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.

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.