending on market conditions, stock price, other investment priorities, and other factors. This share repurchase authorization has no expiration date.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company repurchased 433,402 shares of its common stock for $28.8 million at an average price of $66.49 per share. During the first half of fiscal 2013, the Company repurchased 590,002 shares for $37.8 million at an average price of $63.99 per share. Year-to-date through July 24, 2013, the Company has repurchased a total of 703,902 shares for $46.2 million at an average price of $65.62 per share. As of July 24, 2013, the total remaining capacity under the Board of Directors authorization was $275.2 million.

Dividends

On May 9, 2013, the Company announced the initiation of a quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per share, which was paid on June 14, 2013 to holders of record as of May 31, 2013. Future declarations of quarterly dividends and the establishment of future record and payment dates 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.

Capital Structure Review / Planned Financing Transaction

As part of the Company's ongoing review of opportunities to improve its capital structure and to take advantage of historically attractive interest rates, the Company plans to engage in a financing transaction to raise new debt to fund the return of additional capital to shareholders. The amount, type, terms, and timing of this financing and the method of any return of capital are subject to market and business conditions, including interest rates, Company performance, and other considerations.

2013 Business Outlook

For the third quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company expects net sales will increase approximately 12% compared to net sales of $669 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2012. The Company expects adjusted diluted earnings per share to increase in the low single digit percentage range compared to adjusted diluted earnings per share of $1.02 in the third quarter of fiscal 2012. This forecast for third quarter fiscal 2013 adjusted earnings per share excludes anticipated expenses of approximately $10 million to $12 million related to the office consolidation, approximately $6 million related to the amortization of acquired tradenames discussed above, approximately $1 million to $2 million for earn-out arrangements related to the acquisition of Bonnie Togs and the previously-announced distribution center closure, or other items the Company believes to be non-representative of underlying business performance.

For fiscal 2013, the Company expects net sales will increase approximately 8% to 10% compared to net sales of $2.4 billion in fiscal 2012. The Company expects adjusted diluted earnings per share to increase approximately 15% to 17% compared to adjusted diluted earnings per share of $2.85 in fiscal 2012. This forecast for fiscal 2013 adjusted diluted earnings per share excludes anticipated expenses of approximately $37 million to $41 million related to the office consolidation, approximately $14 million related to the amortization of acquired tradenames discussed above, approximately $5 million for earn-out arrangements related to the acquisition of Bonnie Togs and the previously-announced distribution center closure, or other items the Company believes to be non-representative of underlying business performance.

Conference Call

The Company will hold a conference call with investors to discuss second quarter fiscal 2013 results and its business outlook on July 25, 2013 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. To participate in the call, please dial 913-312-1430. To listen to a live broadcast of the call on the internet, please log on to www.carters.com and select the "Second Quarter 2013 Earnings Conference Call" link under the "Investor Relations" tab. Presentation materials for the call can be accessed under the same "Investor Relations" tab by selecting the "Webcasts & Presentations" link under the "News & Events" tab. A replay of the call will be available shortly after the broadcast through August 3, 2013, at 888-203-1112 (U.S. / Canada) or 719-457-0820 (international), passcode 3235905. The replay will also be archived on the Company's website.

About Carter's, Inc.

Carter's, Inc. is the largest branded marketer in the United States of apparel and related products 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 more than 600 Company-operated stores in the United States, Canada, and Japan and on-line at www.carters.com and www.oshkoshbgosh.com. The Company's Just One You, Precious Firsts, and Genuine Kids brands are available at Target, and its Child of Mine brand is available at Walmart. Carter's is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Additional information may be found at www.carters.com.

Cautionary Language

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 relating to the Company's future performance, including, without limitation, statements with respect to the Company's anticipated financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2013 and fiscal year 2013, or any other future period, assessment of the Company's performance and financial position, and drivers of the Company's sales and earnings growth. 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 should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated, or projected. Factors that could cause actual results to materially differ include the risks of: losing one or more major customers; the Company's products not being accepted in the marketplace; changes in consumer preference and fashion trends; negative publicity; the Company failing to protect its intellectual property; the breach of the Company's consumer databases; incurring costs in connection with cooperating with regulatory investigations and proceedings; increased production costs; deflationary pricing pressures; decreases in the overall level of consumer spending; disruptions resulting from the Company's dependence on foreign supply sources; the Company's foreign supply sources not meeting the Company's quality standards or regulatory requirements; disruption to the Company's eCommerce business or distribution facilities due to the planned transition or otherwise; disruptions in the Company's supply chain or in-sourcing capabilities resulting from sourcing through a single port or otherwise; the loss of the Company's principal product sourcing agent; increased competition in the baby and young children's apparel market; the Company being unable to identify new retail store locations or negotiate appropriate lease terms for the retail stores; the Company not adequately forecasting demand, which could, among other things, create significant levels of excess inventory; failure to achieve sales growth plans, cost savings, and other assumptions that support the carrying value of the Company's intangible assets; not attracting and retaining key individuals within the organization; failure to implement needed upgrades to the Company's information technology systems; disruptions resulting from the Company's transition of distribution functions to its new Braselton facility; charges related to the consolidation of certain Company offices into a new headquarters facility in Atlanta, Georgia being greater than estimated; the office consolidation not being completed during the expected time frame; the Company not achieving the expected benefits of the office consolidation; being unsuccessful in expanding into international markets and failing to successfully manage legal, regulatory, political and economic risks of international operations, including maintaining compliance with world-wide anti-bribery laws. Many of these risks are further described in the most recently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the headings "Risk Factors" and "Forward-Looking Statements." The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.