10K - CRI-2015.01.03
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
|
| |
x | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 3, 2015 OR |
| |
¨ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM _____ TO ______ |
Commission file number:
001-31829
CARTER’S, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
|
| | |
Delaware | | 13-3912933 |
(state or other jurisdiction of | | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
incorporation or organization) | | |
Phipps Tower
3438 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1800
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
(678) 791-1000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
_______________________________________________
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:
|
| | |
Title of each class | | Name of each Exchange on which Registered |
Carter's, Inc.'s common stock par value $0.01 per share | | New York Stock Exchange |
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT:
None
____________________________________________________
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes (X) No ( )
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ( ) No (X)
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes (X) No ( )
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes (X) No ( )
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. (X)
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large Accelerated Filer (X) Accelerated Filer ( ) Non-Accelerated Filer ( ) Smaller Reporting Company ( )
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ( ) No (X)
The approximate aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant as of June 28, 2014 (the last business day of our most recently completed second quarter) was $3,623,223,632.
There were 52,804,427 shares of Carter's, Inc. common stock with a par value of $0.01 per share outstanding as of the close of business on February 20, 2015.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A relating to the Annual Meeting of shareholders of Carter's, Inc., to be held on May 7, 2015, will be incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K. Carter's, Inc. intends to file such proxy statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after its fiscal year ended January 3, 2015.
CARTER’S, INC.
INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 3, 2015
PART I
Our market share data is based on information provided by The NPD Group, Inc. ("NPD"). Unless otherwise indicated, references to market share in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are expressed as a percentage of total children's retail sales for a segment of the market. As the Company defines it, the baby and young children's apparel market includes apparel and related products for ages zero to eight.
The NPD market share data presented is based on NPD's definition of the baby and playclothes categories, which are different from the Company's definitions of these categories. The data presented is based upon The NPD Group/Consumer Tracking Service for Children's Apparel in the United States ("U.S.") and represents the twelve month period ending December, 2014.
Unless the context indicates otherwise, in this filing on Form 10-K, “Carter's,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “its,” and “our” refers to Carter's, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries.
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains certain forward-looking statements regarding future circumstances. Forward-looking statements provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions and include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Forward-looking statements can also be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” and similar terms. These forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and assumptions of the Company and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in such forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, those discussed in the subsection entitled “Risk Factors” under Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Actual results, events, and performance may differ significantly from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Readers of this Annual Report on Form 10-K are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Except for any ongoing obligations to disclose material information as required by federal securities laws, the Company does not have any intention or obligation to update forward-looking statements after the filing of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.The inclusion of any statement in this Annual Report on Form 10-K does not constitute an admission by the Company or any other person that the events or circumstances described in such statement are material.
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
GENERAL
We are the largest branded marketer in the United States of apparel exclusively for babies and young children. We
own two of the most highly recognized and most trusted brand names in the children's apparel industry, Carter's and OshKosh
B'gosh (or "OshKosh"). Established in 1865, our Carter's brand is recognized and trusted by consumers for high-quality apparel
for children sizes newborn to eight. Established in 1895, OshKosh is a well-known brand, trusted by consumers for apparel for children sizes newborn to 12, with a focus on playclothes for toddlers and young children. Given each brands' product category emphasis and brand aesthetic, we believe the brands provide a complementary product offering. We have extensive experience in the young children's apparel market and focus on delivering products that satisfy our consumers' needs. Our strategy is to market high-quality, essential core products at prices that deliver an attractive value proposition for consumers.
We believe each of our brands has its own unique positioning in the marketplace. In the $19.7 billion baby and young children's apparel market (ages zero to eight) in the United States, our Carter's brand has the #1 position with a 14.3% market share and our OshKosh brand has a 2.2% market share. We offer multiple product categories, including baby, sleepwear, playclothes, and related accessories. Our multi-channel business model enables us to reach a broad range of consumers across various socio-economic groups and geographic regions.
We distribute our products through multiple channels in the United States children's apparel market, which, as of January 3, 2015, includes approximately 18,000 wholesale locations (including national department stores, chain and specialty stores, and discount retailers), 855 Company-operated stores and our websites. As of January 3, 2015, we operated 531 Carter's and 200 OshKosh outlet, brand, and specialty stores in the United States. As of January 3, 2015, our products are sold via 124 Company-operated stores in Canada in addition to our international wholesale, licensing, and online channels.
The Company is a Delaware corporation. The Company and its predecessors have been doing business since 1865. The Company's principal executive offices are located at Phipps Tower, 3438 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1800, Atlanta, Georgia 30326, and our telephone number is (678) 791-1000.
OUR BRANDS, PRODUCTS, AND DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS
CARTER'S BRANDS – United States
Under our Carter's brand, we design, source, and market a broad array of products, primarily for sizes newborn to eight. Our Carter's brand is sold in department stores, national chains, specialty stores, off-price sales channels, through our Carter's retail stores, and online at www.carters.com. Additionally, we sell our Child of Mine brand at Walmart and our Just One You and Precious Firsts brands at Target. In fiscal 2014, we sold over 327.7 million units of Carter's, Child of Mine, Just One You, and Precious Firsts products in the United States, an increase of approximately 4.7% from fiscal 2013. Our strategy is to drive sales growth through our focus on essential, high-volume, core apparel products for babies and young children. Such products include bodysuits, pajamas, blanket sleepers, gowns, bibs, receiving blankets, and playwear. Our top ten core baby and sleepwear products accounted for approximately 55% of our baby and sleepwear net sales in fiscal 2014 in the United States. We believe our core apparel products are essential consumer staples and less dependent on changes in fashion trends.
We have cross-functional product teams focused on the development of our Carter's baby, sleepwear, and playclothes products. These teams are skilled in identifying and developing high-volume, core products. Each team includes members from merchandising, design, sourcing, product development, forecasting, and supply chain logistics. These teams follow a disciplined approach to fabric usage, color rationalization, and productivity and are supported by a dedicated art department and state-of-the-art design systems. We also license our brand names to other companies to create a broad collection of lifestyle products, including bedding, hosiery, shoes, room décor, furniture, and toys. The licensing team directs the use of our designs, art, and selling strategies to all licensees.
We believe this disciplined approach to core product design results in compelling product offerings to consumers, reduces our exposure to short-term fashion trends, and supports efficient operations. We conduct consumer research as part of our product development process and engage in product testing in our own stores.
CARTER'S BRAND POSITIONING – United States
Our strategy is to drive our brand image as the leader in baby and young children's apparel and to consistently provide high-quality products at a great value to consumers. We employ a disciplined merchandising strategy that identifies and focuses on core products. We believe that we have strengthened our brand image with the consumer by differentiating our core products through fabric improvements, new artistic applications, and new packaging and presentation strategies. We also attempt to differentiate our products through store-in-store fixturing, branding and signage packages, and advertising. We have invested in display fixtures for our major wholesale customers that more clearly present our core products on their floors to enhance brand and product presentation. We also strive to provide our wholesale customers with a consistent, high-level of service, including delivering and replenishing products on time to fulfill customer needs. Our retail stores and websites focus on the customer experience through store and website design, visual enhancements, clear product presentation, and experienced customer service.
CARTER'S PRODUCTS – United States
Baby
Carter's brand baby products include bodysuits, pants, dresses, three-piece sets, receiving blankets, layette gowns, bibs, caps, and booties both as single units and multi-piece sets. In fiscal 2014, we generated approximately $1.0 billion in net sales of these products in the United States, representing 34.7% of our consolidated net sales.
Our Carter's brand is the leading brand in the baby category in the United States. In fiscal 2014, in department stores, national chains, outlet, specialty stores, and off-price sales channels, our aggregate Carter's brand market share in the United States was approximately 25.6% for baby ages zero to two, which represents more than five times the market share of the next largest brand. We sell a complete range of baby products for newborns, primarily made of cotton. We attribute our leading market position to our brand strength, distinctive print designs, artistic applications, reputation for quality, and ability to manage our dedicated floor space for our wholesale customers. We tier our products through marketing programs targeted toward experienced mothers, first-time mothers, and gift-givers. Our Carter's Little Layette product line, the largest component of our baby business, provides parents with essential core products and accessories, including value-focused multi-piece sets. Our Little Collections product line consists of coordinated baby programs designed for first-time mothers and gift-givers.
Playclothes
Carter's brand playclothes products include knit and woven cotton apparel for everyday use in sizes newborn to eight. In fiscal 2014, we generated $680.6 million in net sales of these products in the United States, or 23.5%, of our consolidated net sales. We continue to focus on building our Carter's brand in the playclothes market by developing a base of essential, high-volume products that utilize original print designs and innovative artistic applications. Our aggregate 2014 Carter's brand playclothes market share in the United States was approximately 12.4% in the $13.7 billion department store, national chain, outlet, specialty store, and off-price sales channels, which represents over 1.5 times the market share of the next largest brand.
Sleepwear
Carter's brand sleepwear products include pajamas and blanket sleepers primarily in sizes 12 months to eight. In fiscal 2014, we generated $331.1 million in net sales of these products in the United States, or 11.4%, of our consolidated net sales. Our Carter's brand is the leading brand of sleepwear for babies and young children within the department store, national chain, outlet, specialty store, and off-price sales channels in the United States. In fiscal 2014, in these channels, our Carter's brand market share was approximately 32.7%, which represents nearly five times the market share of the next largest brand. As with our baby product line, we differentiate our sleepwear products by offering high-volume, high-quality core products with distinctive print designs and artistic applications.
Other Products
Our other product offerings include bedding, outerwear, swimwear, shoes, socks, diaper bags, gift sets, toys, and hair accessories. In fiscal 2014, we generated $156.3 million in net sales of these other products in our Carter's retail stores and online, or 5.4%, of our consolidated net sales.
Royalty Income
We currently extend our Carter's, Child of Mine, Just One You, and Precious Firsts product offerings by licensing these brands to 20 licensees in the United States. These licensing partners develop and sell products through our multiple sales channels, while leveraging our brand strength, customer relationships, and designs. Licensed products provide our customers and consumers with a range of lifestyle products that complement and expand upon our baby and young children's apparel offerings. Our license agreements require strict adherence to our quality and compliance standards and provide for a multi-step product approval process. We work in conjunction with our licensing partners in the development of their products to ensure that they fit within our brand vision of high-quality, core products at attractive values to the consumer. In addition, we work closely with our wholesale customers and our licensees to gain dedicated floor space for licensed product categories. In fiscal 2014, our Carter's brand generated $22.4 million in domestic royalty income.
OSHKOSH BRANDS – United States
Under our OshKosh brand, we design, source, and market a broad array of young children's apparel, primarily for children in sizes newborn to 12. Our OshKosh brand is currently sold in our OshKosh retail stores, department stores, national chains, specialty stores, through off-price sales channels, and online at www.oshkoshbgosh.com and www.oshkosh.com. In fiscal 2014, we sold approximately 47.1 million units of OshKosh products in the United States through our retail stores, to our wholesale customers, and online, an increase of approximately 7.2% from fiscal 2013. We also have a licensing agreement with Target through which Target sells products under our Genuine Kids from OshKosh brand. Given its long history of durability, quality, and style, we believe our OshKosh brand represents a significant long-term growth opportunity for us, especially in the $13.7 billion young children's playclothes market in the United States. We continue to focus on our core product development and marketing disciplines, improving the productivity of our existing OshKosh retail stores, developing new retail formats, investing in new employees and talent development, leveraging our relationships with major wholesale accounts, and leveraging our infrastructure and supply chain.
OSHKOSH BRAND POSITIONING – United States
We believe our OshKosh brand provides for high-quality playclothes in sizes newborn to 12. Our core OshKosh brand products include denim, overalls, t-shirts, fleece, and other playclothes. Our OshKosh brand is generally positioned towards an older segment (young children, sizes 2 to 7) and at slightly higher average prices than our Carter's brand. We believe our OshKosh
brand has significant brand name recognition, which consumers associate with high-quality, durable, and authentic playclothes for young children.
OSHKOSH PRODUCTS – United States
Playclothes
Our OshKosh brand is best known for its playclothes products. OshKosh brand playclothes products include denim apparel products with multiple wash treatments and coordinating garments, overalls, woven bottoms, knit tops, bodysuits, and playclothes products for everyday use in sizes newborn to 12. In fiscal 2014, we generated $333.0 million in net sales of OshKosh brand playclothes products in the United States, which accounted for approximately 11.5% of our consolidated net sales. Our aggregate 2014 OshKosh brand playclothes market share in the United States was approximately 2.6% of the $13.7 billion department store, national chain, outlet, specialty store, and off-price sales channels.
We believe our OshKosh brand represents a significant opportunity for us to increase our share in the playclothes category as the $13.7 billion young children's playclothes market in the United States is highly fragmented. For fiscal 2014, this market was nearly five times the size of the baby and sleepwear markets combined. We plan to grow this business by strengthening our product offerings, improving product value, reducing product complexity, and leveraging our strong customer relationships and global supply chain expertise.
Other Products
The remainder of our OshKosh brand product offerings include baby, sleepwear, outerwear, shoes, hosiery, and accessories. In fiscal 2014, we generated $75.4 million in net sales of these other products in our OshKosh retail stores and online, which accounted for 2.6% of our consolidated net sales.
Royalty Income
We partner with a number of domestic licensees to extend the reach of our OshKosh brand. We currently have eight domestic licensees selling apparel and accessories. Our largest licensing agreement is with Target Corporation. All Genuine Kids from OshKosh products sold by Target are sold pursuant to this licensing agreement. Our licensed products provide our customers and consumers with a range of OshKosh products including outerwear, underwear, swimwear, socks, shoes, and accessories. In fiscal 2014, we earned approximately $10.9 million in domestic royalty income from our OshKosh brands.
INTERNATIONAL
Our international segment includes Company-operated retail, wholesale, and online operations in addition to royalty income from our international licensees. In fiscal 2014, our international sales were $316.5 million, or 10.9% of consolidated net sales. As of January 3, 2015, we operated 124 co-branded Carter's and OshKosh retail stores in Canada. Additionally, we reach consumers in approximately 65 countries through wholesale and licensing relationships and in over 100 countries through our website.
We partner with approximately 30 licensees to sell the Carter's and OshKosh brands internationally. In fiscal 2014, our OshKosh international licensees generated retail sales of $57.7 million, on which we earned approximately $4.1 million in royalty income. In fiscal 2014, our international licensees generated Carter's brand retail sales of $28.0 million on which we earned $1.8 million in royalty income.
SEGMENTS
Business segment financial and geographical information for our five business segments, Carter's retail, Carter's wholesale, OshKosh retail, OshKosh wholesale, and international, is contained in Item 8 - “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” Note 13 - “Segment Information” to the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements.
SALES, MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION
As described above, we sell our products through the wholesale channel, through our retail stores in the United States and Canada, and online.
Our Carter's brand wholesale customers include major retailers, such as, in alphabetical order, Costco, JCPenney, Kohl's, Macy's, Sam's Club, Target, Toys “R” Us, and Walmart. We collaboratively plan store assortments with our wholesale customers. We intend to drive continued growth with our wholesale customers through our focus on managing our key accounts' business through replenishment, product mix, brand presentation, marketing, and frequent meetings with the senior management of our major wholesale customers.
Our OshKosh brand wholesale customers include major retailers, such as, in alphabetical order, Belk, Bon-Ton, Costco, Fred Meyer, JCPenney, Kohl's, and Sears. We continue to work with our customers to establish seasonal plans. The majority of our OshKosh brand playclothes products will be planned and ordered seasonally.
As of January 3, 2015, we operated 531 Carter's retail stores in the United States, of which 343 were brand stores and 188 were outlet stores. These stores carry a complete assortment of baby and young children's apparel, accessories, and gift items. Our stores average approximately 4,400 square feet per location and are distinguished by an easy, consumer-friendly shopping environment. Our brand stores are generally located in high-traffic strip shopping centers in or near major cities. We believe our brand strength and our assortment of core products have made our stores a destination location within many outlet and strip centers. Our outlet stores are generally located within 20 to 30 minutes of densely-populated areas.
As of January 3, 2015, we operated 200 OshKosh retail stores in the United States, of which 152 were outlet stores and 48 were brand and specialty stores. These stores carry a wide assortment of young children's apparel, accessories and gift items, and average approximately 4,200 square feet per location.
We operate "side-by-side" locations wherein adjacent retail stores for our Carter's and OshKosh brands are connected, allowing customers to shop for both brands in a single location. Each "side-by-side" location is counted as one Carter's retail store and one OshKosh retail store. As of January 3, 2015, we have 51 "side-by-side" locations consisting of 29 brand and specialty stores and 22 outlet stores for both Carter's and OshKosh.
As of January 3, 2015, we operated 124 co-branded retail stores in Canada. These stores average approximately 5,300 square feet per location, slightly larger than our United States based stores, and offer a similar product assortment, localized for climate differences.
Store Expansion
We use a real estate selection process whereby we fully assess all new locations based on demographic factors, retail adjacencies, and population density.
Marketing
Our strategy is to strengthen our online and direct marketing with a focus on increasing the convenience of shopping by driving higher spend and more transactions per customer, increasing purchase frequency, and increasing return on our marketing investment.
Distribution
We have invested in a one million square foot multi-channel distribution center in Braselton, Georgia. All of our eCommerce business demand for the United States and portions of our retail store and wholesale demand are fulfilled at the Braselton facility.
GLOBAL SOURCING NETWORK
We source products from an international network of suppliers, primarily from Asia. One sourcing agent currently manages approximately 70% of our inventory purchases. Our sourcing network consists of over 140 vendors located in 17 countries. We believe that our sourcing arrangements are sufficient to meet our current operating requirements and provide capacity for growth.
In fiscal 2012, we established direct sourcing operations in Hong Kong. Our goal is to increase our direct sourcing mix overtime in an effort to improve the performance of our overall supply chain.
COMPETITION
The baby and young children's apparel market is highly competitive. Competition is generally based upon product quality, brand name recognition, price, selection, service, and convenience. Both branded and private label manufacturers compete in the baby and young children's apparel market. Our primary competitors in the wholesale channel include private label product offerings, and, in alphabetical order, Disney and Gerber. Our primary competitors in the retail channel include, in alphabetical order, Disney, Gap, Gymboree, Old Navy, and The Children's Place. Most retailers, including our wholesale customers, have significant private label product offerings that compete with our products. Because of the highly-fragmented nature of the industry, we also compete with many small manufacturers and retailers. We believe that the strength of our Carter's, OshKosh, and related brand names, combined with our breadth of product offerings and operational expertise, position us well against these competitors.
SEASONALITY
We experience seasonal fluctuations in our sales and profitability due to the timing of certain holidays and key retail shopping periods, which generally has resulted in lower sales and gross profit in the first half of our fiscal year versus the second half of the year. Accordingly, our results of operations during the first half of the year may not be indicative of the results we expect for the full year.
TRADEMARKS AND COPYRIGHTS
We own many trademarks and copyrights, including Carter's®, OshKosh®, OshKosh B'gosh®, Genuine Kids®, Child of Mine®, Just One You®, Precious Firsts®, Little Collections®, Little Layette® , and Count on Carter’s®, many of which are registered in the United States and in more than 140 countries and territories. The registration of our trademarks and copyrights may be renewed to extend the original registration period indefinitely, provided the trademarks and copyrights are still in use. We intend to continue to use and protect our trademarks and copyrights and maintain their registrations. We believe our trademarks and copyrights have received broad recognition and are of significant value to our business.
EMPLOYEES
As of January 3, 2015, we had 11,565 employees. We have no unionized employees. We have had no labor-related work stoppages and believe that our labor relations are good.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
Our Internet address is www.carters.com. We are not including the information contained on our website as part of, or incorporating it by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K. On our website, we make available, free of charge, our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements, director and officer reports on Forms 3, 4, and 5, and any amendments to these reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Our SEC reports can be accessed through the investor relations section of our website. The information found on our website is not part of this or any other report we file with or furnish to the SEC. We also make available on our website, the Carter's Code of Ethics, our Corporate Governance Principles, and the charters for the Compensation, Audit, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees of the Board of Directors. Our SEC filings are also available for reading and copying at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. In addition, the SEC maintains an Internet site, www.sec.gov, containing reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
You should carefully consider each of the following risk factors as well as the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other filings with the SEC in evaluating our business. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently consider immaterial may also impact our business operations. If any of the following risks actually occur, our operating results may be affected.
The loss of one or more of our major customers could result in a material loss of revenues; financial difficulties for our
major customers or licensees could have a significant impact on us.
We derived approximately 25% of our consolidated net sales from our top five customers for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2015. We do not enter into long-term sales contracts with our major customers, relying instead on product performance, long-standing relationships, and on our position in the marketplace. As a result, we face the risk that one or more of these or other customers may significantly decrease their business with us or terminate their relationship with us as a result of
competitive forces, consolidation, reorganization, financial difficulties, including bankruptcy or insolvency, or other reasons, which could result in significant levels of excess inventory, a material decrease in our sales, or material impact on our operating results. Further, a large percentage of our gross accounts receivables are typically from our largest wholesale customers. For example, approximately 75% of our gross accounts receivable at January 3, 2015 were from our ten largest wholesale customers, with five of these customers having individual receivable balances in excess of 10% of our gross accounts receivable. Our reserves for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make payments may prove not to be sufficient if any one or more of our customers are unable to meet outstanding obligations to us, which could materially adversely affect our operating results. If the financial condition or credit position of one or more of our customers or licensees were to deteriorate, or such customer or licensee fails, or is unable to pay the amounts owed to us in a timely manner, this could have a significant adverse impact on our business and results of operations.
The acceptance of our products in the marketplace is affected by consumers’ tastes and preferences, along with fashion
trends.
We believe that continued success depends on our ability to provide a compelling value proposition for our consumers in the
Company's distribution channels. There can be no assurance that the demand for our products will not decline, or that we will
be able to successfully and timely evaluate and adapt our products to changes in consumers' tastes and preferences or fashion
trends. If our product offerings are not aligned with consumers' tastes and preferences demand for our products may decline,
promotional pricing may be required to move seasonal merchandise, and our gross margins and results of operations could be
adversely affected.
The value of our brands, and our sales, could be diminished if we are associated with negative publicity, including through actions by our vendors, independent manufacturers and licensees, over whom we have limited control.
Although we maintain policies with our vendors, independent manufacturers and licensees that promote ethical business
practices and our employees, agents, and third-party compliance auditors periodically visit and monitor the operations of our
vendors, independent manufacturers, and licensees, we do not control these vendors, independent manufacturers, and licensees, or their labor practices. A violation of our vendor policies, licensee agreements, health and safety standards, labor laws, or other laws by these vendors, independent manufacturers, or licensees could damage the image and reputation of our brands and could subject us to liability. As a result, negative publicity regarding our Company, brands or products, including licensed products, could adversely affect our reputation and sales. Further, while the Company takes steps to ensure the reputation of its brands is maintained through its license agreements, there can be no guarantee that the Company's brand image will not be negatively impacted through its association with products or actions of licensees. In addition, we are subject to certain rules as a public company, such as the conflict minerals rules promulgated under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, that require disclosure of certain activities notwithstanding their compliance with the substantive provisions of applicable law. If we are required to make such disclosures, it is possible that our reputation could be harmed.
Our failure to protect our intellectual property rights could diminish the value of our brand, weaken our competitive
position, and adversely affect our results.
We currently rely on a combination of trademark, unfair competition, and copyright laws, as well as licensing arrangements, to
establish and protect our intellectual property rights. The steps taken by us or by our licensees to protect our proprietary rights
may not be adequate to prevent infringement of our trademarks or proprietary rights by others. In addition, intellectual property
protection may be unavailable or limited in some foreign countries where laws or law enforcement practices may not protect
our proprietary rights and where third parties may have rights to conflicting marks, and it may be more difficult for us to
successfully challenge the use of our proprietary rights by other parties in those countries. If we fail to protect and maintain our
intellectual property rights, the value of our brands could be diminished and our competitive position may suffer. Further, third
parties may assert intellectual property claims against us, particularly as we expand our business geographically, and any such
claim could be expensive and time consuming to defend, regardless of its merit. Successful infringement claims against us
could result in significant monetary liability or prevent us from selling some of our products, which could have an adverse
effect on our results of operations.
We may incur substantial costs as a result of investigations or other proceedings related to previously disclosed
investigations.
As previously reported, beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, the SEC and the United States Attorney's Office began conducting investigations, with which the Company cooperated, related to customer margin support provided by the Company, including undisclosed margin support commitments and related matters. In December 2010, the Company and the SEC entered into a non-prosecution agreement pursuant to which the SEC agreed not to charge the Company with any violations of federal securities laws, commence any enforcement action against the Company, or require the Company to pay any financial penalties in connection with the SEC's investigation of customer margin support provided by the Company, conditioned upon the Company's continued cooperation with the SEC's investigation and with any related proceedings. The Company has incurred and may continue to incur substantial expenses for legal services due to the SEC and United States Attorney's Office investigations and any related proceedings. These matters may continue to divert management's time and attention away from operations. The Company also expects to bear additional costs pursuant to its advancement and indemnification obligations to directors and officers under our organizational documents in connection with proceedings related to these matters. Our insurance does not provide coverage to offset all of the costs incurred in connection with these proceedings.
The Company's and its vendors' databases containing personal information and payment card data of our retail store and eCommerce customers, employees and other third parties, could be breached, which could subject us to adverse publicity, costly government enforcement actions or private litigation, and expenses. In addition, if we are unable to comply with security standards created by banks and the payment card industry, our operations could be adversely affected.
We rely on the security of our networks, databases, systems and processes and, in certain circumstances, those of third parties,
such as vendors, to protect our proprietary information and information about our customers, employees, and vendors. Criminals are constantly devising schemes to circumvent information technology security safeguards and other retailers have recently suffered serious data security breaches. If unauthorized parties gain access to our networks or databases, or those of our vendors, they may be able to steal, publish, delete, or modify our private and sensitive third-party information including credit card information and personal identification information. In addition, employees may intentionally or inadvertently cause data or security breaches that result in unauthorized release of personal or confidential information. In such circumstances, we could be held liable to our customers, other parties, or employees as well as be subject to regulatory or other actions for breaching privacy law or failing to adequately protect such information. This could result in costly investigations and litigation, civil or criminal penalties, operational changes or other response measures, loss of consumer confidence in our security measures, and negative publicity that could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, and reputation. Further, if we are unable to comply with the security standards, established by banks and the payment card industry, we may be subject to fines, restrictions, and expulsion from card acceptance programs, which could adversely affect our retail operations.
Our profitability may decline as a result of increasing pressure on margins.
The apparel industry is subject to significant pricing pressure caused by many factors, including intense competition, the promotional retail environment and changes in consumer demand. If these factors cause us to reduce our sales prices and we fail to sufficiently reduce our product costs or operating expenses, our profitability could decline. This could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity and financial condition.
Increases in production costs and deflationary pressures on our selling prices may adversely affect our results.
The Company's product costs are subject to fluctuations in costs such as manufacturing, cotton, labor, fuel, and transportation. At various time in recent years, we have experienced increased costs of cotton, labor, fuel, and transportation, and have also had higher costs for foreign sourced products as a result of the devaluation of the U.S. dollar relative to certain foreign currencies. In recent years, the Company experienced deflationary pressure on its selling prices, in part driven by intense price competition in
the young children's apparel industry. If future product cost increases are more than anticipated, or if we are unable to offset such cost increases through selling price increases or otherwise, our profitability could be adversely affected. Future deflationary pressures on our selling prices could also adversely affect our profitability.
Our business is sensitive to overall levels of consumer spending, particularly in the young children's apparel segment.
Consumers' demand for young children's apparel, specifically brand name apparel products, is impacted by the overall level of
consumer spending. Discretionary consumer spending is impacted by employment levels, weather, gasoline and utility costs,
business conditions, availability of consumer credit, tax rates, interest rates, levels of consumer indebtedness, and overall levels
of consumer confidence. Recent and further reductions, or lower-than-expected growth, in the level of discretionary spending
may have a material adverse effect on the Company's sales and results of operations.
We source substantially all of our products through foreign production arrangements. Our dependence on foreign supply
sources are subject to risks associated with global sourcing and manufacturing which could result in disruptions to our operations.
We source substantially all of our products through a network of vendors primarily in Asia, principally coordinated by our
sourcing agents and directly through our Hong Kong sourcing office. The following factors could disrupt our foreign supply chain, increase our cost of goods sold, decrease our gross profit, or impact our ability to get products to our customers:
• financial instability, including bankruptcy or insolvency, of one or more of our major vendors;
• political instability or other international events resulting in the disruption of trade in foreign countries from which we source our products;
• interruptions in the supply of raw materials, including cotton, fabric, and trim items;
• increases in the cost of labor in our sourcing locations;
• the imposition of new regulations relating to imports, duties, taxes, and other charges on imports;
• the occurrence of a natural disaster, unusual weather conditions, or a disease epidemic in foreign countries from which we source our products;
• changes in the United States customs procedures concerning the importation of apparel products;
• unforeseen delays in customs clearance of any goods;
• disruptions in the global transportation network such as a port strike, work stoppages or other labor unrest, capacity withholding, world trade restrictions, acts of terrorism or war;
• the application of adverse foreign intellectual property laws;
• the ability of our vendors to secure sufficient credit to finance the manufacturing process including the acquisition of
raw materials;
• potential social compliance concerns resulting from our use of international vendors, independent manufacturers and licensees, over whom we have limited control;
• manufacturing delays or unexpected demand for products may require the use of faster, but more expensive, transportation methods such as air-freight services;
• compliance with disclosure rules regarding the identification and reporting on the use of “conflict minerals” sourced from the Democratic Republic of the Congo in our products; and
• other events beyond our control that could interrupt our supply chain and delay receipt of our products into the United States.
Our revenues, product costs and other expenses are subject to foreign economic and currency risks due to our operations outside of the United States.
We have operations in Canada and our vendors, independent manufacturers, and licensees are located around the world. The value of the U.S. dollar against other foreign currencies has seen significant volatility recently. While our business is primarily conducted in U.S. dollars, we source virtually all of our production overseas, and we generate significant revenues in Canada. Cost increases caused by currency exchange rate fluctuations could make our products less competitive or have a material adverse effect on our profitability. Currency exchange rate fluctuations could also disrupt the business of our independent manufacturers that produce our products by making their purchases of raw materials or products more expensive and more difficult to finance. Additionally, fluctuations in exchange rates impact the amount of our reported sales and expenses, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.
A small number of vendors supply a significant amount of our products, and losing one or more of these vendors could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
In fiscal 2014, we purchased approximately 60% of our products from ten vendors, of which approximately half comes from three vendors. We expect that we will continue to source a significant portion of our products from these vendors. We do not have agreements with our major vendors that would provide us with assurances on a long-term basis as to adequate supply or pricing of our products. If any of our major vendors (i) decide to discontinue or significantly decrease the volume of products they manufacture for us, (ii) raise prices on products we purchase from them, or (iii) become unable to perform their responsibilities (e.g., if our vendors experience financial difficulties, lack of capacity or significant labor disputes) our business, results of operations, and financial condition may be adversely affected.
We currently source a significant portion of our products through a single port. Labor disruptions at that port or otherwise along our supply chain may adversely affect our relationships with customers, reputation with consumers, and results of operations.
Our business depends on our ability to source and distribute products in a timely manner. Labor disputes at independent factories where our goods are produced, the shipping ports we use, or our transportation carriers create significant risks for our business, particularly if these disputes result in work slowdowns, lockouts, strikes, or other disruptions during our peak manufacturing and importing times. The existing labor agreement between the Pacific Maritime Association (“PMA”), which represents operators of West Coast ports including the port through which we source a significant portion of our products, and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, expired on July 1, 2014, and the parties recently reached a tentative labor agreement that must be ratified by union employees and the PMA. The negotiations led to work slowdowns and stoppages, which resulted in a significant backlog of cargo containers at West Coast ports. We have experienced delays in the shipment of our products as a result of this backlog, and we have not been able to meet our planned inventory allocations. In the event that these slow-downs continue or expand, disruptions or a strike occurs in connection with the labor agreement negotiations or otherwise, it may have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.
We source substantially all of our products through a network of vendors. We have limited control over these vendors and
we may experience delays, product recalls, or loss of revenues if our products do not meet our quality standards.
Our vendors may not continue to provide products that are consistent with our standards. We have occasionally received, and
may in the future continue to receive, shipments of product that fail to conform to our quality control standards. A failure in our
quality control program may result in diminished product quality, which in turn may result in increased order cancellations and returns, decreased consumer demand for our products, or product recalls, any of which may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Because we do not control our vendors, products that fail to meet our standards, or other unauthorized products, could end up in the marketplace without our knowledge. This could materially harm our brand and our reputation in the marketplace.
We may experience delays, product recalls, or loss of revenues if our products do not meet regulatory requirements.
Our products are subject to regulation of and regulatory standards with respect to quality and safety set by various governmental authorities around the world, including the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada. These regulations and standards may change from time to time. Our inability, or that of our vendors, to comply on a timely basis with regulatory
requirements could result in significant fines or penalties, which could adversely affect our reputation and sales. Issues with the compliance of merchandise we sell with these regulations and standards, regardless of our culpability, or
customer concerns about such issues, could result in damage to our reputation, lost sales, uninsured product liability claims or
losses, merchandise recalls, and increased costs.
The loss of a sourcing agent or our inability to effectively source inventory directly could negatively impact our ability to timely deliver our inventory supply and disrupt our business, which may adversely affect our operating results.
Currently, one sourcing agent manages approximately 70% of our inventory purchases. Although we believe that other buying
agents could be retained, or that we could procure some of the inventory directly, the loss of this buying agent could delay our
ability to timely receive inventory supply and disrupt our business, which could result in a material adverse effect on our
operating results. In addition, we source a significant amount of inventory directly and plan to continue to further increase such amounts. If we experience significant increases in demand or need to replace an existing vendor, there can be no assurance that additional manufacturing capacity will be available when required on terms that are acceptable to us or that any vendor would allocate sufficient capacity to us in order to meet our requirements. In addition, for any new vendors, we may encounter delays in production and added costs as a result of the time it takes to train our vendors in producing our products and adhering to our quality control standards. Moreover, in the event of a significant disruption in the supply of the fabrics or raw materials used by our vendors in the manufacture of our products, our vendors might not be able to locate alternative suppliers of materials of comparable quality at an acceptable price. Any delays, interruption, or increased costs in the manufacture of our products could have a material adverse effect on our operating results.
We operate in a highly competitive market and the size and resources of some of our competitors may allow them to compete
more effectively than we can, resulting in a loss of market share and, as a result, a decrease in revenue and gross profit.
The baby and young children's apparel market is highly competitive. Both branded and private label manufacturers compete in the baby and young children's apparel market. Our primary competitors in our wholesale businesses include private label product offerings and Disney and Gerber. Our primary competitors in the retail store channel include, in alphabetical order, Disney, Gap, Gymboree, Old Navy, and The Children's Place. Because of the fragmented nature of the industry, we also compete with many other manufacturers and retailers. Some of our competitors have greater financial resources and larger customer bases than we have. As a result, these competitors may be able to:
• adapt to changes in customer requirements more quickly;
• take advantage of acquisition and other opportunities more readily;
• devote greater resources to the marketing and sale of their products; and
• adopt more aggressive pricing strategies than we can.
The Company's retail success and future growth is dependent upon identifying locations and negotiating appropriate lease
terms for retail stores.
A significant portion of our revenues are through the Company's retail stores in leased retail locations across the United States and Canada. Successful operation of a retail store depends, in part, on the overall ability of the retail location to attract a consumer base sufficient to make store sales volume profitable. If we are unable to identify new retail locations with consumer traffic sufficient to support a profitable sales level, our retail growth may be limited. Further, if existing stores do not maintain a sufficient customer base that provides a reasonable sales volume or we are unable to negotiate appropriate lease terms for the retail stores, there could be a material adverse impact on our sales, gross margin, and results of operations.
We also must be able to effectively renew our existing store leases on acceptable terms. In addition, from time to time, we may seek to downsize, consolidate, reposition, or close some of our real estate locations, which in most cases requires a modification of an existing store lease. Failure to renew existing store leases, secure adequate new locations or successfully modify existing locations, or failure to effectively manage the profitability of our existing fleet of stores, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Additionally, the economic environment may at times make it difficult to determine the fair market rent of real estate properties within the United States and internationally. This could impact the quality of our decisions to exercise lease options at previously
negotiated rents and the quality of our decisions to renew expiring leases at negotiated rents. Any adverse effect on the quality of these decisions could impact our ability to retain real estate locations adequate to meet our targets or efficiently manage the profitability of our existing fleet of stores and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Our eCommerce business faces distinct risks, and our failure to successfully manage it could have a negative impact on our profitability.
The successful operation of our eCommerce business as well as our ability to provide a positive shopping experience that will generate orders and drive subsequent visits depends on efficient and uninterrupted operation of our order-taking and fulfillment operations. Risks associated with our eCommerce business include:
• risks associated with the failure of the computer systems that operate our website including, among others, inadequate system capacity, computer viruses, human error, changes in programming, security breaches, system upgrades or migration of these services to new systems;
• disruptions in telephone service or power outages;
• reliance on third parties for computer hardware and software, as well as delivery of merchandise to our customers;
• rapid technology changes;
• credit or debit card fraud;
• the diversion of sales from our physical stores;
• natural disasters or adverse weather conditions;
• changes in applicable federal, state and international regulations;
• liability for online content; and
• consumer privacy concerns and regulation.
Problems in any of these areas could result in a reduction in sales, increased costs and damage to our reputation and brands, which could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Profitability and our reputation and relationships could be negatively impacted if we do not adequately forecast the demand
for our products and, as a result, create significant levels of excess inventory or insufficient levels of inventory.
If we do not adequately forecast demand for our products and purchases inventory to support an inaccurate forecast,
we could experience increased costs and lower selling prices due to the need to dispose of excess inventory. In
addition, if we forecast demand for our products that is lower than actual demand, we may experience insufficient levels of
inventory, which could result in damage to our relationships with customers and our reputation with consumers.
We may not achieve sales growth plans, cost savings, and other assumptions that support the carrying value of our
intangible assets.
The carrying value of our goodwill, tradename assets, and brands are subject to annual impairment reviews as of the last day of each fiscal year or more frequently, if deemed necessary, due to any significant events or changes in circumstances. Estimated future cash flows used in these impairment reviews could be negatively impacted if we do not achieve our sales plans, planned cost savings, and other assumptions that support the carrying value of these intangible assets, which could result in impairment of the remaining asset values. Any material impairment would adversely affect our results of operations.
We have substantial debt, which could adversely affect our financial health and our ability to obtain financing
in the future and to react to changes in our business.
As of January 3, 2015, we had approximately $586.0 million aggregate principal amount of debt outstanding (excluding
approximately $6.5 million of outstanding letters of credit), and approximately $182.5 million of undrawn availability under
our senior secured revolving credit facility after giving effect to $6.5 million of letters of credit issued under our senior secured revolving credit facility.
Our substantial debt could have significant consequences. Because of our substantial debt:
• our ability to satisfy our obligations with respect to our debt may be adversely affected;
• we may be more vulnerable to adverse economic and general industry conditions, including interest rate fluctuations,
because a portion of our borrowings are at variable rates of interest;
• we may be unable to make strategic acquisitions or be required to make non-strategic divestitures;
• our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, debt service requirements, or general corporate or other purposes may be limited;
• a significant portion of our cash flow from operations may have to be dedicated to the payment of principal and interest on our debt, thereby reducing our ability to use that cash flow to fund our operations, capital expenditures, and future business opportunities;
• it may be more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations to our creditors, resulting in possible defaults on and acceleration of such debt;
• we may be at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors who have less debt or comparable debt at more favorable interest rates and who, as a result, may be better positioned to withstand economic downturns or to finance capital expenditures or acquisitions;
• our costs of borrowing may increase;
• we may be unable to renew or refinance our debt on terms as favorable as our existing debt or at all; and
• our flexibility to adjust to changing market conditions and our ability to withstand competitive pressures could be
limited, or we may be prevented from carrying out capital spending that is necessary or important to our growth
strategy and efforts to improve the operating margins of our businesses.
We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our indebtedness and may be forced to take other actions to
satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness, which may not be successful.
Our ability to make scheduled payments on or to refinance our debt obligations depends on our financial condition and
operating performance, which are subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to certain financial, business,
legislative, regulatory and other factors beyond our control. We may be unable to maintain a level of cash flows from operating
activities sufficient to permit us to fund our day-to-day operations or to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on our
indebtedness.
If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations and other cash requirements, we
could be forced to reduce or delay investments and capital expenditures or to sell assets or operations, seek additional capital, or
restructure or refinance our indebtedness. We may not be able to effect any such alternative measures, if necessary, on
commercially reasonable terms or at all and, even if successful, such alternative actions may not allow us to meet our scheduled
debt service obligations. In the absence of such operating results and resources, we could face substantial liquidity problems
and might be required to dispose of material assets or operations to meet our debt service and other obligations. Our secured
revolving credit facility and the indenture governing the senior notes restrict our ability and the ability of our restricted
subsidiaries to dispose of assets and use the proceeds from any such dispositions and also restrict our and our restricted
subsidiaries’ ability to raise debt or equity capital to be used to repay other indebtedness when it becomes due. We may not be
able to consummate those dispositions or to obtain proceeds in an amount sufficient to meet any debt service obligations then
due.
Our inability to generate sufficient cash flows to satisfy our debt obligations, or to refinance our indebtedness on commercially
reasonable terms or at all, could materially and adversely affect our financial position and results of operations and our ability
to satisfy our obligations.
If we cannot make scheduled payments on our debt, we could be in default and, as a result, lenders under the secured revolving
credit facility could terminate their commitments to loan money and accelerate the maturity of borrowings thereunder, our secured lenders could foreclose against the assets securing such borrowings the holders of our senior notes could accelerate the maturity of our obligations thereunder, and we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation.
The terms of our secured revolving credit facility and the indenture governing the senior notes contain restrictions and
limitations that could significantly impact our management’s flexibility or our financial and operational flexibility to operate
our business.
Our secured revolving credit facility contains certain restrictive covenants that, among other things, restricts our subsidiary, The William Carter Company ("TWCC"), and certain of its subsidiaries’ ability to:
• incur, assume or guarantee additional indebtedness;
• issue disqualified stock and preferred stock;
• pay dividends or make distributions or other restricted payments;
• redeem or repurchase capital stock;
• prepay, redeem or repurchase certain debt;
• make loans and investments (including joint ventures);
• incur liens;
• make dividends, loans or asset transfers from TWCC’s subsidiaries;
• sell or otherwise dispose of assets, including capital stock of subsidiaries;
• consolidate or merge with or into, or sell substantially all of TWCC’s assets to, another person;
• designate subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries;
• enter into sale and leaseback transactions;
• enter into transactions with affiliates; and
• enter into new lines of business.
In addition, our secured revolving credit facility requires us to maintain specified financial ratios and satisfy other financial
condition tests. Our ability to meet those financial ratios and tests can be affected by events beyond our control, and we cannot
assure that we will meet them.
The indenture governing the senior notes contains certain restrictive covenants that, among other things, restrict TWCC and certain of its subsidiaries’ ability to:
• incur, assume or guarantee additional indebtedness;
• pay dividends or make distributions or other restricted payments;
• make loans and investments (including joint ventures);
• incur liens;
• sell or otherwise dispose of assets, including capital stock of subsidiaries;
• create restrictions on the payment of dividends or other amounts to TWCC or TWCC's subsidiaries that are guarantors of the senior notes from certain subsidiaries that are not guarantors of the senior notes;
• consolidate or merge with or into, or sell substantially all of TWCC’s assets to, another person;
• designate subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries; and
• enter into transactions with affiliates.
The restrictions in the indenture that govern the senior notes as well as those under our secured revolving credit facility may limit our ability to engage in acts that may be in our long-term best interests, and may make it difficult for us to execute our business strategy successfully or effectively compete with companies that are not similarly restricted. We may also incur future debt obligations that might subject us to additional restrictive covenants that could affect our financial and operational flexibility.
A breach of the covenants under the indenture that governs the senior notes or under the secured revolving credit facility could result in an event of default under the applicable indebtedness. Such default may allow the holders to accelerate the related debt and may result in the acceleration of any other debt to which a cross-acceleration or cross-default provision applies. In addition, an event of default under the secured revolving credit facility could permit the lenders under the secured revolving credit facility to terminate all commitments to extend further credit under that facility.
If our operating performance declines, we may need to seek waivers from the holders of our indebtedness to avoid being in
default under the instruments governing such indebtedness. If we breach our covenants under our indebtedness, we may not be
able to obtain a waiver from the holders of such indebtedness on terms acceptable to us or at all. If this occurs, we could be in
default under such indebtedness, and the holders of such indebtedness and other lenders could exercise their rights as described
above, and we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation.
Furthermore, if we were unable to repay the amounts due and payable under our senior secured revolving credit facility, those
lenders could proceed against the collateral granted to them to secure that indebtedness. In the event our lenders or holders of
senior notes accelerate the repayment of our borrowings, we cannot assure that we would have sufficient assets to repay such
indebtedness.
The Company's success is dependent upon retaining key individuals within the organization to execute the Company's
strategic plan.
The Company's ability to attract and retain qualified executive management, marketing, merchandising, design, sourcing,
operations, and support function staffing is key to the Company's success. If the Company is unable to attract and retain qualified individuals in these areas, this may result in an adverse impact on the Company's growth and results of operations. Our inability to retain personnel could cause us to experience business disruption due to a loss of historical knowledge and a lack of business continuity and may adversely affect our results of operations, financial position, and cash flows.
Our failure to properly manage strategic projects in order to achieve our objectives may negatively impact our business.
The implementation of our business strategy periodically involves the execution of complex projects, which could place significant demands on our accounting, financial, information and other systems and on our business overall. Our ability to successfully implement such projects is dependent on management’s ability to manage these projects effectively and implement them successfully. If we miscalculate the resources or time we need to complete a project or fail to implement the project effectively, our business and operating results could be adversely affected.
Failure to implement new information technology systems or needed upgrades to our systems, including operational and financial systems, could adversely affect our business.
As our business grows in size, complexity, and geography, we expect our information technology infrastructure to be in regular
need of enhancement and upgrades. Failure to implement new systems or upgrade systems, including operation and financial systems, as needed or complications encountered in implementing new systems or upgrading existing systems could cause
disruptions that may adversely affect our business results or operations. Further, additional investment needed to upgrade and expand our information technology infrastructure will require significant investment of additional resources and capital.
Our Braselton, Georgia distribution facility handles a large portion of our merchandise distribution. If we encounter problems with this facility, our ability to deliver our products to the market could be adversely affected.
We handle a large portion of our merchandise distribution for all of our stores, including our online retail operations, from
a single facility in Braselton, Georgia. Our ability to meet consumer expectations manage inventory, complete sales, and achieve objectives for operating efficiencies depends on proper operation of this facility. If we are not able to distribute merchandise to our stores or customers because we have exceeded our capacity at the distribution facility (such as due to a high level of demand during peak periods) or because of natural disasters, accidents, system failures, disruptions or other events, our sales could decline, which may have a materially adverse effect on our earnings, financial position and our reputation. In addition, we use an automated system that manages the order processing for our eCommerce business. In the event that this system becomes inoperable for any reason, we may be unable to ship direct-to-consumer orders in a timely manner, and as a result, we could experience a reduction in our direct-to-consumer business, which could negatively impact our sales and profitability.
We may be unsuccessful in expanding into international markets.
We cannot be sure that we can successfully complete any planned international expansion or that new international business will be profitable or meet our expectations. We do not have significant experience operating in markets outside of the United States and Canada. Consumer demand, behavior, tastes, and purchasing trends may differ in international markets and, as a result, sales of our products may not be successful or meet our expectations, or the margins on those sales may not be in line with those we currently anticipate. We may encounter differences in business culture and the legal environment that may make working with commercial partners and hiring and retaining an adequate employee base more challenging. We may also face difficulties integrating foreign business operations with our current operations. Any of these challenges could hinder our success in new markets. Our entry into new markets may have upfront investment costs that may not be accompanied by sufficient revenues to achieve typical or expected operational and financial performance and such costs may be greater than expected. If our international expansion plans are unsuccessful, our results could be materially adversely affected.
Our results of operations, financial position, and cash flows, and our ability to conduct business in international markets may be affected by legal, regulatory, political, and economic risks.
Our ability to conduct business in new and existing international markets is subject to legal, regulatory, political, and economic
risks. These include:
• the burdens of complying with foreign laws and regulations, including trade and labor restrictions;
• compliance with U.S. and other countries' laws relating to foreign operations, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which prohibits U.S. companies from making improper payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business;
• unexpected changes in regulatory requirements; and
• new tariffs or other barriers in some international markets.
We are also subject to general political and economic risks in connection with our international operations, including:
• political instability and terrorist attacks;
• differences in business culture;
• different laws governing relationships with employees and business partners;
• changes in diplomatic and trade relationships; and
• general economic fluctuations in specific countries or markets.
We cannot predict whether quotas, duties, taxes, or other similar restrictions will be imposed by the United States or foreign countries upon the import or export of our products in the future, or what effect any of these actions would have, if any, on our business, financial condition, or results of operations. Changes in regulatory, geopolitical, social or economic policies, and other factors may have a material adverse effect on our business in the future or may require us to exit a particular market or significantly modify our current business practices.
We may experience fluctuations in our tax obligations and effective tax rate.
We are subject to income taxes in federal and applicable state and local tax jurisdictions in the United States, Canada, and other foreign jurisdictions. We record tax expense based on our estimates of current and future payments, which include reserves for estimates of uncertain tax positions. At any time, many tax years are subject to audit by various taxing jurisdictions. The results of these audits and negotiations with taxing authorities may impact the ultimate settlement of these tax positions. As a result, there could be ongoing variability in our quarterly tax rates as taxable events occur and exposures are re-evaluated. Further, our effective tax rate in any financial statement period may be materially impacted by changes in the mix and level of earnings.
The Company's future success and growth through expansion of its international operations could be adversely affected by
violations of the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar world-wide anti-bribery laws.
The United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and similar world-wide anti-bribery laws, prohibit companies and their
intermediaries from making improper payments to non-United States officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining
business. The Company's policies mandate compliance with anti-bribery laws. Our internal control policies and procedures, or those of our vendors, may not adequately protect us from reckless or criminal acts committed by the Company's employees, agents, or vendors. Violations of these laws, or allegations of such violations, could disrupt our business and result in a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
The Company is subject to various claims and pending or threatened lawsuits, and, as a result, may incur substantial costs
that adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Company is subject to various claims and pending or threatened lawsuits in the course of its business. In the event we are
required or determine to pay amounts in connection with any such lawsuits, such amounts could be significant and could have a
material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Failure to continue to pay quarterly cash dividends to our shareholders could cause the market price for our common stock
to decline.
In 2013, we initiated a quarterly cash dividend. Future declarations of quarterly cash dividends and the establishment of future record and payment dates are at the discretion of our Board of Directors based on a number of factors, including our future financial performance and other investment priorities. Additionally, provisions in our senior credit facility and the indenture governing our senior notes could have the effect of restricting our ability to pay future cash dividends on, or make future repurchases of, our common stock. Any reduction or discontinuance by us of the payment of quarterly cash dividends could cause the market price of our common stock to decline.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
We utilize space for retail stores, showrooms, distribution centers, and offices, principally in the United States and Canada. The majority of our premises are leased.
The following sets forth information with respect to our key properties:
|
| | | | | | | |
Location | | Approx. floor space in square feet | | Principal use | | Lease expiration date |
Braselton, Georgia | | 1,062,000 |
| | Distribution/warehousing | | September 2026 |
Stockbridge, Georgia | | 505,000 |
| | Distribution/warehousing | | April 2018 |
Chino, California | | 413,000 |
| | Distribution/warehousing (1) | | July 2015 |
Phipps Tower, Atlanta, Georgia | | 275,000 |
| | Corporate headquarters (2) | | April 2030 |
Griffin, Georgia | | 224,000 |
| | Finance/information technology/rework | | Owned |
Cambridge, Ontario | | 277,000 |
| | Distribution/warehousing | | March 2020 |
Cambridge, Ontario | | 37,000 |
| | Canadian corporate offices/distribution/warehousing | | June 2021 |
Fayetteville, Georgia | | 30,000 |
| | Information technology | | September 2020 |
(1) This space is leased and operated by a third party service provider.
(2) The amount of space occupied will increase to approximately 292,000 square feet by May 2015.
At January 3, 2015, we operated 731 leased retail stores across the United States. In addition, we operated 124 leased retail stores in Canada. The majority of our lease terms range between 5 and 10 years.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are subject to various claims and pending or threatened lawsuits in the normal course of our business. The Company is not currently a party to any legal proceedings that it believes would have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Our common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CRI. The last reported sale price per share of our common stock on February 20, 2015 was $82.02. On that date there were approximately 196 holders of record of our common stock.
The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the high and low sales prices per share of our common stock as reported by the New York Stock Exchange:
|
| | | | | | | | |
2014 | | High | | Low |
First quarter | | $ | 77.97 |
| | $ | 64.84 |
|
Second quarter | | $ | 79.36 |
| | $ | 67.83 |
|
Third quarter | | $ | 83.52 |
| | $ | 67.94 |
|
Fourth quarter | | $ | 87.31 |
| | $ | 75.10 |
|
|
| | | | | | | | |
2013 | | High | | Low |
First quarter | | $ | 60.84 |
| | $ | 55.55 |
|
Second quarter | | $ | 74.07 |
| | $ | 56.84 |
|
Third quarter | | $ | 77.33 |
| | $ | 68.02 |
|
Fourth quarter | | $ | 76.87 |
| | $ | 68.00 |
|
SHARE REPURCHASES
The following table provides information about shares repurchased through our repurchase program described below during the fourth fiscal quarter of 2014:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Period | | Total number of shares purchased (1) | | Average price paid per share | | Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs (2) | | Approximate dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs |
| | | | | | | | |
September 28, 2014 through October 25, 2014 | | 78,900 |
| | $ | 78.54 |
| | 78,900 |
| | $ | 198,268,491 |
|
| | | | | | | | |
October 26, 2014 through November 29, 2014 | | 122,061 |
| | $ | 78.39 |
| | 121,100 |
| | $ | 188,776,047 |
|
| | | | | | | | |
November 30, 2014 through January 3, 2015 | | 44,800 |
| | $ | 81.23 |
| | 44,800 |
| | $ | 185,136,985 |
|
| | | | | | | | |
Total | | 245,761 |
| |
|
| | 244,800 |
| | |
| |
(1) | Includes shares of our common stock surrendered by our employees to satisfy required tax withholding upon the vesting of restricted stock awards. There were 961 shares surrendered between September 28, 2014 and January 3, 2015. |
| |
(2) | Amounts purchased during the fiscal year were made in accordance with the share repurchase authorizations described in Note 8 to our accompanying audited condensed consolidated financial statements. |
Repurchase Program
In the second quarter of fiscal 2013, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of shares in an amount up to $300 million, inclusive of amounts remaining under previous authorizations. In the third quarter of 2013, our Board of Directors approved an additional $400 million share repurchase authorization. The total remaining capacity under the repurchase authorizations as of January 3, 2015, was approximately $185.1 million. The authorizations have no expiration date.
Open Market Purchases
During the fiscal year ended January 3, 2015, we repurchased and retired 1,111,899 shares with an average share price of $73.84 for an aggregate cost of $82.1 million, in open market transactions.
Accelerated Stock Repurchase Program
On August 29, 2013, we entered into two fixed dollar uncollared accelerated stock repurchase (ASR) agreements totaling $400 million. The ASR agreements were settled in January 2014. As of the date of settlement, we had received a total of approximately 5.6 million shares. All shares received under the ASR Agreements were retired upon receipt.
DIVIDENDS
On February 18, 2015, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a quarterly cash dividend payment of $0.22 per common share, payable on March 20, 2015 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 10, 2015.
In fiscal 2014, the Company paid quarterly cash dividends of $0.19 per share each quarter. In fiscal 2013, the Company paid quarterly cash dividends of $0.16 per share in the fiscal second, third and fourth quarters. Future declarations of quarterly dividends and the establishment of future record and payment dates are at the discretion of our Board of Directors based on a number of factors, including our future financial performance and other investment priorities.
Provisions in our secured revolving credit facility and indenture governing our senior notes could have the effect of restricting our ability to pay future cash dividends on or make future repurchases of our common stock. For more information concerning these dividend restrictions, refer to the "Financial Condition, Capital Resources, and Liquidity" section of Item 7 in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
Not applicable.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following selected financial and other data has been derived from our consolidated financial statements for each of the five years presented. The following information should be read in conjunction with Item 7 "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and Item 8 "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," which includes the consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, or the respective prior fiscal years' Form 10-K.
The Company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday, in December or January, nearest the last day of December, resulting in an additional week of results every five or six years. All fiscal years for which financial information is set forth below contained 52 weeks, except for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2015, which includes 53 weeks.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| For the fiscal years ended |
(dollars in thousands, except per share data) | | January 3,
2015 | | December 28,
2013 | | December 29, 2012 |
| December 31,
2011 | | January 1, 2011 |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Operating Data: | | | | | | | | | | |
Retail sales - Carter's | | $ | 1,087,165 |
| | $ | 954,160 |
| | $ | 818,909 |
| | $ | 671,590 |
| | $ | 546,233 |
|
Wholesale sales - Carter's | | 1,081,888 |
| | 1,035,420 |
| | 981,445 |
|
| 939,115 |
| | 827,815 |
|
Retail sales - OshKosh | | 335,140 |
| | 289,311 |
| | 283,343 |
|
| 280,900 |
| | 264,887 |
|
Wholesale sales - OshKosh | | 73,201 |
| | 74,564 |
| | 79,752 |
|
| 81,888 |
| | 75,484 |
|
International | | 316,474 |
| | 285,256 |
| | 218,285 |
|
| 136,241 |
| | 34,837 |
|
Total net sales | | $ | 2,893,868 |
| | $ | 2,638,711 |
| | $ | 2,381,734 |
|
| $ | 2,109,734 |
| | $ | 1,749,256 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
Gross profit (a) | | $ | 1,184,440 |
| | $ | 1,095,379 |
| | $ | 937,948 |
|
| $ | 692,278 |
| | $ | 674,717 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
Operating income (b) | | $ | 333,345 |
| | $ | 264,151 |
| | $ | 261,986 |
|
| $ | 187,466 |
| | $ | 243,256 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
Income before income taxes | | $ | 302,906 |
| | $ | 249,465 |
| | $ | 255,391 |
|
| $ | 180,888 |
| | $ | 233,386 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net income | | $ | 194,670 |
| | $ | 160,407 |
| | $ | 161,150 |
|
| $ | 114,016 |
| | $ | 146,472 |
|
| | | | | |
|
| | |
|
Per Common Share Data: | | | | | |
|
| | |
|
Basic net income | | $ | 3.65 |
| | $ | 2.78 |
| | $ | 2.73 |
|
| $ | 1.96 |
| | $ | 2.50 |
|
Diluted net income | | $ | 3.62 |
| | $ | 2.75 |
| | $ | 2.69 |
|
| $ | 1.94 |
| | $ | 2.46 |
|
Balance Sheet Data: | | | | | |
|
| | |
|
Working capital (c) | | $ | 793,487 |
| | $ | 701,242 |
| | $ | 713,468 |
|
| $ | 629,394 |
| | $ | 532,891 |
|
Total assets | | $ | 1,893,096 |
| | $ | 1,812,484 |
| | $ | 1,630,109 |
|
| $ | 1,402,709 |
| | $ | 1,257,182 |
|
Total debt, including current maturities | | $ | 586,000 |
| | $ | 586,000 |
| | $ | 186,000 |
|
| $ | 236,000 |
| | $ | 236,000 |
|
Stockholders' equity | | $ | 786,684 |
| | $ | 700,731 |
| | $ | 985,479 |
|
| $ | 805,709 |
| | $ | 679,936 |
|
Cash Flow Data: | | | | | |
|
| | |
|
Net cash provided by operating activities | | $ | 282,397 |
| | $ | 209,696 |
| | $ | 278,619 |
|
| $ | 81,074 |
| | $ | 85,821 |
|
Net cash used in investing activities | | $ | 104,732 |
| | $ | 220,532 |
| | $ | 83,392 |
|
| $ | 106,692 |
| | $ | 39,496 |
|
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | | $ | (122,438 | ) | | $ | (84,658 | ) | | $ | (46,317 | ) |
| $ | 11,505 |
| | $ | (133,984 | ) |
Other Data: | | | | | |
|
| | |
|
Capital expenditures | | $ | 103,453 |
| | $ | 182,525 |
| | $ | 83,398 |
|
| $ | 45,495 |
| | $ | 39,782 |
|
Dividend declared and paid per common share | | $ | 0.76 |
| | $ | 0.48 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
|
NOTES TO SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
| |
(a) | Gross profit in fiscal 2014 reflects a favorable recovery on inventory of approximately $1.0 million associated with the Company's exit from retail operations in Japan. Gross profit in fiscal 2013 includes a charge of $1.1 million for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2013, related to inventory write-downs associated with the Company's exit from retail operations in Japan. Gross profit in fiscal 2011 includes $6.7 million in additional expenses related to the amortization of the fair value step-up of inventory acquired as a result of the acquisition of our former licensee, Bonnie Togs, in 2011. |
(b)The following selling, general, & administrative expenses were included in the calculation of operating income: |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| For the fiscal years ended |
(dollars in thousands) | | January 3,
2015 | | December 28,
2013 | | December 29,
2012 | | December 31,
2011 | | January 1, 2011 |
Amortization of H.W. Carter and Sons tradenames | | $ | 16,437 |
| | $ | 13,588 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
|
Workforce reduction, facility write-down, and closure costs | | $ | 9,126 |
| | $ | 38,214 |
| | $ | 9,490 |
| | $ | — |
| | — |
|
Revaluation of contingent consideration | | $ | 1,348 |
| | $ | 2,825 |
| | $ | 3,589 |
| | $ | 2,484 |
| | — |
|
Acquisition-related charges | | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 3,050 |
| | — |
|
| |
(c) | Represents total current assets less total current liabilities. |
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following is a discussion of our results of operations and current financial condition. You should read this discussion in conjunction with our consolidated historical financial statements and notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our discussion of our results of operations and financial condition includes various forward-looking statements about our markets, the demand for our products and services, and our future results. We based these statements on assumptions that we consider reasonable. Actual results may differ materially from those suggested by our forward-looking statements for various reasons including those discussed in the “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Those risk factors expressly qualify all subsequent oral and written forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf. Except for any ongoing obligations to disclose material information as required by the federal securities laws, we do not have any intention or obligation to update forward-looking statements after we file this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Fiscal Year
Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday, in December or January nearest the last day of December, resulting in an additional week of results every five or six years. Fiscal 2014, which ended on January 3, 2015, contained 53 weeks. Fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, which ended on December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012 respectively, each contained 52 weeks.
The 53rd week in fiscal 2014 contributed approximately $44.1 million of incremental consolidated revenue. Certain expenses increased in relationship to the additional revenue from the 53rd week, while other expenses, such as fixed costs and expenses incurred on a calendar-month basis, did not increase. The consolidated gross margin for the incremental revenue was comparable to our consolidated gross margin for all of fiscal 2014.
Our Business
We are the largest branded marketer in the United States ("U.S.") of apparel exclusively for babies and young children. We
own two of the most highly recognized and most trusted brand names in the children's apparel industry, Carter's and OshKosh
B'gosh ("OshKosh"). Established in 1865, our Carter's brand is recognized and trusted by consumers for high-quality apparel
for children sizes newborn to eight. Established in 1895, OshKosh is a well-known brand, trusted by consumers for its line of
apparel for children sizes newborn to 12, with a focus on playclothes for toddlers and young children. Given each brand's product category emphasis and brand aesthetic, we believe the brands provide a complementary product offering. We have extensive experience in the young children's apparel market and focus on delivering products that satisfy our consumers' needs. Our strategy is to market high-quality, essential core products at prices that deliver an attractive value proposition for consumers.
In the U.S., our brands compete in the $19.7 billion children's apparel market, for children ages zero to eight. In 2014, our Carter's brand was the largest brand with a 14.3% market share and our OshKosh brand had a 2.2% market share. We offer multiple product categories, including baby, sleepwear, playclothes, and related accessories. Our distribution strategy enables us to reach a broad range of consumers across various channels, socio-economic groups, and geographic regions.
We distribute our products through multiple channels of distribution in the U.S. children's apparel market, which, as of January 3, 2015, includes approximately 18,000 wholesale locations (including national department stores, chain and specialty stores, and discount retailers), 855 Company-operated stores, and our websites. As of January 3, 2015, we operated 531 Carter's and 200 OshKosh stores in the U.S. As of January 3, 2015, our products were sold via 124 Company-operated stores in Canada in addition to our international wholesale, licensing, and online channels.
In recent years, we began opening "side-by-side" locations where adjacent retail stores for our Carter's and Oshkosh brands are connected, allowing retail customers to shop for both brands in a single location. As of January 3, 2015, the U.S. store count data presented in the preceding paragraph includes 51 such "side-by-side" locations for both Carter's and OshKosh.
Recent Events
Pursuant to the previously announced share repurchase plan authorized by our Board of Directors, during fiscal 2014 we repurchased and retired approximately 1.1 million of our common shares for $82.1 million, at an average price of $73.84 per share. Of the shares repurchased and retired in fiscal 2014, a total of 244,800 shares were repurchased and retired in the fourth quarter for $19.3 million, at an average price of $78.96 per share.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, we acquired the exclusive rights to use the Carter's tradename in Chile. The total cash consideration paid for these rights was approximately $3.6 million.
We completed the wind down of our retail operations in Japan in fiscal 2014, and recorded closing related costs of approximately $0.5 million in fiscal 2014 and $4.1 million in fiscal 2013.
In December 2014, we sold our Hogansville, Georgia distribution center for $2.1 million, which approximated the carrying value of the facility. The decision to close this facility was made in 2012 in conjunction with the opening of our one million square foot multi-channel distribution facility in Braselton, Georgia.
Segments
The five business segments we use to manage and evaluate our performance are: Carter's retail, Carter's wholesale, OshKosh retail, OshKosh wholesale, and International.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, (i) selected statement of operations data expressed as a percentage of net sales and (ii) the number of retail stores open at the end of each period:
|
| | | | | | | | |
| For the fiscal years ended |
| January 3, 2015 (53 weeks) | | December 28, 2013 (52 weeks) | | December 29, 2012 (52 weeks) |
Net sales | | | | | |
Carter’s Retail | 37.6 | % | | 36.2 | % | | 34.4 | % |
Carter’s Wholesale | 37.4 | % | | 39.2 | % | | 41.2 | % |
Total Carter’s | 75.0 | % | | 75.4 | % | | 75.6 | % |
OshKosh Retail | 11.6 | % | | 11.0 | % | | 11.9 | % |
OshKosh Wholesale | 2.5 | % | | 2.8 | % | | 3.3 | % |
Total OshKosh | 14.1 | % | | 13.8 | % | | 15.2 | % |
International | 10.9 | % | | 10.8 | % | | 9.2 | % |
Consolidated net sales | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % |
Cost of goods sold | 59.1 | % | | 58.5 | % | | 60.6 | % |
Gross profit | 40.9 | % | | 41.5 | % | | 39.4 | % |
Selling, general, and administrative expenses | 30.8 | % | | 32.9 | % | | 29.9 | % |
Royalty income | (1.4 | )% | | (1.4 | )% | | (1.6 | )% |
Operating income | 11.5 | % | | 10.0 | % | | 11.0 | % |
Interest expense | 1.0 | % | | 0.5 | % | | 0.3 | % |
Interest income | — | % | | — | % | | — | % |
Other expense, net | 0.1 | % | | 0.1 | % | | — | % |
Income before income taxes | 10.4 | % | | 9.5 | % | | 10.7 | % |
Provision for income taxes | 3.7 | % | | 3.4 | % | | 4.0 | % |
Net income | 6.7 | % | | 6.1 | % | | 6.8 | % |
| | | | | |
Number of retail stores at end of period: | | | | | |
Carter’s - U.S. | 531 |
| | 476 |
| | 413 |
|
OshKosh - U.S. | 200 |
| | 181 |
| | 168 |
|
International | 124 |
| | 117 |
| | 82 |
|
Total | 855 |
| | 774 |
| | 663 |
|
Note: Results may not be additive due to rounding.
Comparable Sales Metrics
Our comparable store sales metrics include sales for all stores that were open during the comparable fiscal period, including remodeled stores and certain relocated stores. A store becomes comparable following twelve consecutive full fiscal months of operations. If a store relocates within the same center with no business interruption or material change in square footage, the sales of such store will continue to be included in the comparable store metrics. If a store relocates to another center, or there is a material change in square footage, such store is treated as a new store. Stores that are closed during the period are included in the comparable store sales metrics up to the last full fiscal month of operations.
Our comparable eCommerce sales metrics include sales from our websites that were active during the comparable fiscal period.
The method of calculating comparable sales varies across the retail industry. As a result, our method of calculating comparable sales may not be the same as other retailers’ methods.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 3, 2015 (53 WEEKS) COMPARED WITH FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 28, 2013 (52 WEEKS)
CONSOLIDATED NET SALES
Compared to fiscal 2013, consolidated net sales in fiscal 2014 increased $255.2 million, or 9.7%, to $2.9 billion. This sales growth was primarily due to strength in both Carter's segments and in our OshKosh retail segment. The 53rd week in fiscal 2014 contributed approximately $44.1 million in additional consolidated net sales. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates in fiscal 2014 as compared to fiscal 2013 negatively impacted consolidated net sales by approximately $16.0 million, or 0.6%.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| For the fiscal years ended |
(dollars in thousands) | January 3, 2015 (53 weeks) | | % of
Total net sales | | December 28, 2013 (52 weeks) | | % of
Total net sales |
Net sales: | | | | | | | |
Carter’s Retail | $ | 1,087,165 |
| | 37.6 | % | | $ | 954,160 |
| | 36.2 | % |
Carter’s Wholesale | 1,081,888 |
| | 37.4 | % | | 1,035,420 |
| | 39.2 | % |
Total Carter’s | 2,169,053 |
| | 75.0 | % | | 1,989,580 |
| | 75.4 | % |
| | | | | | | |
OshKosh Retail | 335,140 |
| | 11.6 | % | | 289,311 |
| | 11.0 | % |
OshKosh Wholesale | 73,201 |
| | 2.5 | % | | 74,564 |
| | 2.8 | % |
Total OshKosh | 408,341 |
| | 14.1 | % | | 363,875 |
| | 13.8 | % |
International | 316,474 |
| | 10.9 | % | | 285,256 |
| | 10.8 | % |
Total net sales | $ | 2,893,868 |
| | 100.0 | % | | $ | 2,638,711 |
| | 100.0 | % |
CARTER’S RETAIL SALES
Carter’s retail sales increased $133.0 million, or 13.9%, in fiscal 2014 to $1.1 billion. The change in fiscal 2014 was primarily driven by:
| |
• | Increase of $87.7 million from new store openings; |
| |
• | Increase of $43.2 million in eCommerce sales; |
| |
• | Decrease of $9.0 million in comparable store sales driven by a decline in the number of transactions; |
| |
• | Decrease of $3.3 million due to the impact of store closings; and |
| |
• | Increase of $13.7 million in incremental sales during the 53rd week of fiscal 2014, exclusive of the other factors noted above. |
Carter's direct-to-consumer comparable sales increased 3.7%, comprised of eCommerce comparable sales growth of 26.1%, partially offset by a decline in retail stores comparable sales of 1.0%. The comparable sales metric for the 53 weeks ended January 3, 2015 utilizes a comparable 53-week period of the prior year.
During fiscal 2014, we opened 61 Carter's stores and closed six stores. There were 531 Carter’s retail stores (including 51 "side-by-side" locations) as of January 3, 2015. In fiscal 2015, we plan to open approximately 65 stores and close five stores.
CARTER’S WHOLESALE SALES
Carter’s wholesale sales increased $46.5 million, or 4.5%, in fiscal 2014 to $1.1 billion. The 2014 growth reflected a 3.9% increase in average price per unit and a 0.6% increase in units shipped, compared to fiscal 2013. Additionally, the 53rd week in fiscal 2014 contributed approximately $19.4 million in additional sales to the Carter's wholesale segment.
OSHKOSH RETAIL SALES
OshKosh retail sales increased $45.8 million, or 15.8%, in fiscal 2014 to $335.1 million. The growth in net sales in fiscal 2014 was primarily driven by:
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
| |
• | Increase of $25.4 million from new store openings; |
| |
• | Increase of $12.7 million in eCommerce sales; |
| |
• | Increase of $7.0 million in comparable store sales driven by an increase in the average transaction value; |
| |
• | Decrease of $4.4 million due to the impact of store closings; and |
| |
• | Increase of $4.8 million in incremental sales during the 53rd week of fiscal 2014, exclusive of the other factors noted above. |
OshKosh direct-to-consumer comparable sales increased 7.3%, comprised of eCommerce comparable sales growth of 27.4% and retail stores comparable sales growth of 3.3%. The comparable sales metric for the 53 weeks ended January 3, 2015 utilizes a comparable 53-week period of the prior fiscal year.
During fiscal 2014, we opened 27 OshKosh stores (all in "side-by-side" locations) and closed eight stores. There were 200 OshKosh retail stores (including 51 "side-by-side" locations) as of January 3, 2015. In fiscal 2015, we plan to open approximately 45 "side-by-side" locations and close six stand-alone stores.
OSHKOSH WHOLESALE SALES
OshKosh wholesale sales decreased $1.4 million, or 1.8%, in fiscal 2014 to $73.2 million. Compared to fiscal 2013, this decrease reflected a 2.6% decline in units shipped, partially offset by a 0.8% increase in the average price per unit. Additionally, the 53rd week in fiscal 2014 contributed approximately $1.9 million in sales to our OshKosh wholesale segment.
INTERNATIONAL SALES
Our international sales include our Canada and Japan retail operations, international eCommerce, and international wholesale sales.
International sales increased $31.2 million, or 10.9%, in fiscal 2014 to $316.5 million. This overall increase in sales for fiscal 2014 reflected:
| |
• | $14.0 million in incremental sales in our international wholesale locations excluding Canada; |
| |
• | $12.4 million in incremental sales in our Canadian wholesale business; |
| |
• | $11.8 million in incremental sales in our Canadian retail stores primarily due to new store openings; and |
| |
• | $4.4 million in incremental sales from our international eCommerce business primarily due to the launch of the Canada website in fiscal 2014. |
These increases were partially offset by an $11.5 million decrease in our retail operations in Japan, which we substantially exited in the first quarter of fiscal 2014. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates in fiscal 2014 as compared to fiscal 2013 negatively impacted international segment's net sales by approximately $16.0 million, or 5.7%. Additionally, sales that occurred during the 53rd week of fiscal 2014 totaled $4.3 million for our international segment.
Comparable store sales in Canada declined 3.4% in fiscal 2014, which reflects the combined growth in the Carter's and OshKosh branded products that was more than offset by the discontinuation of the legacy Bonnie Togs private label brands. The comparable sales metric for the 53 weeks ended January 3, 2015 utilizes a comparable 53-week period of the prior fiscal year.
During fiscal 2014, we opened 23 retail stores in Canada and closed one store. There were a total of 124 retail stores in Canada as of January 3, 2015. In fiscal 2015, we plan to open approximately 20 retail stores in Canada.
GROSS PROFIT
Our consolidated gross profit increased $89.1 million, or 8.1%, to $1.2 billion in fiscal 2014. Consolidated gross margin decreased from 41.5% in fiscal 2013 to 40.9% in fiscal 2014, primarily attributable to higher product costs and unfavorable foreign exchange rate movements, partially offset by a favorable mix of direct-to-consumer business and favorable freight expenses.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
We include distribution costs in selling, general, and administrative expenses. Accordingly, our gross profit may not be comparable to other companies that include such distribution costs in their cost of goods sold.
SELLING, GENERAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE ("SG&A") EXPENSES
SG&A expenses in fiscal 2014 increased $21.8 million, or 2.5%, to $890.3 million. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A expenses decreased from 32.9% to 30.8% in fiscal 2014.
The decrease in SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales in fiscal 2014 reflected:
| |
• | $26.6 million in lower costs associated with the office consolidation; |
| |
• | $13.0 million in lower costs associated with our exit from Japan retail operations; |
| |
• | $7.7 million in lower marketing expenses; |
| |
• | $3.3 million in lower costs associated with insurance and other employee benefits; and |
| |
• | $1.0 million in lower incentive compensation costs. |
ROYALTY INCOME
We license the use of our Carter’s, Just One You, Child of Mine, OshKosh B’gosh, OshKosh, Genuine Kids from OshKosh, and Precious Firsts brand names. Royalty income from these brands increased $1.9 million, or 5.1%, to $39.2 million in fiscal 2014.
OPERATING INCOME
Consolidated operating income increased $69.2 million, or 26.2%, to $333.3 million in fiscal 2014. The table below summarizes the changes in each of our segments' operating results between fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(dollars in thousands) | | Carter's Retail | | Carter's Wholesale | | OshKosh Retail | | OshKosh Wholesale | | International | | Corporate Expenses | | Total |
Operating income (loss) for fiscal 2013 | | $ | 181,169 |
| | $ | 185,501 |
| | $ | (1,433 | ) | | $ | 9,796 |
| | $ | 40,641 |
| | $ | (151,523 | ) | | $ | 264,151 |
|
Increase (decrease) during fiscal 2014: | | | | | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| | | | |
Gross profit | | 63,458 |
| | 2,240 |
| | 21,210 |
| | (1,125 | ) | | 2,070 |
| | 1,208 |
| | 89,061 |
|
Royalty income | | 1,297 |
| | (508 | ) | | 316 |
| | 263 |
| | 536 |
| | — |
| | 1,904 |
|
SG&A expenses | | 34,627 |
| | 1,770 |
| | 11,883 |
| | 92 |
| | 3,777 |
| | (30,378 | ) | | 21,771 |
|
Operating income (loss) for fiscal 2014 | | $ | 211,297 |
| | $ | 185,463 |
| | $ | 8,210 |
| | $ | 8,842 |
| | $ | 39,470 |
| | $ | (119,937 | ) | $ | — |
| $ | 333,345 |
|
| | (a) | | (b) | | (c) | | (d) | | (e) | | (f) | | |
(a) Carter's retail operating income in fiscal 2014 increased $30.1 million, or 16.6%, from fiscal 2013 to $211.3 million. The segment's operating margin increased from 19.0% in fiscal 2013 to 19.4% in fiscal 2014. The primary drivers of the change in operating income were an:
| |
• | Increase in gross profit of $63.5 million primarily due to higher sales as previously discussed, partially offset by higher product costs; |
| |
• | Increase in royalty income of $1.3 million; and |
| |
• | Increase in SG&A expenses of $34.6 million primarily consisting of a: |
| |
• | Increase of $38.4 million in retail expenses associated with a higher store count and growth in the eCommerce business; |
| |
• | Decrease of $6.8 million distribution and freight expenses; and |
| |
• | Decrease of $3.4 million in marketing expenses due to the absence of television advertising in fiscal 2014. |
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
(b) Carter's wholesale operating income was $185.5 million for both fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013. The segment's operating margin decreased from 17.9% in fiscal 2013 to 17.1% in fiscal 2014. The primary drivers in operating income were a/(an):
| |
• | Increase in gross profit of $2.2 million primarily due to higher sales as previously discussed and lower air freight related to inventory, partially offset by higher product costs; |
| |
• | Decrease in royalty income of $0.5 million; and |
| |
• | Increase of $1.8 million in SG&A expenses primarily consisting of a/(an): |
| |
• | Increase of $9.2 million in distribution and freight costs due to growth in the business; |
| |
• | Decrease of $4.8 million in other administrative expenses primarily due cost savings from the office consolidation; and |
| |
• | Decrease of $2.5 million in marketing expenses due to the absence of television advertising in fiscal 2014. |
(c) OshKosh retail operating income in fiscal 2014 increased $9.6 million from fiscal 2013 to $8.2 million. The segment's operating margin increased from (0.5)% in fiscal 2013 to 2.4% in fiscal 2014. The primary drivers of the change in operating income were an:
| |
• | Increase in gross profit of $21.2 million primarily due to higher sales as previously discussed, partially offset by higher product costs; |
| |
• | Increase in royalty income of $0.3 million; and |
| |
• | Increase of $11.9 million in SG&A largely due to $10.3 million in incremental retail expenses associated with a higher store count and growth in the eCommerce business. |
(d) OshKosh wholesale operating income in fiscal 2014 decreased $1.0 million, or 9.7%, from fiscal 2013 to $8.8 million. The segment's operating margin decreased from 13.1% in fiscal 2013 to 12.1% in fiscal 2014. The primary drivers of the change in operating income were a/(an):
| |
• | Decrease in gross profit of $1.1 million due to a decrease in sales as previously discussed, higher product costs, and increased promotional pricing; |
| |
• | Increase in royalty income of $0.3 million; and |
| |
• | Increase in SG&A expenses of $0.1 million largely due to a/(an): |
| |
▪ | Increase of $0.9 million in distribution and freight costs due to growth in the business; |
| |
▪ | Increase of $0.3 million in other administrative expenses; and |
| |
▪ | Decrease of $1.2 million in marketing costs due to less advertising in the fiscal 2014. |
(e) International operating income in fiscal 2014 decreased $1.2 million, or 2.9%, from fiscal 2013 to $39.5 million. This segment's operating margin decreased from 14.2% in fiscal 2013 to 12.5% in fiscal 2014. The primary drivers of the change in operating income were an:
| |
• | Increase in gross margin of $2.1 million primarily due to an increase in sales as previously discussed, partially offset by increased promotional pricing and higher product costs due to an unfavorable currency impact; |
| |
• | Increase in royalty income of $0.5 million; and |
| |
• | Increase of $3.8 million in SG&A expenses largely due to a/(an): |
| |
▪ | Increase of $4.3 million in distribution and freight costs due to growth in the business; |
| |
▪ | Increase of $1.8 million in retail expenses associated with a higher Canadian store count; |
| |
▪ | Increase of $1.8 million in marketing expenses also due to growth in the business; and |
| |
▪ | Decrease of $5.5 million in retail administration costs due to the exit of retail operations in Japan. |
(f) Corporate operating expenses in fiscal 2014 decreased $31.6 million, or 20.8%, from fiscal 2013 to $119.9 million. Corporate expenses as a percentage of consolidated net sales decreased from 5.7% in fiscal 2013 to 4.1% in fiscal 2014. The decrease in operating expenses primarily reflected the completion of office consolidations and facility closures of $26.6 million and lower costs associated with insurance and other employee benefits of $3.3 million.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
INTEREST EXPENSE
Interest expense in fiscal 2014 increased $14.2 million from fiscal 2013 to $27.7 million. Weighted-average borrowings for fiscal 2014 were $586.0 million at an effective interest rate of 4.68%, compared to weighted-average borrowings for fiscal 2013 of $338.7 million at an effective interest rate of 3.92%. The increase in the effective interest rate (which includes the effect of the amortization of debt issuance costs) is primarily the result of a full year of interest expense in fiscal 2014 on the $400 million senior notes that were issued in the third quarter of 2013 at an interest rate of 5.25%.
Our financial results are subject to risks from interest rate fluctuations on our secured revolving credit facility, which carries variable interest rates. As of January 3, 2015, our outstanding variable rate debt aggregated $186.0 million. An increase or decrease of 1% in the applicable rate applied to our weighted-average borrowings would have increased or decreased our fiscal 2014 interest expense by approximately $1.9 million.
OTHER EXPENSE, NET
Other expenses, net, in fiscal 2014 increased $1.3 million, or 66.3% from fiscal 2013 to $3.2 million primarily due to higher foreign currency losses in fiscal 2014.
INCOME TAXES
Our effective tax rate for both fiscal 2014 and 2013 was 35.7%.
NET INCOME
Our net income for fiscal 2014 increased $34.3 million, or 21.4%, to $194.7 million as compared to $160.4 million in fiscal 2013, due to the factors described above.
FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 28, 2013 (52 WEEKS) COMPARED WITH FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 29, 2012 (52 WEEKS)
CONSOLIDATED NET SALES
In fiscal 2013, consolidated net sales increased $257.0 million, or 10.8%, to $2.6 billion. The growth primarily reflects strength in our Carter's Wholesale, Carter's Retail and International segments. Foreign currency translation negatively impacted international net sales by approximately $6.8 million, or 3.1%.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| For the fiscal years ended |
(dollars in thousands) | December 28, 2013 (52 weeks) | | % of Total net sales | | December 29, 2012 (52 weeks) | | % of Total net sales |
Net sales: | | | | | | | |
Carter’s Wholesale | $ | 1,035,420 |
| | 39.2 | % | | $ | 981,445 |
| | 41.2 | % |
Carter’s Retail | 954,160 |
| | 36.2 | % | | 818,909 |
| | 34.4 | % |
Total Carter’s | 1,989,580 |
| | 75.4 | % | | 1,800,354 |
| | 75.6 | % |
| | | | | | | |
OshKosh Retail | 289,311 |
| | 11.0 | % | | 283,343 |
| | 11.9 | % |
OshKosh Wholesale | 74,564 |
| | 2.8 | % | | 79,752 |
| | 3.3 | % |
Total OshKosh | 363,875 |
| | 13.8 | % | | 363,095 |
| | 15.2 | % |
International | 285,256 |
| | 10.8 | % | | 218,285 |
| | 9.2 | % |
Total net sales | $ | 2,638,711 |
| | 100.0 | % | | $ | 2,381,734 |
| | 100.0 | % |
CARTER’S WHOLESALE SALES
Carter’s wholesale sales increased $54.0 million, or 5.5%, in fiscal 2013 to $1,035.4 million. This growth was primarily driven by a 4.4% increase in units shipped as compared to fiscal 2012.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
CARTER’S RETAIL SALES
Carter’s retail sales increased $135.3 million, or 16.5%, in fiscal 2013 to $954.2 million. The increase was driven by incremental sales of $79.1 million generated by new store openings, $54.6 million generated by eCommerce sales, and a comparable store sales increase of $6.8 million, or 1.0%, partially offset by the impact of store closings of $5.3 million. On a comparable store basis, the average transaction value increased 1.1%. Carter's direct-to-consumer comparable sales, defined as the combination of retail store and eCommerce comparable sales, increased 7.7%, comprised of eCommerce comparable sales growth of 49.9% and a comparable retail store comparable sales growth of 1.0%.
During fiscal 2013, we opened 65 Carter's stores and closed two stores. There was a total of 476 Carter’s retail stores as of December 28, 2013.
OSHKOSH RETAIL SALES
OshKosh retail sales increased $6.0 million, or 2.1%, in fiscal 2013 to $289.3 million. The increase reflects incremental sales of $13.5 million generated by eCommerce sales and $11.0 million generated by new store openings, partially offset by the impact of store closings of $10.5 million and a comparable store sales decrease of $8.0 million, or 3.4%. OshKosh direct-to-consumer comparable sales increased 2.0%, comprised of eCommerce comparable sales growth of 40.9% and a retail store comparable sales decline of 3.4%. On a comparable store basis, the average retail store transaction value remained flat and transactions decreased during fiscal 2013 as compared to fiscal 2012.
During fiscal 2013, we opened 18 OshKosh stores and closed five stores. There was a total of 181 OshKosh retail stores as of December 28, 2013.
OSHKOSH WHOLESALE SALES
OshKosh wholesale sales decreased $5.2 million, or 6.5%, in fiscal 2013 to $74.6 million. The decrease in wholesale sales reflects a 12.2% decrease in units shipped, partially offset by a 6.5% increase in average price per unit as compared to fiscal 2012.
INTERNATIONAL SALES
Our international sales include our Canada and Japan retail operations, international eCommerce, and wholesale sales.
International sales increased $67.0 million, or 30.7%, in fiscal 2013 to $285.3 million. Our international retail sales increased $38.6 million, or 28.3%, to $175.0 million, driven by incremental Canadian sales of $19.9 million (primarily from new store openings), sales by our Japanese operations of $15.9 million, and $2.8 million of incremental eCommerce sales. Comparable store sales in Canada decreased $2.2 million or 1.8%. In addition, international wholesale sales increased $28.4 million, or 34.7%, to $110.2 million.
During fiscal 2013, we opened 21 retail stores in Canada and closed one store. There was a total of 102 retail stores in Canada as of December 28, 2013.
In the first quarter of 2013, we assumed control of retail operations in Japan, previously managed by a licensee. In fiscal 2013, our retail operations in Japan generated sales of approximately $15.9 million and an operating loss of $11.3 million, which includes exit costs of approximately $4.1 million. In the fourth quarter of 2013, we decided to exit those operations based on revised forecasts which did not meet our investment objectives.
GROSS PROFIT
Our gross profit increased $157.4 million, or 16.8%, to $1,095.4 million in fiscal 2013. Gross margin increased from 39.4% in fiscal 2012 to 41.5% in fiscal 2013 primarily as the result of higher mix of direct-to-consumer sales and lower product costs compared to prior year.
We include distribution costs in selling, general, and administrative expenses. Accordingly, our gross profit may not be comparable to other companies that include such distribution costs in their cost of goods sold.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
SELLING, GENERAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE ("SG&A") EXPENSES
SG&A expenses in fiscal 2013 increased $155.3 million, or 21.8%, to $868.5 million. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A expenses increased from 29.9% to 32.9% in fiscal 2013.
The increase in SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales reflects:
| |
• | $39.9 million in higher domestic and Canada retail store expenses; |
| |
• | $26.9 million in incremental costs associated with the office consolidation; |
| |
• | $18.4 million in incremental distribution and freight costs; |
| |
• | $18.1 million in expenses associated with the Japan business, including operating costs and costs to exit the operations; |
| |
• | $13.6 million in amortization of the H.W. Carter tradename; and |
| |
• | $10.3 million in incremental operating expenses associated with the growth of the eCommerce business. |
Slightly offsetting these increases were:
| |
• | $12.0 million in lower provisions for performance-based compensation. |
ROYALTY INCOME
We license the use of our Carter’s, Just One You, Child of Mine, OshKosh B’gosh, OshKosh, Genuine Kids from OshKosh, and Precious Firsts brand names. Royalty income from these brands in both fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012 was approximately $37.3 million, including $5.5 million and $6.8 million of international royalty income in fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, respectively. International royalty income in fiscal 2013 declined primarily due to our assumption of a licensee's operations in Japan.
OPERATING INCOME
Operating income increased $2.2 million, or 0.8%, to $264.2 million in fiscal 2013. Following is information regarding our segment results:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(dollars in thousands) | For the fiscal years ended |
Operating income (loss): | December 28, 2013 | | Segment operating margin | | December 29, 2012 | | Segment operating margin |
Carter’s Wholesale | $ | 185,501 |
| | 17.9 | % | | $ | 172,673 |
| | 17.6 | % |
Carter’s Retail | 181,169 |
| | 19.0 | % | | 145,940 |
| | 17.8 | % |
Total Carter’s | 366,670 |
| | 18.4 | % | | 318,613 |
| | 17.7 | % |
OshKosh Retail | (1,433 | ) | | (0.5 | )% | | (7,752 | ) | | (2.7 | )% |
OshKosh Wholesale | 9,796 |
| | 13.1 | % | | 4,086 |
| | 5.1 | % |
Total OshKosh | 8,363 |
| | 2.3 | % | | (3,666 | ) | | (1.0 | )% |
International | 40,641 |
| | 14.2 | % | | 43,376 |
| | 19.9 | % |
Corporate expenses | (151,523 | ) | | | | (96,337 | ) | | |
Total operating income | $ | 264,151 |
| | 10.0 | % | | $ | 261,986 |
| | 11.0 | % |
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
Carter's wholesale operating income in fiscal 2013 increased $12.8 million, or 7.4%, from fiscal 2012 to $185.5 million. The segment's operating margin increased from 17.6% in fiscal 2012 to 17.9%. The increase in operating income reflects a $21.2 million improvement in segment gross profit in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012 primarily as a result of incremental sales, as discussed in the previous section for Carter's wholesale sales. The improvement in net sales was partially offset by an $8.3 million increase in SG&A expenses which was largely due to $6.3 million in incremental distribution and freight costs associated with growth in the business.
Carter's retail operating income in fiscal 2013 increased $35.2 million, or 24.1%, from fiscal 2012 to $181.2 million. The segment's operating margin increased from 17.8% in fiscal 2012 to 19.0%. The increase in operating income reflects an $87.4 million improvement in segment gross profit in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012 primarily as a result of incremental sales, as discussed in the previous section for Carter's retail sales. The improvement in net sales was partially offset by a $52.8 million increase in SG&A due largely to $37.1 million in incremental retail expenses associated with a higher store count and growth in the eCommerce business, and $9.8 million in incremental distribution and freight expenses also due to eCommerce growth.
OshKosh retail operating loss in fiscal 2013 improved $6.3 million, or 81.5% from fiscal 2012 to $1.4 million. This segment's operating margin improved from (2.7)% in fiscal 2012 to (0.5)%. The improvement in segment operating loss reflects a $14.1 million increase in segment gross profit in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012 primarily due to higher average prices, as discussed in the previous section for OshKosh retail sales. This improvement was partially offset by an $8.0 million increase in SG&A expenses largely due to $4.2 million in incremental retail expenses associated with a higher store count and growth in the eCommerce business, and $1.6 million in incremental distribution and freight expenses also due to eCommerce growth.
OshKosh wholesale operating income in fiscal 2013 increased $5.7 million from fiscal 2012 to $9.8 million. The segment's operating margin increased from 5.1% in fiscal 2012 to 13.1%. The increase in operating income reflects a $3.5 million improvement in segment gross profit in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012 primarily due to higher average prices as discussed in the previous section for OshKosh wholesale sales, a $1.9 million decrease in SG&A expenses primarily due to $1.3 million in lower provisions for performance-based compensation, and a $0.3 million increase in royalty income.
International operating income in fiscal 2013 decreased $2.7 million, or 6.3%, from fiscal 2012 to $40.6 million. This segment's operating margin decreased from 19.9% in fiscal 2012 to 14.2%. The decrease in international operating income reflects a $32.8 million increase in SG&A expenses in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012 largely due to $18.1 million in Japan operating and exit costs and $8.9 million in incremental Canada retail store expenses associated with a higher store count. These cost increases were partially offset by a $31.1 million improvement in segment gross profit in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012 primarily due to incremental sales as discussed in the previous section for International sales. Royalty income decreased $1.0 million year-over-year primarily due to the absence of Japan royalty income in fiscal 2013 as a result of assuming our Japan licensee’s operations in the first quarter of fiscal 2013.
Corporate operating expenses in fiscal 2013 increased $55.2 million, or 57.3%, from fiscal 2012 to $151.5 million. Corporate expenses as a percentage of consolidated net sales increased from 4.0% in fiscal 2012 to 5.7%. The increase in corporate operating expenses primarily reflects $25.7 million in incremental costs associated with the office consolidation and other facility closures and $13.6 million in amortization of the H.W. Carter tradename.
INTEREST EXPENSE
Interest expense in fiscal 2013 increased $6.7 million to $13.4 million, compared to fiscal 2012. Weighted-average borrowings for fiscal 2013 were $338.7 million at an effective interest rate of 3.92%, as compared to weighted-average borrowings for fiscal 2012 of $210.4 million at an effective interest rate of 3.23%. The effective interest rate for fiscal 2013 was higher than fiscal 2012 as a result of the issuance of the senior notes (at an interest rate of 5.25%) in the third quarter of fiscal 2013, partially offset by the impact of the refinancing of the secured revolving credit facility in the third quarter of fiscal 2012.
Our operating results are subject to risk from interest rate fluctuations on our secured revolving credit facility, which carries variable interest rates. As of December 28, 2013, our outstanding variable rate debt aggregated approximately $186.0 million. An increase or decrease of 1% in the applicable rate applied to our weighted-average borrowings would have increased or decreased our fiscal 2013 interest cost by approximately $1.9 million.
OTHER EXPENSE, NET
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
During fiscal 2013 and 2012, other expense, net, principally comprised foreign currency losses of $1.9 million and gains of $0.1 million, respectively, related to foreign currency denominated payables.
INCOME TAXES
Our effective tax rate was 35.7% for fiscal 2013 as compared to 36.9% for fiscal 2012. The decrease in our effective rate was attributable to the expansion of our international operations, which are taxed at slightly lower effective rates, and the absence of non-deductible acquisition costs in 2013.
NET INCOME
Our net income for fiscal 2013 decreased $0.7 million, or 0.5%, to $160.4 million as compared to $161.2 million in fiscal 2012.
FINANCIAL CONDITION, CAPITAL RESOURCES, AND LIQUIDITY
Our primary cash needs are for working capital and capital expenditures. Substantially all of our cash is held in the United States. Our primary sources of liquidity will continue to be cash and cash equivalents on hand, cash flow from operations, and borrowings available under our secured revolving credit facility. We expect that these sources will fund our ongoing requirements for the foreseeable future. Further, we do not expect current economic conditions to prevent us from meeting our cash requirements. These sources of liquidity may be affected by events described in our risk factors, as further discussed in Part I, Item 1A of this filing.
BALANCE SHEET
Net accounts receivable at January 3, 2015 were $184.6 million compared to $193.6 million at December 28, 2013. The decrease of $9.0 million, or 4.7%, as compared to December 28, 2013 reflects a decrease in other receivables primarily related to the 2014 collection of tenant improvement allowances for the new corporate headquarters facility. Net accounts receivable at December 28, 2013 were $193.6 million compared to $168.0 million at December 29, 2012. The increase of $25.6 million, or 15.2%, compared to December 29, 2012 reflected growth in the business along with an increase of approximately $17.9 million in other receivables related to tenant improvement allowances for the new corporate headquarters facility.
Inventories at January 3, 2015 were $444.8 million compared to $417.8 million at December 28, 2013. The increase of $27.0 million, or 6.5%, as compared to December 28, 2013, reflects an increase in inventory levels to support business growth and higher product costs as compared to the prior year. Inventories at December 28, 2013 were $417.8 million compared to $349.5 million at December 29, 2012. The increase of $68.2 million, or 19.5%, compared to December 29, 2012 reflected an increase in inventory levels to support planned sales and store openings, in addition to higher product costs compared to the prior year.
CASH FLOW
Net cash provided by operating activities for fiscal 2014 was $282.4 million compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $209.7 million in fiscal 2013. The increase in operating cash flow primarily reflects an increase in net income and favorable changes in net working capital. Net cash provided by operating activities for fiscal 2013 was $209.7 million compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $278.6 million in fiscal 2012. The decrease in operating cash flow primarily reflects changes in net working capital. The timing of payments and receipts in the normal course of business can impact our working capital.
Our capital expenditures were $103.5 million in fiscal 2014 compared to $182.5 million in fiscal 2013, primarily reflecting expenditures of approximately $56.5 million for our U.S. and international retail store openings and remodelings, $19.6 for information technology initiatives, $18.2 million for the Braselton, Georgia distribution facility, and $8.5 million for the new corporate headquarters facility.
Our capital expenditures were $182.5 million in fiscal 2013 compared to $83.4 million in fiscal 2012, primarily reflecting expenditures of approximately $55.8 million for our U.S. and international retail store openings and remodelings, $54.0 million for the Braselton, Georgia distribution facility, $35.9 million for the new corporate headquarters facility, and $29.5 million for information technology initiatives.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
We plan to invest approximately $120 million in capital expenditures in fiscal 2015, primarily for U.S. and international retail store openings and remodelings, and information technology.
SECURED REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY
On October 15, 2010, we entered into a $375 million ($130 million sub-limit for letters of credit and a swing line sub-limit of $40 million) secured revolving credit facility with Bank of America as sole lead arranger and administrative agent, JP Morgan Chase Bank as syndication agent, and other financial institutions. On December 22, 2011, we amended and restated the secured revolving credit facility to, among other things, provide a U.S. dollar secured revolving facility of $340 million ($130 million sub-limit for letters of credit and a swing line sub-limit of $40 million) plus a $35 million multicurrency secured revolving facility ($15 million sub-limit for letters of credit and a swing line sub-limit of $5 million), which is available for borrowings by either TWCC or our Canadian subsidiary, in U.S. dollars or Canadian dollars.
On August 31, 2012, we amended and restated the secured revolving credit facility to, among other things, improve interest rates applicable to pricing, extend the maturity of the facility, and allow borrowings in currencies other than U.S. dollars or Canadian dollars subject to the consent of all multicurrency lenders. The aggregate principal amount of the facility remained unchanged at $375 million, consisting of a $340 million U.S. dollar secured revolving credit facility and a $35 million multicurrency secured revolving credit facility (although the sub-limit for U.S. dollar letters of credit was increased to $175 million). In connection with the amendment, we recorded approximately $1.9 million in debt issuance costs which, together with the existing unamortized debt issuance costs, will be amortized over the new remaining term of the facility (five years). The term of the secured revolving credit facility expires August 31, 2017.
Pricing Options
The secured revolving credit facility provides for different pricing options based on, among other things, the currency being borrowed and our leverage. Amounts outstanding under the secured revolving credit facility as of January 3, 2015 were accruing interest at a LIBOR rate plus 2.00%.
Covenants
The secured revolving credit facility contains and defines financial covenants, including a lease adjusted leverage ratio (defined as, with certain adjustments, the ratio of our consolidated indebtedness plus six times rent expense to consolidated net income before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and rent expense (“EBITDAR”)) to exceed (x) if such period ends on or before December 31, 2016, 3.75:1.00 and (y) if such period ends after December 31, 2016, 3.50:1.00; and consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio (defined as, with certain adjustments, the ratio of consolidated EBITDAR to consolidated fixed charges (defined as interest plus rent expense)), for any such period to be less than 2.50:1.00. As of January 3, 2015, we are in compliance with our financial debt covenants.
Outstanding Amount
At January 3, 2015, we had approximately $186.0 million in revolver borrowings, exclusive of $6.5 million of outstanding letters of credit, leaving approximately $182.5 million available for future borrowings.
SENIOR NOTES
On August 12, 2013, our 100% owned subsidiary, TWCC issued $400 million principal amount of senior notes at par, bearing interest at a rate of 5.25% per annum, and maturing on August 15, 2021, all of which were outstanding as of January 3, 2015. TWCC received net proceeds from the offering of the senior notes of approximately $394.2 million, after deducting bank fees. Approximately $7.0 million, including both bank fees and other third party expenses, has been capitalized in connection with the issuance and is being amortized over the term of the senior notes.
The senior notes are unsecured and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Carter's, Inc. and certain subsidiaries of TWCC.
At any time prior to August 15, 2017, TWCC may redeem all or part of the senior notes at 100% of the principal amount redeemed plus an applicable premium and accrued and unpaid interest. On and after August 15, 2017, TWCC may redeem all or part of the senior notes at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount of the senior notes to be redeemed) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The redemption price applicable where the redemption occurs during the twelve-month period beginning on August 15 of each of the years indicated is as follows:
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
|
| |
Year | Percentage |
2017 | 102.63% |
2018 | 101.31% |
2019 and thereafter | 100.00% |
In addition, until August 15, 2016, we may, at our option, redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the senior notes at a redemption price equal to 105.25% of the aggregate principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, subject to certain terms, with the proceeds of certain equity offerings.
Upon the occurrence of specific kinds of changes of control, unless a redemption notice with respect to all the outstanding senior notes has previously or concurrently been mailed or delivered, we will be required to make an offer to purchase the senior notes at 101% of their principal amount. In addition, if we or any of our restricted subsidiaries engages in certain asset sales, under certain circumstances we will be required to use the net proceeds to make an offer to purchase the senior notes at 100% of their principal amount.
The indenture governing the senior notes includes a number of covenants, that, among other things and subject to certain exceptions, restrict TWCC's ability and the ability of certain of its subsidiaries to: (a) incur, assume or guarantee additional indebtedness; (b) issue disqualified stock and preferred stock; (c) pay dividends or make distributions or other restricted payments; (d) prepay, redeem or repurchase certain debt; (e) make loans and investments (including joint ventures); (f) incur liens; (g) create restrictions on the payment of dividends or other amounts from restricted subsidiaries that are not guarantors of the notes; (h) sell or otherwise dispose of assets, including capital stock of subsidiaries; (i) consolidate or merge with or into, or sell substantially all of TWCC's assets to, another person; (j) designate subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries; and (k) enter into transactions with affiliates. Additionally, the terms of the notes contain customary affirmative covenants and provide for events of default which, if certain of them occur, would permit the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then total outstanding senior notes to declare all amounts owning under the notes to be due and payable. Carter's, Inc. is not subject to these covenants.
During June 2014, TWCC completed the registration of the exchange offer for the senior notes that was required under the terms of such notes.
Provisions in the Company's secured revolving credit facility and indenture governing its senior notes could have the effect of restricting the Company's ability to pay future cash dividends on or make future repurchases of its common stock, as further described in the Long-Term Debt note to the consolidated financial statements.
BONNIE TOGS ACQUISITION
On June 30, 2011, we purchased Bonnie Togs for total consideration of up to CAD $95 million, of which USD $61.2 million was paid in cash at closing and the balance to be paid contingent upon achieving certain earnings targets. In fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013, we paid approximately USD $8.9 million and $14.7 million, respectively, after achieving interim earnings targets. As of January 3, 2015, a discounted contingent current liability of approximately USD $7.7 million was recorded based upon the high probability that Bonnie Togs will attain future earnings targets and the corresponding earnout payment is expected to be paid within a one year window.
FACILITY CLOSURES
In conjunction with the closure of the Hogansville, Georgia distribution facility, we incurred closure-related charges of approximately $1.9 million in fiscal 2013. No additional closing costs were incurred in fiscal 2014 and no accrual remains as of January 3, 2015. The Hogansville facility was sold during the fourth quarter of 2014 at a selling price that approximated the book value.
In connection with the plan to consolidate our Shelton, Connecticut and Atlanta, Georgia offices, as well as certain functions from our other offices, into a new corporate headquarters facility in Atlanta, Georgia, we recorded charges of approximately $6.6 million in fiscal 2014, primarily related to severance and relocation and recruiting expenses. We have completed our consolidation efforts and the remaining balance in the accrual as of January 3, 2015 is approximately $3.6 million, consisting of $0.8 million in severance and $2.8 million in other closing costs related to a remaining lease liability. The severance accrual is
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
expected to be substantially paid in the first half of 2015. We do not expect to incur any additional costs related to the office consolidation.
In the fourth quarter of 2013, we made the decision to exit retail operations in Japan based on revised forecasts which did not meet our investment objectives. We recorded approximately $1.5 million in closing related-costs for fiscal 2014 and $3.0 million in fiscal 2013, primarily related to severance, accelerated depreciation, and other closing costs such as lease termination costs. We do not expect to incur any additional closing-related costs for the exit of retail operations in Japan, and no accrual remains as of January 3, 2015.
SHARE REPURCHASES
In the second quarter of fiscal 2013, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of shares in an amount up to $300 million, inclusive of amounts remaining under previous authorizations. In the third quarter of 2013, our Board approved an additional $400 million share repurchase authorization. The total remaining capacity under the repurchase authorizations as of January 3, 2015, was approximately $185.1 million.
Future repurchases may be made in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, with the level and timing of activity being at management's discretion depending on market conditions, share price, other investment priorities, and other factors. The authorizations have no expiration date.
Open Market Purchases
During the fiscal year ended January 3, 2015, we purchased, in open market transactions, and retired 1,111,899 shares with an average share price of $73.84 for an aggregate cost of $82.1 million.
During the fiscal year ended December 28, 2013, we purchased and retired 816,402 shares with an average share price of $66.31 for an aggregate cost of approximately $54.1 million in open market transactions.
Accelerated Stock Repurchase Program
On August 29, 2013, we entered into two fixed dollar uncollared accelerated stock repurchase (ASR) agreements totaling $400 million. The ASR agreements were settled in January 2014. As of the date of settlement, the Company had received a total of approximately 5.6 million shares. All shares received under the ASR Agreements were retired upon receipt.
DIVIDENDS
Our Board of Directors authorized quarterly cash dividends of $0.19 per share in each quarter of fiscal 2014. The dividends were paid during the fiscal quarter in which they were declared. Future declarations of quarterly dividends and the establishment of future record and payment dates are at the discretion of our Board of Directors, and are based on a number of factors, including our future financial performance and other investment priorities.
Provisions in our secured revolving credit facility and indenture governing our senior notes could have the effect of restricting our ability to pay future cash dividends on or make future repurchases of our common stock.
COMMITMENTS
The following table summarizes as of January 3, 2015, the maturity or expiration dates of mandatory contractual obligations and commitments for the following fiscal years:
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(dollars in thousands) | 2015 | | 2016 | | 2017 | | 2018 | | 2019 | | Thereafter | | Total |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Long-term debt | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 186,000 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 400,000 |
| | $ | 586,000 |
|
Interest on debt (a) | 25,036 |
| | 25,036 |
| | 23,691 |
| | 21,000 |
| | 21,000 |
| | 35,000 |
| | 150,763 |
|
Operating leases | 125,650 |
| | 121,100 |
| | 115,889 |
| | 108,653 |
| | 90,057 |
| | 351,356 |
| | 912,705 |
|
Capital leases | 392 |
| | 392 |
| | 392 |
| | 352 |
| | 231 |
| | 788 |
| | 2,547 |
|
Total financial obligations | 151,078 |
| | 146,528 |
| | 325,972 |
| | 130,005 |
| | 111,288 |
| | 787,144 |
| | 1,652,015 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Letters of credit | 6,462 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 6,462 |
|
Total financial obligations and commitments (b) (c) | $ | 157,540 |
| | $ | 146,528 |
| | $ | 325,972 |
| | $ | 130,005 |
| | $ | 111,288 |
| | $ | 787,144 |
| | $ | 1,658,477 |
|
(a) Reflects estimated variable rate interest on obligations outstanding on our secured revolving credit facility and senior notes as of January 3, 2015 using an interest rate of 2.17% (rate in effect at January 3, 2015) and 5.25%, respectively.
(b) The table above excludes our reserves for income taxes, as we are unable to reasonably predict the ultimate amount or timing of settlement.
(c) The table above excludes purchase obligations. Our estimate as of January 3, 2015 for commitments to purchase inventory in the normal course of business, which are cancellable (with or without penalty, depending on the stage of production) and span a period of one year or less is estimated to be $400 - $500 million.
In addition to the total contractual obligations and commitments in the table above, we have post-retirement benefit obligations and contingent consideration liabilities, which are included in other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities, as further described in our notes to the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET OBLIGATIONS
We do not maintain off-balance sheet arrangements, transaction, obligations, or other relationships with unconsolidated entities except for those that are made in the normal course of our business and included in our Commitments table presented above.
LIQUIDITY OUTLOOK
Based on our current outlook, we believe that cash generated from operations and available cash, together with amounts available under our secured revolving credit facility, will be adequate to meet our working capital needs and capital expenditure requirements for the foreseeable future, although no assurance can be given in this regard.
EFFECTS OF INFLATION AND DEFLATION
Our product costs are subject to fluctuations in costs such as manufacturing, cotton, labor, fuel, and transportation. In recent years, we have experienced increased costs due to such fluctuations as well as higher product costs resulting from inventory purchased by our Canadian entity in U.S. dollars. In anticipation of higher product costs, we raised our selling prices on many of our products over the past two years, but have been unable to fully absorb the cost increases and our profitability has been adversely impacted. In recent years, we have also experienced deflationary pressure on our selling prices, in part driven by intense price competition in the young children's apparel industry. If future product cost increases are more than anticipated, or
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
if we are unable to offset such cost increases through selling price increases or otherwise, our profitability could be adversely affected. Future deflationary pressures on our selling prices could also adversely affect our profitability.
SEASONALITY
We experience seasonal fluctuations in our sales and profitability due to the timing of certain holidays and key retail shopping
periods, which generally has resulted in lower sales and gross profit in the first half of our fiscal year versus the second half of
the year. Accordingly, our results of operations during the first half of the year may not be indicative of the results we expect
for the full year.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Our significant accounting policies are described in our accompanying audited consolidated financial statements. The following discussion addresses our critical accounting policies and estimates, which are those policies that require management’s most difficult and subjective judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain.
REVENUE RECOGNITION AND ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE ALLOWANCE
We recognize wholesale and eCommerce revenue after shipment of products to customers, when title passes, when all risks and rewards of ownership have transferred, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured. In certain cases, in which we retain the risk of loss during shipment, revenue recognition does not occur until the goods have reached the specified customer. In the normal course of business, we grant certain accommodations and allowances to our wholesale customers to assist these customers with inventory clearance or promotions. Such amounts are reflected as a reduction of net sales and are recorded based upon agreements with customers, historical trends, and annual forecasts. Retail store revenues are recognized at the point of sale. We reduce revenue for estimated customer returns and deductions. We also maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make payments and other actual and estimated deductions. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, an additional allowance could be required. Past due balances over 90 days are reviewed individually for collectability. Our credit and collections department reviews all other balances regularly. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when we believe it is probable the receivable will not be recovered.
We record cooperative advertising arrangements with major wholesale customers at fair value. Such fair value is determined based upon, among other factors, comparable market analysis for similar advertisements. We have included the fair value of these arrangements as a component of selling, general, and administrative expenses on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations rather than as a reduction of revenue. Amounts determined to be in excess of the fair value of these arrangements are recorded as a reduction of net sales.
INVENTORY
We provide reserves for slow-moving inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If actual market conditions are less favorable than we project, additional write-downs may be required.
GOODWILL AND TRADENAME
The carrying values of goodwill and indefinite-lived tradename assets are subject to annual impairment reviews as of the last day of each fiscal year. Between annual assessments, impairment reviews may also be triggered by any significant events or changes in circumstances affecting our business. Factors affecting such impairment reviews include the continued market acceptance of our offered products and the development of new products. We use both qualitative and quantitative methods to assess for impairment, including the use of discounted cash flows ("income approach") and relevant data from guideline public companies ("market approach").
We perform impairment tests of goodwill at the reporting unit level. We may utilize a qualitative assessment to determine if it is "more likely than not" that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If so, the two-step goodwill impairment test using quantitative assessments is required to be performed. If not, no further testing is required and the relevant qualitative factors supporting the strength in fair value are documented. Qualitative factors may include, but are not
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
limited to: macroeconomic conditions; industry and market considerations; cost factors that may have a negative effect on earnings; overall financial performance; and other relevant entity-specific events.
Under the quantitative assessment for goodwill, the first step is to compare the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. We use discounted cash flow models to determine the fair value of a reporting unit. The assumptions used in these models are consistent with those we believe hypothetical marketplace participants would use. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the second step of the impairment test must be performed in order to determine the impairment loss, if any. The second step compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment charge is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The loss recognized cannot exceed the carrying amount of the goodwill.
A tradename is considered impaired if the estimated fair value of the tradename is less than the carrying amount. If a tradename is considered impaired, we recognize a loss equal to the difference between the carrying amount and the estimated fair value of the tradename. The process of estimating the fair value of a tradename incorporates the relief-from-royalty method, which requires us to make assumptions and to apply judgment, including forecasting future cash flows and selecting appropriate discount and royalty rates.
A deterioration of macroeconomic conditions may not only negatively impact the estimated operating cash flows used in our cash flow models, but may also negatively impact other assumptions used in our analysis, including, but not limited to, the estimated cost of capital and/or discount rates. Additionally, we are required to ensure that assumptions used to determine fair value in our analysis are consistent with the assumptions a hypothetical marketplace participant would use. As a result, the cost of capital and/or discount rates used in our analysis may increase or decrease based on market conditions and trends, regardless of whether our actual cost of capital has changed. Therefore, we may recognize an impairment of an intangible asset or assets even though realized actual cash flows are approximately equal to or greater than our previously forecast amounts.
Based upon our most recent assessment, performed as of January 3, 2015, there was no impairment in the value of goodwill or indefinite-lived tradename assets and no reporting units were at risk.
ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accrued expenses for workers’ compensation, incentive compensation, health insurance, 401(k), and other outstanding obligations are assessed based on actual commitments, statistical trends, and/or estimates based on projections and current expectations, and these estimates are updated periodically as additional information becomes available.
LOSS CONTINGENCIES
We record accruals for various contingencies including legal exposures as they arise in the normal course of business. We determine whether to disclose and accrue for loss contingencies based on an assessment of whether the risk of loss is remote, reasonably possible, or probable. Our assessment is developed in consultation with our internal and external counsel and other advisors and is based on an analysis of possible outcomes under various strategies. Loss contingency assumptions involve judgments that are inherently subjective and can involve matters that are in litigation, which, by its nature is unpredictable. We believe that our assessment of the probability of loss contingencies is reasonable, but because of the subjectivity involved and the unpredictable nature of the subject matter at issue, our assessment may prove ultimately to be incorrect, which could materially impact our consolidated financial statements.
ACCOUNTING FOR INCOME TAXES
As part of the process of preparing the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements, we are required to estimate our actual current tax exposure (state, federal, and foreign). We assess our income tax positions and record tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon management’s evaluation of the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting dates. We determine whether it is "more likely than not" that a tax position will be sustained upon the examination by the appropriate taxing authorities before any part of the benefit can be recorded in the financial statements. For those income tax positions where it is not “more likely than not” that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit has been recognized in the financial statements. Where applicable, associated interest and penalties are also recognized.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
We also assess permanent and temporary differences resulting from differing bases and treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes, such as the carrying value of intangibles, deductibility of expenses, depreciation of property, plant, and equipment, stock-based compensation expense, and valuation of inventories. Temporary differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included within our consolidated balance sheets. We must then assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income. Actual results could differ from this assessment if sufficient taxable income is not generated in future periods. To the extent we determine the need to establish a valuation allowance or increase such allowance in a period, we must include an expense within the tax provision in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
FOREIGN CURRENCY
The functional currency of substantially all of our foreign operations is the local currency.
Assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using the current exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, while revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates for the period. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within stockholders’ equity.
Transaction gains and losses, such as those resulting from the settlement of nonfunctional currency receivables and payables, including intercompany balances, are included in foreign currency gain or loss in our consolidated statements of operations. Additionally, payable and receivable balances denominated in nonfunctional currencies are marked-to-market and the end of each reporting period, and the gain or loss is recognized in our consolidated statements of operations.
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
We sponsor a defined contribution (401(k)) plan, a frozen defined benefit pension plan and other unfunded post-retirement plans. The defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans require an actuarial valuation to determine plan obligations, and related periodic costs. Plan valuations require economic assumptions, including expected rates of return on plan assets, discount rates to value plan obligations and employee demographic assumptions including mortality rates. For the fiscal year ended January 3, 2015, revised mortality tables were used, and these revised tables reflected increased life expectancies for most all demographics. The actuarial assumptions used may differ materially from actual results due to changing market and economic conditions. Actual results that differ from the actuarial assumptions are reflected as unrecognized gains and losses. Unrecognized gains and losses that exceed 10% of the greater of the plan’s projected benefit obligations or market value of assets are amortized to earnings over the estimated service life of the remaining plan participants.
Any future obligation under our pension plan not funded from investment returns on plan assets will be funded from cash flows from operations.
The most significant assumption used to determine the Company's projected benefit obligation under its defined benefit plans is the discount rate. See the employee benefit plans footnote to our accompanying audited consolidated financial statements for further details on rates and assumptions.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS
We account for the cost resulting from stock-based compensation arrangements at grant date fair value, utilizing the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which requires the use of subjective assumptions. These assumptions include the following:
Volatility – This is a measure of the amount by which a stock price has fluctuated or is expected to fluctuate. We use actual monthly historical changes in the market value of our stock covering the expected life of stock options being valued. An increase in the expected volatility will increase the fair value of the stock option and related compensation expense.
Risk-free interest rate – This is the U.S. Treasury rate as of the grant date having a term equal to the expected term of the stock option. An increase in the risk-free interest rate will increase the fair value of the stock option and related compensation expense.
Expected term – This is the period of time over which the stock options granted are expected to remain outstanding and is based on historical experience and estimated future exercise behavior. Separate groups of employees that have similar historical
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
exercise behavior are considered separately for valuation purposes. An increase in the expected term will increase the fair value of the stock option and related compensation expense.
Dividend yield – We estimate a dividend yield based on the current dividend amount as a percentage of our current stock price. An increase in the dividend yield will decrease the fair value of the stock option and related stock-based compensation expense.
Forfeitures – We estimate forfeitures of stock-based awards based on historical experience and expected future activity.
Changes in the subjective assumptions can materially affect the estimate of fair value of stock-based compensation and consequently, the related amount recognized in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
We account for performance-based awards over the vesting term of the awards that are expected to vest based on whether it is probable that the performance criteria will be achieved. We reassess the probability of vesting at each reporting period for awards with performance criteria and adjust stock-based compensation expense based on its probability assessment.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
CURRENCY AND INTEREST RATE RISKS
In the operation of our business, we have market risk exposures including those related to foreign currency risk and interest
rates. These risks, and our strategies to manage our exposure to them, are discussed below.
Currency Risk
We contract for production with third parties primarily in Asia. While these contracts are stated in United States dollars, there
can be no assurance that the cost for the future production of our products will not be affected by exchange rate fluctuations
between the United States dollar and the local currencies of these contractors. Due to the number of currencies involved, we
cannot quantify the potential impact of future currency fluctuations on net income (loss) in future years.
The financial statements of our foreign subsidiaries that are denominated in functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars using period-end exchange rates for assets and liabilities and weighted-average exchange rates for revenues and expenses. Gains and losses resulting from translating assets and liabilities from the functional currency to U.S. dollars are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
Our Canadian subsidiary records Canadian denominated sales which are then translated into U.S. dollars using weighted-average exchange rates. The changes in foreign currency exchange rates in fiscal 2014 as compared to fiscal 2013 negatively impacted international segment net sales in fiscal 2014 by approximately $16.0 million, primarily due to the devaluation of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar.
Fluctuations in exchange rates, primarily between the United States dollar and the Canadian dollar, may affect our results of operations, financial position, and cash flows. Transactions by our Canadian subsidiary may be denominated in a currency other than the entity’s functional currency, which is the Canadian dollar. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses also include the impact of intercompany loans with foreign subsidiaries that are marked to market. In our statement of operations, these gains and losses are recorded within other expense, net, and totaled approximately $1.9 million and $0.1 million for fiscal year 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Interest Rate Risk
Our operating results are subject to risk from interest rate fluctuations on our secured revolving credit facility, which carries
variable interest rates. Weighted-average variable rate borrowings as of January 3, 2015 were $186.0 million. An increase or decrease of 1% in the effective interest rate on that amount would have increased or decreased our annual pretax interest cost for fiscal 2014 by approximately $1.9 million.
OTHER RISKS
We enter into various purchase order commitments with our suppliers. We can cancel these arrangements, although in some instances, we may be subject to a termination charge reflecting a percentage of work performed prior to cancellation.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
CARTER'S, INC.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders’ of Carter’s, Inc.:
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Carter’s, Inc. and its subsidiaries at January 3rd, 2015 and December 28th, 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 3rd, 2015 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of January 3rd, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
February 26, 2015
CARTER’S, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(dollars in thousands, except for share data)
|
| | | | | | | |
| January 3,
2015 | | December 28,
2013 |
ASSETS | | | |
Current assets: | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 340,638 |
| | $ | 286,546 |
|
Accounts receivable, net | 184,563 |
| | 193,611 |
|
Finished goods inventories | 444,844 |
| | 417,754 |
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 34,788 |
| | 35,157 |
|
Deferred income taxes | 36,625 |
| | 37,313 |
|
Total current assets | 1,041,458 |
| | 970,381 |
|
Property, plant, and equipment, net | 333,097 |
| | 307,885 |
|
Tradenames and other intangible, net | 317,297 |
| | 330,258 |
|
Goodwill | 181,975 |
| | 186,077 |
|
Deferred debt issuance costs, net | 6,677 |
| | 8,088 |
|
Other assets | 12,592 |
| | 9,795 |
|
Total assets | $ | 1,893,096 |
| | $ | 1,812,484 |
|
| | | |
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | | |
Current liabilities: | | | |
Accounts payable | $ | 150,243 |
| | $ | 164,010 |
|
Other current liabilities | 97,728 |
| | 105,129 |
|
Total current liabilities | 247,971 |
| | 269,139 |
|
| | | |
Long-term debt | 586,000 |
| | 586,000 |
|
Deferred income taxes | 121,536 |
| | 121,434 |
|
Other long-term liabilities | 150,905 |
| | 135,180 |
|
Total liabilities | 1,106,412 |
| | 1,111,753 |
|
| | | |
Commitments and contingencies |
| |
|
| | | |
Stockholders’ equity: | | | |
Preferred stock; par value $.01 per share; 100,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding at January 3, 2015, and December 28, 2013 | — |
| | — |
|
Common stock, voting; par value $.01 per share; 150,000,000 shares authorized; 52,712,193 and 54,541,879 shares issued and outstanding at January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013, respectively | 527 |
| | 545 |
|
Additional paid-in capital | — |
| | 4,332 |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (23,037 | ) | | (10,082 | ) |
Retained earnings | 809,194 |
| | 705,936 |
|
Total stockholders’ equity | 786,684 |
| | 700,731 |
|
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 1,893,096 |
| | $ | 1,812,484 |
|
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
CARTER’S, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| For the fiscal years ended |
| January 3, 2015 (53 weeks) | | December 28, 2013 (52 weeks) | | December 29, 2012 (52 weeks) |
Net sales | $ | 2,893,868 |
| | $ | 2,638,711 |
| | $ | 2,381,734 |
|
Cost of goods sold | 1,709,428 |
| | 1,543,332 |
| | 1,443,786 |
|
Gross profit | 1,184,440 |
| | 1,095,379 |
| | 937,948 |
|
Selling, general, and administrative expenses | 890,251 |
| | 868,480 |
| | 713,211 |
|
Royalty income | (39,156 | ) | | (37,252 | ) | | (37,249 | ) |
Operating income | 333,345 |
| | 264,151 |
| | 261,986 |
|
Interest expense | 27,653 |
| | 13,437 |
| | 6,765 |
|
Interest income | (403 | ) | | (669 | ) | | (234 | ) |
Other expense, net | 3,189 |
| | 1,918 |
| | 64 |
|
Income before income taxes | 302,906 |
| | 249,465 |
| | 255,391 |
|
Provision for income taxes | 108,236 |
| | 89,058 |
| | 94,241 |
|
Net income | $ | 194,670 |
| | $ | 160,407 |
| | $ | 161,150 |
|
| | | | | |
Basic net income per common share | $ | 3.65 |
| | $ | 2.78 |
| | $ | 2.73 |
|
Diluted net income per common share | $ | 3.62 |
| | $ | 2.75 |
|
| $ | 2.69 |
|
Dividend declared and paid per common share | $ | 0.76 |
| | $ | 0.48 |
| | $ | — |
|
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
CARTER’S, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(dollars in thousands)
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| For the fiscal years ended |
| January 3, 2015 (53 weeks) | | December 28, 2013 (52 weeks) | | December 29, 2012 (52 weeks) |
Net income | $ | 194,670 |
| | $ | 160,407 |
| | $ | 161,150 |
|
Other comprehensive income (loss): | | | | | |
Unrealized gain (loss) on OshKosh defined benefit plan, net of tax of $2,920, ($3,660), $690 for the fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively | (4,963 | ) | | 6,238 |
| | (1,163 | ) |
Unrealized gain (loss) on Carter's post-retirement benefit obligation, net of tax of $91, ($210), ($107) for fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively | (147 | ) | | 371 |
| | 182 |
|
Foreign currency translation adjustments | (7,845 | ) | | (5,486 | ) | | 1,058 |
|
Total other comprehensive (loss) income | (12,955 | ) | | 1,123 |
| | 77 |
|
Comprehensive income | $ | 181,715 |
| | $ | 161,530 |
| | $ | 161,227 |
|
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
CARTER’S, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(dollars in thousands)
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| For the fiscal years ended |
| January 3, 2015 (53 weeks) | | December 28, 2013 (52 weeks) | | December 29, 2012 (52 weeks) |
Cash flows from operating activities: | | | | | |
Net income | $ | 194,670 |
| | $ | 160,407 |
| | $ | 161,150 |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization | 58,487 |
| | 54,915 |
| | 39,848 |
|
Amortization of H.W. Carter and Sons tradenames | 16,437 |
| | 13,588 |
| | — |
|
Accretion of contingent consideration | 1,348 |
| | 2,825 |
| | 3,589 |
|
Amortization of debt issuance costs | 1,533 |
| | 1,049 |
| | 877 |
|
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense | 17,598 |
| | 16,040 |
| | 13,049 |
|
Unrealized foreign currency exchange loss | 2,378 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Income tax benefit from stock-based compensation | (4,700 | ) | | (11,040 | ) | |