CARTERS INC - Quarter Report: 2018 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q



x	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 29, 2018 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)

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 whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one)

Large Accelerated Filer (X) Accelerated Filer ( )

Non-Accelerated Filer ( ) (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller Reporting Company ( )

Emerging Growth Company ( )

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ( )

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes (X) No (X)

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.



Common Stock		Outstanding Shares at October 19, 2018
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share		45,848,908

CARTER’S, INC.

INDEX



			Page
Part I. Financial Information

	Item 1	Financial Statements
		Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 29, 2018, December 30, 2017 and September 30, 2017	1
		Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal quarter and three fiscal quarters ended September 29, 2018 and September 30, 2017	2
		Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the fiscal quarter and three fiscal quarters ended September 29, 2018 and September 30, 2017	3
		Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the three fiscal quarters ended September 29, 2018	4
		Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three fiscal quarters ended September 29, 2018 and September 30, 2017	5
		Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	6
	Item 2	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	32
	Item 3	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	43
	Item 4	Controls and Procedures	43

Part II. Other Information

	Item 1	Legal Proceedings	44
	Item 1A	Risk Factors	44
	Item 2	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	45
	Item 3	Defaults upon Senior Securities	46
	Item 4	Mine Safety Disclosures	46
	Item 5	Other Information	46
	Item 6	Exhibits	46

Signatures			47

Certifications

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CARTER’S, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)



	September 29, 2018			December 30, 2017			September 30, 2017
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	123,898		$	178,494		$	105,370
Accounts receivable, net	293,489			240,561			285,651
Finished goods inventories	692,985			548,722			609,996
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	57,000			52,935			50,956
Total current assets	1,167,372			1,020,712			1,051,973
Property, plant, and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $450,460, $404,173, and $387,041, respectively	360,718			377,924			382,014
Tradenames, net	365,754			365,551			365,595
Goodwill	229,611			230,424			234,193
Customer relationships, net	45,525			47,996			46,622
Other assets	28,966			28,435			26,539
Total assets	$	2,197,946		$	2,071,042		$	2,106,936

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	185,285		$	182,114		$	193,878
Other current liabilities	133,021			149,134			137,114
Total current liabilities	318,306			331,248			330,992

Long-term debt, net	798,020			617,306			687,074
Deferred income taxes	87,888			84,944			138,161
Other long-term liabilities	182,547			180,128			178,878
Total liabilities	$	1,386,761		$	1,213,626		$	1,335,105

Commitments and contingencies - Note 14

Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock; par value $.01 per share; 100,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding at September 29, 2018, December 30, 2017, and September 30, 2017	$	—		$	—		$	—
Common stock, voting; par value $.01 per share; 150,000,000 shares authorized; 46,041,329, 47,178,346 and 47,419,316 shares issued and outstanding at September 29, 2018, December 30, 2017 and September 30, 2017, respectively	460			472			474
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(32,318		)	(29,093		)	(26,496		)
Retained earnings	843,043			886,037			797,853
Total stockholders' equity	811,185			857,416			771,831
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	2,197,946		$	2,071,042		$	2,106,936

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

CARTER’S, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)



	Fiscal quarter ended						Three fiscal quarters ended
	September 29, 2018			September 30, 2017			September 29, 2018			September 30, 2017
Net sales	$	923,907		$	948,046		$	2,375,890		$	2,372,624
Cost of goods sold	536,457			544,468			1,346,005			1,350,107
Gross profit	387,450			403,578			1,029,885			1,022,517
Royalty income, net	10,224			10,350			28,573			32,118
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	294,117			283,480			837,621			781,420
Operating income	103,557			130,448			220,837			273,215
Interest expense	9,868			8,061			25,790			22,359
Interest income	(84		)	(41		)	(474		)	(259		)
Other expense (income), net	(66		)	(815		)	528			(1,580		)
Income before income taxes	93,839			123,243			194,993			252,695
Provision for income taxes	22,069			40,927			43,487			85,992
Net income	$	71,770		$	82,316		$	151,506		$	166,703

Basic net income per common share	$	1.55		$	1.73		$	3.24		$	3.46
Diluted net income per common share	$	1.53		$	1.71		$	3.20		$	3.42
Dividend declared and paid per common share	$	0.45		$	0.37		$	1.35		$	1.11

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

CARTER’S, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(dollars in thousands)

(unaudited)



	Fiscal quarter ended				Three fiscal quarters ended
	September 29, 2018		September 30, 2017		September 29, 2018			September 30, 2017
Net income	$	71,770	$	82,316	$	151,506		$	166,703
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	3,213		4,157		(3,225		)	8,244
Comprehensive income	$	74,983	$	86,473	$	148,281		$	174,947

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

CARTER’S, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(amounts in thousands, except share amounts)

(unaudited)



	Common stock - shares		Common stock - $			Additional paid-in capital			Accumulated other comprehensive loss			Retained earnings			Total stockholders’ equity
Balance at December 30, 2017	47,178,346		$	472		$	—		$	(29,093	)	$	886,037		$	857,416
Exercise of stock options	160,363		2			8,730			—			—			8,732
Withholdings from vesting of restricted stock	(56,668	)	(1		)	(6,746		)	—			—			(6,747		)
Restricted stock activity	123,708		1			(1		)	—			—			—
Stock-based compensation expense	—		—			12,110			—			—			12,110
Repurchase of common stock	(1,364,420	)	(14		)	(14,093		)	—			(131,386		)	(145,493		)
Cash dividends declared and paid	—		—			—			—			(63,114		)	(63,114		)
Comprehensive income	—		—			—			(3,225		)	151,506			148,281
Balance at September 29, 2018	46,041,329		$	460		$	—		$	(32,318	)	$	843,043		$	811,185

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

CARTER’S, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(dollars in thousands)

(unaudited)



	Three fiscal quarters ended
	September 29, 2018			September 30, 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	151,506		$	166,703
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation of property, plant, and equipment	63,441			60,455
Amortization of intangible assets	2,783			1,687
Adjustment to earn-out liability	—			(3,600		)
Amortization of debt issuance costs	1,303			1,143
Stock-based compensation expense	12,110			13,451
Unrealized foreign currency exchange gain, net	(68		)	(1,154		)
Provisions for doubtful accounts receivable from customers	15,547			3,723
Loss on disposal of property, plant, and equipment, net of recoveries	516			602
Deferred income taxes	(3,173		)	(1,059		)
Effect of changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	(68,333		)	(66,021		)
Finished goods inventories	(145,709		)	(81,285		)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(5,312		)	(18,018		)
Accounts payable and other liabilities	(3,253		)	40,879
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	21,358		$	117,506

Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	$	(47,844	)	$	(51,656	)
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	96			(159,365		)
Disposals and recoveries from property, plant, and equipment	376			—
Net cash used in investing activities	$	(47,372	)	$	(211,021	)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Payment of debt issuance costs	$	(890	)	$	(2,138	)
Borrowings under secured revolving credit facility	290,000			200,000
Payments on secured revolving credit facility	(110,000		)	(93,965		)
Repurchases of common stock	(145,493		)	(150,974		)
Dividends paid	(63,114		)	(53,443		)
Withholdings from vestings of restricted stock	(6,747		)	(5,654		)
Proceeds from exercises of stock options	8,732			5,140
Net cash used in financing activities	(27,512		)	(101,034		)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(1,070		)	561
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(54,596		)	(193,988		)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	178,494			299,358
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	123,898		$	105,370

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

CARTER’S, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

NOTE 1 – THE COMPANY

Carter's, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company," "its," "us" and "our") design, source, and market branded childrenswear and related products under the Carter's, Child of Mine, Just One You, Precious Firsts, Simple Joys, OshKosh B'gosh ("OshKosh"), Skip Hop and other brands. The Company's products are sourced through contractual arrangements with manufacturers worldwide for: 1) wholesale distribution to leading department stores, national chains, and specialty retailers domestically and internationally and 2) distribution to the Company's own retail stores and eCommerce sites that market its brand name merchandise and other licensed products manufactured by other companies. As of September 29, 2018, the Company operated 1,061 retail stores in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

NOTE 2 – BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP") for interim financial information and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all normal and recurring adjustments necessary to state fairly the consolidated financial condition, results of operations, comprehensive income, statement of stockholders' equity, and cash flows of the Company for the interim periods presented. Except as otherwise disclosed, all such adjustments consist only of those of a normal recurring nature. Operating results for the fiscal quarter and three fiscal quarters ended September 29, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the current fiscal year ending December 29, 2018.

The preparation of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 30, 2017 was derived from the Company's audited consolidated financial statements included in its most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K. Certain information and footnote disclosure normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC and the instructions to Form 10-Q. As disclosed in Note 2, Basis of Presentation, and Note 3, Revenue Recognition, at the beginning of fiscal 2018 the Company adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board's ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) No. 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and related amendments (“ASC 606”) using the full retrospective adoption method. The full retrospective method required the Company to apply the standard to the financial statements for the period of adoption as well as to each prior reporting period presented.

Accounting Policies

The accounting policies the Company follows are set forth in its most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have been no material changes to these accounting policies, except as noted below for new accounting pronouncements adopted at the beginning of fiscal 2018.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC No. 606)

At the beginning of fiscal 2018, the Company adopted the provisions of ASC No. 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and all related amendments (“ASC 606”) using the full retrospective adoption method. Refer to Note 3, Revenue Recognition, for additional information.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

The Company uses the five-step model to recognize revenue:


1)	Identify the contract with the customer;


2)	Identity the performance obligation(s);


3)	Determine the transaction price;


4)	Allocate the transaction price to each performance obligation if multiple obligations exist; and


5)	Recognize the revenue as the performance obligations are satisfied

Performance Obligations

The Company identifies each distinct performance obligation to transfer goods (or bundle of goods). The Company recognizes revenue when (or as) it satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control of the goods to the customer. Other than inbound and outbound freight and shipping arrangements, the Company does not use third parties to satisfy its performance obligations in revenue arrangements with customers.

When Performance Obligations Are Satisfied

Wholesale Revenues - The Company typically transfers control upon shipment. However, in certain arrangements where the Company retains the risk of loss during shipment, satisfaction of the performance obligation occurs when the goods reach the customer.

Retail Revenues - For transactions in stores, the Company satisfies its performance obligation at point of sale when the customer takes possession of the goods and tenders payment. The redemption of loyalty points under the Company's rewards program and redemptions of gift cards may be part of a transaction. For purchases made through the Company’s eCommerce channel, revenue is recognized when the goods are physically delivered to the customer.

The Company satisfies its performance obligations with licensees over time as customers have the right to use the intellectual property over the contract period.

Significant Payment Terms

Retail customers tender a form of payment, such as cash or a credit/debit card, at point of sale. For wholesale customers and licensees, payment is due based on established terms.

Returns and Refunds

The Company establishes return provisions for retail customers. It is the Company's policy not to accept returns from wholesale customers.

Significant Judgments

Sale of Goods - The Company relies on shipping terms to determine when performance obligations are satisfied. When goods are shipped to wholesale customers “FOB Shipping Point,” control of the goods is transferred to the customer at the time of shipment if there are no remaining performance obligations. The Company recognizes the revenue once control passes to the customer. For retail transactions, no significant judgments are involved since revenue is recognized at the point of sale when tender is exchanged and the customer receives the goods.

Royalty Revenues - The Company transfers the right-to-use benefit to the licensee for the contract term and therefore the Company satisfies its performance obligation over time. Revenue recognized for each reporting period is based on the greater of: 1) the royalties owed on actual net sales by the licensee and 2) a minimum royalty guarantee, if applicable.

Transaction Price - The transaction price is the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive under the arrangement. The Company is required to estimate variable consideration (if any) and to factor that estimation into the determination of the transaction price. The Company may offer sales incentives to wholesale and retail customers, including discounts. For retail transactions, the Company has significant experience with return patterns and relies on this experience to estimate expected returns when determining the transaction price.

Standalone Selling Prices - For arrangements that contain multiple performance obligations, the Company allocates the transaction price to each performance obligation on a relative standalone selling price basis.

Costs Incurred to Obtain a Contract - Incremental costs to obtain contracts are not material to the Company.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

Policy Elections

In addition to those previously disclosed, the Company has made the following accounting policy elections and practical expedients:

Portfolio Approach - The Company uses the portfolio approach when multiple contracts or performance obligations are involved in the determination of revenue recognition.

Taxes - The Company excludes from the transaction price any taxes collected from customers that are remitted to taxing authorities.

Shipping and Handling Charges - Charges that are incurred before and after the customer obtains control of goods are deemed to be fulfillment costs.

Time Value of Money - The Company's payment terms are less than one year from the transfer of goods. Therefore, the Company does not adjust promised amounts of consideration for the effects of the time value of money.

Disclosure of Remaining Performance Obligations - The Company does not disclose the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations for contracts that are one year or less in term.

Classification of Costs Related to Defined Benefit Pension and Other Post-retirement Benefit Plans (ASU 2017-07)

At the beginning of fiscal 2018, the Company adopted ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715: Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Post-retirement Benefit Cost ("ASU 2017-07"). ASU 2017-07 changes how employers that sponsor defined benefit pension and/or other post-retirement benefit plans present the net periodic benefit costs in the statement of operations. Under this new guidance, an employer's statement of operations presents service cost arising in the current period in the same statement line item as other employee compensation. However, all other components of current period costs related to defined benefit plans, such as prior service costs and actuarial gains and losses, are presented on the statement of operations on a line item outside (or below) operating income. ASU 2017-07 affects only the classification of certain costs on the statement of operations, not the determination of costs. Net periodic pension costs related to the Company's frozen defined benefit pension plan and post-retirement medical benefit plan were not material for the third quarter of fiscal 2018, three fiscal quarters of 2018, or prior periods. Prior period results have not been reclassified on the Company's statement of operations due to materiality.

Modifications to Share-based Compensation Awards (ASU 2017-09)

At the beginning of fiscal 2018, the Company adopted ASU No. 2017-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation Topic 718-Scope of Modification Accounting ("ASU 2017-09"). ASU 2017-09 clarifies when changes to the terms and conditions of share-based payment awards must be accounted for as modifications. Entities apply the modification accounting guidance if the value, vesting conditions, or classification of an award changes. The Company has not modified any share-based payment awards. If the Company modifies share-based payment awards in the future, it will apply the provisions of ASU 2017-09.

Definition of a Business (ASU 2017-01)

At the beginning of fiscal 2018, the Company adopted ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business ("ASU 2017-01"). ASU 2017-01 assists entities in determining if acquired assets constitute the acquisition of a business or the acquisition of assets for accounting and reporting purposes. This distinction is important because goodwill can only be recognized in an acquisition of a business. Prior to ASU 2017-01, if revenues were generated immediately before and after a transaction, the acquisition was typically considered a business. Under ASU 2017-01, entities are required to further assess the substance of the processes they acquire. If the Company commences or completes an acquisition in future periods, it will apply the provisions of ASU 2017-01.

Statement of Cash Flows (ASU 2016-15)

At the beginning of fiscal 2018, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) ("ASU 2016-15"). ASU 2016-15 represents a consensus of the FASB’s Emerging Issues Task Force on eight separate issues that, if present, can impact classifications on the statement of cash flows. The guidance requires application using a retrospective transition method. The adoption of ASU 2016-15 only impacted the classification of certain insurance proceeds on the Company's consolidated statement of cash flows for the first three quarters of fiscal 2018.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 3 - REVENUE RECOGNITION

The Company’s revenues are earned from contracts or arrangements with retail and wholesale customers and licensees. Contracts include written agreements, as well as arrangements that are implied by customary practices or law.

At the beginning of fiscal 2018, the Company adopted the provisions of ASC 606 using the full retrospective adoption method. Under the full retrospective method, the Company adjusted all periods in fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016 to reflect the provisions of ASC 606, and retained earnings at January 2, 2016 (beginning of fiscal 2016) were adjusted for the cumulative effect for prior periods. Refer to the section "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC No. 606)" in Note 2, Basis of Presentation, for changes to the Company's accounting policies due to the adoption of ASC 606.

ASC 606 affected the Company's retail channels as follows:


•	Accelerated the recognition of breakage revenue from unredeemed gift cards, which affected net sales, gross profit, income before income taxes, and net income on the Company's statements of operations. Basic and diluted net income per share were affected by $0.01 or less for each reporting period. Related gift card liabilities and income tax liabilities were also affected.


•	A portion of the estimated value of goods expected to be returned by customers was reclassified between net sales and cost of goods sold, with no net effect on gross profit, income before income taxes, or net income on the Company's statement of operations. Related reclassifications were also made between other current assets and other current liabilities on the Company's balance sheets.

The effects of retrospective adoption on the Company's consolidated Statements of Operations were as follows:



	Third Quarter			Three Fiscal Quarters			Year		Year
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)	Fiscal 2017			Fiscal 2017			Fiscal 2017		Fiscal 2016
Net sales	$	(186	)	$	(480	)	$	92	$	(637	)
Cost of goods sold	$	84		$	110		$	52	$	(7	)
Income before income taxes	$	(270	)	$	(590	)	$	40	$	(630	)
Net income	$	(170	)	$	(371	)	$	84	$	(397	)

Basic net income per common share	$	—		$	(0.01	)	$	—	$	(0.01	)
Diluted net income per common share	$	—		$	(0.01	)	$	—	$	—

The cumulative effect to the Company’s retained earnings at January 2, 2016 was an after-tax increase of approximately $0.6 million.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

The effects of adoption of ASC 606 on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at December 30, 2017 were as follows:



(dollars in thousands)	As Previously Reported		ASC 606 Adjustments			As Amended for ASC 606
ASSETS
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	49,892	$	3,043	⁽¹⁾	$	52,935
Total current assets	$	1,017,669	$	3,043		$	1,020,712
Total assets	$	2,067,999	$	3,043		$	2,071,042

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Other current liabilities	$	146,510	$	2,624	⁽²⁾	$	149,134
Total current liabilities	$	328,624	$	2,624		$	331,248
Deferred income taxes	$	84,848	$	96		$	84,944
Total liabilities	$	1,210,906	$	2,720		$	1,213,626

Retained earnings	885,714		323		⁽³⁾	886,037
Total stockholder's equity	$	857,093	$	323		$	857,416

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	2,067,999	$	3,043		$	2,071,042

(1)

Reclassification of estimated inventory expected to be returned by customers through future sales refund transactions. This amount was reclassified from the returns reserve (current liability) to a current asset. Prior to the Company's adoption of ASC 606, the Company's returns reserve (current liability) was reported net of the estimated inventory expected to be returned by customers through sales refund transactions.


(2)	Amount includes a reclassification of approximately $3.0 million for estimated inventory expected to be returned by customers, partially offset by a reclassification of approximately $0.4 million for gift card liabilities.


(3)	Cumulative impact of approximately $0.6 million for after-tax adjustments to retained earnings at the beginning of fiscal 2016, offset by ASC 606 effects on fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016 results of operations.

The retrospective adoption of ASC 606 at the beginning of fiscal 2018 also had the following effects on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2017:



(dollars in thousands)	As Previously Reported		ASC 606 Adjustments				As Amended for ASC 606
ASSETS
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	48,083	$	2,873		⁽¹⁾	$	50,956
Total current assets	$	1,049,100	$	2,873			$	1,051,973
Total assets	$	2,104,063	$	2,873			$	2,106,936

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Other current liabilities	$	134,031	$	3,083		⁽²⁾	$	137,114
Total current liabilities	$	327,909	$	3,083			$	330,992
Deferred income taxes	$	138,239	$	(78	)		138,161
Total liabilities	$	1,332,100	$	3,005			$	1,335,105

Retained earnings	$	797,985	$	(132	)	⁽³⁾	$	797,853
Total stockholder's equity	$	771,963	$	(132	)		$	771,831

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	2,104,063	$	2,873			$	2,106,936

(1)


(2)	Amount includes a reclassification of approximately $2.9 million for estimated inventory expected to be returned by customers and an adjustment of approximately $0.2 million for gift card liabilities.


(3)	Cumulative impact of approximately $0.6 million for after-tax adjustments to retained earnings at the beginning of fiscal 2016, offset by ASC 606 impact on fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016 results of operations.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

Disaggregation of Revenue

The Company sells its products directly to consumers ("direct-to-consumer") and to other retail companies and partners that subsequently sell the products directly to their own retail customers. The Company also earns royalties from its licensees. Disaggregated revenues from these sources for the third quarter and three quarters ended fiscal 2018 and 2017 were as follows:



	Fiscal quarter ended September 29, 2018
(dollars in thousands)	U.S. Retail		U.S. Wholesale		International		Total
Wholesale channel	$	—	$	338,963	$	54,373	$	393,336
Direct-to-consumer	459,101		—		71,470		530,571
	$	459,101	$	338,963	$	125,843	$	923,907

Royalty income	$	3,614	$	5,891	$	719	$	10,224



	Three fiscal quarters ended September 29, 2018
(dollars in thousands)	U.S. Retail		U.S. Wholesale		International		Total
Wholesale channel	$	—	$	829,272	$	117,255	$	946,527
Direct-to-consumer	1,244,863		—		184,500		1,429,363
	$	1,244,863	$	829,272	$	301,755	$	2,375,890

Royalty income	$	9,625	$	16,693	$	2,255	$	28,573



	Fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2017
(dollars in thousands)	U.S. Retail		U.S. Wholesale		International		Total
Wholesale channel	$	—	$	369,577	$	55,524	$	425,101
Direct-to-consumer	453,843		—		69,102		522,945
	$	453,843	$	369,577	$	124,626	$	948,046

Royalty income	$	3,038	$	6,648	$	664	$	10,350



	Three fiscal quarters ended September 30, 2017
(dollars in thousands)	U.S. Retail		U.S. Wholesale		International		Total
Wholesale channel	$	—	$	879,842	$	112,827	$	992,669
Direct-to-consumer	1,209,143		—		170,812		1,379,955
	$	1,209,143	$	879,842	$	283,639	$	2,372,624

Royalty income	$	11,201	$	18,153	$	2,764	$	32,118

Accounts Receivable from Customers and Licensees

The components of Accounts receivable, net, were as follows:



(dollars in thousands)	September 29, 2018			December 30, 2017			September 30, 2017
Trade receivables from wholesale customers, net	$	281,190		$	229,968		$	274,238
Royalties receivable	9,667			9,818			9,331
Tenant allowances and other receivables	14,165			14,511			13,863
Total gross receivables	$	305,022		$	254,297		$	297,432
Less:
Wholesale accounts receivable reserves	(11,533		)	(13,736		)	(11,781		)
Accounts receivable, net	$	293,489		$	240,561		$	285,651

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

Contract Assets and Liabilities

The Company's contract assets are not material.

Contract Liabilities

The Company recognizes a contract liability when it has received consideration from the customer and has a future obligation to transfer goods to the customer. Total contract liabilities consisted of the following amounts:



(dollars in thousands)	September 29, 2018		December 30, 2017		September 30, 2017
Contract liabilities-current:
Unredeemed gift cards	$	11,304	$	11,945	$	10,236
Unredeemed customer loyalty rewards	8,441		7,355		8,485
Total contract liabilities-current^(*)	$	19,745	$	19,300	$	18,721


*	Included with Other current liabilities on the Company's consolidated balance sheet.

Composition of Contract Liabilities

Unredeemed gift cards - the Company is obligated to transfer goods in the future to customers who have purchased gift cards. Periodic changes in the gift card contract liability result from the redemption of gift cards by customers and the recognition of estimated breakage revenue for those gift card balances that are not expected to be redeemed. The majority of our gift cards do not have an expiration date; however, all outstanding gift card balances are classified by the Company as current liabilities since gift cards are redeemable on demand by the valid holder. The majority of the Company's gift cards are redeemed within one year of issuance.

Unredeemed loyalty rewards - points and reward certificates earned by customers under the Company’s loyalty programs represent obligations of the Company to transfer goods to the customer upon redemption. Periodic changes in the loyalty program contract liability result from reward certificate redemptions and expirations. The earning and redemption cycles for our loyalty program are under one year in duration.

NOTE 4 – BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS IN FISCAL 2017

Based on their purchase prices and pre-acquisition operating results and assets, neither of the businesses acquired by the Company in fiscal 2017 met the materiality requirements for preparation and presentation of pro forma financial information, either individually or in the aggregate.

Skip Hop Acquisition

Carter's, Inc.'s wholly-owned subsidiary, The William Carter Company ("TWCC"), acquired 100% of the voting equity interests of Skip Hop Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries (collectively "Skip Hop") after the close of business on February 22, 2017. The Skip Hop purchase was deemed to be the acquisition of a business under the provisions of ASC No. 805, Business Combinations ("ASC 805"). The Company's consolidated financial statements reflect the consolidation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of Skip Hop beginning February 23, 2017.

In the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet at July 1, 2017, the preliminary purchase price of approximately $147.3 million, net of $0.8 million cash acquired, was comprised of the following acquired assets and assumed liabilities: $54.2 million of goodwill including an assembled workforce; $92.7 million of intangible assets comprised of a tradename and acquired customer relationships; $54.9 million of tangible assets acquired; and $20.2 million of liabilities in addition to $35.9 million of deferred income tax liabilities.

The measurement period (as defined in ASC 805) for Skip Hop was complete at the end of fiscal 2017 and all measurement period adjustments were reflected in the Company's consolidated balance sheet as of December 30, 2017. As a result of the measurement period adjustments recorded between the acquisition date and the end of fiscal 2017, the net assets acquired consisted of the following: $46.0 million of goodwill including an assembled workforce; $104.1 million of intangible assets comprised of a tradename and acquired customer relationships; $53.9 million of tangible assets acquired; and $20.8 million of liabilities in addition to $36.3 million of deferred income tax liabilities. The adjusted purchase price was approximately $142.5 million, net of $0.8 million of cash acquired.

Acquisition of Mexican Licensee

On August 1, 2017, the Company, through certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, acquired the outstanding equity of the Company's licensee in Mexico and a related entity (collectively "Carter's Mexico"). Both entities are incorporated under

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

Mexican law. Prior to the acquisition, Carter's Mexico was primarily a licensee and wholesale customer of the Company. The Carter's Mexico purchase was deemed to be the acquisition of a business under the provisions of ASC 805. The Company's consolidated financial statements reflect the consolidation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of Carter's Mexico beginning August 1, 2017. Carter's Mexico became part of the Company's International reportable segment.

As of December 30, 2017, preliminary values assigned to assets acquired included inventories of approximately $8.3 million, a customer relationships intangible asset of approximately $3.5 million, and goodwill of approximately $6.2 million. Measurement period adjustments made in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 were not material.

The measurement period (as defined in ASC 805) for the acquisition of Carter's Mexico was completed during the second quarter of fiscal 2018 and all measurement period adjustments were reflected in the Company's consolidated balance sheet as of September 29, 2018. As a result of the measurement period adjustments recorded between the acquisition date and the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2018, the values assigned to assets acquired included inventories of approximately $8.0 million, a customer relationships intangible asset of approximately $3.5 million, and goodwill of approximately $6.3 million.

NOTE 5 – ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss consisted of the following:



(dollars in thousands)	September 29, 2018			December 30, 2017			September 30, 2017
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments	$	(24,510	)	$	(21,285	)	$	(19,380	)
Pension and post-retirement obligations^(*)	(7,808		)	(7,808		)	(7,116		)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(32,318	)	$	(29,093	)	$	(26,496	)


(*)	Net of income taxes of $4.4 million, $4.4 million, and $4.2 million, respectively. The deferred income taxes associated with these obligations are subject to adjustments upon the Company's adoption of ASC 2018-02. See Note 16, Pending Adoption of Recent Accounting Pronouncements.

During the first three quarters of both fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017, no amounts were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to the statement of operations.

NOTE 6 – GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The Company's goodwill and intangible assets were as follows:



		September 29, 2018						December 30, 2017
(dollars in thousands)	Weighted-average useful life	Gross amount		Accumulated amortization		Net amount		Gross amount		Accumulated amortization		Net amount
Carter's goodwill	Indefinite	$	136,570			$	136,570	$	136,570			$	136,570
Canada goodwill	Indefinite	41,074				41,074		42,223				42,223
Skip Hop goodwill	Indefinite	45,976				45,976		45,997				45,997
Carter's Mexico goodwill	Indefinite	5,991				5,991		5,634				5,634
Total goodwill		$	229,611			$	229,611	$	230,424			$	230,424

Carter's tradename	Indefinite	$	220,233			$	220,233	$	220,233			$	220,233
OshKosh tradename	Indefinite	85,500				85,500		85,500				85,500
Skip Hop tradename	Indefinite	56,800				56,800		56,800				56,800
Finite-life tradenames	5-20 years	3,911		$	690	3,221		3,550		$	532	3,018
Total tradenames, net		$	366,444	$	690	$	365,754	$	366,083	$	532	$	365,551

Skip Hop customer relationships	15 years	$	47,300	$	4,686	$	42,614	$	47,300	$	2,304	$	44,996
Carter's Mexico customer relationships	10 years	3,289		378		2,911		3,135		135		3,000
Total customer relationships, net		$	50,589	$	5,064	$	45,525	$	50,435	$	2,439	$	47,996

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



		September 30, 2017
(dollars in thousands)	Weighted-average useful life	Gross amount		Accumulated amortization		Net amount
Carter's goodwill	Indefinite	$	136,570			$	136,570
Canada goodwill	Indefinite	42,514				42,514
Skip Hop goodwill	Indefinite	49,190				49,190
Carter's Mexico goodwill	Indefinite	5,919				5,919
Total goodwill		$	234,193			$	234,193

Carter's tradename	Indefinite	$	220,233			$	220,233
OshKosh tradename	Indefinite	85,500				85,500
Skip Hop tradename	Indefinite	56,800				56,800
Finite-life tradenames	5-20 years	42,040		$	38,978	3,062
Total tradenames, net		$	404,573	$	38,978	$	365,595

Skip Hop customer relationships, net	15 years	$	44,800	$	1,554	$	43,246
Carter's Mexico customer relationships	10 years	3,376		—		3,376
Total customer relationships, net		$	48,176	$	1,554	$	46,622

Amortization expense for intangible assets subject to amortization was approximately $0.9 million and $0.8 million for the third fiscal quarter ended September 29, 2018 and third fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2017, respectively. For the first three quarters of fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017, amortization expense was approximately $2.8 million and $1.7 million, respectively.

The estimated amortization expense for the next five fiscal years is as follows:



(dollars in thousands)	Amortization
2019	$	3,751
2020	$	3,751
2021	$	3,751
2022	$	3,751
2023	$	3,708

NOTE 7 – COMMON STOCK

Open Market Share Repurchases

The total aggregate remaining capacity under outstanding repurchase authorizations as of September 29, 2018 was approximately $440.1 million, based on settled repurchase transactions. The authorizations have no expiration date.

The Company repurchased and retired shares in open market transactions in the following amounts for the fiscal periods indicated:



	Fiscal quarter ended				Three fiscal quarters ended
	September 29, 2018		September 30, 2017		September 29, 2018		September 30, 2017
Number of shares repurchased	543,793		596,178		1,364,420		1,727,587
Aggregate cost of shares repurchased (dollars in thousands)	$	56,401	$	52,742	$	145,493	$	150,974
Average price per share	$	103.72	$	88.47	$	106.63	$	87.39

Future repurchases may occur from time to time in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions, or otherwise. The timing and amount of any repurchases will be determined by the Company's management, based on its evaluation of market conditions, share price, other investment priorities, and other factors.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

Dividends

In the third fiscal quarter and three fiscal quarters ended September 29, 2018, the Company declared and paid cash dividends per share of $0.45 and $1.35, respectively. In the third fiscal quarter and three fiscal quarters ended September 30, 2017, the Company declared and paid cash dividends per share of $0.37 and $1.11, respectively. Future declarations of dividends and the establishment of future record and payment dates are at the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors and are based on a number of factors, including the Company's future financial performance and other investment priorities.

Provisions in the indenture governing the senior notes of TWCC and in TWCC's secured revolving credit facility could have the effect of restricting the Company's ability to pay future cash dividends on, or make future repurchases of, its common stock. Provisions related to the indenture governing the senior notes are described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 2017 fiscal year ended December 30, 2017.

NOTE 8 – LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt consisted of the following:



(dollars in thousands)	September 29, 2018			December 30, 2017			September 30, 2017
Senior notes at amounts repayable	$	400,000		$	400,000		$	400,000
Less unamortized issuance-related costs for senior notes	(2,980		)	(3,694		)	(3,926		)
Senior notes, net	397,020			396,306			396,074
Secured revolving credit facility	401,000			221,000			291,000
Total long-term debt, net	$	798,020		$	617,306		$	687,074

Secured Revolving Credit Facility

On September 21, 2018, TWCC and a syndicate of lenders entered into Amendment No. 1 to its fourth amended and restated credit agreement that, among other things, extended the term of the facility from August 25, 2022 to September 21, 2023.

As amended, the secured revolving credit facility provides: (i) a maturity date for the maturity of September 21, 2023 and (ii) an aggregate credit line of $750 million which includes a $650 million U.S. dollar facility and a $100 million multicurrency facility denominated in U.S. dollars, Canadian dollars, Euros, Pounds Sterling, or other currencies agreed to by the applicable lenders. The $650 million U.S. dollar facility is inclusive of a $100 million sub-limit for letters of credit and a swing line sub-limit of $70 million. The $100 million multicurrency facility is inclusive of a $40 million sub-limit for letters of credit and a swing line sub-limit of $15 million.

In addition, the secured revolving credit facility includes additional potential borrowing facilities up to $425 million, which is comprised of a $350 million U.S. dollar revolving credit facility and a $75 million multicurrency revolving credit facility. The U.S. dollar revolving credit facility can also potentially increase to an unlimited borrowing amount so long as the consolidated first lien leverage ratio (as defined in the secured revolving credit facility) does not exceed 2.25:1.00.

Under the secured revolving credit facility, TWCC and its domestic subsidiaries have granted to the collateral agent, for the benefit of the lenders, valid and perfected first priority security interests in substantially all of their present and future assets, excluding certain customary exceptions, and guarantee the obligations of the borrowers. In addition, The Genuine Canadian Corp., as Canadian borrower, and Carter’s Holdings B.V., as Dutch borrower, have each guaranteed the obligations of the other.

As of September 29, 2018, the Company had $401.0 million in outstanding borrowings under its secured revolving credit facility, exclusive of $4.5 million of outstanding letters of credit. As of September 29, 2018, approximately $344.5 million remained available for future borrowing. All outstanding borrowings under the Company's secured revolving credit facility are classified as non-current liabilities on the Company's consolidated balance sheet because of the contractual repayment terms under the credit facility.

As of September 29, 2018, the interest rate applicable to the secured revolving credit facility were 1.375% for LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate) rate loans (which may be adjusted based on a leverage-based pricing grid ranging from 1.125% to 1.875%) and 0.375% for base rate loans (which may be adjusted based on a leverage-based pricing grid ranging from 0.125% to 0.875%).

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

As of September 29, 2018, U.S. dollar borrowings outstanding under the secured revolving credit facility accrued interest at a LIBOR rate plus the applicable base rate, which resulted in a weighted-average borrowing rate of 3.58%. All outstanding Canadian dollar borrowings were repaid during the first quarter of fiscal 2017.

As of September 29, 2018, the Company was in compliance with the financial and other covenants under the secured revolving credit facility.

Senior Notes

As of September 29, 2018, TWCC had outstanding $400 million principal amount of senior notes bearing interest at a fixed rate of 5.25% per annum and maturing on August 15, 2021. The senior notes are unsecured and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Carter's, Inc. and certain subsidiaries of TWCC. On the Company's consolidated balance sheet, the senior notes are reported net of certain unamortized issuance-related costs, as shown in the table above.

NOTE 9 – STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense as follows:



	Fiscal quarter ended					Three fiscal quarters ended
(dollars in thousands)	September 29, 2018			September 30, 2017		September 29, 2018		September 30, 2017
Stock options	$	1,148		$	983	$	3,604	$	3,182
Restricted stock:
Time-based awards	1,881			1,706		5,989		5,668
Performance-based awards	(1,185		)	1,116		1,314		3,419
Stock awards	—			—		1,203		1,182
Total	$	1,844		$	3,805	$	12,110	$	13,451

The Company recognizes compensation cost ratably over the applicable performance periods based on the estimated probability of achievement of its performance targets at the end of each period. During the third fiscal quarter of 2018, the achievement of performance target estimates related to certain performance-based grants were revised resulting in a $2.5 million reduction to stock compensation expense.

NOTE 10 – INCOME TAXES

As of September 29, 2018, the Company had gross unrecognized income tax benefits of approximately $15.3 million, of which $12.9 million, if ultimately recognized, may affect the Company's effective income tax rate in the periods settled. The Company has recorded tax positions for which the ultimate deductibility is more likely than not, but for which there is uncertainty about the timing of such deductions.

Included in the reserves for unrecognized tax benefits at September 29, 2018 were approximately $2.0 million of reserves for which the statute of limitations is expected to expire within the next fiscal year. If these tax benefits are ultimately recognized, such recognition, net of federal income taxes, may affect the annual effective income tax rate for fiscal 2018 or fiscal 2019 along with the effective income tax rate in the quarter in which the benefits are recognized.

The Company recognizes interest related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of interest expense and recognizes penalties related to unrecognized income tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. During the fiscal quarter ended September 29, 2018, interest expense recorded on uncertain tax positions was approximately $0.6 million, while the interest expense recorded for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2017 was not material. The Company had approximately $1.9 million, $1.0 million, and $1.1 million of interest accrued on uncertain tax positions as of September 29, 2018, December 30, 2017, and September 30, 2017, respectively.

For the full fiscal year 2018, the Company estimates that its consolidated effective income tax rate will be approximately 22.0%.

U.S. Tax Reform

The provision for income taxes recognized by the Company during the fiscal fourth quarter of 2017 reflected certain provisional estimates for the accounting of the December 22, 2017 enactment of income tax law changes commonly known as the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the "2017 Tax Act"). The provisional accounting for the 2017 Tax Act is permitted by SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, issued in late

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

December 2017. Subsequent adjustments, if any, to the provisional accounting estimates must be reflected in income tax provisions/benefits during one or more periods in fiscal 2018.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company recorded a provisional tax expense estimate for the one-time transition tax liability for all of its foreign subsidiaries, resulting in an increase in income tax expense of approximately $10.4 million related to foreign earnings. The one-time transition tax is based on the Company's total post-1986 earnings and profits ("E&P") that the Company previously deferred from United States income taxes. During the third quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company completed its calculation of the one-time transition tax for all of its foreign subsidiaries. The adjustments made to this provisional tax expense estimate during the first three quarters of fiscal 2018 were not material. No additional income taxes have been provided for any remaining undistributed foreign earnings not subject to the transition tax, or any additional outside basis difference inherent in these entities, as these amounts continue to be indefinitely reinvested in foreign operations. Determining the amount of unrecognized deferred tax liability related to any remaining undistributed foreign earnings not subject to the transition tax and additional outside basis difference in these entities (i.e., basis difference in excess of that subject to the one-time transition tax) is not practicable, but the related cumulative temporary difference as of December 30, 2017 and September 29, 2018 would not result in a material incremental deferred tax liability.

NOTE 11 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The following table summarizes assets and liabilities that are remeasured at fair value each reporting period:



	September 29, 2018				December 30, 2017				September 30, 2017
(dollars in millions)	Level 1		Level 2	Level 3	Level 1		Level 2	Level 3	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets
Investments⁽¹⁾	$	17.6	—	—	$	16.7	—	—	$	15.7	—		—

Liabilities
Foreign exchange forward contracts⁽²⁾	—		—	—	—		—	—	—		$	0.2	—


(1)	Included in Other assets on the Company's consolidated balance sheet.


(2)	Included in Other current liabilities on the Company's consolidated balance sheet.

Investments

The Company invests in marketable securities, principally equity-based mutual funds, to mitigate the risk associated with the investment return on employee deferrals of compensation. Gains on the investments in marketable securities were $0.7 million and $0.9 million for the third fiscal quarter and the three fiscal quarters ended September 29, 2018, respectively, and were $0.4 million and $1.6 million for the third fiscal quarter and three fiscal quarters ended September 30, 2017, respectively. These amounts are included in Other expense (income), net on the Company's consolidated statement of operations.

Contingent Consideration

The estimated fair value of contingent consideration related to the Skip Hop acquisition was based on a weighted payout probability at the measurement date. Facts and circumstances that occurred subsequent to the acquisition indicated that the contingent earn out arrangement would not be achieved, and therefore approximately $3.6 million was credited to the Company's earnings during the third fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2017.

Borrowings

As of September 29, 2018, the fair value of the Company's $401.0 million in outstanding borrowings under its secured revolving credit facility approximated the carrying value.

The fair value of the Company's senior notes at September 29, 2018 was approximately $406 million. The fair value of these senior notes with a notional value and carrying value (gross of debt cost) of $400 million was estimated using a quoted price as provided in the secondary market, which considers the Company's credit risk and market related conditions, and is therefore within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 12 – EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following is a reconciliation of basic common shares outstanding to diluted common and common equivalent shares outstanding:



	Fiscal quarter ended						Three fiscal quarters ended
	September 29, 2018			September 30, 2017			September 29, 2018			September 30, 2017
Weighted-average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding:
Basic number of common shares outstanding	45,990,039			47,303,074			46,399,746			47,829,794
Dilutive effect of equity awards	490,283			541,325			538,422			549,213
Diluted number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding	46,480,322			47,844,399			46,938,168			48,379,007

Basic net income per common share (in thousands, except per share data):
Net income	$	71,770		$	82,316		$	151,506		$	166,703
Income allocated to participating securities	(540		)	(651		)	(1,142		)	(1,311		)
Net income available to common shareholders	$	71,230		$	81,665		$	150,364		$	165,392

Basic net income per common share	$	1.55		$	1.73		$	3.24		$	3.46

Diluted net income per common share (in thousands, except per share data):
Net income	$	71,770		$	82,316		$	151,506		$	166,703
Income allocated to participating securities	(536		)	(645		)	(1,134		)	(1,301		)
Net income available to common shareholders	$	71,234		$	81,671		$	150,372		$	165,402

Diluted net income per common share	$	1.53		$	1.71		$	3.20		$	3.42

Anti-dilutive awards excluded from diluted earnings per share computation	326,129			662,130			266,646			618,826

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 13 – OTHER CURRENT AND LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

Other current liabilities that exceeded five percent of total current liabilities, at the end of any comparable period, were as follows:



(dollars in thousands)	September 29, 2018		December 30, 2017		September 30, 2017
Accrued bonuses and incentive compensation	$	6,286	$	27,566	$	9,328
Income taxes payable	21,124		16,252		28,393
Accrued employee benefits	13,987		21,735		12,503
Accrued and deferred rent	19,137		18,213		18,160

Other long-term liabilities that exceeded five percent of total liabilities, at the end of any comparable period, were as follows:



(dollars in thousands)	September 29, 2018		December 30, 2017		September 30, 2017
Deferred lease incentives	$	75,331	$	75,104	$	76,599

NOTE 14 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company is subject to various claims and pending or threatened lawsuits in the normal course of business. The Company is not currently a party to any legal proceedings that it believes would have a material adverse impact on its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

NOTE 15 – SEGMENT INFORMATION

The table below presents certain information for our reportable segments and unallocated corporate expenses for the periods indicated.



	Fiscal quarter ended										Three fiscal quarters ended
(dollars in thousands)	September 29, 2018			% of Total Net Sales		September 30, 2017			% of Total Net Sales		September 29, 2018			% of Total Net Sales		September 30, 2017			% of Total Net Sales
Net sales:
U.S. Retail	$	459,101		49.7	%	$	453,843		47.9	%	$	1,244,863		52.4	%	$	1,209,143		50.9	%
U.S. Wholesale	338,963			36.7	%	369,577			39.0	%	829,272			34.9	%	879,842			37.1	%
International	125,843			13.6	%	124,626			13.1	%	301,755			12.7	%	283,639			12.0	%
Total net sales	$	923,907		100.0	%	$	948,046		100.0	%	$	2,375,890		100.0	%	$	2,372,624		100.0	%

Operating income (loss):				% of Segment Net Sales					% of Segment Net Sales					% of Segment Net Sales					% of Segment Net Sales
U.S. Retail⁽¹⁾⁽⁵⁾	$	47,139		10.3	%	$	55,519		12.2	%	$	122,086		9.8	%	$	127,441		10.5	%
U.S. Wholesale⁽²⁾⁽⁵⁾	67,785			20.0	%	78,572			21.3	%	148,395			17.9	%	184,073			20.9	%
International⁽⁵⁾⁽⁶⁾	12,434			9.9	%	16,726			13.4	%	20,508			6.8	%	28,008			9.9	%
Corporate expenses⁽³⁾⁽⁴⁾	(23,801		)			(20,369		)			(70,152		)			(66,307		)
Total operating income	$	103,557		11.2	%	$	130,448		13.8	%	$	220,837		9.3	%	$	273,215		11.5	%


(1)	Includes insurance recoveries of approximately $0.4 million associated with storm-related store closures in 2017 for the three fiscal quarters ended September 29, 2018.


(2)	Includes approximately $12.8 million of charges related to a customer bankruptcy for the three fiscal quarters ended September 29, 2018.


(3)	Corporate expenses include expenses related to incentive compensation, stock-based compensation, executive management, severance and relocation, finance, office occupancy, information technology, certain legal fees, consulting fees, and audit fees.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)


(4)	Includes the following charges:



	Fiscal quarter ended					Three fiscal quarters ended
(dollars in millions)	September 29, 2018		September 30, 2017			September 29, 2018		September 30, 2017
Acquisition contingency fair value adjustment	$	—	$	(3.6	)	$	—	$	(3.6	)
Direct sourcing initiative	$	—	$	0.1		$	—	$	0.3
Acquisition-related costs	$	—	$	0.8		$	—	$	3.3


(5)	Includes $0.4 million and $0.8 million of certain costs related to inventory acquired from Skip Hop in operating income between U.S. Wholesale, U.S. Retail, and International for the fiscal quarter and three fiscal quarters ended September 30, 2017, respectively.


(6)	Fiscal quarter and three fiscal quarters ended September 29, 2018 include approximately $3.5 million in costs associated with changes to the Company's business model in China, which includes inventory and severance charges.

NOTE 16 – PENDING ADOPTION OF RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Leases (ASU 2016-02)

In February 2016, the FASB issued new lease accounting guidance in ASU No. 2016-02, Leases-Topic 842, which has been codified in ASC 842, Leases ("ASC 842"). Under this new guidance, lessees will be required to recognize for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases): 1) a lease liability equal to the lessee's obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis and 2) a right-of-use asset which will represent the lessee's right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. The new standard will be effective for the Company at the beginning of fiscal 2019, including interim periods within the year of adoption. The Company is assessing the implications of applying the practical expedients and accounting policy elections, implementing software to meet the reporting requirements of the new standard, and identifying changes to its business processes and controls to support the adoption of the new standard. The Company believes the adoption will have a material impact on the total assets and total liabilities reported on the Company's consolidated balance sheets, but is not able to quantify the effect on the consolidated balance sheets at this time. However, the Company does not believe adoption of this standard will have a material impact on the Company's consolidated results of operations or cash flows.

Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (ASU 2018-02)

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("ASU 2018-02"). ASU 2018-02 permits a company to reclassify the income tax effects of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the "2017 Tax Act") on items within accumulated other comprehensive income or loss ("AOCI-L") to retained earnings. Because most items that are charged to AOCI-L are recorded net of applicable income taxes, the subsequent reclassification of these items from AOCI-L to the statement of operations will be at different income tax rates due to the 2017 Tax Act, thereby leaving a "stranded" tax balance within AOCI-L. ASU 2018-02 will allow a company to transfer these "stranded" amounts from AOCI-L to retained earnings. ASU 2018-02 will be effective for the Company at the beginning of fiscal 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company has amounts in its AOCI-L for defined benefit retirement plans that were recorded net of applicable income taxes, thus the Company anticipates the transfer of "stranded" tax amounts from its AOCI-L to retained earnings upon the adoption of ASU 2018-02. The effect of the adoption of ASU 2018-02 will not be material to the Company's financial position, and the adoption will have no impact on the Company's results of operations or cash flows.

Credit Losses (ASU 2016-13)

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments ("ASU 2016-13"). This new guidance will change how entities account for credit impairment for trade and other receivables, as well as for certain financial assets and other instruments. ASU 2016-13 will replace the current "incurred loss" model with an "expected loss" model. Under the "incurred loss" model, a loss (or allowance) is recognized only when an event has occurred (such as a payment delinquency) that causes the entity to believe that a loss is probable (i.e., that it has been "incurred"). Under the "expected loss" model, an entity will recognize a loss (or allowance) upon initial recognition of the asset that reflects all future events that will lead to a loss being realized, regardless of whether it is probable that the future event will occur. The "incurred loss" model considers past events and current conditions, while the "expected loss" model includes expectations for the future which have yet to occur. ASU 2016-13 will be effective for the Company at the beginning of fiscal 2020 with early adoption permitted for fiscal 2019, including interim periods therein. The standard will require entities to record a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact that ASU 2016-13 may have on the timing of recognizing future provisions for expected losses on the Company's accounts receivable.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

Goodwill Impairment Testing (ASU 2017-04)

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment ("ASU 2017-04"). ASU 2017-04 will eliminate the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill (step 2 of the current goodwill impairment test) to measure a goodwill impairment charge. Instead, entities will record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit's carrying amount over its fair value (i.e., measure the charge based on the current step 1). Any impairment charge will be limited to the amount of goodwill allocated to an affected reporting unit. ASU 2017-04 will not change the current guidance for completing Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test, and an entity will still be able to perform the current optional qualitative goodwill impairment assessment before determining whether to proceed to Step 1. Upon adoption, ASU 2017-04 will be applied prospectively. Adoption for the Company will be effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed beginning in fiscal 2020. Early adoption is permitted for annual and interim goodwill impairment testing dates after January 1, 2017. The impact that ASU 2017-04 may have on the Company's financial condition or results of operations will depend on the circumstances of any goodwill impairment event that may occur after adoption.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 17 – GUARANTOR UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Company’s senior notes constitute debt obligations of its wholly-owned subsidiary, The William Carter Company ("TWCC" or the "Subsidiary Issuer"), are unsecured and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Carter’s, Inc. (the "Parent"), by certain of the Parent's current domestic subsidiaries (other than TWCC), and, subject to certain exceptions, future restricted subsidiaries that guarantee the Company’s secured revolving credit facility or certain other debt of the Company or the subsidiary guarantors.

For additional information, refer to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 2017 fiscal year ended December 30, 2017.

The condensed consolidating financial information for the Parent, the Subsidiary Issuer, and the guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries has been prepared from the books and records maintained by the Company. The accompanying condensed consolidating financial information has been prepared and presented pursuant to SEC Regulation S-X Rule 3-10. The financial information may not necessarily be indicative of the financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows, had the Parent, Subsidiary Issuer, guarantor or non-guarantor subsidiaries operated as independent entities.

Intercompany revenues and expenses included in the subsidiary records are eliminated in consolidation. As a result of this activity, an amount due to/due from affiliates will exist at any time. The principal elimination entries relate to investments in subsidiaries and intercompany balances and transactions. The Company has accounted for investments in subsidiaries under the equity method. The guarantor subsidiaries are 100% owned directly or indirectly by the Parent and all guarantees are joint, several, and unconditional.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

CARTER’S, INC.

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets (unaudited)

As of September 29, 2018

(dollars in thousands)



	Parent		Subsidiary Issuer		Guarantor Subsidiaries		Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—	$	70,518	$	19,755	$	33,625	$	—		$	123,898
Accounts receivable, net	—		235,167		38,986		19,336		—			293,489
Intercompany receivable	—		131,518		123,104		47,869		(302,491		)	—
Finished goods inventories	—		385,969		261,141		78,694		(32,819		)	692,985
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	—		21,690		23,431		11,879		—			57,000
Total current assets	—		844,862		466,417		191,403		(335,310		)	1,167,372
Property, plant, and equipment, net	—		137,709		185,203		37,806		—			360,718
Goodwill	—		136,570		45,368		47,673		—			229,611
Tradenames, net	—		223,117		142,637		—		—			365,754
Customer relationships, net	—		—		42,614		2,911		—			45,525
Other assets	—		25,422		1,690		1,854		—			28,966
Intercompany long-term receivable	—		—		490,514		—		(490,514		)	—
Intercompany long-term note receivable	—		100,000		—		—		(100,000		)	—
Investment in subsidiaries	811,185		1,117,864		283,169		—		(2,212,218		)	—
Total assets	$	811,185	$	2,585,544	$	1,657,612	$	281,647	$	(3,138,042	)	$	2,197,946

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	—	$	121,721	$	45,351	$	18,213	$	—		$	185,285
Intercompany payables	—		164,290		132,713		5,488		(302,491		)	—
Other current liabilities	—		40,703		75,358		16,960		—			133,021
Total current liabilities	—		326,714		253,422		40,661		(302,491		)	318,306

Long-term debt	—		798,020		—		—		—			798,020
Deferred income taxes	—		45,480		41,820		588		—			87,888
Intercompany long-term liability	—		490,514		—		—		(490,514		)	—
Intercompany long-term note payable	—		—		100,000		—		(100,000		)	—
Other long-term liabilities	—		80,812		88,860		12,875		—			182,547
Stockholders' equity	811,185		844,004		1,173,510		227,523		(2,245,037		)	811,185
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	811,185	$	2,585,544	$	1,657,612	$	281,647	$	(3,138,042	)	$	2,197,946

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

As of December 30, 2017

(dollars in thousands)



	Parent		Subsidiary Issuer		Guarantor Subsidiaries		Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—	$	129,463	$	10,030	$	39,001	$	—		$	178,494
Accounts receivable, net	—		182,944		40,286		17,331		—			240,561
Intercompany receivable	—		87,702		162,007		58,980		(308,689		)	—
Finished goods inventories	—		296,065		206,556		66,569		(20,468		)	548,722
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	—		17,012		21,354		14,569		—			52,935
Total current assets	—		713,186		440,233		196,450		(329,157		)	1,020,712
Property, plant, and equipment, net	—		147,858		189,511		40,555		—			377,924
Goodwill	—		136,570		45,368		48,486		—			230,424
Tradenames, net	—		223,251		142,300		—		—			365,551
Customer relationships, net	—		—		44,996		3,000		—			47,996
Other assets	—		23,884		2,392		2,159		—			28,435
Intercompany long-term receivable	—		—		441,294		—		(441,294		)	—
Intercompany long-term note receivable	—		100,000		—		—		(100,000		)	—
Investment in subsidiaries	857,416		1,053,224		231,994		—		(2,142,634		)	—
Total assets	$	857,416	$	2,397,973	$	1,538,088	$	290,650	$	(3,013,085	)	$	2,071,042

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	—	$	115,658	$	49,313	$	17,143	$	—		$	182,114
Intercompany payables	—		215,573		91,697		1,419		(308,689		)	—
Other current liabilities	—		11,805		122,989		14,340		—			149,134
Total current liabilities	—		343,036		263,999		32,902		(308,689		)	331,248

Long-term debt	—		617,306		—		—		—			617,306
Deferred income taxes	—		46,619		37,647		678		—			84,944
Intercompany long-term liability	—		441,294		—		—		(441,294		)	—
Intercompany long-term note payable	—		—		100,000		—		(100,000		)	—
Other long-term liabilities	—		71,834		92,570		15,724		—			180,128
Stockholders' equity	857,416		877,884		1,043,872		241,346		(2,163,102		)	857,416
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	857,416	$	2,397,973	$	1,538,088	$	290,650	$	(3,013,085	)	$	2,071,042

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

As of September 30, 2017

(dollars in thousands)



	Parent		Subsidiary Issuer		Guarantor Subsidiaries		Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—	$	56,715	$	17,771	$	30,884	$	—		$	105,370
Accounts receivable, net	—		229,425		37,165		19,061		—			285,651
Intercompany receivable	—		113,950		114,420		35,964		(264,334		)	—
Finished goods inventories	—		311,260		245,934		74,631		(21,829		)	609,996
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	—		18,339		22,342		10,275		—			50,956
Total current assets	—		729,689		437,632		170,815		(286,163		)	1,051,973
Property, plant, and equipment, net	—		149,889		192,065		40,060		—			382,014
Goodwill	—		136,570		48,566		49,057		—			234,193
Tradenames, net	—		223,295		142,300		—		—			365,595
Customer relationships, net	—		—		43,246		3,376		—			46,622
Other assets	—		23,274		1,533		1,732		—			26,539
Intercompany long-term receivable	—		—		411,787		—		(411,787		)	—
Intercompany long-term note receivable	—		100,000		—		—		(100,000		)	—
Investment in subsidiaries	771,831		983,575		204,093		—		(1,959,499		)	—
Total assets	$	771,831	$	2,346,292	$	1,481,222	$	265,040	$	(2,757,449	)	$	2,106,936

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	—	$	120,892	$	54,334	$	18,652	$	—		$	193,878
Intercompany payables	—		148,416		111,972		3,946		(264,334		)	—
Other current liabilities	—		45,656		78,381		13,077		—			137,114
Total current liabilities	—		314,964		244,687		35,675		(264,334		)	330,992

Long-term debt	—		687,074		—		—		—			687,074
Deferred income taxes	—		70,290		66,972		899		—			138,161
Intercompany long-term liability	—		411,787		—		—		(411,787		)	—
Intercompany long-term note payable	—		—		100,000		—		(100,000		)	—
Other long-term liabilities	—		68,517		95,329		15,032		—			178,878
Stockholders' equity	771,831		793,660		974,234		213,434		(1,981,328		)	771,831
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	771,831	$	2,346,292	$	1,481,222	$	265,040	$	(2,757,449	)	$	2,106,936

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

CARTER’S, INC.

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations (unaudited)

For the fiscal quarter ended September 29, 2018

(dollars in thousands)



	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
Net sales	$	—		$	570,007		$	506,994		$	119,182		$	(272,276	)	$	923,907
Cost of goods sold	—			424,895			309,123			60,701			(258,262		)	536,457
Gross profit	—			145,112			197,871			58,481			(14,014		)	387,450
Royalty income, net	—			8,515			5,320			—			(3,611		)	10,224
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	—			53,008			214,036			34,888			(7,815		)	294,117
Operating income (loss)	—			100,619			(10,845		)	23,593			(9,810		)	103,557
Interest expense	—			9,866			1,329			—			(1,327		)	9,868
Interest income	—			(1,329		)	(2		)	(80		)	1,327			(84		)
(Income) loss in subsidiaries	(71,770		)	(6,446		)	(21,608		)	—			99,824			—
Other (income) expense, net	—			—			235			(301		)	—			(66		)
Income (loss) before income taxes	71,770			98,528			9,201			23,974			(109,634		)	93,839
Provision for income taxes	—			16,948			2,755			2,366			—			22,069
Net income (loss)	$	71,770		$	81,580		$	6,446		$	21,608		$	(109,634	)	$	71,770

For the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2017

(dollars in thousands)



	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
Net sales	$	—		$	587,022		$	506,272		$	106,105		$	(251,353	)	$	948,046
Cost of goods sold	—			423,433			297,858			59,500			(236,323		)	544,468
Gross profit	—			163,589			208,414			46,605			(15,030		)	403,578
Royalty income, net	—			8,245			5,501			—			(3,396		)	10,350
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	—			49,368			210,175			32,704			(8,767		)	283,480
Operating income	—			122,466			3,740			13,901			(9,659		)	130,448
Interest expense	—			8,013			1,375			—			(1,327		)	8,061
Interest income	—			(1,330		)	—			(38		)	1,327			(41		)
(Income) loss in subsidiaries	(82,316		)	(4,555		)	(11,037		)	—			97,908			—
Other (income) expense, net	—			(120		)	123			(818		)	—			(815		)
Income (loss) before income taxes	82,316			120,458			13,279			14,757			(107,567		)	123,243
Provision for income taxes	—			28,483			8,724			3,720			—			40,927
Net income (loss)	$	82,316		$	91,975		$	4,555		$	11,037		$	(107,567	)	$	82,316

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

CARTER’S, INC.

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations (unaudited)

For the three fiscal quarters ended September 29, 2018

(dollars in thousands)



	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
Net sales	$	—		$	1,376,806		$	1,379,293		$	298,148		$	(678,357	)	$	2,375,890
Cost of goods sold	—			1,028,751			820,721			147,498			(650,965		)	1,346,005
Gross profit	—			348,055			558,572			150,650			(27,392		)	1,029,885
Royalty income, net	—			24,043			13,739			—			(9,209		)	28,573
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	—			137,246			626,125			98,500			(24,250		)	837,621
Operating income (loss)	—			234,852			(53,814		)	52,150			(12,351		)	220,837
Interest expense	—			25,778			3,983			10			(3,981		)	25,790
Interest income	—			(3,999		)	(2		)	(454		)	3,981			(474		)
(Income) loss in subsidiaries	(151,506		)	14,593			(45,032		)	—			181,945			—
Other expense, net	—			19			360			149			—			528
Income (loss) before income taxes	151,506			198,461			(13,123		)	52,445			(194,296		)	194,993
Provision for income taxes	—			34,604			1,470			7,413			—			43,487
Net income (loss)	$	151,506		$	163,857		$	(14,593	)	$	45,032		$	(194,296	)	$	151,506

For the three fiscal quarters ended September 30, 2017

(dollars in thousands)



	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
Net sales	$	—		$	1,393,351		$	1,337,078		$	239,022		$	(596,827	)	$	2,372,624
Cost of goods sold	—			1,014,968			783,973			133,948			(582,782		)	1,350,107
Gross profit	—			378,383			553,105			105,074			(14,045		)	1,022,517
Royalty income, net	—			25,580			14,508			—			(7,970		)	32,118
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	—			128,595			593,544			85,267			(25,986		)	781,420
Operating income (loss)	—			275,368			(25,931		)	19,807			3,971			273,215
Interest expense	—			22,124			4,121			95			(3,981		)	22,359
Interest income	—			(4,169		)	—			(71		)	3,981			(259		)
(Income) loss in subsidiaries	(166,703		)	23,699			(15,395		)	—			158,399			—
Other (income) expense, net	—			(745		)	771			(1,606		)	—			(1,580		)
Income (loss) before income taxes	166,703			234,459			(15,428		)	21,389			(154,428		)	252,695
Provision for income taxes	—			71,727			8,271			5,994			—			85,992
Net income (loss)	$	166,703		$	162,732		$	(23,699	)	$	15,395		$	(154,428	)	$	166,703

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

CARTER’S, INC.

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited)

For the fiscal quarter ended September 29, 2018

(dollars in thousands)



	Parent		Subsidiary Issuer		Guarantor Subsidiaries		Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
Net income (loss)	$	71,770	$	81,580	$	6,446	$	21,608	$	(109,634	)	$	71,770
Foreign currency translation adjustments	3,213		3,213		3,213		3,213		(9,639		)	3,213
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	74,983	$	84,793	$	9,659	$	24,821	$	(119,273	)	$	74,983

For the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2017

(dollars in thousands)



	Parent		Subsidiary Issuer		Guarantor Subsidiaries		Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
Net income (loss)	$	82,316	$	91,975	$	4,555	$	11,037	$	(107,567	)	$	82,316
Foreign currency translation adjustments	4,157		4,157		4,157		4,157		(12,471		)	4,157
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	86,473	$	96,132	$	8,712	$	15,194	$	(120,038	)	$	86,473

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

CARTER’S, INC.

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited)

For the three fiscal quarters ended September 29, 2018

(dollars in thousands)



	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
Net income (loss)	$	151,506		$	163,857		$	(14,593	)	$	45,032		$	(194,296	)	$	151,506
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(3,225		)	(3,225		)	(3,225		)	(3,225		)	9,675			(3,225		)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	148,281		$	160,632		$	(17,818	)	$	41,807		$	(184,621	)	$	148,281

For the three fiscal quarters ended September 30, 2017

(dollars in thousands)



	Parent		Subsidiary Issuer		Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
Net income (loss)	$	166,703	$	162,732	$	(23,699	)	$	15,395	$	(154,428	)	$	166,703
Foreign currency translation adjustments	8,244		8,244		8,244			8,244		(24,732		)	8,244
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	174,947	$	170,976	$	(15,455	)	$	23,639	$	(179,160	)	$	174,947

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

CARTER’S, INC.

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)

For the three fiscal quarters ended September 29, 2018

(dollars in thousands)



	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities:	$	—		$	(11,296	)	$	(16,349	)	$	49,003		$	—		$	21,358

Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	—			(13,121		)	(30,056		)	(4,667		)	—			(47,844		)
Intercompany investing activity	206,622			(2,116		)	3,024			1,077			(208,607		)	—
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	—			—			—			96			—			96
Disposals and recoveries from property, plant, and equipment	—			—			369			7			—			376
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	206,622			(15,237		)	(26,663		)	(3,487		)	(208,607		)	(47,372		)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Intercompany financing activity	—			(211,522		)	(12,263		)	15,178			208,607			—
Payment of debt issuance costs	—			(890		)	—			—			—			(890		)
Borrowings under secured revolving credit facility	—			290,000			—			—			—			290,000
Payments on secured revolving credit facility	—			(110,000		)	—			—			—			(110,000		)
Dividends paid	(63,114		)	—			65,000			(65,000		)	—			(63,114		)
Repurchases of common stock	(145,493		)	—			—			—			—			(145,493		)
Withholdings from vestings of restricted stock	(6,747		)	—			—			—			—			(6,747		)
Proceeds from exercises of stock options	8,732			—			—			—			—			8,732
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(206,622		)	(32,412		)	52,737			(49,822		)	208,607			(27,512		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			—			—			(1,070		)	—			(1,070		)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	—			(58,945		)	9,725			(5,376		)	—			(54,596		)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	—			129,463			10,030			39,001			—			178,494
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	—		$	70,518		$	19,755		$	33,625		$	—		$	123,898

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

For the three fiscal quarters ended September 30, 2017

(dollars in thousands)



	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
Cash flows provided by operating activities:	$	—		$	53,299		$	54,934		$	9,273		$	—		$	117,506

Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	—			(16,678		)	(28,867		)	(6,111		)	—			(51,656		)
Intercompany investing activity	204,931			(510		)	—			—			(204,421		)	—
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired	—			(144,520		)	746			(15,591		)	—			(159,365		)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	204,931			(161,708		)	(28,121		)	(21,702		)	(204,421		)	(211,021		)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Intercompany financing activity	—			(186,794		)	(20,859		)	3,232			204,421			—
Payment of debt issuance costs	—			(2,138		)	—			—			—			(2,138		)
Borrowings under secured revolving credit facility	—			200,000			—			—			—			200,000
Payments on secured revolving credit facility	—			(75,000		)	—			(18,965		)	—			(93,965		)
Dividends paid	(53,443		)	—			—			—			—			(53,443		)
Repurchases of common stock	(150,974		)	—			—			—			—			(150,974		)
Withholdings from vestings of restricted stock	(5,654		)	—			—			—			—			(5,654		)
Proceeds from exercises of stock options	5,140			—			—			—			—			5,140
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(204,931		)	(63,932		)	(20,859		)	(15,733		)	204,421			(101,034		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			—			—			561			—			561
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	—			(172,341		)	5,954			(27,601		)	—			(193,988		)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	—			229,056			11,817			58,485			—			299,358
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	—		$	56,715		$	17,771		$	30,884		$	—		$	105,370

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 relating to our future performance, including, without limitation, statements with respect to our anticipated financial results for any other quarter or period in fiscal 2018 or any other future period, assessment of our performance and financial position, and drivers of our sales and earnings growth. Such statements are based on current expectations only, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or not materialize, or should any of the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated, or projected. Certain of the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and performance to differ materially are described under the heading "Risk Factors" in our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time.

OVERVIEW

We are the largest branded marketer in North America 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"), and a leading baby and young child lifestyle brand, Skip Hop.

Established in 1865, our Carter's brand is recognized and trusted by consumers for high-quality apparel for children in sizes newborn to 14 and accessories.

Established in 1895, OshKosh is a well-known brand, trusted by consumers for apparel for children in sizes newborn to 14, with a focus on playclothes for toddlers and young children, and accessories.

We acquired the Skip Hop brand in February 2017. Established in 2003, the Skip Hop brand takes durable childhood necessities, and re-thinks, re-energizes, and re-imagines them to produce higher value, superior quality, and top-performance goods for parents, babies, and toddlers.

We market high-quality products and accessories at an attractive value proposition for consumers, and offer multiple product categories. Our multi-channel international business model - which includes retail stores, eCommerce and wholesale sales channels - enables us to reach a broad range of consumers around the world. We have extensive experience in the young children's apparel and accessories market and focus on delivering products that satisfy our consumers' needs.

The following is a discussion of our results of operations and current financial condition. This should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this Form 10-Q and audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 2017 fiscal year ended December 30, 2017.

Segments

Our U.S. Retail segment consists of revenue from sales of products to consumers in the United States, including Carter's, OshKosh, and Skip Hop branded products, through our retail stores and eCommerce sites. Similarly, our U.S. Wholesale segment consists of revenue from sales in the United States of Carter's, OshKosh, and Skip Hop branded products to our wholesale customers. Finally, our International segment consists of income from sales of Carter's, OshKosh, and Skip Hop branded products through our retail and online stores outside the United States, primarily through our retail stores in Canada and Mexico, our eCommerce sites in Canada and China, stores operated by our international partners, and sales to our international wholesale customers.

ITEM 2. 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, selected statement of operations data expressed as a percentage of consolidated net sales:



	Fiscal quarter ended				Three fiscal quarters ended
	September 29, 2018		September 30, 2017		September 29, 2018		September 30, 2017
Net sales
U.S. Retail	49.7	%	47.9	%	52.4	%	51.0	%
U.S. Wholesale	36.7	%	39.0	%	34.9	%	37.1	%
International	13.6	%	13.1	%	12.7	%	12.0	%

Consolidated net sales	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%
Cost of goods sold	58.1	%	57.4	%	56.7	%	56.9	%

Gross margin	41.9	%	42.6	%	43.3	%	43.1	%
Royalty income	1.1	%	1.1	%	1.2	%	1.4	%
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	31.8	%	29.9	%	35.3	%	32.9	%

Operating income	11.2	%	13.8	%	9.3	%	11.5	%
Interest expense	1.1	%	0.9	%	1.1	%	0.9	%
Interest income	n/m		n/m		n/m		n/m
Other income, net	n/m		(0.1	)%	n/m		(0.1	)%

Income before income taxes	10.2	%	13.0	%	8.2	%	10.7	%
Provision for income taxes	2.4	%	4.3	%	1.8	%	3.6	%
Net income	7.8	%	8.7	%	6.4	%	7.0	%

n/m - rounds to less than 0.1%, therefore not material.

Note: Results may not be additive due to rounding.

Comparable Retail Sales Metrics

At the beginning of fiscal 2018, we transitioned to disclosing a total comparable retail sales metric, including both retail stores and eCommerce. This change aligns with how management views and measures our retail business. We believe it reflects our maturing omni-channel strategy and consumers’ increasing tendency to shop with us both in our stores and online.

The method of calculating sales metrics varies across the retail industry. As a result, our method of calculating comparable sales may not be the same as that of other retailers.

THIRD FISCAL QUARTER AND THREE FISCAL QUARTERS ENDED SEPTEMBER 29, 2018 COMPARED TO THIRD FISCAL QUARTER AND THREE FISCAL QUARTERS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

Consolidated Net Sales

In the third quarter of fiscal 2018, consolidated net sales decreased $24.1 million, or 2.5%, to $923.9 million from $948.0 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2017. Consolidated net sales were $2.4 billion in the first three quarters of both fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017. The decrease for the third quarter of fiscal 2018 was primarily driven by a decline in our U.S. Wholesale segment, slightly offset by growth in our U.S. Retail and International segments. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates used for translation in the third quarter of fiscal 2018, as compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2017, had an unfavorable impact on our consolidated net sales of approximately $4.1 million. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates used for translation in the first three quarters of fiscal 2018, as compared to the first three quarters of fiscal 2017, had a favorable impact on our consolidated net sales of approximately $1.3 million.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

Net sales by segment, and each segment's percentage of consolidated net sales, were as follows:



	Fiscal quarter ended								Three fiscal quarters ended
(dollars in thousands)	September 29, 2018		% of Total		September 30, 2017		% of Total		September 29, 2018		% of Total		September 30, 2017		% of Total
Net sales:
U.S. Retail	$	459,101	49.7	%	$	453,843	47.9	%	$	1,244,863	52.4	%	$	1,209,143	51.0	%
U.S. Wholesale	338,963		36.7	%	369,577		39.0	%	829,272		34.9	%	879,842		37.1	%
International	125,843		13.6	%	124,626		13.1	%	301,755		12.7	%	283,639		12.0	%
Total net sales	$	923,907	100.0	%	$	948,046	100.0	%	$	2,375,890	100.0	%	$	2,372,624	100.0	%

Note: Percentages may not be additive due to rounding.

U.S. Retail Sales

Store Count Data for Company-Operated Retail Stores in our U.S. Retail segment



	U.S. Retail Stores
Store count at December 30, 2017	830
Openings	41
Closings	(36	)
Store count at September 29, 2018	835

Projected store count at December 29, 2018	849

Comparable Net Sales for our U.S. Retail segment

Comparable retail net sales increased 0.5% during the third quarter and 1.4% during the first three quarters of fiscal 2018 compared to the corresponding periods in fiscal 2017 primarily due to eCommerce sales growth, partially offset by a decline in comparable retail store net sales.

We believe comparable retail net sales were negatively affected in the third fiscal quarter of 2018 by reduced overall demand during the Labor Day holiday and decreased international customer demand on our U.S. eCommerce sites.

Sales Results

U.S. Retail segment net sales increased approximately $5.3 million, or 1.2%, in the third quarter of fiscal 2018 to $459.1 million from $453.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2017. This increase in net sales primarily reflected a/an:


•	Increase of $16.9 million from new retail stores that are not yet comparable;


•	Increase of $5.5 million from eCommerce sales;


•	Decrease of $11.3 million due to the effect of store closings; and


•	Decrease of $4.5 million in comparable retail store sales, primarily a result of reduced traffic.

U.S. Retail segment net sales increased $35.7 million, or 3.0%, in the first three quarters of fiscal 2018 to $1.2 billion from the first three quarters of fiscal 2017. This increase in net sales primarily reflected a/an:


•	Increase of $46.7 million from new retail stores that are not yet comparable;


•	Increase of $35.6 million from eCommerce sales;


•	Decrease of $25.7 million due to the effect of store closings; and


•	Decrease of $19.2 million in comparable retail store sales, primarily a result of reduced traffic.

U.S. Wholesale Sales

U.S. Wholesale segment net sales decreased approximately $30.6 million, or 8.3%, in the third quarter of fiscal 2018 to $339.0 million from $369.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2017. This decline reflected a 8.5% decrease in the number of units shipped and a 0.2% increase in the average price per unit, primarily as a result of reduced demand due to customer bankruptcies.

U.S. Wholesale segment net sales decreased $50.6 million, or 5.7%, in the first three quarters of fiscal 2018 to $829.3 million from $879.8 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2017. This decline reflected a 6.1% decrease in the number of units

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

shipped which was primarily the result of reduced demand due to customer bankruptcies, partially offset by a 0.4% increase in the average price per unit and contributions from the Skip Hop business that was acquired during the first quarter of fiscal 2017.

International Sales

International segment net sales increased approximately $1.2 million, or 1.0%, in the third quarter of fiscal 2018 to $125.8 million from $124.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2017. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates used for translation had an unfavorable impact on International segment net sales of approximately $4.1 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2018 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2017.

The $1.2 million increase in net sales in our International segment primarily reflected a/an:


•	Increase of $2.9 million related to the contribution from Carter's Mexico that was acquired in the third fiscal quarter of 2017;


•	Increase of $1.3 million from international sales to customers across various regions; and


•	Decrease of $3.0 million from sales in China.

International segment net sales increased $18.1 million, or 6.4%, in the first three quarters of fiscal 2018 to $301.8 million from $283.6 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2017. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates, primarily between the U.S. dollar and the Canadian dollar, had a favorable impact on International segment net sales of approximately $1.3 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2018 compared to the first three quarters of fiscal 2017.

The $18.1 million increase in net sales in our International segment primarily reflected a/an:


•	Increase of $20.3 million related to the contribution from acquired businesses;


•	Increase of $8.4 million from our Canada business, including wholesale and retail operations;


•	Decrease of $5.4 million from international sales to customers across various regions; and


•	Decrease of $5.1 million from sales in China.

Store Count Data for Company-Operated Retail Stores in our International Segment



	Canada Retail Stores	Mexico Retail Stores
Store count at December 30, 2017	179	41
Openings	5	1
Closings	—	—
Store count at September 29, 2018	184	42

Projected store count at December 29, 2018	188	42

Compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2017, our Canadian comparable retail sales increased 2.9% in the third quarter of fiscal 2018. Compared to the first three quarters of fiscal 2017, our Canadian total retail comparable sales increased 1.7% in the first three quarters of fiscal 2018.

Gross Margin and Gross Profit

Our consolidated gross margin decreased from 42.6% in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 to 41.9% in the third quarter of fiscal 2018. Our consolidated gross profit decreased $16.1 million, or 4.0%, to $387.5 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2018 from $403.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2017. These decreases were primarily due to higher provisions for inventory, lower sales and price realization.

Our consolidated gross margin increased from 43.1% in the first three quarters of fiscal 2017 to 43.3% for the first three quarters of fiscal 2018. Our consolidated gross profit increased $7.4 million, or 0.7%, to $1.0 billion in the first three quarters of fiscal 2018 from the first three quarters of fiscal 2017. These increases were primarily due to favorable product costs partially offset by higher provisions for inventory.

We include distribution costs in selling, general, and administrative ("SG&A") expenses. Accordingly, our gross margin and gross profit may not be comparable to other entities that include such distribution costs in their cost of goods sold.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

Royalty Income

We license the use of many of our brand names, including Carter’s, Just One You, Child of Mine, OshKosh B’gosh, OshKosh, Genuine Kids from OshKosh, Baby B'gosh, Simple Joys, and Precious Firsts.

Royalty income from these brands for the third quarter of fiscal 2018 decreased $0.1 million, or 1.2% to $10.2 million from $10.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2017.

Royalty income from these brands for the first three quarters of fiscal 2018 decreased $3.5 million, or 11.0%, to $28.6 million from $32.1 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2017. The decrease was primarily attributable to insourcing certain formerly licensed products and the absence of royalty income from Carter's Mexico, which we acquired in the third fiscal quarter of 2017.

Selling, General, and Administrative ("SG&A") Expenses

Consolidated SG&A expenses in the third quarter of fiscal 2018 increased $10.6 million, or 3.8%, to $294.1 million from $283.5 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2017. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A expenses increased from 29.9% in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 to 31.8% in the third quarter of fiscal 2018.

The increases in SG&A expenses in the third quarter of fiscal 2018 primarily reflected a:


•	$3.2 million increase in expenses related to U.S. retail operations, including fulfillment costs, as a result of eCommerce growth, partially offset by a reduction in costs associated with store closures;


•	$3.2 million increase in expenses related to marketing and brand management;


•	$3.1 million increase in distribution and freight costs;


•	$2.0 million increase in provisions for accounts receivable;


•	$1.7 million increase in expenses related to employee benefits;


•	$1.1 million increase in investments related to information systems;


•	$1.1 million in severance associated with changes to the Company's business model in China; and


•	$4.3 million decrease in performance based compensation expenses.

Consolidated SG&A expenses in the first three quarters of fiscal 2018 increased $56.2 million, or 7.2%, to $837.6 million from $781.4 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2017. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A expenses increased from 32.9% in the first three quarters of fiscal 2017 to 35.3% in the first three quarters of fiscal 2018.

The increases in SG&A expenses in the first three quarters of fiscal 2018 primarily reflected a:


•	$17.6 million increase in expenses related to U.S. retail operations, including fulfillment costs, primarily as a result of eCommerce growth, partially offset by a reduction in costs associated with store closures;


•	$12.8 million in expenses related to a customer bankruptcy in the first quarter of fiscal 2018;


•	$9.9 million increase in expenses related to marketing and brand management;


•	$7.7 million increase in expenses related to distribution and freight;


•	$2.9 million increase in investments related to information systems;


•	$2.7 million increase in employee benefit costs; and


•	$3.5 million decrease in performance based compensation expenses.

Operating Income

Consolidated operating income decreased $26.9 million, or 20.6%, to $103.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2018 from $130.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2017. Consolidated operating income decreased $52.4 million, or 19.2%, to $220.8 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2018 from $273.2 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2017.

Consolidated operating margin decreased from 13.8% in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 to 11.2% in the third quarter of fiscal 2018. Consolidated operating margin decreased from 11.5% in the first three quarters of fiscal 2017 to 9.3% in the first three quarters of fiscal 2018.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

The table below summarizes the changes in each of our segment's operating results and unallocated corporate expenses between the fiscal periods indicated:



(dollars in thousands)	U.S. Retail			U.S. Wholesale			International			Unallocated Corporate Expenses			Consolidated
Operating income (loss) for the third quarter of fiscal 2017	$	55,519		$	78,572		$	16,726		$	(20,369	)	$	130,448
Favorable (unfavorable) change in the third quarter of fiscal 2018
Gross profit	(3,022		)	(10,018		)	(3,063		)	(26		)	(16,129		)
Royalty income	576			(757		)	55			—			(126		)
SG&A expenses	(5,934		)	(12		)	(1,284		)	(3,406		)	(10,636		)
Operating income (loss) for the third quarter of fiscal 2018	$	47,139		$	67,785		$	12,434		$	(23,801	)	$	103,557



(dollars in thousands)	U.S. Retail			U.S. Wholesale		International		Unallocated Corporate Expenses		Consolidated
Operating income (loss) for the first three quarters of fiscal 2017	$	127,441		184,073		28,008		(66,307	)	$	273,215
Favorable (unfavorable) change in the first three quarters of fiscal 2018
Gross profit	22,761			(20,862	)	5,399		70		7,368
Royalty income	(1,576		)	(1,460	)	(509	)	—		(3,545		)
SG&A expenses	(26,540		)	(13,356	)	(12,390	)	(3,915	)	(56,201		)
Operating income (loss) for the first three quarters of fiscal 2018	$	122,086		148,395		20,508		(70,152	)	$	220,837

The following table presents changes in the operating margin for each of our three operating segments expressed in basis points ("bps") relative to net sales. The first table presents the changes between the third quarter of fiscal 2017 and the third quarter of fiscal 2018. The second table presents the changes between the first three quarters of fiscal 2017 and the first three quarters of fiscal 2018.



	U.S. Retail		U.S. Wholesale		International
Operating margin for the third quarter of fiscal 2017	12.2	%	21.3	%	13.4	%
Favorable (unfavorable) bps change in the third quarter of fiscal 2018
Gross profit	(130) bps		(30) bps		(290) bps
Royalty income	10 bps		(10) bps		—
SG&A expenses	(70) bps		(90) bps		(60) bps
Operating margin for the third quarter of fiscal 2018	10.3	%	20.0	%	9.9	%



	U.S. Retail		U.S. Wholesale		International
Operating margin for the first three quarters of fiscal 2017	10.5	%	20.9	%	9.9	%
Favorable (unfavorable) bps change in the first three quarters of fiscal 2018
Gross profit	30 bps		(70) bps		(90) bps
Royalty income	(20) bps		(10) bps		(20) bps
SG&A expenses	(80) bps		(220) bps		(200) bps
Operating margin for the first three quarters of fiscal 2018	9.8	%	17.9	%	6.8	%

U.S. Retail Operating Income

U.S. Retail segment operating income decreased by $8.4 million, or 15.1%, to $47.1 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2018 from $55.5 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2017. This segment's operating margin decreased 190 bps from 12.2% in the

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

third quarter of fiscal 2017 to 10.3% in the third quarter of fiscal 2018. The primary drivers of the change in operating margin were a:


•	130 bps decrease in gross profit, primarily due to decreased price realization in our eCommerce channel driven in part by increased shipping costs;


•	70 bps increase in SG&A expenses, primarily due to a:


•	30 bps increase in expenses related to eCommerce growth, partially offset by a reduction in expenses associated with store closures;


•	30 bps increase in distribution expenses;


•	20 bps increase in marketing investments; and


•	30 bps decrease in expenses for performance based compensation.

U.S. Retail segment operating income decreased by $5.4 million, or 4.2%, to $122.1 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2018 from $127.4 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2017. This segment's operating margin decreased 70 bps from 10.5% in the first three quarters of fiscal 2017 to 9.8% in the first three quarters of fiscal 2018. The primary drivers of the change in operating margin were a/an:


•	30 bps increase in gross profit, primarily due to lower product costs and improved price realization;


•	20 bps decrease in royalty income primarily attributable to insourcing of certain formerly licensed products;


•	80 bps increase in SG&A expenses, primarily due to a:


•	40 bps increase in expenses related to eCommerce initiatives, partially offset by a reduction in expenses associated with store closures;


•	40 bps increase in marketing and brand management expenses;


•	30 bps increase in distribution expenses; and


•	20 bps decrease in expenses associated with performance based compensation.

U.S. Wholesale Operating Income

U.S. Wholesale segment operating income in the third quarter of fiscal 2018 decreased $10.8 million, or 13.7%, to $67.8 million from $78.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2017. The segment's operating margin decreased 130 bps from 21.3% in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 to 20.0% in the third quarter of fiscal 2018. The primary drivers of the change in operating margin were a:


•	30 bps decrease in gross profit, primarily due to higher provisions for inventory and unfavorable customer mix, partially offset by lower product costs; and


•	90 bps increase in SG&A expenses, primarily due to an increase in provisions for accounts receivable, higher distribution costs, and increased marketing investments.

U.S. Wholesale segment operating income in the first three quarters of fiscal 2018 decreased $35.7 million or 19.4%, to $148.4 million from $184.1 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2017. The segment's operating margin decreased 300 bps from 20.9% in the first three quarters of fiscal 2017 to 17.9% in the first three quarters of fiscal 2018. The primary drivers of the change in operating margin were a:


•	70 bps decrease in gross profit, primarily due to higher provisions for inventory and unfavorable customer sales mix;


•	220 bps increase in SG&A expenses, primarily due to a:


•	160 bps increase in the provision for accounts receivable due to a customer bankruptcy;


•	40 bps increase in distribution and freight expenses; and


•	20 bps increase in marketing and brand management expenses.

International Operating Income

International segment operating income decreased by $4.3 million, or 25.7%, to $12.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2018 from $16.7 million in the third quarter of 2017. This segment's operating margin decreased 350 bps from 13.4% in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 to 9.9% in the third quarter of fiscal 2018. The primary drivers of the change in operating margin were a:


•	290 bps decrease in gross profit primarily due to higher provisions for inventory related to changes in the Company's business model in China and lower price realization;


•	60 bps increase in SG&A expenses, primarily due to a:


•	90 bps for severance associated with changes to the Company's business model in China;


•	60 bps increase in costs associated with the Canadian business's recycling obligations;


•	50 bps decrease in marketing and brand management expenses; and


•	40 bps decrease in provisions for accounts receivable.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

International segment operating income decreased by $7.5 million, or 26.8%, to $20.5 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2018 from $28.0 million in the first three quarters of 2017. This segment's operating margin decreased 310 bps from 9.9% in the first three quarters of fiscal 2017 to 6.8% in the first three quarters of fiscal 2018. The primary drivers of the change in operating margin were a/an:


•	90 bps decrease in gross profit primarily due to higher provisions for inventory related to changes in the Company's business model in China and customer sales mix;


•	20 bps decrease in royalty income due to a reduction in the number of licensees that pay royalties;


•	200 bps increase in SG&A expenses, primarily due to a:


•	100 bps increase in selling, distribution and freight costs;


•	50 bps increase in costs associated with the Canadian business's recycling obligations; and


•	50 bps for severance associated with changes to the Company's business model in China.

Unallocated Corporate Expenses

Unallocated corporate expenses increased by $3.4 million, or 16.8%, in the third quarter of fiscal 2018 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2017, primarily due to a $3.6 million credit for an earn out adjustment that occurred in third quarter fiscal 2017. Unallocated corporate expenses, as a percentage of consolidated net sales, increased from 2.1% in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 to 2.6% in the third quarter of fiscal 2018.

Unallocated corporate expenses increased by $3.8 million, or 5.8%, in the first three quarters of fiscal 2018 compared to the first three quarters of fiscal 2017. Unallocated corporate expenses, as a percentage of consolidated net sales, increased from 2.8% in the first three quarters of fiscal 2017 to 3.0% in the first three quarters of fiscal 2018. The increase was attributable to the same reason discussed above.

Interest Expense

Interest expense in the third quarters of fiscal 2018 and 2017 was approximately $9.9 million and $8.1 million, respectively. Weighted-average borrowings for the third quarter of fiscal 2018 were approximately $782.4 million with an effective interest rate of 4.72%, compared to weighted-average borrowings for the third quarter of fiscal 2017 of $742.4 million with an effective interest rate of 4.30%. The increase in weighted-average borrowings during the third quarter of fiscal 2018 was attributable to additional borrowings under our secured revolving credit facility.

Interest expense in the first three quarters of fiscal 2018 and 2017 was approximately $25.8 million and $22.4 million, respectively. Weighted-average borrowings over the course of the first three quarters of fiscal 2018 were approximately $684.1 million with an effective interest rate of 4.85%, compared to weighted-average borrowings for the first three quarters of fiscal 2017 of $648.9 million with an effective interest rate of 4.50%. The increase in weighted-average borrowings during the first three quarters of fiscal 2018 was attributable to additional borrowings under our secured revolving credit facility.

The increases in the weighted-average interest rate for the third quarter and first three quarters of fiscal 2018 compared to the third quarter and first three quarters of fiscal 2017 was due primarily to a higher LIBOR rate for the outstanding borrowings on our variable-rate secured revolving credit facility during the 2018 period.

On our consolidated balance sheet, unamortized debt issuance costs associated with our senior notes are presented as a direct reduction in the carrying value of the associated debt liability for all periods presented. See Note 8, Long-term Debt.

Other (Income) Expense, Net

Other income, net is comprised primarily of gains and losses on foreign currency transactions and, if utilized during a reporting period, gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts.

Income Taxes

Our consolidated effective income tax rate for the third quarter of fiscal 2018 was 23.5% compared to 33.2% for the third quarter of fiscal 2017. Our consolidated effective income tax rate for the first three quarters of fiscal 2018 was 22.3% compared to 34.0% for the first three quarters of fiscal 2017. The lower effective rate in fiscal 2018 was due mainly to a lower corporate income tax rate and other changes under the 2017 Tax Act.

For full year fiscal 2018, we estimate our annual consolidated effective income tax rate will be approximately 22.0%.

Net Income

Our consolidated net income for the third quarter of fiscal 2018 decreased by $10.5 million, or 12.8%, to $71.8 million compared to $82.3 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2017. Our consolidated net income for the first three quarters of fiscal

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

2018 decreased by $15.2 million, or 9.1%, to $151.5 million compared to $166.7 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2017. These changes were due to the factors previously discussed.

FINANCIAL CONDITION, CAPITAL RESOURCES, AND LIQUIDITY

Our ongoing cash needs are primarily for working capital and capital expenditures. We expect that 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 and access to capital markets 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 under the heading "Risk Factors" in our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time.

As of September 29, 2018, the Company had approximately $123.9 million of cash and cash equivalents in major financial institutions, including approximately $33.6 million in financial institutions located outside of the United States. We maintain cash deposits with major financial institutions that exceed the insurance coverage limits provided by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in the United States and by similar insurers for deposits located outside the United States. To mitigate this risk, we utilize a policy of allocating cash deposits among major financial institutions that have been evaluated by us and third-party rating agencies.

In 2018, the United States imposed additional tariffs between 10% and 25% on a variety of imports from China, including certain products we import into the United States. Through the third quarter of fiscal 2018, these tariffs have not had a material effect on the Company. The Company is closely monitoring potential additional tariffs for imports from China to the United States.

Balance Sheet

Net accounts receivable at September 29, 2018 were $293.5 million compared to $285.7 million at September 30, 2017 and $240.6 million at December 30, 2017. The overall increase of $7.8 million, or 2.7%, at September 29, 2018 compared to September 30, 2017 was a result of the timing of customer receipts. Due to the seasonal nature of our operations, the net accounts receivable balance at September 29, 2018 is not comparable to the net accounts receivable balance at December 30, 2017.

Inventories at September 29, 2018 were $693.0 million compared to $610.0 million at September 30, 2017 and $548.7 million at December 30, 2017. The increase of $83.0 million, or 13.6%, at September 29, 2018 compared to September 30, 2017 primarily reflects business growth and timing of receipts. Due to the seasonal nature of our operations, the inventories balance at September 29, 2018 is not comparable to the inventories balance at December 30, 2017.

Cash Flow

Net cash provided by operating activities for the first three quarters of fiscal 2018 was $21.4 million compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $117.5 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2017. This decrease in operating cash flow for the 2018 period was due primarily to working capital changes and lower net income.

Net cash used in investing activities was $47.4 million for the first three quarters of fiscal 2018 compared to $211.0 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2017. Cash used for investing activities during the first three quarters of fiscal 2017 included $159.4 million for business acquisitions. Capital expenditures were $47.8 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2018 compared to $51.7 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2017, reflecting timing of new store openings in the 2018 fiscal period. Capital spending in the first three quarters of fiscal 2018 included approximately $27.2 million for our U.S. and international retail store openings and re-modelings, $9.1 million for information technology initiatives, $7.4 million for distribution and office facilities, and $2.8 million for wholesale fixtures.

We plan to invest approximately $75 million in total capital expenditures for all of fiscal 2018, primarily for our U.S. and international retail store openings and re-modelings, information technology initiatives, and distribution facilities.

Net cash used in financing activities was $27.5 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2018 compared to $101.0 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2017. The net decrease in cash used for the 2018 period primarily reflected an increase in borrowings partially offset by an increase in debt payments and higher dividend payments.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

Secured Revolving Credit Facility

On September 21, 2018, our wholly-owned subsidiary The William Carter Company ("TWCC") and a syndicate of lenders entered into Amendment No. 1 to its fourth amended and restated credit agreement to, among other things, extend the term of the facility from August 25, 2022 to September 21, 2023.

Our amended and restated secured revolving credit facility provides liquidity that can be used as needed for ongoing working capital purposes and general corporate purposes. This facility provides for (i) a $650 million U.S. dollar revolving facility (including a $100 million sub-limit for letters of credit and a swing line sub-limit of $70 million) available for borrowings in U.S. dollars and (ii) a $100 million multicurrency revolving facility (including a $40 million sub-limit for letters of credit and a swing line sub-limit of $15 million) available for borrowings denominated in U.S. dollars, Canadian dollars, Euros, Pounds Sterling, or other currencies agreed to by the applicable lenders. Our secured revolving credit facility also includes additional potential borrowing facilities in an aggregate amount not to exceed $425 million (with the aggregate U.S. dollar amount not to exceed $350 million and the aggregate multicurrency amount not to exceed $75 million). The U.S. dollar credit facility can also potentially increase to an unlimited borrowing amount so long as the consolidated first lien leverage ratio (as defined) does not exceed 2.25:1.00.

Under the secured credit facility, our wholly-owned operating subsidiary, TWCC, and its domestic subsidiaries have granted to the collateral agent, for the benefit of the lenders, valid and perfected first priority security interests in substantially all of their present and future assets, excluding certain customary exceptions, and guarantee the obligations of the borrowers. In addition, The Genuine Canadian Corp., as Canadian borrower, and Carter’s Holdings B.V., as Dutch borrower, have each guaranteed the obligations of the other.

As of September 29, 2018, we had $401.0 million in outstanding borrowings under our secured revolving credit facility, exclusive of $4.5 million of outstanding letters of credit. As of September 29, 2018, approximately $344.5 million was available for future borrowing. All outstanding borrowings under our secured revolving credit facility are classified as non-current liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet because of the contractual repayment terms under the credit facility. However, these repayment terms also allow us to repay some or all of the outstanding borrowings at any time.

The interest rate margins applicable to our secured revolving credit facility as of September 29, 2018 were 1.375% for LIBOR rate loans (which may be adjusted based on a leverage-based pricing grid ranging from 1.125% to 1.875%) and 0.375% for base rate loans (which may be adjusted based on a leverage-based pricing grid ranging from 0.125% to 0.875%).

As of September 29, 2018, U.S. dollar borrowings outstanding under the secured revolving credit facility accrued interest at a LIBOR rate plus the applicable base rate, which resulted in a weighted-average borrowing rate of 3.58%. There were no Canadian dollar borrowings during the third quarter of fiscal 2018 or the third quarter of fiscal 2017.

As of September 29, 2018, we were in compliance with the financial and other covenants under our secured revolving credit facility.

Senior Notes

As of September 29, 2018, TWCC had $400.0 million principal amount of senior notes outstanding, bearing interest at a fixed rate of 5.25% per annum, and maturing on August 15, 2021. On our consolidated balance sheet, the $400.0 million outstanding is reported net of $3.0 million, $3.7 million and $3.9 million unamortized issuance-related debt costs at September 29, 2018, December 30, 2017 and September 30, 2017, respectively. The senior notes are unsecured and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Carter's, Inc. and certain subsidiaries of TWCC.

Share Repurchases

In the first three quarters of fiscal 2018, the Company repurchased and retired 1,364,420 shares in open market transactions for approximately $145.5 million at an average price of $106.63 per share. In the first three quarters of fiscal 2017, the Company repurchased and retired 1,727,587 shares in open market transactions for approximately $151.0 million, at an average price of $87.39 per share.

The total remaining capacity under all remaining repurchase authorizations as of September 29, 2018 was approximately $440.1 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 share repurchase authorizations have no expiration date.

Dividends

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

In the first, second and third quarters of fiscal 2018, we paid quarterly cash dividends of $0.45 per share in each quarter. In the first, second and third quarters of fiscal 2017, we paid quarterly cash dividends of $0.37 per share in each quarter. Future declarations of quarterly dividends and the establishment of future record and payment dates are at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will be based on a number of factors, including our future financial performance and other investment priorities.

As disclosed in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 2017 fiscal year ended December 30, 2017, 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.

SEASONALITY

We experience seasonal fluctuations in our sales and profitability due to the timing of certain holidays and key retail shopping periods, which generally have resulted in declines in our net sales and gross profit in the first half of our fiscal year versus the second half. Accordingly, our results of operations during any interim period during the fiscal year may not be indicative of the results we expect for the full fiscal year.

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 U.S. GAAP. 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 materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Our critical accounting policies and estimates are described under the heading "Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates" in Item 7 of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 2017 fiscal year ended December 30, 2017. Our critical accounting policies and estimates are those policies that require management's most difficult and subjective judgments and may result in the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. Our critical accounting policies and estimates include: revenue recognition and accounts receivable allowance, inventory, goodwill and tradename, accrued expenses, loss contingencies, accounting for income taxes, foreign currency, employee benefit plans, and stock-based compensation arrangements. There have been no material changes in these critical accounting policies and estimates from those described in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, except for the effects that the adoption of ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, had on our policies as disclosed under the header "Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements At the Beginning of Fiscal 2018" in Note 2, Basis of Presentation, to the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Additionally, information related to the pending adoption of recently issued accounting standards is provided in Note 16, Pending Adoption of Recent Accounting Pronouncements, to the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

ITEM 3. 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 and interest rates. We employ various strategies to attempt to minimize our exposure to these risks.

Currency Risk

We contract for production with third parties, primarily in Asia. While these contracts are stated in U.S. 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 U.S. dollar and the local currencies of these contractors. We cannot predict the impact that future currency fluctuations may have on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows in future periods.

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).

Fluctuations in currency exchange rates, primarily between the U.S. dollar and the currencies of Canada, Mexico, China, Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom, may affect our results of operations, financial position, and cash flows. Transactions by certain foreign subsidiaries may be denominated in currencies other than that entity's functional currency. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses also include the impact of non-current intercompany loans with foreign subsidiaries that are marked to market. In our statement of operations, these gains and losses are recorded within Other income/expense, net.

As part of our overall strategy to manage the level of exposure to the risk of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, some of our foreign operations may use currency forward contracts to hedge purchases that are made in U.S. dollars, primarily for inventory purchases. As part of this strategy, we primarily use foreign currency forward exchange contracts that have maturities of less than 12 months to provide continuing coverage throughout the hedging period.

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. Our variable rate borrowings outstanding as of September 29, 2018 were $401.0 million. An increase or decrease of 1% in the effective interest rate on that amount would increase or decrease our annual pre-tax interest expense by approximately $4.0 million.

Other Risks

We enter into various purchase order commitments with our suppliers. We generally 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 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined under Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of September 29, 2018.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

The principal executive officer and principal financial officer also conducted an evaluation of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (“Internal Control”) to determine whether any changes in Internal Control occurred during the fiscal quarter ended September 29, 2018 that have materially affected, or which are reasonably likely to materially affect, Internal Control.

There were no changes in the Company’s Internal Control that materially affected, or were likely to materially affect, such control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter ended September 29, 2018.

PART II

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is 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 its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes to the risk factors described in our Form 10-K for the 2017 fiscal year ended December 30, 2017.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Share Repurchases

The following table provides information about share repurchases during the third quarter of fiscal 2018:



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⁽³⁾
July 1, 2018 through July 28, 2018	126,509	$112.63	126,509	$482,300,133

July 29, 2018 through August 25, 2018	124,260	$107.26	123,525	$469,051,111

August 26, 2018 through September 29, 2018	293,759	$98.39	293,759	$440,148,188

Total	544,528		543,793


(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 735 shares surrendered between July 1, 2018 and September 29, 2018.


(2)	Share purchases during the third quarter of fiscal 2018 were made in compliance with all applicable rules and regulations and in accordance with the share repurchase authorizations described in Note 7, Common Stock, to our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.


(3)	Under share repurchase authorizations approved by our Board of Directors.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

N/A

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

N/A

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

N/A

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS



Exhibit Number	Description of Exhibits



3.1	Certificate of Incorporation of Carter's, Inc., as amended on May 22, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Carter's, Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 23, 2017).
3.2	Amended and Restated By-Laws of Carter's, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of Carter's, Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 23, 2017).
10.1	Amendment No. 1, dated as of September 21, 2018, to the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of August 25, 2017, by and among The William Carter Company, as U.S. Borrower, The Genuine Canadian Corp., as Canadian Borrower, Carter’s Holdings B.V., as Dutch Borrower, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, U.S. Dollar Facility Swing Line Lender and U.S. Dollar Facility L/C Issuer, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Toronto Branch, as Canadian Agent, a Multicurrency Facility Swing Line Lender and a Multicurrency Facility L/C Issuer, J.P. Morgan Europe Limited, as European Agent, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., London Branch, as a Multicurrency Facility Swing Line Lender and a Multicurrency Facility L/C Issuer, each lender from time to time party thereto and the other parties party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Carter’s, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 26, 2018).
31.1	Rule 13a-15(e)/15d-15(e) and 13a-15(f)/15d-15(f) Certification.
31.2	Rule 13a-15(e)/15d-15(e) and 13a-15(f)/15d-15(f) Certification.
32	Section 1350 Certification.
101	Interactive Data File.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on their behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

CARTER’S, INC.



October 25, 2018	/s/ MICHAEL D. CASEY
	Michael D. Casey
	Chief Executive Officer
	(Principal Executive Officer)



October 25, 2018	/s/ RICHARD F. WESTENBERGER
	Richard F. Westenberger
	Executive Vice President and
	Chief Financial Officer
	(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)