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CARTERS INC Interim / Quarterly Report 2017

Jul 27, 2017

32190_10-q_2017-07-27_e7f8aae1-fd46-4a81-ab4a-eff261d18191.zip

Interim / Quarterly Report

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10-Q 1 q2201710-q.htm 10-Q html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/html4/loose.dtd" Document created using Wdesk 1 Copyright 2017 Workiva Document

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 JULY 1, 2017 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 July 21, 2017
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share 47,834,177

CARTER’S, INC.

INDEX

Page
Part I. Financial Information
Item 1 Financial Statements
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of July 1, 2017, December 31, 2016 and July 2, 2016 1
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal quarter and two fiscal quarters ended July 1, 2017 and July 2, 2016 2
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the fiscal quarter and two fiscal quarters ended July 1, 2017 and July 2, 2016 3
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the two fiscal quarters ended July 1, 2017 4
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the two fiscal quarters ended July 1, 2017 and July 2, 2016 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 45
Item 4 Controls and Procedures 45
Part II. Other Information
Item 1 Legal Proceedings 46
Item 1A Risk Factors 46
Item 2 Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 47
Item 3 Defaults upon Senior Securities 48
Item 4 Mine Safety Disclosures 48
Item 5 Other Information 48
Item 6 Exhibits 48
Signatures 49
Certifications

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CARTER’S, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

July 1, 2017 December 31, 2016 July 2, 2016
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 173,564 $ 299,358 $ 205,080
Accounts receivable, net 165,183 202,471 150,633
Finished goods inventories 610,423 487,591 587,434
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 44,527 32,180 46,189
Deferred income taxes 35,486 32,816
Total current assets 993,697 1,057,086 1,022,152
Property, plant, and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $384,881, $345,907, and $317,580, respectively 382,472 385,874 386,034
Tradenames and other intangible assets, net 400,735 308,928 309,017
Goodwill 231,709 176,009 177,540
Other assets 23,246 18,700 17,749
Total assets $ 2,031,859 $ 1,946,597 $ 1,912,492
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 217,340 $ 158,432 $ 190,366
Other current liabilities 94,644 119,177 80,595
Total current liabilities 311,984 277,609 270,961
Long-term debt, net 661,846 580,376 580,678
Deferred income taxes 133,251 130,656 128,682
Other long-term liabilities 174,867 169,832 165,469
Total liabilities $ 1,281,948 $ 1,158,473 $ 1,145,790
Commitments and contingencies - Note 13
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock; par value $.01 per share; 100,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding at July 1, 2017, December 31, 2016, and July 2, 2016
Common stock, voting; par value $.01 per share; 150,000,000 shares authorized; 47,971,577, 48,948,670 and 50,194,955 shares issued and outstanding at July 1, 2017, December 31, 2016 and July 2, 2016, respectively 480 489 502
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (30,653 ) (34,740 ) (30,533 )
Retained earnings 780,084 822,375 796,733
Total stockholders' equity 749,911 788,124 766,702
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 2,031,859 $ 1,946,597 $ 1,912,492

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

1

CARTER’S, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

Fiscal quarter ended — July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016 Two fiscal quarters ended — July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016
Net sales $ 692,117 $ 639,471 $ 1,424,872 $ 1,363,556
Cost of goods sold 388,660 357,289 805,613 770,445
Gross profit 303,457 282,182 619,259 593,111
Selling, general, and administrative expenses 250,146 228,464 497,940 457,460
Royalty income (11,210 ) (9,525 ) (21,768 ) (20,600 )
Operating income 64,521 63,243 143,087 156,251
Interest expense 7,194 6,803 14,298 13,542
Interest income (79 ) (178 ) (218 ) (385 )
Other (income) expense, net (544 ) 516 (765 ) 3,709
Income before income taxes 57,950 56,102 129,772 139,385
Provision for income taxes 20,025 19,904 45,183 49,207
Net income $ 37,925 $ 36,198 $ 84,589 $ 90,178
Basic net income per common share $ 0.79 $ 0.72 $ 1.75 $ 1.77
Diluted net income per common share $ 0.78 $ 0.71 $ 1.73 $ 1.75
Dividend declared and paid per common share $ 0.37 $ 0.33 $ 0.74 $ 0.66

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

2

CARTER’S, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(dollars in thousands)

(unaudited)

Fiscal quarter ended — July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016 Two fiscal quarters ended — July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016
Net income $ 37,925 $ 36,198 $ 84,589 $ 90,178
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments 3,140 548 4,087 5,834
Comprehensive income $ 41,065 $ 36,746 $ 88,676 $ 96,012

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

3

CARTER’S, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(amounts in thousands, except share amounts)

(unaudited)

Balance at December 31, 2016 Common stock - shares — 48,948,670 Common stock - $ — $ 489 Additional paid-in capital — $ — Accumulated other comprehensive loss — $ (34,740 ) Retained earnings — $ 822,375 Total stockholders’ equity — $ 788,124
Exercise of stock options 60,660 1 3,121 3,122
Withholdings from vesting of restricted stock (65,804 ) (1 ) (5,589 ) (5,590 )
Restricted stock activity 145,600 1 (1 )
Stock-based compensation 8,464 8,464
Issuance of common stock 13,860 1 1,181 1,182
Repurchase of common stock (1,131,409 ) (11 ) (7,176 ) (91,049 ) (98,236 )
Cash dividends declared and paid (35,831 ) (35,831 )
Comprehensive income 4,087 84,589 88,676
Balance at July 1, 2017 47,971,577 $ 480 $ — $ (30,653 ) $ 780,084 $ 749,911

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

4

CARTER’S, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(dollars in thousands)

(unaudited)

Two fiscal quarters ended — July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income $ 84,589 $ 90,178
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 39,705 34,916
Amortization of tradenames 892 1,831
Amortization of fair value step up of inventory 400
Amortization of debt issuance costs 749 725
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense 9,646 9,250
Foreign currency (gain) loss, net (555 ) 3,130
Income tax benefit from stock-based compensation (3,684 )
Loss on disposal of property, plant, and equipment 221 133
Deferred income taxes 3,227 1,258
Effect of changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisition:
Accounts receivable, net 57,215 57,229
Finished goods inventories (91,846 ) (114,817 )
Prepaid expenses and other assets (13,871 ) (12,643 )
Accounts payable and other liabilities 16,961 18,093
Net cash provided by operating activities 107,333 85,599
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures (34,276 ) (49,698 )
Acquisition of Skip Hop Holdings, Inc., net of cash acquired (143,704 )
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment 193
Net cash used in investing activities (177,980 ) (49,505 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings under secured revolving credit facility 100,000
Payments on secured revolving credit facility (18,965 )
Repurchases of common stock (98,236 ) (180,209 )
Dividends paid (35,831 ) (33,679 )
Income tax benefit from stock-based compensation 3,684
Withholdings from vestings of restricted stock (5,590 ) (8,508 )
Proceeds from exercises of stock options 3,122 5,101
Net cash used in financing activities (55,500 ) (213,611 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 353 1,388
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (125,794 ) (176,129 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 299,358 381,209
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 173,564 $ 205,080

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

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 websites that market its brand name merchandise and other licensed products manufactured by other companies. As of July 1, 2017 , the Company operated 978 retail stores.

NOTE 2 – BASIS OF PREPARATION AND BUSINESS ACQUISITION

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Carter's, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries and 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 two fiscal quarters ended July 1, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the 2017 fiscal year ending December 30, 2017 .

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 31, 2016 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.

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 after the close of business on February 22, 2017. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and footnotes include Skip Hop Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries ("Skip Hop") from February 23, 2017. The acquisition of Skip Hop expanded the Company’s product offerings to include complementary essential core products for families with young children. Skip Hop's product lines include diaper bags, kid’s backpacks, travel accessories, home gear, and hardline goods for playtime, mealtime, and bath time. Skip Hop's products are sold through wholesale and eCommerce channels.

The Skip Hop purchase was deemed to be the acquisition of a business under the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") No. 805, Business Combinations . Based on the purchase price, Skip Hop's assets, and Skip Hop's pre-tax operating income prior to the acquisition, the acquired Skip Hop business does not meet the materiality requirements for preparation and presentation of pro forma financial information.

The majority of Skip Hop's wholesale operations became a part of the Company's U.S. Wholesale operating segment, with the remainder becoming part of the Company's International operating segment. Skip Hop's eCommerce retail operations became part of the Company's U.S. Retail operating segment.

6

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

During the second quarter of fiscal 2017, Skip Hop contributed approximately $25.0 million to the Company's consolidated net sales and produced an operating loss of approximately $(0.8) million . Between the acquisition date and the end of the Company's second quarter of fiscal 2017, Skip Hop contributed approximately $35.4 million of net sales to the Company's consolidated net sales and produced an operating loss of approximately $(0.4) million .

The measurement period, as defined under the provisions of ASC 805, is open for certain Skip Hop assets and liabilities. The purchase price is subject to a working capital adjustment, plus a potential future payment of up to $10 million contingent upon the achievement of certain financial performance targets in fiscal 2017. Provisional amounts recognized at acquisition in the first quarter of fiscal 2017 and the measurement period adjustments made during the second quarter of fiscal 2017 were as follows:

(in millions) Provisional Measurement Period Revised — Provisional
Amounts Adjustments Amounts
Net assets acquired:
Assets acquired $ 55.5 $ (0.6 ) $ 54.9
Liabilities assumed (23.2 ) 3.0 (20.2 )
Net assets acquired 32.3 2.4 34.7
Goodwill * 56.6 (2.4 ) 54.2
Tradename 56.8 56.8
Customer relationships 35.9 35.9
Deferred income tax liabilities (33.5 ) (33.5 )
Preliminary purchase price 148.1 148.1
Less cash acquired (0.8 ) (0.8 )
Less estimated contingent consideration (3.6 ) (3.6 )
Net cash paid $ 143.7 $ 143.7
* Not deductible for income taxes

Under the provisions of ASU No. 2015-16, " Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement Period Adjustments ," the cumulative impact of any measurement period adjustments on current periods and prior periods is recognized in the period that the adjustment is determined.

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 subsequent changes to these accounting policies, except as noted below for new accounting pronouncements adopted at the beginning of fiscal 2017.

Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements At the Beginning of Fiscal 2017

Accounting for Share-Based Payments to Employees (ASU 2016-09)

At the beginning of its first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") ASU No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting ("ASU 2016-09"), which amended ASC Topic 718, Stock Compensation . The adoption of this ASU affected the Company's consolidated financial statements as follows.

7

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

Consolidated Statement of Operations - ASU 2016-09 imposes a new requirement to record all of the excess income tax benefits and deficiencies (that result from an increase or decrease in the value of an award from grant date to settlement date) related to share-based payments at settlement through the statement of operations instead of the former requirement to record income tax benefits in excess of compensation cost ("windfalls") in equity, and income tax deficiencies ("shortfalls") in equity to the extent of previous windfalls, and then to operations. This change is required to be applied prospectively upon adoption of ASU 2016-09 to all excess income tax benefits and deficiencies resulting from settlements of share-based payments after the date of adoption. For the second quarter and first two quarters of fiscal 2017, the Company’s provision for income taxes on its consolidated statement of operations includes a benefit of approximately $0.2 million and $1.2 million , respectively, related to net excess income tax benefits for settlements of share-based payments during the those fiscal periods. For the second quarter and first two quarters of fiscal 2016, the Company recognized net excess income tax benefits of approximately $0.6 million and $3.7 million , respectively, for share-based payments settled during those periods. These net tax benefits were recorded directly to the Company’s consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity and have not been reclassified to the Company’s consolidated statement of operations, in accordance with adoption and transition provisions of ASU 2016-09.

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows - ASU 2016-09 requires that all income tax-related cash flows resulting from share-based payments, such as excess income tax benefits, are to be reported as operating activities on the statement of cash flows, a change from the prior requirement to present windfall income tax benefits as an inflow from financing activities and an offsetting outflow from operating activities. As permitted, the Company elected to apply these provisions prospectively to its consolidated statement of cash flows, and accordingly, periods prior to fiscal 2017 have not been adjusted.

Additionally, ASU 2016-09 clarifies that all cash payments made to taxing authorities on the employees' behalf for withheld shares at settlement are presented as financing activities on the statement of cash flows. This change must be applied retrospectively. The presentation requirements did not result in reclassification for any prior periods since such cash flows have historically been presented as a financing activity by the Company on its consolidated statement of cash flows.

The Company elected to continue to estimate forfeitures expected to occur to determine the amount of share-based compensation cost to recognize in each period, as permitted by ASU 2016-09. Accordingly, no cumulative effect was recorded in retained earnings on the Company’s consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity at the beginning of fiscal 2017 upon the adoption of ASU 2016-09.

Simplified Subsequent Measurement of Inventory (ASU 2015-11)

At the beginning of its first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company adopted the provisions of ASU No. 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory ("ASU 2015-11"). ASU 2015-11 simplifies subsequent measurements of inventory by replacing the lower of cost or market test, required under prior guidance, with a lower of cost and net realizable value test. ASU 2015-11 applies only to inventories for which cost is determined by methods other than last-in-first-out (LIFO) and the retail inventory method. For inventory within the scope of ASU 2015-11, entities are required to compare the cost of inventory to only one measure, its net realizable value, and not the three measures required by prior guidance ("market," "subject to a floor," and a "ceiling"). When evidence exists that the net realizable value of inventory is less than its cost (due to damage, physical deterioration, obsolescence, changes in price levels or other causes), entities recognize the difference as a loss in earnings in the period in which it occurs. The adoption of ASU 2015-11 was not material to the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes (ASU 2015-17)

At the beginning of the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company prospectively adopted the provisions of ASU No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes ("ASU 2015-17"). ASU 2015-17 simplifies the balance sheet presentation of deferred income taxes by reporting the net amount of deferred tax assets and liabilities for each tax-paying jurisdiction as non-current on the balance sheet. Prior guidance required the deferred taxes for each tax-paying jurisdiction to be presented as a net current asset or liability and net non-current asset or liability. The Company's prospective adoption of ASU 2015-17 impacts the classification of deferred tax assets and liabilities on any balance sheet that reports the Company's financial position for any date after December 31, 2016. Balance sheets for prior periods have not been adjusted. The adoption of ASU 2015-17 has no impact on the Company's results of operations or cash flows.

8

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 3 – ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

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

(dollars in thousands) — Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments July 1, 2017 — $ (23,537 ) December 31, 2016 — $ (27,624 ) July 2, 2016 — $ (23,752 )
Pension and post-retirement obligations (1) (7,116 ) (7,116 ) (6,781 )
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (30,653 ) $ (34,740 ) $ (30,533 )

(1) Net of income taxes of $4.2 million , $4.2 million , and $4.0 million , respectively.

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the second quarter and first two quarters of fiscal 2017 consisted of net gains of $3.1 million and $4.1 million for foreign currency translation adjustments, respectively. Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the second quarter and first two quarters of fiscal 2016 consisted of gains of $0.5 million and $5.8 million , respectively, for foreign currency translation adjustments. During the first and second quarters of both fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016 , no amounts were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to the statement of operations.

NOTE 4 – GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

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

(dollars in thousands) Weighted-average useful life July 1, 2017 — Gross fair value Accumulated amortization Net amount December 31, 2016 — Gross fair value Accumulated amortization Net amount
Carter's goodwill Indefinite $ 136,570 $ — $ 136,570 $ 136,570 $ — $ 136,570
Canada acquisition Indefinite 40,897 40,897 39,439 39,439
Skip Hop acquisition (1) Indefinite 54,242 54,242
Total goodwill $ 231,709 $ — $ 231,709 $ 176,009 $ — $ 176,009
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 (1) Indefinite 56,800 56,800
Finite-life tradenames 2-20 years 42,021 38,915 3,106 42,005 38,810 3,195
Total tradenames $ 404,554 $ 38,915 $ 365,639 $ 347,738 $ 38,810 $ 308,928
Skip Hop customer relationships (1) 15 years 35,900 804 35,096
Total tradenames and other intangibles, net $ 440,454 $ 39,719 $ 400,735 $ 347,738 $ 38,810 $ 308,928

(1) Subject to revision. The measurement period, as defined in ASC 805, Business Combinations, is open for certain assets and liabilities related to the Skip Hop business acquisition that closed on February 22, 2017.

9

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(dollars in thousands) Weighted-average useful life July 2, 2016 — Gross amount Accumulated amortization Net amount
Carter's goodwill Indefinite $ 136,570 $ — $ 136,570
Canadian acquisition Indefinite 40,970 40,970
Total goodwill $ 177,540 $ — $ 177,540
Carter's tradename Indefinite $ 220,233 $ — $ 220,233
OshKosh tradename Indefinite 85,500 85,500
Finite-life tradenames 2-20 years 42,022 38,738 3,284
Total tradenames $ 347,755 $ 38,738 $ 309,017

The substantial majority of Skip Hop's wholesale operations became part of the Company's U.S. Wholesale reportable segment, with the remainder becoming part of the Company's International reportable segment. Skip Hop's eCommerce operations became part of the U.S. Retail reportable segment.

Changes in the carrying values between comparative periods for goodwill related to the Company's 2011 acquisition of its Canadian business (Bonnie Togs) were due to fluctuations in the foreign currency exchange rates between the Canadian and U.S. dollar that were used in the remeasurement process for preparing the Company's consolidated financial statements. The portion of the changes in the carrying values for other trademarks, including the related accumulated amortization, that was not attributable to amortization expense was also impacted by these same foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.

Included in finite-life tradenames is the Company's exclusive rights to the Carter's brands in Chile, including trademark registrations. The Company acquired the Chile rights in 2014 for approximately $3.6 million in cash. This intangible tradename is being amortized over 20 years using a straight-line method, resulting in approximately $0.2 million of amortization expense for each fiscal year during the life of intangible asset. During the first quarter and first two quarters of fiscal 2016, the Company also recorded amortization expense of approximately $0.8 million and $1.7 million , respectively, for the H.W. Carter and Sons tradenames, which have been fully amortized.

For the Skip Hop customer relationships intangible asset acquired in February 2017, the Company recorded approximately $0.6 million and $0.8 million , respectively, of amortization expense for the fiscal quarter and two fiscal quarters ended July 1, 2017. Future amortization expense is estimated to be approximately $2.4 million each year for the next 15 years.

NOTE 5 – COMMON STOCK

SHARE REPURCHASES

The total aggregate remaining capacity under outstanding repurchase authorizations as of July 1, 2017 was approximately $176.2 million , based on settled repurchase transactions. The authorizations have no expiration date.

Open Market Repurchases

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

Fiscal quarter ended — July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016 Two fiscal quarters ended — July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016
Number of shares repurchased 587,465 1,049,483 1,131,409 1,771,847
Aggregate cost of shares repurchased (dollars in thousands) $ 51,605 $ 108,648 $ 98,236 $ 180,209
Average price per share $ 87.84 $ 103.52 $ 86.82 $ 101.71

10

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

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.

DIVIDENDS

In the second fiscal quarter and two fiscal quarters ended July 1, 2017 , the Company paid cash dividends per share of $ 0.37 and $ 0.74 , respectively. In the second fiscal quarter and two fiscal quarters ended July 2, 2016 , the Company declared and paid cash dividends per share of $ 0.33 and $ 0.66 , 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 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 2016 fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.

NOTE 6 – LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt consisted of the following:

(dollars in thousands) — Senior notes at amounts repayable July 1, 2017 — $ 400,000 December 31, 2016 — $ 400,000 July 2, 2016 — $ 400,000
Less unamortized issuance-related costs for senior notes (4,154 ) (4,601 ) (5,036 )
Senior notes, net 395,846 395,399 394,964
Secured revolving credit facility 266,000 184,977 185,714
Total long-term debt, net $ 661,846 $ 580,376 $ 580,678

On July 19, 2017, the Company borrowed an additional $100 million under its secured revolving credit facility primarily for seasonal working capital needs, bringing total outstanding borrowings under this facility to $366 million , excluding accrued interest.

Secured Revolving Credit Facility

The aggregate principal amount of the Company's amended and restated secured revolving credit facility is $500 million consisting of (i) a $400 million U.S. dollar revolving credit facility (including a $175 million sub-limit for letters of credit and a swing line sub-limit of $50 million ) available for borrowings by TWCC and (ii) a $100 million multicurrency revolving credit facility (including a $40 million sub-limit for letters of credit and a swing line sub-limit of $15 million ) available for borrowings by TWCC and certain other subsidiaries of TWCC in U.S. dollars, Canadian dollars, Euros, Pounds Sterling, or other currencies agreed to by the applicable lenders. The secured revolving credit facility also provides for incremental facilities in an aggregate amount not to exceed $250 million , either in the form of a commitment increase under the existing revolving credit facility or the incurrence of one or more tranches of term loans (with the aggregate U.S. dollar amount available to the Company not to exceed $200 million and the aggregate multicurrency amount available not to exceed $50 million ). The Company's secured revolving credit facility matures on September 16, 2020 .

As of July 1, 2017 , the Company had $266.0 million in outstanding borrowings under its secured revolving credit facility, exclusive of $4.5 million of outstanding letters of credit. As of July 1, 2017 , approximately $229.5 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.

11

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

As of July 1, 2017 , the interest rate margins 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% ).

As of July 1, 2017 , 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 2.55% . All outstanding Canadian dollar borrowings were repaid during the first quarter of fiscal 2017. There were no Canadian dollar borrowings during the second quarter of fiscal 2017.

As disclosed in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 2016 fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, the Company's secured revolving credit facility contains covenants, including affirmative and financial covenants. As of July 1, 2017 , the Company was in compliance with the financial and other covenants under the secured revolving credit facility.

Senior Notes

As of July 1, 2017 , 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 described in the table above.

NOTE 7 – STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense as follows:

(dollars in thousands) Fiscal quarter ended — July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016 Two fiscal quarters ended — July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016
Stock options $ 955 $ 981 $ 2,199 $ 2,277
Restricted stock:
Time-based awards 2,832 1,717 5,144 3,862
Performance-based awards 1,080 832 2,303 1,947
Stock awards 1,164 1,164
Total $ 4,867 $ 4,694 $ 9,646 $ 9,250

NOTE 8 – EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

The Company maintains a defined contribution plan and two frozen defined benefit plans. The two frozen defined benefit plans include the OshKosh B'Gosh pension plan and a post-retirement life and medical plan.

OSHKOSH B'GOSH PENSION PLAN

The components of net periodic pension cost included in the statement of operations were comprised of:

(dollars in thousands) Fiscal quarter ended — July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016 Two fiscal quarters ended — July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016
Interest cost $ 611 $ 629 $ 1,222 $ 1,258
Expected return on plan assets (650 ) (676 ) (1,300 ) (1,352 )
Recognized actuarial loss 170 145 340 290
Net periodic pension cost $ 131 $ 98 $ 262 $ 196

12

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

POST-RETIREMENT LIFE AND MEDICAL PLAN

The components of post-retirement (benefit) cost included in the statement of operations were comprised of:

(dollars in thousands) Fiscal quarter ended — July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016 Two fiscal quarters ended — July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016
Service cost – benefits attributed to service during the period $ 7 $ 31 $ 14 $ 62
Interest cost on accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation 34 44 68 88
Amortization net actuarial gain (76 ) (49 ) (152 ) (98 )
Total net periodic post-retirement (benefit) cost $ (35 ) $ 26 $ (70 ) $ 52

NOTE 9 – INCOME TAXES

As of July 1, 2017 , the Company had gross unrecognized income tax benefits of approximately $11.5 million , of which $8.2 million , if ultimately recognized, may affect the Company's effective 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 July 1, 2017 were approximately $1.5 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 tax rate for fiscal 2017 or fiscal 2018 along with the effective 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 tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. During the fiscal quarter and two fiscal quarters ended July 1, 2017 and the fiscal quarter and two fiscal quarters ended July 2, 2016, interest expense recorded on uncertain tax positions was not significant. The Company had approximately $1.1 million , $0.8 million , and $0.8 million of interest accrued on uncertain tax positions as of July 1, 2017 , December 31, 2016 , and July 2, 2016 , respectively.

As disclosed in note 2, the Company's adoption of ASU 2016-09 benefited consolidated income tax expense by approximately $1.2 million for the first two quarters of fiscal 2017. The adoption of ASU 2016-09 had no impact on income tax expense for prior periods.

As disclosed in note 2, the Company prospectively adopted the provisions for classification of deferred income tax assets and liabilities on the Company's consolidated balance sheet at the beginning of fiscal 2017. Classifications for deferred income tax assets and liabilities for prior periods have not been adjusted on the Company's consolidated balance sheets.

Deferred income tax liabilities on the Company's consolidated balance sheet at July 1, 2017 increased by $33.5 million due to the acquisition of Skip Hop during the first quarter of fiscal 2017.

For the full fiscal year 2017 , the Company estimates that its consolidated effective income tax rate will be approximately 35.0% .

NOTE 10 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

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

13

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(dollars in millions) July 1, 2017 — Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 December 31, 2016 — Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 July 2, 2016 — Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Assets
Investments (1) $ 15.3 $ 12.3 $ 10.9
Liabilities
Contingent consideration (2) $ 3.6
Foreign exchange forward contracts (3) $ 1.3

(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.

(3) 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 $0.5 million and $1.2 million for the fiscal quarter and two fiscal quarters ended July 1, 2017 , respectively, and were $0.7 million and $0.3 million for the fiscal quarter and two fiscal quarters ended July 2, 2016 , respectively. These amounts are included in Other (income) expense, net.

CONTINGENT CONSIDERATION

In connection with the Company's acquisition of Skip Hop on February 22, 2017, the Company may be obligated to pay an amount up to $10 million of additional cash consideration to the sellers of Skip Hop if the acquired business achieves certain financial performance targets in fiscal 2017 for net sales and adjusted operating margin, as defined in the stock purchase agreement. The Company has preliminarily estimated the discounted fair value of this contingency to be approximately $3.6 million (undiscounted approximately $3.8 million ) based on weighted probabilities of 25% , 25% and 50% for each possible payment amount under the earnout. The Company remeasures the fair value of this contingency at the end of each reporting period in fiscal 2017.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE FORWARD CONTRACTS

Fair values for unsettled foreign exchange forward contracts are calculated by using readily observable market inputs (market-quoted currency exchange rates in effect between U.S. and Canadian dollars) and are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. At July 1, 2017 and December 31, 2016, there were no open foreign currency contracts. At July 2, 2016, the notional value of the open foreign currency forward contracts was approximately $20.0 million .

DEBT OBLIGATIONS

The Company's outstanding debt obligations are reflected in the consolidated balance sheet at carrying value. These debt obligations are not remeasured at fair value each reporting period, however the following fair value disclosures are provided:

• As of July 1, 2017 , the fair value of the Company's $266.0 million in outstanding borrowings under its secured revolving credit facility approximated carrying value. On July 19, 2017, the Company borrowed an additional $100 million under its secured revolving credit facility primarily for seasonal working capital needs, bringing total outstanding borrowings under this facility to $366 million . Fair value approximates carrying value of $366 million .

• The fair value of the Company's senior notes at July 1, 2017 was approximately $412 million . The fair value of these senior notes with a notional value and carrying value 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.

14

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 11 – EARNINGS PER SHARE

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

Fiscal quarter ended — July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016 Two fiscal quarters ended — July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016
Weighted-average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding:
Basic number of common shares outstanding 47,863,618 50,143,568 48,093,155 50,660,278
Dilutive effect of equity awards 550,726 469,114 552,866 468,632
Diluted number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding 48,414,344 50,612,682 48,646,021 51,128,910
Basic net income per common share (in thousands, except per share data):
Net income $ 37,925 $ 36,198 $ 84,589 $ 90,178
Income allocated to participating securities (291 ) (279 ) (660 ) (720 )
Net income available to common shareholders $ 37,634 $ 35,919 $ 83,929 $ 89,458
Basic net income per common share $ 0.79 $ 0.72 $ 1.75 $ 1.77
Diluted net income per common share (in thousands, except per share data):
Net income $ 37,925 $ 36,198 $ 84,589 $ 90,178
Income allocated to participating securities (289 ) (278 ) (656 ) (715 )
Net income available to common shareholders $ 37,636 $ 35,920 $ 83,933 $ 89,463
Diluted net income per common share $ 0.78 $ 0.71 $ 1.73 $ 1.75
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from diluted earnings per share computation 663,531 233,570 596,297 233,570

15

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 12 – 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) July 1, 2017 December 31, 2016 July 2, 2016
Accrued bonuses and incentive compensation $ 5,959 $ 16,834 $ 6,694
Accrued employee benefits 10,227 17,165 8,718
Accrued and deferred rent 17,767 15,632 13,930

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

(dollars in thousands) July 1, 2017 December 31, 2016 July 2, 2016
Deferred lease incentives $ 74,344 $ 74,015 $ 71,884

NOTE 13 – 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 14 – SEGMENT INFORMATION

At the beginning of fiscal 2017, the Company combined its Carter's Retail and OshKosh Retail into a single U.S. Retail operating segment, and its Carter's Wholesale and OshKosh Wholesale into a single U.S. Wholesale operating segment, in order to reflect the sales-channel approach the Company's executive management now uses to evaluate its business performance and manage operations in the U.S. The Company's International segment was not affected by these changes. The Company's reportable segments are now U.S. Retail, U.S. Wholesale, and International.

Prior periods have been conformed to reflect the Company's current segment structure by adding together Carter's Retail and OshKosh Retail as U.S. Retail and Carter's Wholesale and OshKosh Wholesale as U.S. Wholesale. Prior results for the International segment and Corporate expenses were not impacted.

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

16

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(dollars in thousands) Fiscal quarter ended — July 1, 2017 % of Total Net Sales July 2, 2016 % of Total Net Sales Two fiscal quarters ended — July 1, 2017 % of Total Net Sales July 2, 2016 % of Total Net Sales
Net sales :
U.S. Wholesale $ 217,710 31.5 % $ 215,122 33.6 % $ 510,265 35.8 % $ 507,176 37.2 %
U.S. Retail (a) 391,822 56.6 % 352,782 55.2 % 755,593 53.0 % 706,871 51.8 %
International (b) 82,585 11.9 % 71,567 11.2 % 159,014 11.2 % 149,509 11.0 %
Total net sales $ 692,117 100.0 % $ 639,471 100.0 % $ 1,424,872 100.0 % $ 1,363,556 100.0 %
Operating income (loss) : % of Segment Net Sales % of Segment Net Sales % of Segment Net Sales % of Segment Net Sales
U.S. Wholesale (g) $ 35,806 16.4 % $ 41,509 19.3 % $ 105,501 20.7 % $ 109,920 21.7 %
U.S. Retail (a) (g) 42,342 10.8 % 36,952 10.5 % 72,242 9.6 % 76,421 10.8 %
International (b) (g) 7,597 9.2 % 9,105 12.7 % 11,282 7.1 % 17,546 11.7 %
Corporate expenses (c) (d) (e) (f) (21,224 ) (24,323 ) (45,938 ) (47,636 )
Total operating income $ 64,521 9.3 % $ 63,243 9.9 % $ 143,087 10.0 % $ 156,251 11.5 %

(a) Includes retail store and eCommerce results.

(b) Net sales include international retail, eCommerce, and wholesale sales.

(c) 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, and audit fees.

(d) Includes expenses related to the amortization of the H.W. Carter and Sons tradenames of approximately $0.8 million and $1.7 million for the fiscal quarter and two fiscal quarters ended July 2, 2016 , respectively.

(e) Includes acquisition-related expenses of approximately $0.6 million and $1.8 million for fiscal quarter the two fiscal quarters ended July 1, 2017, respectively.

(f) Includes charges related to the Company's direct sourcing initiative of approximately $0.1 and $0.3 million for the fiscal quarter and two fiscal quarters ended July 1, 2017, respectively.

(g) A total of $0.4 million of certain costs related to inventory acquired from Skip Hop is included in operating income between U.S. Wholesale, U.S. Retail, and International for the fiscal quarter and two fiscal quarters ended July 1, 2017.

NOTE 15 – PENDING ADOPTION OF RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Revenue Recognition (ASC 606)

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , which since has been codified in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASC 606"). This guidance clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue and will be applicable to all contracts with customers regardless of industry-specific or transaction-specific fact patterns. Further, the guidance will require improved disclosures as well as additional disclosures to help users of financial statements better understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue that is recognized. Since its original issuance, the FASB has issued several updates to this guidance, and additional updates are possible. The standard will be effective for the Company at the beginning of fiscal 2018, including interim periods within that fiscal year. Upon adoption, the Company will apply the provisions of ASC 606 either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying the guidance recognized at the date of initial application. Based on an assessment of the Company's significant sources of revenue, at this time the Company does not believe that the adoption of ASC 606, including any of the policy elections required or permitted by ASC 606, will have a material impact on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Based on this assessment, at this time the Company does not believe the adoption of ASC 606 will have a significant impact on processes, systems, or controls.

Leases (ASU 2016-02)

In February 2016, the FASB issued new lease accounting guidance in ASU No. 2016-02, Leases-Topic 842 ("ASU 2016-02"). 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. ASU

17

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

2016-02 will have little or no impact on an entity's results of operations or cash flows. The new standard will be effective for the Company at the beginning of fiscal 2019, including interim periods within the year of adoption. The new standard requires a modified retrospective basis, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is still evaluating the potential impacts of ASU 2016-02 on its consolidated balance sheet. However, the Company expects that the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will require the Company to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities that will be material to the Company's consolidated balance sheet.

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 is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 with early adoption permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, 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.

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

In March 2017, the FASB issued 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 will change 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 will present service cost arising in the current period in the same income 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, will be presented on the income statement on a line item outside (or below) operating income. For public companies, the guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted. Presentation of the components of net periodic benefit cost on the income statement will be applied retrospectively. The impact that ASU 2017-07 will have on the Company's operating income will depend on future periodic pension costs related to the Company's current frozen defined benefit pension plan and post-retirement medical benefit plan. However, based on these costs in recent annual and interim reporting periods, the adoption of ASU 2017-07 is not expected to be material to the Company's operating income.

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 impacted 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 public companies is effective for annual and interim impairment test performed in periods after December 15, 2019. 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.

18

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

Statement of Cash Flows (ASU 2016-15)

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) ("ASU 2016-15"). This ASU represents a consensus of the FASB’s Emerging Issues Task Force on eight separate issues that each impact classifications on the statement of cash flows. In particular, issue number three addresses the classification of contingent consideration payments made after a business combination. Under ASU 2016-15, cash payments made soon after an acquisition’s consummation date (i.e., approximately three months or less) will be classified as cash outflows from investing activities. Payments made thereafter will be classified as cash outflows from financing activities up to the amount of the original contingent consideration liability. Payments made in excess of the amount of the original contingent consideration liability will be classified as cash outflows from operating activities. For public business entities, ASU 2016-15 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The guidance requires application using a retrospective transition method. Early adoption is permitted, provided that all of the amendments are adopted in the same period. At the current time, none of the other items contained in ASU 2016-15 are expected to impact the Company's classifications on its consolidated statement of cash flows.

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

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation Topic 718-Scope of Modification Accounting ("ASU 2017-09"). This guidance will clarify when changes to the terms and conditions of share-based payment awards must be accounted for as modifications. Entities will apply the modification accounting guidance if the value, vesting conditions, or classification of an award changes. ASU 2017-07 is effective for the Company at the beginning of fiscal 2018, including interim periods within fiscal 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The guidance will be applied prospectively to awards modified on or after adoption. The impact that ASU 2017-09 may have on the Company's results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows subsequent to adoption will be dependent on the terms and conditions of any modifications made to share-based awards after fiscal 2017.

19

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 16 – 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. Under specific customary conditions, the guarantees are not full and unconditional because subsidiary guarantors can be released and relieved of their obligations under customary circumstances contained in the indenture governing the senior notes. These circumstances include, among others, the following, so long as other applicable provisions of the indentures are adhered to: any sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of any subsidiary guarantor, any sale or other disposition of capital stock of any subsidiary guarantor, or designation of any restricted subsidiary that is a subsidiary guarantor as an unrestricted subsidiary.

For additional information, refer to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 2016 fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.

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.

20

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

CARTER’S, INC.

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets (unaudited)

As of July 1, 2017

(dollars in thousands)

Parent Subsidiary Issuer Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ 127,907 $ 11,435 $ 34,222 $ — $ 173,564
Accounts receivable, net 124,885 35,765 4,533 165,183
Intercompany receivable 56,526 61,911 25,588 (144,025 )
Finished goods inventories 346,963 207,368 68,262 (12,170 ) 610,423
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 16,684 18,002 9,841 44,527
Total current assets 672,965 334,481 142,446 (156,195 ) 993,697
Property, plant, and equipment, net 150,796 195,209 36,467 382,472
Goodwill 136,570 53,635 41,504 231,709
Tradenames and other intangible assets, net 223,339 177,396 400,735
Other assets 20,901 447 1,898 23,246
Intercompany long-term receivable 411,475 (411,475 )
Intercompany long-term note receivable 100,000 (100,000 )
Investment in subsidiaries 749,911 936,310 167,809 (1,854,030 )
Total assets $ 749,911 $ 2,240,881 $ 1,340,452 $ 222,315 $ (2,521,700 ) $ 2,031,859
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ — $ 151,770 $ 47,695 $ 17,875 $ — $ 217,340
Intercompany payables 82,539 57,034 4,452 (144,025 )
Other current liabilities 32,973 53,114 8,557 94,644
Total current liabilities 267,282 157,843 30,884 (144,025 ) 311,984
Long-term debt, net 661,846 661,846
Deferred income taxes 69,750 63,400 101 133,251
Intercompany long-term liability 411,475 (411,475 )
Intercompany long-term note payable 100,000 (100,000 )
Other long-term liabilities 68,447 92,236 14,184 174,867
Stockholders' equity 749,911 762,081 926,973 177,146 (1,866,200 ) 749,911
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 749,911 $ 2,240,881 $ 1,340,452 $ 222,315 $ (2,521,700 ) $ 2,031,859

21

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

As of December 31, 2016

(dollars in thousands)

Parent Subsidiary Issuer Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ 229,056 $ 11,817 $ 58,485 $ — $ 299,358
Accounts receivable, net 176,825 18,315 7,331 202,471
Intercompany receivable 55,902 74,681 14,601 (145,184 )
Finished goods inventories 278,696 174,542 60,153 (25,800 ) 487,591
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 11,402 16,028 4,750 32,180
Deferred income taxes 18,476 15,440 1,570 35,486
Total current assets 770,357 310,823 146,890 (170,984 ) 1,057,086
Property, plant, and equipment, net 155,187 194,691 35,996 385,874
Goodwill 136,570 39,439 176,009
Tradenames and other intangible assets, net 223,428 85,500 308,928
Other assets 17,771 605 324 18,700
Intercompany long-term receivable 428,436 (428,436 )
Intercompany long-term note receivable 100,000 (100,000 )
Investment in subsidiaries 788,124 753,753 145,076 (1,686,953 )
Total assets $ 788,124 $ 2,157,066 $ 1,165,131 $ 222,649 $ (2,386,373 ) $ 1,946,597
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ — $ 97,103 $ 41,947 $ 19,382 $ — $ 158,432
Intercompany payables 85,894 55,257 4,033 (145,184 )
Other current liabilities 16,473 90,718 11,986 119,177
Total current liabilities 199,470 187,922 35,401 (145,184 ) 277,609
Long-term debt, net 561,399 18,977 580,376
Deferred income taxes 87,116 43,540 130,656
Intercompany long-term liability 428,436 (428,436 )
Intercompany long-term note payable 100,000 (100,000 )
Other long-term liabilities 66,721 89,252 13,859 169,832
Stockholders' equity 788,124 813,924 744,417 154,412 (1,712,753 ) 788,124
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 788,124 $ 2,157,066 $ 1,165,131 $ 222,649 $ (2,386,373 ) $ 1,946,597

22

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

As of July 2, 2016

(dollars in thousands)

Parent Subsidiary Issuer Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ 159,191 $ 11,233 $ 34,656 $ — $ 205,080
Accounts receivable, net 126,501 19,844 4,288 150,633
Intercompany receivable 62,988 115,545 6,820 (185,353 )
Finished goods inventories 344,479 212,739 67,367 (37,151 ) 587,434
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 25,362 15,142 5,685 46,189
Deferred income taxes 17,452 13,545 1,819 32,816
Total current assets 735,973 388,048 120,635 (222,504 ) 1,022,152
Property, plant, and equipment, net 162,536 191,895 31,603 386,034
Goodwill 136,570 40,970 177,540
Tradenames and other intangible assets, net 223,517 85,500 309,017
Other assets 16,705 708 336 17,749
Intercompany long-term receivable 297,756 (297,756 )
Intercompany long-term note receivable 100,000 (100,000 )
Investment in subsidiaries 766,702 692,654 119,250 (1,578,606 )
Total assets $ 766,702 $ 2,067,955 $ 1,083,157 $ 193,544 $ (2,198,866 ) $ 1,912,492
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ — $ 125,742 $ 44,406 $ 20,218 $ — $ 190,366
Intercompany payables 120,695 61,774 2,884 (185,353 )
Other current liabilities 7,293 63,500 9,802 80,595
Total current liabilities 253,730 169,680 32,904 (185,353 ) 270,961
Long-term debt, net 560,964 19,714 580,678
Deferred income taxes 83,601 45,081 128,682
Intercompany long-term liability 297,756 (297,756 )
Intercompany long-term note payable 100,000 (100,000 )
Other long-term liabilities 68,051 85,078 12,340 165,469
Stockholders' equity 766,702 803,853 683,318 128,586 (1,615,757 ) 766,702
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 766,702 $ 2,067,955 $ 1,083,157 $ 193,544 $ (2,198,866 ) $ 1,912,492

23

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

CARTER’S, INC.

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations (unaudited)

For the fiscal quarter ended July 1, 2017

(dollars in thousands)

Net sales Parent — $ — Subsidiary Issuer — $ 352,814 Guarantor Subsidiaries — $ 435,321 Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries — $ 71,886 Consolidating Adjustments — $ (167,904 ) Consolidated — $ 692,117
Cost of goods sold 260,902 257,323 37,019 (166,584 ) 388,660
Gross profit 91,912 177,998 34,867 (1,320 ) 303,457
Selling, general, and administrative expenses 38,295 193,865 26,292 (8,306 ) 250,146
Royalty income (8,905 ) (4,882 ) 2,577 (11,210 )
Operating income (loss) 62,522 (10,985 ) 8,575 4,409 64,521
Interest expense 7,138 1,377 6 (1,327 ) 7,194
Interest income (1,400 ) (6 ) 1,327 (79 )
(Income) loss in subsidiaries (37,925 ) 7,022 (6,807 ) 37,710
Other (income) expense, net (257 ) 280 (567 ) (544 )
Income (loss) before income taxes 37,925 50,019 (5,835 ) 9,142 (33,301 ) 57,950
Provision for income taxes 16,503 1,186 2,336 20,025
Net income (loss) $ 37,925 $ 33,516 $ (7,021 ) $ 6,806 $ (33,301 ) $ 37,925

24

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

For the fiscal quarter ended July 2, 2016

(dollars in thousands)

Net sales Parent — $ — Subsidiary Issuer — $ 361,366 Guarantor Subsidiaries — $ 374,806 Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries — $ 66,218 Consolidating Adjustments — $ (162,919 ) Consolidated — $ 639,471
Cost of goods sold 264,791 220,976 30,976 (159,454 ) 357,289
Gross profit 96,575 153,830 35,242 (3,465 ) 282,182
Selling, general, and administrative expenses 40,434 173,924 22,514 (8,408 ) 228,464
Royalty income (7,057 ) (4,514 ) 2,046 (9,525 )
Operating income (loss) 63,198 (15,580 ) 12,728 2,897 63,243
Interest expense 6,667 1,861 112 (1,837 ) 6,803
Interest income (1,989 ) (26 ) 1,837 (178 )
(Income) loss in subsidiaries (36,198 ) 10,335 (9,397 ) 35,260
Other (income) expense, net (373 ) 387 502 516
Income (loss) before income taxes 36,198 48,558 (8,431 ) 12,140 (32,363 ) 56,102
Provision for income taxes 15,258 1,903 2,743 19,904
Net income (loss) $ 36,198 $ 33,300 $ (10,334 ) $ 9,397 $ (32,363 ) $ 36,198

25

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

CARTER’S, INC.

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations (unaudited)

For the two fiscal quarters ended July 1, 2017

(dollars in thousands)

Net sales Parent — $ — Subsidiary Issuer — $ 806,329 Guarantor Subsidiaries — $ 831,100 Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries — $ 132,917 Consolidating Adjustments — $ (345,474 ) Consolidated — $ 1,424,872
Cost of goods sold 591,535 486,089 74,448 (346,459 ) 805,613
Gross profit 214,794 345,011 58,469 985 619,259
Selling, general, and administrative expenses 79,227 383,369 52,563 (17,219 ) 497,940
Royalty income (17,335 ) (9,007 ) 4,574 (21,768 )
Operating income (loss) 152,902 (29,351 ) 5,906 13,630 143,087
Interest expense 14,111 2,746 95 (2,654 ) 14,298
Interest income (2,839 ) (33 ) 2,654 (218 )
(Income) loss in subsidiaries (84,589 ) 28,053 (4,358 ) 60,894
Other (income) expense, net (625 ) 648 (788 ) (765 )
Income (loss) before income taxes 84,589 114,202 (28,387 ) 6,632 (47,264 ) 129,772
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes 43,243 (334 ) 2,274 45,183
Net income (loss) $ 84,589 $ 70,959 $ (28,053 ) $ 4,358 $ (47,264 ) $ 84,589

26

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

For the two fiscal quarters ended July 2, 2016

(dollars in thousands)

Net sales Parent — $ — Subsidiary Issuer — $ 812,562 Guarantor Subsidiaries — $ 756,086 Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries — $ 122,048 Consolidating Adjustments — $ (327,140 ) Consolidated — $ 1,363,556
Cost of goods sold 585,891 432,004 64,067 (311,517 ) 770,445
Gross profit 226,671 324,082 57,981 (15,623 ) 593,111
Selling, general, and administrative expenses 83,021 346,066 45,891 (17,518 ) 457,460
Royalty income (16,129 ) (8,725 ) 4,254 (20,600 )
Operating income (loss) 159,779 (13,259 ) 12,090 (2,359 ) 156,251
Interest expense 13,275 2,706 215 (2,654 ) 13,542
Interest income (2,974 ) (65 ) 2,654 (385 )
(Income) loss in subsidiaries (90,178 ) 16,831 (6,057 ) 79,404
Other expense (income), net (173 ) 173 3,709 3,709
Income (loss) before income taxes 90,178 132,820 (10,081 ) 8,231 (81,763 ) 139,385
Provision for income taxes 40,284 6,749 2,174 49,207
Net income (loss) $ 90,178 $ 92,536 $ (16,830 ) $ 6,057 $ (81,763 ) $ 90,178

27

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

CARTER’S, INC.

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited)

For the fiscal quarter ended July 1, 2017

(dollars in thousands)

Parent Subsidiary Issuer Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated
Net income (loss) $ 37,925 $ 33,516 $ (7,021 ) $ 6,806 $ (33,301 ) $ 37,925
Foreign currency translation adjustments 3,140 3,140 3,140 3,140 (9,420 ) 3,140
Comprehensive income (loss) $ 41,065 $ 36,656 $ (3,881 ) $ 9,946 $ (42,721 ) $ 41,065

For the fiscal quarter ended July 2, 2016

(dollars in thousands)

Parent Subsidiary Issuer Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated
Net income (loss) $ 36,198 $ 33,300 $ (10,334 ) $ 9,397 $ (32,363 ) $ 36,198
Foreign currency translation adjustments 548 548 548 548 (1,644 ) 548
Comprehensive income (loss) $ 36,746 $ 33,848 $ (9,786 ) $ 9,945 $ (34,007 ) $ 36,746

28

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

CARTER’S, INC.

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited)

For the two fiscal quarters ended July 1, 2017

(dollars in thousands)

Parent Subsidiary Issuer Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated
Net income (loss) $ 84,589 $ 70,959 $ (28,053 ) $ 4,358 $ (47,264 ) $ 84,589
Foreign currency translation adjustments 4,087 4,087 4,087 4,087 (12,261 ) 4,087
Comprehensive income (loss) $ 88,676 $ 75,046 $ (23,966 ) $ 8,445 $ (59,525 ) $ 88,676

For the two fiscal quarters ended July 2, 2016

(dollars in thousands)

Parent Subsidiary Issuer Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated
Net income (loss) $ 90,178 $ 92,536 $ (16,830 ) $ 6,057 $ (81,763 ) $ 90,178
Foreign currency translation adjustments 5,834 5,834 5,834 5,834 (17,502 ) 5,834
Comprehensive income (loss) $ 96,012 $ 98,370 $ (10,996 ) $ 11,891 $ (99,265 ) $ 96,012

29

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

CARTER’S, INC.

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)

For the two fiscal quarters ended July 1, 2017

(dollars in thousands)

Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities: Parent — $ — Subsidiary Issuer — $ 120,884 Guarantor Subsidiaries — $ (13,661 ) Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries — $ 110 Consolidating Adjustments — $ — Consolidated — $ 107,333
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures (10,594 ) (19,719 ) (3,963 ) (34,276 )
Intercompany investing activity 136,535 (2,468 ) (134,067 )
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired (144,520 ) 746 70 (143,704 )
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 136,535 (157,582 ) (18,973 ) (3,893 ) (134,067 ) (177,980 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
Intercompany financing activity (164,451 ) 32,252 (1,868 ) 134,067
Borrowings under secured revolving credit facility 100,000 100,000
Payments on secured revolving credit facility (18,965 ) (18,965 )
Dividends paid (35,831 ) (35,831 )
Repurchases of common stock (98,236 ) (98,236 )
Withholdings from vestings of restricted stock (5,590 ) (5,590 )
Proceeds from exercises of stock options 3,122 3,122
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (136,535 ) (64,451 ) 32,252 (20,833 ) 134,067 (55,500 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 353 353
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (101,149 ) (382 ) (24,263 ) (125,794 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 229,056 11,817 58,485 299,358
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ — $ 127,907 $ 11,435 $ 34,222 $ — $ 173,564

30

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

For the two fiscal quarters ended July 2, 2016

(dollars in thousands)

Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities: Parent — $ — Subsidiary Issuer — $ 75,255 Guarantor Subsidiaries — $ 12,749 Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries — $ (2,405 ) Consolidating Adjustments — $ — Consolidated — $ 85,599
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures (15,895 ) (30,274 ) (3,529 ) (49,698 )
Intercompany investing activity 217,295 (1,784 ) (1,623 ) (213,888 )
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 193 193
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 217,295 (17,679 ) (31,897 ) (3,336 ) (213,888 ) (49,505 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
Intercompany financing activity (226,217 ) 14,106 (1,777 ) 213,888
Dividends Paid (33,679 ) (33,679 )
Income tax benefit from stock-based compensation 2,061 1,623 3,684
Repurchases of common stock (180,209 ) (180,209 )
Withholdings from vestings of restricted stock (8,508 ) (8,508 )
Proceeds from exercises of stock options 5,101 5,101
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (217,295 ) (224,156 ) 15,729 (1,777 ) 213,888 (213,611 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 1,388 1,388
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (166,580 ) (3,419 ) (6,130 ) (176,129 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 325,771 14,652 40,786 381,209
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ — $ 159,191 $ 11,233 $ 34,656 $ — $ 205,080

31

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 2017 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 the United States ("U.S.") and in Canada of apparel exclusively for babies and young children. We own the Carter's and OshKosh B'gosh (" OshKosh ") brands, two of the most recognized brands in the marketplace. Established in 1865, our Carter's brand is recognized and trusted by consumers for high-quality apparel and accessories for children sizes newborn to eight. Established in 1895, OshKosh is a well-known brand, trusted by consumers for apparel and accessories for children sizes newborn to 14, with a focus on playclothes for toddlers and young children. Given each brand's product category emphasis and brand aesthetic, we believe they provide a complementary product offering. We have extensive experience in the young children's apparel market and focus on delivering products that satisfy our consumers' needs.

We market high-quality products at an attractive value proposition for consumers, and offer multiple product categories. Our multi-channel international business model - retail stores, online and wholesale - enables us to reach a broad range of consumers around the world.

We acquired 100% ownership in Skip Hop Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries ("Skip Hop") after the close of business on February 22, 2017. The balance sheet, results of operations and cash flows for Skip Hop are included in our consolidated financial statements beginning on February 23, 2017. Skip Hop's products are sold in U.S. and international wholesale and eCommerce channels primarily to families with young children, and the product lines include diaper bags, kid’s backpacks, travel accessories, home gear, and hardline goods for playtime, mealtime, and bath time.

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 2016 fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 .

Segments

At the beginning of fiscal 2017, we combined our Carter's Retail and OshKosh Retail into a single U.S. Retail operating segment, and our Carter's Wholesale and OshKosh Wholesale into a single U.S. Wholesale operating segment, to reflect the sales-channel approach executive management now uses to evaluate business performance and manage operations in the U.S. Our International segment was not affected by these changes. Our reportable segments are now U.S. Retail, U.S. Wholesale, and International. Prior periods have been conformed to reflect our current segment structure.

Our U.S. Retail segment consists of revenue from sales of products in the United States, including Carter’s, OshKosh and Skip Hop products, through our retail and online stores. Similarly, our U.S. Wholesale segment consists of revenue from sales in the United States of Carter’s, OshKosh and Skip Hop products, respectively, through our wholesale partners. Finally, our International segment consists of income from sales of Carter’s, OshKosh and Skip Hop products through retail and online stores outside the United States, primarily through our retail and online stores in Canada and stores operated by our international partners, as well as sales to our international wholesale partners.

32

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 — July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016 Two fiscal quarters ended — July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016
Net sales
U.S. Wholesale 31.5 % 33.6 % 35.8 % 37.2 %
U.S. Retail 56.6 % 55.2 % 53.0 % 51.8 %
International 11.9 % 11.2 % 11.2 % 11.0 %
Consolidated net sales 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 %
Cost of goods sold 56.2 % 55.9 % 56.5 % 56.5 %
Gross margin 43.8 % 44.1 % 43.5 % 43.5 %
Selling, general, and administrative expenses 36.1 % 35.7 % 34.9 % 33.5 %
Royalty income (1.6 )% (1.5 )% (1.5 )% (1.5 )%
Operating income 9.3 % 9.9 % 10.0 % 11.5 %
Interest expense 1.0 % 1.1 % 1.0 % 1.0 %
Interest income n/m n/m n/m n/m
Other (income) expense, net n/m n/m n/m 0.3 %
Income before income taxes 8.4 % 8.8 % 9.1 % 10.2 %
Provision for income taxes 2.9 % 3.1 % 3.2 % 3.6 %
Net income 5.5 % 5.7 % 5.9 % 6.6 %

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

Note: Results may not be additive due to rounding.

COMPARABLE SALES METRICS

Our management's discussion and analysis includes comparable sales metrics for our company-owned retail stores and our eCommerce websites in our U.S. Retail and International segments.

For all periods presented herein, our comparable store sales metrics include sales for all stores and eCommerce websites that were open during the comparable fiscal period, including stand-alone format stores that converted to dual-branded format stores and certain remodeled or relocated stores. A store becomes comparable following 13 consecutive full fiscal months of operations. If a store relocates within the same center with no business interruption or material change in square footage, the sales of such store will continue to be included in the comparable store metrics. If a store relocates to another center, or there is a material change in square footage, such store is treated as a new store. Stores that are closed during the relevant fiscal period are included in the comparable store sales metrics up to the last full fiscal month of operations.

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.

33

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

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

SECOND FISCAL QUARTER AND TWO FISCAL QUARTERS ENDED JULY 1, 2017 COMPARED TO SECOND FISCAL QUARTER AND TWO FISCAL QUARTERS ENDED JULY 2, 2016

CONSOLIDATED NET SALES

In the second quarter of fiscal 2017 , consolidated net sales increased $52.6 million , or 8.2% , to $692.1 million from $639.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 . For the first two quarters of fiscal 2017, consolidated net sales increased $61.3 million , or 4.5% , to $1.42 billion from $1.36 billion in the first two quarters of fiscal 2016. The increases for the fiscal quarter and year-to-date period in fiscal 2017 were primarily driven by our U.S. Retail segment. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates in the second quarter and first two quarters of fiscal 2017 , as compared to the second quarter and first two quarters of fiscal 2016 , had an unfavorable impact on our consolidated net sales of approximately $2.6 million and $1.2 million , respectively.

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

(dollars in thousands) Fiscal quarter ended — July 1, 2017 % of Total July 2, 2016 % of Total Two fiscal quarters ended — July 1, 2017 % of Total July 2, 2016 % of Total
Net sales:
U.S. Wholesale $ 217,710 31.5 % $ 215,122 33.6 % $ 510,265 35.8 % $ 507,176 37.2 %
U.S. Retail 391,822 56.6 % 352,782 55.2 % 755,593 53.0 % 706,871 51.8 %
International 82,585 11.9 % 71,567 11.2 % 159,014 11.2 % 149,509 11.0 %
Total net sales $ 692,117 100.0 % $ 639,471 100.0 % $ 1,424,872 100.0 % $ 1,363,556 100.0 %

U.S. WHOLESALE SALES

U.S. Wholesale segment net sales increased $2.6 million , or 1.2% , in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 to $217.7 million from $215.1 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 . During the second quarter of fiscal 2017, Skip Hop's wholesale net sales in the U.S. were approximately $15.1 million. Net sales for the remaining U.S. Wholesale segment declined due to a decrease in demand, which reflected a 2.8% decrease in the number of units shipped and a 3.1% decrease in the average price per unit.

U.S. Wholesale segment net sales increased $3.1 million , or 0.6% , in the first two quarters of fiscal 2017 to $510.3 million from $507.2 million in the first two quarters of fiscal 2016 . During the post-acquisition period of February 23 to July 1, 2017, Skip Hop's wholesale net sales in the U.S. were approximately $21.9 million. Net sales for the remaining U.S. Wholesale segment declined due to a decrease in demand, which reflected a 2.2% decrease in the number of units shipped and a 1.6% decrease in the average price per unit.

34

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

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

U.S. RETAIL SALES

Store Count Data for U.S. Retail Stores

Store count at December 31, 2016 U.S. Retail Stores — 792
Openings 26
Closings (8 )
Store count at July 1, 2017 810
Approximate new store projections for all of fiscal 2017:
Openings 58
Closings (13 )

Comparable Sales

Increase (Decrease) Change for Second Fiscal Quarter from 2016 to 2017 Change for First Two Fiscal Quarters from 2016 to 2017
Retail stores +0.4% (5.0)%
eCommerce +27.6% +23.5%
Total +6.0% +1.1%

The increase in comparable retail store sales during the second quarter of fiscal 2017 compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2016 was primarily due to an increase in the number of transactions, partially offset by a lower average transaction price.

The increases in eCommerce comparable sales during the second quarter and first two quarters of fiscal 2017 compared to the corresponding periods in fiscal 2016 were due to increases in the number of transactions.

Sales Results

U.S. Retail segment net sales increased approximately $39.0 million , or 11.1% , in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 to $391.8 million from $352.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 . This increase in net sales primarily reflected a/an:

• Increase of $20.7 million from new and non-comparable store sales;

• Increase of $19.6 million from eCommerce sales, including Skip Hop;

• Increase of $0.6 million in comparable store sales; and

• Decrease of $2.8 million due to the impact of store closings.

U.S. Retail segment net sales increased $48.7 million , or 6.9% , in the first two quarters of fiscal 2017 to $755.6 million from $706.9 million in the first two quarters of fiscal 2016 . This increase in net sales primarily reflected a/an:

• Increase of $41.3 million from new and non-comparable store sales;

• Increase of $37.2 million from eCommerce sales, including Skip Hop;

• Decrease of $27.1 million in comparable store sales; and

• Decrease of $5.6 million due to the impact of store closings.

35

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

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

INTERNATIONAL SALES

International segment net sales increased $11.0 million , or 15.4% , in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 to $82.6 million from $71.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 . Changes in foreign currency exchange rates, primarily between the U.S. dollar and the Canadian dollar, had an unfavorable impact on International segment net sales of approximately $2.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2016 . During the second quarter of fiscal 2017, Skip Hop's international sales were approximately $9.1 million.

The $11.0 million increase in net sales in our International segment primarily reflected a/an:

• Increase of $9.7 million primarily from our Skip Hop wholesale businesses;

• Decrease of $3.7 million from our other international wholesale partners in certain markets;

• Increase of $3.8 million from our retail stores in Canada; and

• Increase of $1.2 million from eCommerce, primarily from our websites in Canada and China.

International segment net sales increased $9.5 million , or 6.4% , in the first two quarters of fiscal 2017 to $159.0 million from $149.5 million in the first two quarters of fiscal 2016 . Changes in foreign currency exchange rates, primarily between the U.S. dollar and the Canadian dollar, had an unfavorable impact on International segment net sales of approximately $1.2 million in the first two quarters of fiscal 2017 compared to the first two quarters of fiscal 2016 . For the post-acquisition period of February 23 to July 1, 2017, Skip Hop's international sales were approximately $12.3 million.

The $9.5 million increase in net sales in our International segment primarily reflected a/an:

• Increase of $14.3 million primarily from our Skip Hop and China wholesale businesses;

• Decrease of $11.6 million from our other international wholesale partners in certain markets;

• Increase of $3.7 million from our retail stores in Canada; and

• Increase of $3.1 million from eCommerce, primarily from our websites in Canada and China.

Compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2016 , our Canadian total retail comparable sales increased 8.2% in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 , primarily due to eCommerce comparable sales growth of 46.8% and retail stores comparable sales growth of 5.9% . Compared to the first two quarters of fiscal 2016, our Canadian total retail comparable sales increased 0.1% in the first two quarters of fiscal 2017, primarily due to eCommerce comparable sales growth of 43.1%, which was offset by a retail store comparable sales decline of 2.9%.

Store Count Data for Canada Retail Stores

Store count at December 31, 2016 Canada Retail Stores — 164
Openings 6
Closings (2 )
Store count at July 1, 2017 168
Approximate new store projections for all of fiscal 2017:
Openings 16
Closings 2

36

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

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

GROSS MARGIN AND GROSS PROFIT

Our consolidated gross margin decreased from 44.1% in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 to 43.8% in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 primarily due to lower margins in our wholesale channels and higher provisions for inventory, partially offset by an increase in net sales for our higher-margin retail business. Our consolidated gross profit increased $21.3 million , or 7.5% , to $303.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 from $282.2 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 primarily due to the increase in net sales.

Our consolidated gross margin was 43.5% for the first two quarters of fiscal 2016 and 2017 . Our consolidated gross profit increased $26.1 million , or 4.4% , to $619.3 million in the first two quarters of fiscal 2017 from $593.1 million in the first two quarters of fiscal 2016 primarily due to the increase in net sales.

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.

SELLING, GENERAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE ("SG&A") EXPENSES

Consolidated SG&A expenses in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 increased $21.7 million , or 9.5% , to $250.1 million from $228.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 . As a percentage of net sales, SG&A expenses increased from 35.7% in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 to 36.1% in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 .

The increase in SG&A expenses, as a percentage of net sales, in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 primarily reflected a:

• $11.5 million increase in expenses related to retail store operations, primarily due to new store openings;

• $7.8 million increase in expenses related to selling, distribution, and administrative expenses for Skip Hop;

• $2.8 million increase in expenses related to eCommerce operations;

• $2.4 million increase in expenses related to marketing and brand management;

• $2.1 million increase in performance-based compensation expenses; and

• $0.6 million increase in expenses related to business development.

which were partially offset by a:

• $2.8 million decrease in other general and administrative expenses;

• $1.9 million decrease in information technology and systems costs; and

• $0.8 million decrease in amortization of the H.W.Carter & Sons trademarks.

Consolidated SG&A expenses in the first two quarters of fiscal 2017 increased $40.5 million , or 8.8% , to $497.9 million from $457.5 million in the first two quarters of fiscal 2016 . As a percentage of net sales, SG&A expenses increased from 33.5% in the first two quarters of fiscal 2016 to 34.9% in the first two quarters of fiscal 2017 .

The increase in SG&A expenses, as a percentage of net sales, in the first two quarters of fiscal 2017 primarily reflected a:

• $21.8 million increase in expenses related to retail store operations, primarily due to new store openings;

• $10.5 million increase in expenses related to selling, distribution, and administrative expenses for Skip Hop;

• $6.1 million increase in expenses related to eCommerce operations;

• $3.9 million increase in expenses related to marketing and brand management;

• $2.7 million increase in expenses related to Skip Hop acquisition costs, direct sourcing initiatives and business

development; and

• $0.4 million increase in performance-based compensation expenses.

which were partially offset by a:

• $2.2 million decrease in information technology and systems costs;

• $1.7 million decrease in amortization of the H.W.Carter & Sons trademarks; and

• $1.0 million decrease in other general and administrative expenses.

37

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

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

ROYALTY INCOME

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

Royalty income from these brands for the second quarter of fiscal 2017 increased $1.7 million , or 17.7% , to $11.2 million from $9.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 . Royalty income from these brands for the first two quarters of fiscal 2017 increased $1.2 million , or 5.7% , to $21.8 million from $20.6 million in the first two quarters of fiscal 2016 . These increases were primarily attributable to sales growth from our domestic licensees, partially offset by decreases in income from certain licensees due to the insourcing of formerly licensed product categories.

OPERATING INCOME

Consolidated operating income increased $1.3 million , or 2.0% , to $64.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 from $63.2 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 . Consolidated operating income decreased $13.2 million , or 8.4% , to $143.1 million in the first two quarters of fiscal 2017 from $156.3 million in the first two quarters of fiscal 2016 .

Consolidated operating margin decreased from 9.9% in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 to 9.3% in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 . Consolidated operating margin decreased from 11.5% in the first two quarters of fiscal 2016 to 10.0% in the first two quarters of fiscal 2017 . The tables below summarize the changes in each of our segments' operating results and unallocated corporate expenses between the fiscal periods indicated:

(dollars in thousands) — Operating income (loss) for second quarter of fiscal 2016 U.S. Wholesale — $ 41,509 U.S. Retail — $ 36,952 International — $ 9,105 Corporate Expenses — $ (24,323 ) Total — $ 63,243
Favorable (unfavorable) change in the second quarter of fiscal 2017
Gross profit (946 ) 18,216 4,225 (220 ) 21,275
Royalty income (314 ) 1,971 28 1,685
SG&A expenses (4,443 ) (14,797 ) (5,761 ) 3,319 (21,682 )
Operating income (loss) for second quarter of fiscal 2017 $ 35,806 $ 42,342 $ 7,597 $ (21,224 ) $ 64,521
(dollars in thousands) — Operating income (loss) for two quarters of fiscal 2016 U.S. Wholesale — $ 109,920 U.S. Retail — $ 76,421 International — $ 17,546 Corporate Expenses — $ (47,636 ) Total — $ 156,251
Favorable (unfavorable) change in the two quarters of fiscal 2017
Gross profit 1,469 22,221 2,294 164 26,148
Royalty income (515 ) 2,490 (807 ) 1,168
SG&A expenses (5,373 ) (28,890 ) (7,751 ) 1,534 (40,480 )
Operating income (loss) for two quarters of fiscal 2017 $ 105,501 $ 72,242 $ 11,282 $ (45,938 ) $ 143,087

38

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

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

The following tables present changes in the operating margin for each of our three operating segments. The primary drivers of these changes are presented in terms of the difference in each driver's margin (based on net sales) between the respective periods, in each case expressed in basis points ("bps"). The first table presents the changes between the second quarter of fiscal 2016 and the second quarter of fiscal 2017. The second table presents the changes between the first two quarters of fiscal 2016 and the first two quarters of fiscal 2017.

U.S. Wholesale U.S. Retail International
Operating margin for the second quarter of fiscal 2016 19.3 % 10.5 % 12.7 %
Favorable (unfavorable) bps change in the second quarter of fiscal 2017
Gross profit (80) bps (60) bps (140) bps
Royalty income (20) bps 40 bps (20) bps
SG&A expenses (190) bps 50 bps (190) bps
Operating margin for the second quarter of fiscal 2017 16.4 % 10.8 % 9.2 %
(a) (b) (c)
U.S. Wholesale U.S. Retail International
Operating margin for the first two quarters of fiscal 2016 21.7 % 10.8 % 11.7 %
Favorable (unfavorable) bps change in the first two quarters of fiscal 2017
Gross profit 10 bps (50) bps (130) bps
Royalty income (10) bps 30 bps (60) bps
SG&A expenses (100) bps (100) bps (270) bps
Operating margin for the first two quarters of fiscal 2017 20.7 % 9.6 % 7.1 %
(aa) (bb) (cc)

(a) U.S. Wholesale segment operating income in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 decreased $ 5.7 million , or 13.7% , to $35.8 million from $41.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 . The segment's operating margin decreased 290 bps from 19.3% in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 to 16.4% in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 . The primary drivers of the change in operating margin were a:

• 80 bps decrease in gross profit primarily due to higher customer support and sourcing costs;

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

◦ 120bps increase in administrative, distribution, and selling expenses;

◦ 40 bps increase in marketing and brand management expenses;

◦ 20 bps increase in provisions for accounts receivable; and

• 20 bps decrease in royalty income due to the insourcing of formerly licensed product categories.

(aa) U.S. Wholesale segment operating income in the first two quarters of fiscal 2017 decreased $ 4.4 million , or 4.0% , to $105.5 million from $109.9 million in the first two quarters of fiscal 2016 . The segment's operating margin decreased 100 bps from 21.7% in the first two quarters of fiscal 2016 to 20.7% in the first two quarters of fiscal 2017 . The primary drivers of the change in operating margin were a:

• 10 bps increase in gross profit;

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

39

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

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

◦ 100 bps increase in distribution, selling, and administrative expenses;

◦ 20 bps increase in marketing and brand management expenses; and

◦ 10 bps decrease in provisions for accounts receivable.

(b) U.S. Retail segment operating income increased by $5.4 million , or 14.6% , to $42.3 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 from $37.0 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 . This segment's operating margin increased 30 bps from 10.5% in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 to 10.8% in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 . The primary drivers of the change in operating margin were a:

• 60 bps decrease in gross profit due to increased promotional activity and provisions for inventory, partially offset by lower product costs;

• 50 bps decrease in SG&A expenses, primarily due to a:

• 100 bps decrease in expenses associated with new retail stores;

• 20 bps increase in marketing and brand management expenses.

• 20 bps increase in expenses related to eCommerce expansion; and

• 40 bps increase in royalty income due to sales growth from our domestic licensees.

(bb) U.S. Retail segment operating income decreased by $4.2 million , or 5.5% , to $72.2 million in the first two quarters of fiscal 2017 from $76.4 million in the first two quarters of fiscal 2016 . This segment's operating margin decreased 120 bps from 10.8% in the first two quarters of fiscal 2016 to 9.6% in the first two quarters of fiscal 2017 . The primary drivers of the change in operating margin were a:

• 50 bps decrease in gross profit due to increased promotional activity and provisions for inventory, partially offset by lower products costs;

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

• 40 bps increase in expenses associated with eCommerce expansion;

• 20 bps increase in expenses associated with new retail stores;

• 20 bps increase in distribution and freight expenses;

• 20 bps increase in marketing and brand management expenses; and

• 30 bps increase in royalty income due to sales growth from our domestic licensees.

(c) International segment operating income decreased by $1.5 million , or 16.6% , to $7.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 from $9.1 million in the second quarter of 2016 . This segment's operating margin decreased 350 bps from 12.7% in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 to 9.2% in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 . The primary drivers of the change in operating margin were a:

• 140 bps decrease in gross profit primarily due to a lower average gross margin for wholesale business and unfavorable foreign currency impacts, partially offset by lower provisions for inventory;

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

• 90 bps increase in expenses associated with new retail stores;

• 90 bps increase in provisions for accounts receivable;

• 80 bps increase in selling and marketing expenses;

• 30 bps increase in general and administrative expenses;

• 10 bps increase in expenses associated with eCommerce;

• 140 bps decrease in distribution and freight expenses; and

• 20 bps decrease in royalty income due to a reduction in the number of licensees.

(cc) International segment operating income decreased by $6.3 million , or 35.7% , to $11.3 million in the first two quarters of fiscal 2017 from $17.5 million in the first two quarters of 2016 . This segment's operating margin decreased 460 bps from 11.7% in the first two quarters of fiscal 2016 to 7.1% in the first two quarters of fiscal 2017 . The primary drivers of the change in operating margin were a/an:

• 130 bps decrease in gross profit, primarily due to a lower average gross margin for wholesale business and unfavorable foreign currency exchange impacts;

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

40

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

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

• 170 bps increase in expenses associated with new retail stores;

• 70 bps increase in expenses associated with eCommerce;

• 60 bps increase in selling and marketing expenses;

• 50 bps increase in provisions for accounts receivable;

• 30 bps decrease in general and administrative expenses;

• 100 bps decrease in distribution expenses; and

• 60 bps decrease in royalty income due to a reduction in the number of licensees.

Unallocated Corporate Expenses

Unallocated corporate expenses decreased by $3.1 million , or 12.7% , in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2016 , primarily due to a reduction in information technology investments. Unallocated corporate expenses, as a percentage of consolidated net sales, decreased from 3.8% in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 to 3.1% in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 .

Unallocated corporate expenses decreased by $1.7 million , or 3.6% , in the first two quarters of fiscal 2017 compared to the first two quarters of fiscal 2016 , primarily due to a reduction in information technology investments, partially offset by acquisition related costs and direct sourcing initiatives. Unallocated corporate expenses, as a percentage of consolidated net sales, decreased from 3.5% in the first two quarters of fiscal 2016 to 3.2% in the first two quarters of fiscal 2017 .

INTEREST EXPENSE

Interest expense and effective interest rate calculations include the amortization of debt issuance costs.

Interest expense in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 and 2016 was approximately $7.2 million and $6.8 million , respectively. Weighted-average borrowings for the second quarter of fiscal 2017 were approximately $595.7 million with an effective interest rate of 4.69% , compared to weighted-average borrowings for the second quarter of fiscal 2016 of $585.7 million with an effective interest rate of 4.54% . The increase in weighted-average borrowings during the second quarter of fiscal 2017 was attributable to additional net borrowings under our secured revolving credit facility.

Interest expense in the first two quarters of fiscal 2017 and 2016 was approximately $14.3 million and $13.5 million , respectively. Weighted-average borrowings over the course of the first two quarters of fiscal 2017 were approximately $602.1 million with an effective interest rate of 4.62%, compared to weighted-average borrowings for the first two quarters of fiscal 2016 of $585.1 million with an effective interest rate of 4.58%. The increase in weighted-average borrowings during the first two quarters of fiscal 2017 was attributable to additional net borrowings under our secured revolving credit facility.

The increases in the effective interest rates for the second quarter and first two quarters of fiscal 2017 compared to the second quarter and first two quarters of fiscal 2016 were due to higher LIBOR rates for the variable portions of outstanding borrowings on our secured revolving credit facility during the 2017 periods, partially offset by a higher proportion of outstanding borrowings under our secured revolving credit facility during both periods of fiscal 2017. Borrowings under our secured revolving credit facility accrue interest at a lower interest rate than our senior notes.

On our consolidated balance sheets, 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.

OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE, NET

Other (income) expense, net is primarily composed of gains and losses on foreign currency transactions and, if utilized during a reporting period, gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts. These amounts represented a net gain of $0.6 million and $0.8 million for the second quarter and first two quarters of fiscal 2017, respectively. These amounts represented a net loss of $0.5 million and $3.7 million for the second quarter and first two quarters of fiscal 2016, respectively. There were no open or settled foreign currency forward contracts at any time during fiscal 2017.

41

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

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

INCOME TAXES

Our consolidated effective income tax rate for the second quarter of fiscal 2017 was 34.6% compared to 35.5% for the second quarter of fiscal 2016 . Our consolidated effective income tax rate for the first two quarters of fiscal 2017 was 34.8% compared to 35.3% for the first two quarters of fiscal 2016 . The lower effective rates for both periods in fiscal 2017 were primarily due to changes in the mix of taxable income among our domestic and international tax-paying entities and the new accounting guidance which requires excess income tax benefits realized from settled stock-based compensation awards to be reflected as a benefit to income tax expense instead of a credit to additional paid-in capital.

For the full fiscal year 2017 , we estimate our consolidated effective income tax rate to be approximately 35.0% .

NET INCOME

Our consolidated net income for the second quarter of fiscal 2017 increased by $1.7 million , or 4.8% , to $37.9 million compared to $36.2 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 . Our consolidated net income for the first two quarters of fiscal 2017 decreased by $5.6 million , or 6.2% , to $84.6 million compared to $90.2 million in the first two quarters of fiscal 2016 . 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 will fund our ongoing requirements for the foreseeable future, and we believe that we also have access to the capital markets. 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 July 1, 2017 , the Company had approximately $173.6 million of cash and cash equivalents in major financial institutions, including approximately $34.2 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.

BALANCE SHEET

Net accounts receivable at July 1, 2017 were $165.2 million compared to $150.6 million at July 2, 2016 and $202.5 million at December 31, 2016 . The overall increase of $14.6 million , or 9.7% , at July 1, 2017 compared to July 2, 2016 primarily reflected the Skip Hop acquisition. Due to the seasonal nature of our operations, the net accounts receivable balance at July 1, 2017 is not comparable to the net accounts receivable balance of $202.5 million at December 31, 2016 .

Inventories at July 1, 2017 were $610.4 million compared to $587.4 million at July 2, 2016 and $487.6 million at December 31, 2016 . The increase of $23.0 million , or 3.9% , at July 1, 2017 compared to July 2, 2016 primarily reflected business growth. Due to the seasonal nature of our operations, the inventories balance at July 1, 2017 is not comparable to the inventories balance of $487.6 million at December 31, 2016 .

CASH FLOW

Net cash provided by operating activities for the first two quarters of fiscal 2017 was $107.3 million compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $85.6 million in the first two quarters of fiscal 2016 . This increase in operating cash flow for the 2017 period primarily reflected favorable changes in net working capital due to timing of payments and receipts, partially offset by lower net income.

42

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

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

Net cash used in investing activities for the first two quarters of fiscal 2017 reflected the $143.7 million paid, net of cash acquired, on February 22, 2017 to acquire all of the outstanding stock of Skip Hop. Capital expenditures were $34.3 million in the first two quarters of fiscal 2017 compared to $49.7 million in the first two quarters of fiscal 2016 , primarily reflecting 2017 expenditures of approximately $20.7 million for our U.S. and international retail store openings and re-modelings, $6.3 million for information technology initiatives, $4.7 million for distribution and office facilities, and $0.7 million for wholesale fixtures. Capital expenditures in the first two quarters of fiscal 2016 primarily reflected approximately $29.4 million for our U.S. and international retail store openings and re-modelings, $13.4 million for information technology initiatives, $4.4 million for distribution and office facilities, and $1.3 million for wholesale fixtures.

We plan to invest approximately $90 million in total capital expenditures for all of fiscal 2017, primarily for our U.S. and international retail store openings and re-modelings, and information technology initiatives.

Net cash used in financing activities was $55.5 million in the first two quarters of fiscal 2017 compared to $213.6 million in the first two quarters of fiscal 2016 . The decrease in cash used for the 2017 period primarily reflected decreases in repurchases of our common stock and a net increase in borrowings under our secured revolving credit facility.

On July 19, 2017, we borrowed an additional $100 million under our secured revolving credit facility primarily for seasonal working capital purposes, bringing total outstanding borrowings under this credit facility to $366 million, excluding accrued interest. By the end of fiscal 2017, we expect to make repayments in order to reduce the amount of these outstanding borrowings.

SECURED REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY

Our amended and restated secured revolving credit facility provides for (i) a $400 million U.S. dollar revolving facility (including a $175 million sub-limit for letters of credit and a swing line sub-limit of $50 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 provides for incremental facilities in an aggregate amount not to exceed $250 million, either in the form of a commitment increase under the existing credit facility or the incurrence of one or more tranches of term loans (with the aggregate U.S. dollar amount not to exceed $200 million and the aggregate multicurrency amount not to exceed $50 million). Our secured revolving credit facility matures September 16, 2020 .

As of July 1, 2017 , we had $266.0 million in outstanding borrowings under our secured revolving credit facility, exclusive of $4.5 million of outstanding letters of credit. As of July 1, 2017 , approximately $229.5 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 are presently 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 July 1, 2017 , 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 2.55% . All outstanding Canadian dollar borrowings were repaid during the first quarter of fiscal 2017. There were no Canadian dollar borrowings during the second quarter of fiscal 2017.

As of July 1, 2017 , we were in compliance with the financial and other covenants under our secured revolving credit facility.

SENIOR NOTES

As of July 1, 2017 , our wholly-owned operating subsidiary The William Carter Company ("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,

43

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

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

  1. On our consolidated balance sheet, the $400.0 million outstanding is reported net of $4.2 million , $4.6 million and $5.0 million unamortized issuance-related debt costs at July 1, 2017 , December 31, 2016 and July 2, 2016 , 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 two quarters of fiscal 2017 , the Company repurchased and retired 1,131,409 shares in open market transactions for approximately $98.2 million at an average price of $86.82 per share. In the first two quarters of fiscal 2016 , the Company repurchased and retired 1,771,847 shares in open market transactions for approximately $180.2 million , at an average price of $101.71 per share.

The total remaining capacity under all remaining repurchase authorizations as of July 1, 2017 was approximately $176.2 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

In the first and second quarters of fiscal 2017 , we paid quarterly cash dividends of $0.37 per share in each quarter. In the first and second quarters of fiscal 2016, we paid quarterly cash dividends of $0.33 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 2016 fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, 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 2016 fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 . 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 impact that the adoption of ASU 2016-09, Accounting for Share-Based Payments to Employees and ASU 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes had on our policies as disclosed under the header "Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements At the Beginning of Fiscal 2017" in

44

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

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

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 15, 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 exchange rates, primarily between the U.S. dollar and the Canadian dollar, may affect our results of operations, financial position, and cash flows. Transactions by our Canadian subsidiary may be denominated in a currency other than the entity's functional currency, which is the Canadian dollar. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses also include the impact of 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, primarily between the U.S. dollar and Canadian dollar, our Canadian subsidiary may use foreign currency forward contracts to hedge purchases that are made in U.S. dollars, primarily for inventory purchases. As part of this strategy, we 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 weighted-average variable rate borrowings outstanding as of July 1, 2017 were $266.0 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 $ 2.7 million .

Other Risks

We enter into various purchase order commitments with our suppliers. We can cancel these arrangements, although in some instances we may be subject to a termination charge reflecting a percentage of work performed prior to cancellation.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

45

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 July 1, 2017 .

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 July 1, 2017 that have materially affected, or which are reasonably likely to materially affect, Internal Control.

As noted above, on February 22, 2017, the Company completed the acquisition of Skip Hop. The Company is currently integrating Skip Hop into its control environment. In executing this integration, the Company is analyzing, evaluating, and where necessary, making changes in controls and procedures related to the Skip Hop business, which is expected to be completed within one year of the acquisition date.

Except for the foregoing, 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 July 1, 2017 .

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 2016 fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.

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

Share Repurchases

The following table provides information about share repurchases during the second quarter of fiscal 2017:

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)
April 2, 2017 through April 29, 2017 168,100 $89.88 168,100 $212,665,846
April 30, 2017 through May 27, 2017 181,401 $88.97 180,985 $196,562,961
May 28, 2017 through July 1, 2017 238,380 $85.55 238,380 $176,169,921
Total 587,881 587,465

(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 416 shares surrendered between April 2, 2017 and July 1, 2017 .

(2) Share purchases during the second quarter of fiscal 2017 were made in compliance with all applicable rules and regulations and in accordance with the share repurchase authorizations described in Note 5 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.

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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).
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.

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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.

July 27, 2017
Michael D. Casey
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
July 27, 2017
Richard F. Westenberger
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

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