Carter’s FY net sales up by 21%

The largest American retailer for babies and young kids reported fourth quarter net sales of USD607 million, with a EPS of 0.59 dollar per share, while its adjusted EPS (USD0.63) went up by 5%. “In the fourth quarter, we achieved sales growth in every 

segment of our business, which reflects the strength of our brands and compelling value they provide to consumers,” said Michael D. Casey, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Consolidated net sales increased $111.4 million, or 22.5%, to $606.6 million. Net domestic sales of the Company’s Carter’s brands increased $54.5 million, or 14.1%, to $442.4 million. Net domestic sales of the Company’s OshKosh B’gosh brand increased $10.6 million, or 10.6%, to $110.0 million.

Net international sales, which are comprised of sales of Carter’s and OshKosh B’gosh branded products to wholesale customers outside the United States and Canadian retail store sales, increased $46.3 million to $54.3 million.

The Company’s pre-tax income in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 includes expenses related to the acquisition of Bonnie Togs, a Canadian children’s apparel retailer, of approximately $3.0 million.

Operating income in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 was $55.0 million, a decrease of $3.7 million, or 6.4%, from $58.8 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010. Excluding the effect of the acquisition-related expenses noted above and detailed at the end of this release, adjusted operating income in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 was $58.0 million, a decrease of $0.8 million, or 1.3%, from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010. The decrease primarily reflects the net effect of higher product costs.

Net income decreased $0.1 million, or 0.3%, to $34.8 million, or $0.59 per diluted share, compared to $34.9 million, or $0.60 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010. Excluding the effect of the acquisition-related expenses noted above and detailed at the end of this release, adjusted net income in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 increased $2.5 million, or 6.8%, to $37.3 million, or $0.63 per diluted share from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010.

FY Report
“For the year, we achieved a record level of sales by extending the reach of our brands in the United States and international markets. Earnings continue to be impacted by abnormally high cotton prices. We expect to see the benefit of lower cotton prices in the second half of 2012, and we are forecasting good growth in sales and profitability this year.”

Consolidated net sales increased $360.5 million, or 20.6%, to $2.1 billion. Net domestic sales of the Company’s Carter’s brands increased $236.7 million, or 17.2%, to $1.6 billion. Net domestic sales of the Company’s OshKosh B’gosh brand increased $22.4 million, or 6.6%, to $362.8 million. Net international sales increased $101.4 million to $136.2 million.

The group’s pre-tax income in fiscal 2011 includes Bonnie Togs acquisition-related charges of approximately $12.2 million.