CARTERS INC - 10-Q Quarterly Report

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

ý	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED OCTOBER 4, 2003

OR

o	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission file number:

001-31829

CARTER’S, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

Delaware			13-3912933
(State or other jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)			(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

	The Proscenium 1170 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 900 Atlanta, Georgia 30309
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

		(404) 745-2700
(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 o No ý

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No ý

Applicable only to corporate issuers:

As of November 17, 2003, there were 27,985,360 shares of Common Stock outstanding.

FORM 10-Q
CARTER’S, INC.
INDEX

Part I.		Financial Information

	Item 1.	Financial Statements

		Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of October 4, 2003 (unaudited) and December 28, 2002

		Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine-month periods ended October 4, 2003 and September 28, 2002

		Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine-month periods ended October 4, 2003 and September 28, 2002

		Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

	Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

	Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risks

	Item 4.	Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Part II.		Other Information

CARTER’S, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

	October 4, 2003		December 28, 2002
	(unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents	$	7,055	$	35,562
Accounts receivable, net	70,893		53,600
Inventories, net	118,080		105,700
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	2,833		4,903
Deferred income taxes	8,425		10,021

Total current assets	207,286		209,786

Property, plant, and equipment, net	47,679		50,476
Tradename	220,233		220,233
Cost in excess of fair value of net assets acquired	139,282		139,282
Licensing agreements, net of accumulated amortization of $10,625 and $6,875	4,375		8,125
Deferred debt issuance costs, net	10,783		11,248
Other assets	3,703		4,199

Total assets	$	633,341	$	643,349

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:

Current maturities of long-term debt	$	1,180	$	6,346
Accounts payable	32,991		34,669
Other current liabilities	36,100		37,686

Total current liabilities	70,271		78,701

Long-term debt	292,401		291,276
Deferred income taxes	83,717		83,873
Other long-term liabilities	9,977		10,140

Total liabilities	456,366		463,990

Commitments and contingencies

Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock; par value $.01 per share; 100,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding at October 4, 2003 and December 28, 2002	—		—
Common stock, voting; par value $.01 per share; 32,000,000 shares authorized; 22,594,735 shares issued and outstanding at October 4, 2003; 22,548,760 shares issued and outstanding at December 28, 2002	226		225
Additional paid-in capital	147,898		147,043
Retained earnings	28,851		32,091

Total common stockholders’ equity	176,975		179,359

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	633,341	$	643,349

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements

CARTER’S, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)

	For the three-month periods ended						For the nine-month periods ended
	October 4, 2003			September 28, 2002			October 4, 2003			September 28, 2002

Net sales	$	212,135		$	165,779		$	518,136		$	409,469
Cost of goods sold	136,451			100,642			331,993			250,711

Gross profit	75,684			65,137			186,143			158,758
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	51,896			43,118			138,660			122,031
Plant closure costs	115			—			115			—
Royalty income	(3,692		)	(2,461		)	(8,149		)	(6,236		)

Operating income	27,365			24,480			55,517			42,963
Interest expense, net	6,788			7,268			20,309			21,238

Income before income taxes	20,577			17,212			35,208			21,725
Provision for income taxes	7,922			6,634			13,555			8,372

Net income	$	12,655		$	10,578		$	21,653		$	13,353

Basic net income per common share	$	0.56		$	0.47		$	0.96		$	0.59
Diluted net income per common share	$	0.52		$	0.45		$	0.90		$	0.57
Basic weighted average number of shares outstanding	22,564,856			22,494,603			22,560,872			22,476,551
Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding	24,236,255			23,670,331			24,084,183			23,536,843

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements

CARTER’S, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(dollars in thousands)

(unaudited)

	For the nine-month periods ended
	October 4, 2003			September 28, 2002
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	21,653		$	13,353
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	16,009			13,202
Amortization of debt issuance costs	1,264			1,223
Accretion of debt discount	99			98
Non-cash compensation expense	256			762
Plant closure costs	115			—
Gain on sale of property, plant, and equipment	(21		)	(209		)
Deferred tax provision (benefit)	1,440			(1,261		)
Effect of changes in operating assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in assets:
Accounts receivable	(17,293		)	(12,794		)
Inventories	(12,380		)	(7,529		)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	1,515			(822		)
(Decrease) increase in liabilities:
Accounts payable and other liabilities	(3,245		)	5,239

Net cash provided by operating activities	9,412			11,262

Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(9,367		)	(8,989		)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	275			754
Collections on loan	600			—

Net cash used in investing activities	(8,492		)	(8,235		)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on term loan	(6,040		)	(937		)
Payments on revolving loan facility	(89,700		)	—
Proceeds from revolving loan facility	91,600			—
Payment of dividend	(24,893		)	—
Payments of debt issuance costs	(799		)	—
Payments of capital lease obligations	(195		)	(567		)
Proceeds from sale of common stock	600			1,000

Net cash used in financing activities	(29,427		)	(504		)

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(28,507		)	2,523
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	35,562			24,692

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	7,055		$	27,215

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements

CARTER’S, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

NOTE 1 — BASIS OF PREPARATION:

On September 30, 2003, Carter Holdings, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation re-incorporated in Delaware and changed its name by forming and subsequently merging with and into its new wholly-owned Delaware subsidiary. The surviving company is named Carter’s, Inc. (“Carter’s”).

In connection with the re-incorporation, Carter’s affected a 4-for-1 split of its common stock. As a result, the common stock share and per share data for all periods have been adjusted to reflect this stock split.

Carter’s is a holding company whose primary asset consists of an investment in 100% of the outstanding capital stock of The William Carter Company (“TWCC”) (all together “we,” “us,” and “our”).

In our opinion, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly our financial position as of October 4, 2003; the results of our operations for the three-month and nine-month periods ended October 4, 2003 and September 28, 2002; and our cash flows for the nine-month periods ended October 4, 2003 and September 28, 2002. Operating results for the three-month and nine-month periods ended October 4, 2003 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending January 3, 2004. Our accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 28, 2002 is from our audited consolidated financial statements included in our final Prospectus dated October 23, 2003.

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the instructions to Form 10-Q. The accounting policies we follow, except as described in Note 7, are set forth in our final Prospectus dated October 23, 2003 in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2002.

Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday, in December or January, nearest the last day of December. Consistent with this policy, fiscal 2002 ended on December 28, 2002, and fiscal 2003 will end on January 3, 2004. As a result, fiscal 2003 will contain 53 weeks of financial results. The additional week in fiscal 2003 was included in the first nine months of 2003. Therefore, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for the first nine months of 2003 reflect our financial position as of October 4, 2003 and for the 40-week period then ended. The first nine months of 2002 ended on September 28, 2002 and included 39 weeks of financial results. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for the three-month periods ended October 4, 2003 and September 28, 2002 each contain 13 weeks of financial results.

Certain amounts from prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation. These reclassifications have no effect on net income as previously reported.

STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

We account for stock-based compensation on stock options under the intrinsic value method consistent with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 (“APB 25”). Under this method, we record compensation expense equal to the difference between the exercise price of the stock option and the fair market value of the underlying stock as of the date of the option grant. For disclosure purposes only, we also estimate the impact on our net income of applying the fair value method of measuring compensation cost on stock options with the fair value determined under the minimum value method as provided by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (“SFAS 123”) as amended by SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure” (“SFAS 148”).

The following table illustrates the effect on net income if compensation expense for our option grants had been determined based on the fair value as of the grant dates consistent with the methodology of SFAS 123 and SFAS 148 ($000):

	For the three-month periods ended						For the nine-month periods ended
	October 4, 2003			September 28, 2002			October 4, 2003			September 28, 2002

Net income, as reported	$	12,655		$	10,578		$	21,653		$	13,353
Add:
Stock-based employee compensation (under APB 25) included in reported net income, net of related tax effects	35			4			43			6
Deduct:
Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under the fair value based method (under SFAS 123 and SFAS 148) for all awards, net of related tax effects	(168		)	(130		)	(435		)	(375		)
Pro forma net income	$	12,522		$	10,452		$	21,261		$	12,984
Net income per common share:
Basic-as reported	$	0.56		$	0.47		$	0.96		$	0.59
Basic-pro forma	$	0.55		$	0.46		$	0.94		$	0.58
Diluted-as reported	$	0.52		$	0.45		$	0.90		$	0.57
Diluted-pro forma	$	0.52		$	0.44		$	0.88		$	0.55

For basic options, using a minimum value method, the fair value of each option as of the date of grant has been estimated to range from $3.08 to $9.76 per share for options granted in 2003 and $2.44 to $3.95 per share for options granted in 2002. For basic options, using a fair value method, the fair value of each option at the date of the grant has been estimated to range from $6.40 to $13.55 per share for options granted in 2003 and $6.31 per share for options granted from August 23, 2002 to December 28, 2002. These per share option values were calculated at an assumed risk free interest rate from 3.8% to 4.2% for 2003 and 3.0% to 4.4% for 2002, with an expected life of 10 years. No dividends were assumed.

For performance options, using a minimum value method, the fair value of each option as of the date of grant has been estimated to range from $3.08 to $9.76 per share for options granted in 2003 and $2.44 to $3.95 per share for options granted in 2002. For performance options, using a fair value method, the fair value of each option at the date of grant has been estimated to range from $6.40 to $13.55 per share for options granted in 2003 and $6.31 per share for options granted from August 23, 2002 to December 28, 2002. These per share option values were calculated at the same assumed risk free interest rates shown above with an expected life of 10 years. No dividends were assumed.

We have determined that the effect on pro forma net income would be immaterial had compensation expense for our option grants been determined based on the fair value method as of the grant date using the Black-Scholes model.

NOTE 2 — THE COMPANY:

We design, source, manufacture, and market branded childrenswear under the Carter’s, Carter’s Classics, Child of Mine, and Tykes brand names. Our products are sourced through production at company-managed sewing facilities located in Costa Rica and Mexico and through contractual arrangements with third-party manufacturers throughout the world (see Note 9 regarding the closure of our Costa Rican sewing facilities). Products are manufactured for wholesale distribution to major domestic retailers and for our 164 retail stores that market our brand name merchandise and certain products manufactured by other companies. Our retail operations represented approximately 37% of our consolidated net sales in the third quarter and first nine months of 2003 and approximately 44% in the third quarter and first nine months of 2002.

NOTE 3 — INVENTORIES:

Inventories consisted of the following ($000):

	October 4, 2003		December 28, 2002
Finished goods	$	114,904	$	99,609
Work in process	3,039		3,509
Raw materials and supplies	137		2,582

Total	$	118,080	$	105,700

NOTE 4 — STOCK TRANSACTIONS:

On July 31, 2003, we paid a dividend of approximately $24.9 million on the outstanding shares of our common stock to the stockholders of record as of July 30, 2003. At the same time, we paid a special bonus of approximately $2.5 million to our vested option holders. This special bonus was recorded as compensation expense during the third quarter of 2003.

During the nine-month period ended October 4, 2003, we issued options to purchase our common stock to two directors and certain employees. Additionally, during the first nine months of 2003, we sold shares of our common stock to two of our directors for cash proceeds of $600,000 (one during the second quarter and one during the third quarter). In connection with these transactions, we recorded additional paid-in capital in the amount of $600,000. Additionally, we recorded approximately $256,000 in compensation expense during the third quarter related to certain of these stock sales and option grants.

During the nine-month period ended September 28, 2002, we sold shares of our common stock to two of our directors (one during the second quarter and one during the third quarter) and issued shares of our common stock to a consultant. In connection with these transactions, as well as stock option grants to certain employees, we recorded compensation expense during the three and nine-month periods ended September 28, 2002 in the amounts of approximately $121,000 and $762,000. Additionally, we received cash proceeds of $1.0 million during the nine-month period ended September 28, 2002 and recorded additional paid-in capital in the amount of approximately $1.8 million.

NOTE 5 — GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBILE ASSETS:

On August 15, 2001, we adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141”) and applied the required provisions of SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (“SFAS 142”). Accordingly, our tradename and goodwill have been deemed to have indefinite lives and are no longer being amortized. Our licensing agreements are being amortized over the average three-year life of such agreements. Amortization expense for the third quarter and first nine months of 2003 and 2002 was $1.3 million and $3.8 million, respectively, and is expected to be a total of $5.0 million for fiscal 2003 and $3.1 million for 2004.

NOTE 6 — SEGMENT INFORMATION:

We report segment information in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 131, “Disclosure about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information” (“SFAS 131”), which requires segment information to be disclosed based upon a “management approach.” The management approach refers to the internal reporting that is used by management for making operating decisions and assessing the performance of our reportable segments. During the third quarter of fiscal 2003, we revised our methodology for evaluating and reporting profitability. Additionally, as a result of the launch of our new Child of Mine brand with Wal-Mart, we have expanded our presence in the mass merchant channel that has resulted in the establishment of a new segment of our business.

Under our previous method of evaluating and reporting the profitability of our segments, each segment’s results included costs directly related to the segment’s revenue and all other costs were allocated based on the relationship to consolidated net sales or units produced to support each segment’s revenue. Intersegment sales and transfers were recorded at cost and treated as a transfer of inventory. Under our new methodology, segment results include the direct costs of each segment (on the same basis as the previous methodology) and all other costs are allocated based upon detailed estimates and analysis of actual time and expenses incurred to support the operations of each segment or units produced or sourced to support each segment’s revenue. Certain costs, including incentive compensation for certain employees, the Berkshire Partners LLC management fee (see Note 11), and various other general corporate costs that are not specifically allocable to our segments, are included in other reconciling items below. Intersegment sales and transfers continue to be recorded at cost and treated as a transfer of inventory. Prior period segment information has been reclassified to conform with the current presentation. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 2 – “Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in our final Prospectus dated October 23, 2003 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2002.

The table below presents certain segment information for the periods indicated ($000):

	For the three-month periods ended								For the nine-month periods ended
	October 4, 2003			% of Total	September 28, 2002			% of Total	October 4, 2003			% of Total	September 28, 2002			% of Total

Net sales:
Wholesale	$	103,341		49%	$	86,580		52%	$	265,573		51%		211,866		52%
Retail	77,471			37%	72,175			44%	190,992			37%	180,636			44%
Mass Merchant	31,323			15%	7,024			4%	61,571			12%	16,967			4%
Total net sales	$	212,135			$	165,779			$	518,136			$	409,469

EBITDA:
Wholesale	$	16,891		50%	$	15,109		52%	$	42,716		60%	$	37,477		67%
Retail	19,690			59%	19,611			67%	42,115			59%	40,275			71%
Mass Merchant	4,898			15%	1,101			4%	6,602			9%	1,099			2%
Other reconciling items	(8,096		)	(24%)	(6,704		)	(23%)	(19,907		)	(28%)	(22,686		)	(40%)
Total EBITDA	$	33,383			$	29,117			$	71,526			$	56,165

EBITDA shown above represents earnings before interest, income tax expense, depreciation, and amortization. EBITDA is presented because it is one measurement used by management in assessing financial performance, and we believe it is helpful to investors, securities analysts, and other interested parties in evaluating performance of companies in our industry. EBITDA is also a measure used as a basis for calculating our financial covenants under our senior credit facility. Additionally, we believe EBITDA is an accepted indicator of our ability to incur and service debt obligations and make capital expenditures. EBITDA is not a measurement of financial performance under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America. It should not be considered as an alternative to cash flow from operating activities, as a measure of liquidity, an alternative to net income, or any other measures of performance derived in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Our definition and calculation of EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.

A reconciliation of EBITDA to net income is presented below ($000):

	For the three-month periods ended						For the nine-month periods ended
	October 4, 2003			September 28, 2002			October 4, 2003			September 28, 2002

EBITDA	$	33,383		$	29,117		$	71,526		$	56,165
Depreciation and amortization expense	(6,018		)	(4,637		)	(16,009		)	(13,202		)
Interest expense, net	(6,788		)	(7,268		)	(20,309		)	(21,238		)
Provision for income taxes	(7,922		)	(6,634		)	(13,555		)	(8,372		)

Net income	$	12,655		$	10,578		$	21,653		$	13,353

NOTE 7 — RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS:

In August 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations” (“SFAS 143”). SFAS 143 requires recording the fair market value of an asset retirement obligation as a liability in the period in which a legal obligation associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets is incurred (including certain lease obligations). SFAS 143 also requires recording an asset offsetting the initial obligation as an increase to the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset and depreciation of that cost over the life of the asset. We adopted the provisions of SFAS 143 in the first quarter of 2003, and the impact of such adoption was not material to our financial position or results of operations for the third quarter or first nine months of 2003.

In April 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 145, “Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44, and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections” (“SFAS 145”). SFAS 145 rescinds FASB Statement No. 4, which required all gains and losses from extinguishments of debt to be aggregated and, if material, classified as an extraordinary item, net of the related income tax effect. As a result, the criteria in Accounting Principles Board Opinion 30 will now be used to classify those gains and losses. The provisions of SFAS 145, as related to the rescission of FASB Statement No. 4, are effective for fiscal 2003. In the first quarter of 2003, we adopted the provisions of SFAS 145 and the extraordinary item, of $7.6 million, recorded in our statement of operations for the predecessor period from December 31, 2000 through August 14, 2001 will be reclassified in our Annual Report on Form 10-K as a component of income before income taxes of $12.5 million (pre-tax) with the tax benefit of $4.9 million reclassified as a component of income taxes for the year ended January 3, 2004.

In July 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities” (“SFAS 146”). SFAS 146 sets forth various modifications to existing accounting guidance, which prescribes the conditions that must be met in order for costs associated with contract terminations, facility consolidations, and employee relocations and terminations to be accrued and recorded as liabilities in financial statements. Accordingly, SFAS 146 may affect the timing of recognizing any of our future restructuring costs as well as the amount recognized. SFAS 146 also establishes that the liability should initially be measured and recorded at fair value. The provisions of SFAS 146 are required to be applied prospectively to exit or disposal activities initiated by us after December 31, 2002. See Note 9 to the

unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements regarding our decision to close two of our production facilities.

In November 2002, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others” (“FIN 45”). FIN 45 requires that a liability be recorded in the guarantor’s balance sheet upon issuance of a guarantee. In addition, FIN 45 requires disclosures about the guarantees, including indemnifications, that an entity has issued and a rollforward of the entity’s product warranty liabilities. The disclosure provisions of FIN 45 were effective for financial statements of interim periods or annual periods ending after December 15, 2002. In addition, we adopted the recognition provisions of FIN 45 effective January 1, 2003 for guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. The adoption of FIN 45 did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure.” SFAS 148 provides alternate methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. SFAS 148 also requires that disclosures of the pro forma effect of using the fair value method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation be displayed more prominently and in tabular format. Additionally, SFAS 148 requires disclosure of the pro forma effect of using the fair value method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation in interim financial statements. The transition and annual disclosure requirements were effective for us as of December 28, 2002. The interim disclosure requirements were effective for the first quarter of fiscal 2003 and have been reflected in Note 1 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

In April 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 149, “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS 149”). SFAS 149 amends and clarifies the accounting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities under SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” SFAS 149 is generally effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003 and for hedging relationships designated after June 30, 2003. The adoption of SFAS 149 is not expected to have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity” (“SFAS 150”). SFAS 150 requires that certain financial instruments, which under previous guidance were accounted for as equity, must now be accounted for as liabilities. The financial instruments affected include mandatorily redeemable stock, certain financial instruments that require or may require the issuer to buy back some of its shares in exchange for cash or other assets and certain obligations that can be settled with shares of stock. SFAS 150 is effective for all financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003 and must be applied to our existing financial instruments effective July 6, 2003, the beginning of the first fiscal period after June 15, 2003. The FASB recently decided to defer the provisions of paragraphs 9 and 10 of this statement as they apply to mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests. We adopted SFAS 150 on June 1, 2003. The adoption of this statement did not have an effect on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

NOTE 8 — LONG TERM DEBT (See Notes 4 and 11):

Effective July 29, 2003, our senior credit facility was amended to, among other things, increase the amount of the commitments under the revolving portion of our senior credit facility from $60.0 million to $75.0 million and allow for a maximum amount of commitments of up to $80.0 million (which has subsequently been committed to), provide for a 75 basis point reduction in the applicable interest margin by prepaying our existing Tranche B term loan and replacing it with a new Tranche C term loan, reduce the amount of our mandatory loan prepayment requirement following the consummation of an initial public offering by us from a prepayment of 50% or 75% of excess cash flow to 25% or 50% of excess cash flow, depending on the applicable leverage ratio, and permit an aggregate dividend not to exceed $27.5 million to our equity holders and vested option holders. Additionally, our senior credit facility was amended to provide that, upon the consummation of an initial public offering by us, we are permitted to repurchase up to $61.3 million of our senior subordinated notes (in addition to redemption premiums) with proceeds from an equity offering and terminate our obligations of up to $3.6 million under the management agreement with Berkshire Partners LLC. These payments may be made from the proceeds of an equity offering prior to being required to use 50% of any of the net proceeds of such an equity offering to prepay borrowings under our senior credit facility. Following the consummation of an initial public offering by us, we will also be permitted to repurchase up to $15.0 million of additional senior subordinated notes.

NOTE 9 — PLANT CLOSINGS:

In July of 2003, we decided to exit our sewing facilities located in Costa Rica given our ability to obtain lower costs from third-party suppliers. Such closures were announced on September 16, 2003 and the facilities are being held and used for production through the end of November 2003. For the majority of the affected employees, severance benefits were communicated at the end of October 2003. Total employees to be terminated will be approximately 1,474. As a result of these closures, we have recorded approximately $900,000 of accelerated depreciation (included in cost of goods sold), $65,000 of asset impairment charges, and $50,000 of severance during the third quarter of 2003.

During the fourth quarter of 2003, we expect to incur additional accelerated depreciation and impairment charges of approximately $600,000. It is estimated that other closure costs of approximately $3.1 million will be incurred relating primarily to severance, lease termination costs, and income taxes of which approximately $1.9 million will be incurred in the fourth quarter of 2003.

NOTE 10 — EARNINGS PER SHARE:

In accordance with SFAS No. 128, “Earnings Per Share,” basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year, whereas diluted earnings per share also gives effect to all potentially dilutive common shares that were outstanding during the period. Dilutive common shares include stock options.

All such stock options are reflected in the denominator using the treasury stock method. This method assumes that shares are issued for options that are “in the money,” but that we use the proceeds of such option exercises (generally, cash to be paid plus future compensation expense to be recognized) to repurchase shares at the average market value of the stock during the period. We have used our best estimates of the average market value of our shares for the respective periods.

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

	For the three-month periods ended				For the nine-month periods ended
	October 4, 2003		September 28, 2002		October 4, 2003		September 28, 2002

Net income	$	12,655,000	$	10,578,000	$	21,653,000	$	13,353,000

Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding:
Basic number of common shares outstanding	22,564,856		22,494,603		22,560,872		22,476,551
Dilutive effect of stock options	1,671,399		1,175,728		1,523,311		1,060,292

Diluted number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding	24,236,255		23,670,331		24,084,183		23,536,843
Basic net income per common share	$	0.56	$	0.47	$	0.96	$	0.59
Diluted net income per common share	$	0.52	$	0.45	$	0.90	$	0.57

NOTE 11 — SUBSEQUENT EVENTS:

On October 29, 2003, we completed an initial public offering of our common stock including the sale of 5,390,625 shares by us and 1,796,875 shares by the selling stockholders. Net proceeds to us from the offering totaled $93.2 million. On November 28, 2003, we will use approximately $68.0 million of the proceeds to redeem approximately $61.3 million in outstanding senior subordinated notes (and will pay a redemption premium of approximately $6.7 million). We have used approximately $2.6 million of the net proceeds to terminate the Berkshire Partners LLC management agreement. We have also used approximately 50% of the remaining proceeds of approximately $22.6 million to prepay $11.3 million of amounts outstanding under the term loan. The remaining proceeds of approximately $11.3 million will be utilized for working capital and other general corporate purposes.

ITEM 2.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:

The following is a discussion of our results of operations and our current financial position. You should read this discussion in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes included elsewhere in this quarterly report. Our discussion of our results of operations and financial condition includes various forward-looking statements about our markets, the demand for our products and services, and our future results. We base these statements on assumptions that we consider reasonable. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include a decrease in sales to, or the loss of, one or more of our key customers, downward pressure on our prices, disruptions in foreign supply sources, negative publicity, the loss of one or more of our major suppliers for raw materials, increased competition in the baby and young children's apparel market, our substantial leverage which increases our exposure to interest rate risk and could require us, in the event of default, to dedicate all or a portion of our cash flow to repay principal, the impact of governmental regulations and environmental risks applicable to our business, and seasonal fluctuations in the children's apparel business. For further information about risks and exposures relating to our business and our company, you should read Item 3 of this quarterly report entitled “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risks” and the section entitled “Risks Relating To Our Business” in our final Prospectus dated October 23, 2003. Actual results may differ materially from those suggested by our forward-looking statements for various reasons including those discussed in Item 3. Except for any ongoing obligations to disclose material information as required by the federal securities laws, we do not have any intention or obligation to update forward-looking statements after we file this quarterly report.

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, (i) selected statement of operations data expressed as a percentage of net sales and (ii) the number of retail stores open at the end of each such period:

	As a Percentage of Net Sales
	For the three-month periods ended				For the nine-month periods ended
	October 4, 2003		September 28, 2002		October 4, 2003		September 28, 2002

Wholesale sales	48.7	%	52.2	%	51.2	%	51.7	%
Retail sales	36.5		43.5		36.9		44.1
Mass merchant sales	14.8		4.3		11.9		4.2

Net sales	100.0		100.0		100.0		100.0
Cost of goods sold	64.3		60.7		64.1		61.2

Gross profit	35.7		39.3		35.9		38.8
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	24.5		26.0		26.8		29.8
Royalty income	(1.7	)	(1.5	)	(1.6	)	(1.5	)

Operating income	12.9		14.8		10.7		10.5
Interest expense, net	3.2		4.4		3.9		5.2

Income before income taxes and extraordinary item	9.7		10.4		6.8		5.3
Provision for income taxes	3.7		4.0		2.6		2.0

Net income	6.0	%	6.4	%	4.2	%	3.3	%

Number of retail stores at end of period	164		156		164		156

Three and nine-month periods ended October 4, 2003 compared to three and nine-month periods ended September 28, 2002

NET SALES. The three-month periods ended October 4, 2003 and September 28, 2002 each contained 13 weeks of financial results. The nine-month period ended October 4, 2003 contained 40 weeks as compared to the nine-month period ended September 28, 2002, which contained 39 weeks. In the third quarter of fiscal 2003, consolidated net sales increased $46.4 million, or 28.0%, to $212.1 million from $165.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2002. In the first nine months of 2003, consolidated net sales were $518.1 million, an increase of $108.7 million, or 26.5%, as compared to $409.5 million for the first nine months of 2002. This revenue growth has been driven by strong product performance resulting from our focus on improving the value of our core products through our global sourcing network, effective merchandising and pricing strategies, revenue recognized during the second and third quarters of 2003 from our new Child of Mine brand that is being sold in substantially all Wal-Mart stores in the United States, and the additional week of selling in the first nine months of 2003.

Total wholesale sales increased $16.8 million, or 19.4%, to $103.3 million in the third quarter of 2003 from $86.6 million in the third quarter of 2002. In the first nine months of 2003, wholesale sales increased $53.7 million, or 25.3%, to $265.6 million from $211.9 million in the first nine months of 2002. Wholesale sales, excluding off-price sales, increased $13.5 million, or 16.2%, in the third quarter of 2003 to $96.4 million from $82.9 million in the third quarter of 2002. In the first nine months of 2003, wholesale sales, excluding off-price sales, increased $47.8 million, or 23.9%, to $248.3 million from $200.5 million in the first nine months of 2002. These increases were driven primarily by growth in our baby and playclothes product lines, and to a lesser extent, our sleepwear product line. This growth has occurred at the majority of our key wholesale accounts as a result of our focus on improving the value of our core products.

Our retail store sales were $77.5 million for the third quarter of 2003, an increase of $5.3 million, or 7.3%, compared to the third quarter of 2002. The drivers of the revenue increase were incremental revenue of $5.6 million generated from new stores opened subsequent to September 28, 2002 and a comparable store sales increase of $1.7 million, or 2.5%, based on 147 locations, offset by the impact of stores closed of $2.0 million. Comparing the same 13 weeks of 2003 to the same 13 weeks of 2002, comparable store sales increased 1.6% based on 147 locations. In the first nine months of 2003, retail store sales increased $10.4 million, or 5.7%, to $191.0 million from $180.6 million in the first nine months of 2002. The drivers of the revenue increase in the first nine months of 2003 were incremental revenue of $13.0 million from new store openings and the comparable store sales increase of $2.3 million, or 1.3%, based upon 147 locations, offset by the impact of stores closed in the last twelve months of $4.9 million. The comparable store sales increase was driven by the additional week of sales included in the first nine months of 2003. Comparing the first 40 weeks of 2003 to the first 40 weeks of 2002, comparable store sales declined 1.6%, based on 147 locations. This decline reflects the effect of unfavorable weather conditions, particularly in February 2003. We opened ten retail stores and closed two during the first nine months of 2003. There were a total of 164 stores as of October 4, 2003 compared to 156 stores at September 28, 2002. We plan to open five stores during the balance of 2003.

Mass merchant store sales in the third quarter of 2003 increased $24.3 million to $31.3 million from $7.0 million in the third quarter of 2002. In the first nine months of 2003, our mass merchant store sales increased $44.6 million to $61.6 million from $17.0 million in the first nine months of 2002. Revenue recognized during the second and third quarters of 2003 from our new Child of Mine brand contributed to this significant growth. Also contributing to this growth for the third quarter and first nine months of 2003 is the strong performance of our Tykes brand with Target.

GROSS PROFIT. Our gross profit increased $10.5 million, or 16.2%, to $75.7 million in the third quarter of 2003 from $65.1 million in the third quarter of 2002. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales in the third quarter of 2003 decreased to 35.7% from 39.3% in the third quarter of 2002. Gross profit increased $27.4 million, or 17.2%, to $186.1 million in the first nine months of 2003 compared to $158.8 million in the first nine months of 2002. Gross profit, as a percentage of net sales, in the first nine months of 2003 decreased to 35.9% from 38.8% in similar periods in 2002. Such decreases in gross profit, relative to sales, have resulted primarily from a higher mix of both wholesale sales and mass merchant store sales, both of which generally yield lower margins than similar products sold through our retail channel.

These decreases in gross profit margins also reflect the impact of our new pricing strategies with lower average prices on certain core products which were partially offset by additional product cost reductions achieved through the continued expansion and leverage of our global sourcing network. Additionally, during the third quarter of 2003, we recorded, in cost of goods sold, approximately $900,000 in accelerated depreciation related to the closure of our sewing facilities in Costa Rica as further described in Note 9 to the condensed unaudited consolidated financial statements.

SELLING, GENERAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. Selling, general, and administrative expenses for the third quarter of 2003 increased $8.8 million, or 20.4%, to $51.9 million from $43.1 million in the third quarter of 2002. These costs, as a percentage of net sales, decreased to 24.5% in the third quarter of 2003 from 26.0% in the third quarter of 2002. In the first nine months of 2003, selling, general, and administrative expenses increased $16.6 million, or 13.6%, to $138.7 million from $122.0 million in the first nine months of 2002. As a percentage of net sales, these expenses decreased to 26.8% in the first nine months of 2003 from 29.8% in the first nine months of 2002. Such decreases for the third quarter and first nine months of 2003 were due to our ability to grow revenue at a faster rate than our selling, general, and administrative expenses partially offset by higher distribution costs driven by unit volume growth and a special bonus to vested option holders of our common stock as further described in Note 4 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

ROYALTY INCOME. We license the use of the Carter’s, Carter’s Classics, and Child of Mine names and sublicenses the Tykes name to certain licensees. Our royalty income in the third quarter of 2003 was approximately $3.7 million, an increase of 50.0%, over the third quarter of 2002 driven by licensed sales of our new Child of Mine brand by many of our licensee partners who began shipping their products during the third quarter of 2003. During the first nine months of 2003, royalty income was $8.1 million, an increase of $1.9 million, or 30.7%, over the first nine months of 2002. These increases resulted from licensed sales of our new Child of Mine brand and the expansion of our licensed product placement with other key wholesale customers.

OPERATING INCOME. Operating income for the third quarter of 2003 increased $2.9 million to $27.4 million compared to $24.5 million in the third quarter of 2002. Operating income for the first nine months of 2003 increased $12.6 million to $55.5 million from $43.0 million in the first nine months of 2002. These increases reflect the benefit from revenue growth, increased gross profit, and leveraging of operating expenses as described above.

INTEREST EXPENSE, NET. Net interest expense for the third quarter of 2003 decreased $0.5 million to $6.8 million from $7.3 million in the third quarter of 2002. In the first nine months of 2003, interest expense decreased $0.9 million to $20.3 million from $21.2 million in the first nine months of 2002. These decreases were due to lower variable interest rates on reduced levels of term loan indebtedness partially offset by an additional week of interest. As a result of the completion of the initial public offering by Carter’s as described in Note 11 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, and use of proceeds to retire approximately $61.3 million in principal amount of our senior subordinated notes and approximately $11.3 million in term loan borrowings, we will have reduced levels of interest expense in future periods.

INCOME TAXES. We recorded a provision for income taxes of $7.9 million in the third quarter of 2003 compared to $6.6 million in the third quarter of 2002. In the first nine months of 2003, we recorded a provision for income taxes of $13.6 million compared to $8.4 million in the first nine months of 2002. Our effective tax rate was approximately 38.5% during the third quarter and first nine months of 2003 and 2002.

NET INCOME. As a result of the factors noted above, our third quarter 2003 net income was $12.7 million compared to $10.6 million in the third quarter of 2002. Net income for the first nine months of 2003 was $21.7 million compared to $13.4 million in the first nine months of 2002.

FINANCIAL CONDITION, CAPITAL RESOURCES, AND LIQUIDITY

Our primary cash needs are working capital, capital expenditures, and debt service. Historically, we have financed these needs primarily through internally generated cash flow and funds borrowed under our senior credit facility. Our primary source of liquidity will continue to be cash flow from operations and borrowings under our revolving loan facility, and we expect that these sources will fund our ongoing requirements for debt service and capital expenditures. These sources of liquidity may be impacted by continued demand for our products and our ability to meet debt covenants under our credit facility.

Net accounts receivable at October 4, 2003 were $70.9 million compared to $48.4 million at September 28, 2002 and $53.6 million at December 28, 2002. The increase over September 28, 2002 reflects sales of our new Child of Mine brand to Wal-Mart in 2003 and increased sales levels of wholesale shipments in the latter part of the third quarter ended October 4, 2003. Due to the seasonal nature of our operations, the net accounts receivable balance at October 4, 2003 is not comparable to the net accounts receivable balance at December 28, 2002.

Net inventories at October 4, 2003 were $118.1 million compared to $96.6 million at September 28, 2002 and $105.7 million at December 28, 2002. This increase over September 28, 2002 in inventory levels was planned to support fourth quarter 2003 shipping requirements, including inventory required to support our new Child of Mine brand for Wal-Mart. Average inventory levels in 2003 are expected to be higher than average 2002 net inventory levels of $93.8 million based on increases in forecasted demand and our focus on shipping performance to our customers. Due to the seasonal nature of our operations, net inventories at October 4, 2003 are not comparable to net inventories at December 28, 2002.

Net cash provided by operating activities for the first nine months of 2003 was $9.4 million compared to $11.3 million for the first nine months of 2002. The decrease in net cash flow from operating activities in the first nine months of 2003 compared to the first nine months of 2002 is primarily attributed to the increases in inventory and accounts receivable, described above, and reductions in accounts payable and other current liabilities, partially offset by increased net income.

We have invested $9.4 million in capital expenditures during the first nine months of 2003 compared to $9.0 million during the first nine months of 2002. We plan to invest an additional $10 — $12 million in capital expenditures during the remainder of fiscal 2003. Major investments include retail store openings and remodeling, fixturing programs for wholesale customers, and the expansion of our distribution centers.

At October 4, 2003, we had approximately $293.6 million of debt outstanding, consisting of $174.0 million of senior subordinated notes, $117.7 million in term loan borrowings and $1.9 million in borrowings on our revolver, exclusive of approximately $9.5 million of outstanding letters of credit. At October 4, 2003, we had approximately $68.6 million of financing available under our revolver. At December 28, 2002, we had approximately $297.6 million of debt outstanding, consisting of $173.9 million of senior subordinated notes, $123.8 million in term loan borrowings and no revolver borrowings, exclusive of approximately $16.3 million of outstanding letters of credit. The borrowings under the revolver will be available to fund our working capital requirements, capital expenditures, and other general corporate purposes.

Effective July 29, 2003, our credit facility was amended to, among other things, increase the amount of the commitments under the revolver from $60.0 million to $75.0 million and allow for a maximum amount of commitments of up to $80.0 million (which has subsequently been committed to), provide for a 75 basis point reduction in the applicable interest margin by prepaying our existing Tranche B term loan and replacing it with a new Tranche C term loan, reduce the amount of our mandatory loan prepayment requirement following the consummation of an initial public offering by us from a prepayment of 50% or 75% of excess cash flow to 25% or 50% of excess cash flow, depending on the applicable leverage ratio. Additionally, following the initial public offering by us, as described below, we are also permitted to repurchase up to $15.0 million of additional senior subordinated notes.

On October 29, 2003, we completed an initial public offering of our common stock including the sale of 5,390,625 shares by us and 1,796,875 shares by the selling stockholders. Net proceeds to us from the offering totaled $93.2 million. On November 28, 2003, we will use approximately $68.0 million of the proceeds to redeem approximately $61.3 million in outstanding senior subordinated notes (and will pay a redemption premium of approximately $6.7 million). We have used approximately $2.6 million of the net proceeds to terminate the Berkshire Partners LLC management agreement. We have also used approximately 50% of the remaining proceeds of approximately $22.6 million to prepay $11.3 million of amounts outstanding under the term loan. After giving effect to this prepayment, we have $112.7 million of senior subordinated notes and $106.4 million in term loan borrowings outstanding. The remaining proceeds of approximately $11.3 million will be utilized for working capital and other general corporate purposes.

After giving effect to the $11.3 million prepayment described above, principal borrowings under the term loan are due and payable in sixteen remaining quarterly installments of $266,614 from December 31, 2003 through September 30, 2007 and four quarterly payments of approximately $25.5 million from December 31, 2007 through September 30, 2008. Interest on the term loan is usually payable at the end of interest rate reset periods, which vary in length but in no case exceed six months. The outstanding balance under the revolver is payable in full on August 15, 2006. Interest is payable quarterly on base rate borrowings under the revolver and may be payable more frequently in the event we choose a Eurodollar rate option available under the terms of our credit facility. No principal payments are required on our senior subordinated notes prior to their scheduled maturity in August 2011. Interest is payable semi-annually on our senior subordinated notes in February and August of each year. These payments commenced on February 15, 2002. Prior to the redemption of $61.3 million in senior subordinated notes noted above, our semi-annual interest payments on our senior subordinated notes were $9.5 million. Subsequent to this redemption, our semi-annual interest payments will be $6.1 million.

The terms of the consolidated excess cash flow condition, as required under our credit facility were effective for fiscal 2002, and, accordingly, we made a principal prepayment of approximately $4.8 million on March 26, 2003. This excess cash flow condition may result in future annual prepayments depending on the consolidated excess cash flow generated in each year. The lenders will apply such prepayments first to the term loan and, second, to reduce the revolver. Subject to certain conditions in our credit facility, we may make optional prepayments of our debt obligations without premium or penalty. The lenders will apply such optional prepayments according to our instruction.

As provided by a management agreement with Berkshire Partners LLC, we agreed, among other things, to pay Berkshire Partners an annual management fee of $1.65 million per year for four years, commencing on the first anniversary of the Acquisition. We paid this fee quarterly, in advance. As described above, upon completion of the initial public offering by us, this management fee agreement was terminated.

On July 31, 2003, we paid a cash dividend of approximately $24.9 million on the outstanding shares of our common stock to the stockholders of record as of July 30, 2003. Concurrently, we paid a special bonus of approximately $2.5 million to our vested option holders. This payment was funded using cash on hand as well as borrowings under our revolver, as described above. We have no current intention of paying further dividends. Our credit facility imposes certain covenants, requirements, and restrictions on actions by us and our subsidiaries that, among other things, restrict the payment of dividends beyond the dividend noted above.

In July of 2003, we decided to exit our sewing facilities located in Costa Rica given our ability to obtain lower costs from third-party suppliers. Such closures were announced on September 16, 2003 and the facilities are being held and used for production through the end of November 2003. For the majority of the affected employees, severance benefits were communicated at the end of October 2003. As a result of these closures, we have recorded approximately $900,000 of accelerated depreciation (included in cost of goods sold), $65,000 of asset impairment charges, and $50,000 of severance during the third quarter of 2003. During the fourth quarter of 2003, we expect to incur additional accelerated depreciation and impairment charges of approximately $600,000. It is estimated that other closure costs of approximately $3.1 million will

be incurred relating primarily to severance, lease termination costs, and income taxes of which approximately $1.9 million will be incurred in the fourth quarter of 2003.

Based on our current level of operations, anticipated cost savings, and other operating improvements, we believe that cash generated from operations and available cash, together with amounts available under the revolver, will be adequate to meet our debt service requirements, capital expenditures, and working capital needs for the foreseeable future, although no assurance can be given in this regard. If our debt is accelerated following an event of default, we may need to refinance all or a portion of the principal amount of our senior credit facility and our senior subordinated notes prior to maturity.

EFFECTS OF INFLATION AND DEFLATION

We are affected by inflation and changing prices primarily through the purchase of raw materials, increased operating costs and expenses, and fluctuations in interest rates. The effects of inflation on our net sales and operations have not been material in recent years. In recent years, there has been deflationary pressure on selling prices. Due to the competitive nature of the children’s apparel industry, there is no assurance that this trend will not continue. While we have been successful in offsetting deflationary pricing pressures through product improvements and lower costs with the expansion of our global sourcing network, if deflationary price trends outpace our ability to obtain further price reductions from our global suppliers, our profitability may be affected.

SEASONALITY

We experience seasonal fluctuations in our sales and profitability, with generally lower sales and gross profit in the first and second quarters of our fiscal year. Over the past five fiscal years, approximately 58% of our consolidated net sales were generated in the second half of our fiscal year. Accordingly, our results of operations for the first and second quarters of any year are not indicative of the results we expect for the full year.

As a result of the effects of seasonality, our inventory levels and other working capital requirements generally begin to increase during the second quarter and into the third quarter of each year. During these peak periods we have historically borrowed under the revolver.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements contained in our final Prospectus dated October 23, 2003. The following discussion addresses our critical accounting policies, which are those that require management’s most difficult and subjective judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain.

Revenue recognition: We recognize wholesale and mass merchant store revenue after shipment of products to customers, when title passes and when all risks and rewards of ownership have transferred. As discussed in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements contained in our final Prospectus dated October 23, 2003, in certain cases, this does not occur until the goods have reached the specified customer. We consider revenue realized or realizable and earned when the product has been shipped, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured. In the normal course of business, we grant certain accommodations and allowances to our wholesale customers. Such amounts are reflected as reductions of net sales. Retail store revenues are recognized at the point of sale. We reduce revenue for customer returns and deductions. We also maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make payments. If the financial conditions of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, an additional allowance could be required.

Inventory: We write down our inventory for estimated excess and obsolescence equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those we project, additional write-downs may be required.

Goodwill and tradename: As of October 4, 2003, we have approximately $360 million in goodwill and tradename assets. The fair value of the Carter’s tradename was estimated at the Acquisition to be approximately $220 million using a discounted cash flow analysis, which examined the hypothetical cost savings that accrue as a result of our ownership of the tradename. The cash flows, which incorporated both historical and projected financial performance, were discounted using a discount rate of 11%. The tradename was determined to have an indefinite life. The carrying value of these assets is subject to annual impairment reviews as of the last day of each fiscal year. Factors affecting such impairment reviews include the continued market acceptance of our offered products and the development of new products. Impairment reviews may also be triggered by any significant events or changes in circumstances. Our impairment review of goodwill is based on the estimated fair values of the underlying businesses. These estimated fair values are based on estimates of the future cash flows of the businesses.

Accrued expenses: Accrued expenses for health insurance, workers compensation, incentive compensation, professional fees, and other outstanding obligations are assessed based on actual commitments, statistical trends, and estimates based on projections and current expectations, and these estimates are updated periodically as additional information becomes available.

Accounting for income taxes: As part of the process of preparing our consolidated financial statements, we are required to estimate our actual current tax exposure (state, federal, and foreign), together with assessing permanent and temporary differences resulting from differing bases and treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes, such as the carrying value of intangibles, deductibility of expenses, depreciation of property and equipment, and valuation of inventories. Temporary differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included within our consolidated balance sheets. We must then assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income. Actual results could differ from this assessment if sufficient taxable income is not generated in future periods. To the extent we determine the need to establish a valuation allowance or increase such allowance in a period, we must include an expense within the tax provision in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations.

Stock-based compensation arrangements: We account for stock-based compensation on stock options under the intrinsic value method, whereby we record compensation expense equal to the difference between the exercise price of the stock option and the fair market value of the underlying stock at the date of the option grant. For disclosure purposes only, we also estimate the impact on our net income of applying the fair value method of measuring compensation cost on stock options with the fair value determined under the minimum value method as provided by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” as amended by SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure” (“SFAS 148”). For stock issued or sold outright to employees, directors, or third parties, we measure expense as the difference between the price paid by the recipient and the fair market value of the stock on the date of issuance or sale. Prior to the third quarter of 2003, in the absence of a public market for our common stock, management and the Board of Directors estimated the market value of our common stock for all option grant and stock issuance dates using an approach based upon a multiple of Adjusted EBITDA less net debt. Adjusted EBITDA represents earnings before interest, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization, and also excludes Acquisition-related non-recurring charges, write-downs of long-lived assets, non-recurring charges-plant closure costs, and non-recurring charges-other. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measurement under generally accepted accounting principles.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In August 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations” (“SFAS 143”). SFAS 143 requires recording the fair market value of an asset retirement obligation as a liability in the period in which a legal obligation associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets is incurred (including certain lease obligations). The statement also requires recording an asset offsetting the initial obligation as an increase to the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset and depreciation of that cost over the life of the asset. We adopted the provisions of SFAS 143 in the first quarter of 2003, and the impact of such adoption was not material to our financial position or results of operations for the third quarter or first nine months of 2003.

In April 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 145, “Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44, and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections” (“SFAS 145”). SFAS 145 rescinds FASB Statement No. 4, which required all gains and losses from extinguishments of debt to be aggregated and, if material, classified as an extraordinary item, net of the related income tax effect. As a result, the criteria in Accounting Principles Board Opinion 30 will now be used to classify those gains and losses. The provisions of SFAS 145, as related to the rescission of FASB Statement No. 4, are effective for fiscal 2003. In the first quarter of 2003, we adopted the provisions of SFAS 145 and the extraordinary item, of $7.6 million, recorded in our statement of operations for the Predecessor period from December 31, 2000 through August 14, 2001 will be reclassified in our Annual Report on Form 10-K as a component of income before income taxes of $12.5 million (pre-tax) with the tax benefit of $4.9 million reclassified as a component of income taxes for the year ended January 3, 2004.

In July 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities” (“SFAS 146”). SFAS 146 sets forth various modifications to existing accounting guidance, which prescribes the conditions which must be met in order for costs associated with contract terminations, facility consolidations, and employee relocations and terminations to be accrued and recorded as liabilities in financial statements. Accordingly, SFAS 146 may affect the timing of recognizing any of our future restructuring costs as well as the amount recognized. SFAS 146 also establishes that the liability should initially be measured and recorded at fair value. The provisions of SFAS 146 are required to be applied prospectively to exit or disposal activities initiated by us after December 31, 2002. See Note 9 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements regarding our decision to close two of our production facilities.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS

In the operation of our business, we have market risk exposures including those related to foreign currency risk and interest rate risk. These risks and our strategies to manage our exposure to them are discussed below.

We contract for production with third parties primarily in the Far East and South and Central America. While these contracts are stated in United States dollars, there can be no assurance that the cost for the future production of our products will not be affected by exchange rate fluctuations between the United States dollar and the local currencies of these contractors. Due to the number of currencies involved, we cannot quantify the potential impact of future currency fluctuations on net income in future years. In order to manage this risk, we source products from over 60 vendors worldwide, providing us with flexibility in our production should significant fluctuations occur between the United States and various local currencies. To date, such exchange fluctuations have not had a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. We do not hedge foreign currency exchange rate risk.

Our operating results are subject to risk from interest rate fluctuations on debt, which carries variable interest rates. At October 4, 2003, outstanding debt aggregated $293.6 million, of which $119.6 million bore interest at a variable rate. An increase of 1% in the applicable rate would increase our annual interest cost by $1,196,000 and could have an adverse effect on our net income and cash flow. Pursuant to the provisions of our credit facility, we purchased an interest rate cap as an economic hedge against approximately $31.3 million of variable rate debt. The cap rate is 7.0% and the arrangement expires on December 7, 2004.

OTHER RISKS

We also have other risks in the operation of our business specifically related to raw material pricing and our global sourcing network.

The principal raw materials we use are finished fabrics and trim materials. Prices for these materials are affected by changes in market demand and there can be no assurance that prices for these and other raw materials will not increase in the near future. These materials are available from more than one supplier, which enables us to negotiate pricing. However, the loss of one or more of these suppliers could temporarily interrupt our supply, which could have an adverse effect on our sales and increase our costs.

We currently source substantially all of our production from our offshore operations and third-party manufacturers located in foreign countries. As a result, we may be adversely affected by political instability resulting in the disruption of trade from foreign countries, the imposition of new regulations relating to imports, duties, taxes, and other charges on imports, any significant decreases in the value of the dollar against foreign currencies, and restrictions on the transfer of funds. These and other factors could result in the interruption of production in offshore facilities, delay receipt of the products into the United States or affect our operating income. Our future performance may be subject to such factors, which are beyond our control, and there can be no assurance that such factors would not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. We carefully select our sourcing agents, and in an effort to mitigate the possible disruption in product flow, we place production in various countries we believe to be of lower risk.

We are continually evaluating opportunities to improve our products and reduce our costs. Our remaining sewing facilities continue to provide us with an advantageous cost base. If we determine in the future that we are able to source those products at a significantly lower cost with superior quality, we would incur substantial plant-closure, severance, and other charges that we cannot currently predict related to exiting those facilities.

We enter into various purchase order commitments with full package 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. Historically, these cancellations and related termination charges have occurred infrequently and have not had a material impact on our business. However, as we rely more heavily on our full-package global sourcing network, we expect to incur more of these termination charges, which could increase our cost of goods sold.

ITEM 4. DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES:

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

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION:

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS:

From time to time, we have been involved in various legal proceedings. We believe that all such litigation is routine in nature and incidental to the conduct of our business, and we believe that no such litigation, if resolved adversely to us, will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

During 2002, a lawsuit was filed against us in which the plaintiff is claiming damages of approximately $830,000 related to an alleged oral guarantee of money owed to it by a third-party vendor. We have not provided for this exposure, as we believe that this claim is without merit and we intend to vigorously defend this matter.

ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES:

On October 23, 2003, the company’s registration statement on Form S-1 (commission file number 333-98679) registering the offer and sale of shares of its common stock, $0.01 par value per share, was declared effective by the SEC. The offering commenced on October 24, 2003 and the company and the selling stockholders sold all of the shares registered under the registration statement, including all shares subject to the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares to cover over-allotments. Goldman, Sachs & Co., Banc of America Securities LLC, Credit Suisse First Boston, and Morgan Stanley were representatives for the underwriters of the offering. The company sold 5,390,625 shares of common stock in the offering for an aggregate offering price of $102.4 million. The selling stockholders sold 1,796,875 shares of common stock in the offering for an aggregate offering price of $34.1 million. In connection with the offering, the company incurred expenses of approximately $2.0 million and paid underwriting discounts of $7.2 million. The net proceeds to the company after underwriting discounts and expenses were approximately $93.2 million, all of which were contributed to the company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, The William Carter Company. As of the date hereof, The William Carter Company has used $11.3 million of the net proceeds to repay outstanding term loans under its senior credit facility. The William Carter Company has also notified the holders of its senior subordinated notes of its intention to redeem $61.3 million of the principal amount of those notes on November 28, 2003.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES:

None

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS:

In August of 2003 the shareholders of Carter Holdings, Inc. acted by unanimous written consent to elect Thomas Whiddon to fill an empty seat on the board of directors of Carter Holdings, Inc. Following that action, the board of directors consisted of Frederick J. Rowan, II, Bradley M. Bloom, Ross M. Jones, David Pulver, Paul Fulton, John R. Welch, and Mr. Whiddon.

On September 30, 2003, the shareholders of Carter Holdings, Inc. acted by unanimous written consent to merge Carter Holdings, Inc. with and into its wholly-owned subsidiary Carter’s, Inc., a Delaware corporation. As a result of the merger, each outstanding share of Carter’s, Inc. was cancelled, and each outstanding share of common stock of Carter Holdings, Inc. was converted into four shares of common stock of Carter’s, Inc.

On October 10, 2003, the shareholders of Carter’s, Inc. acted by majority written consent to (i) approve the company’s 2003 Equity Incentive Plan, which amended and restated the company’s 2001 Equity Incentive Plan and (ii) approve the company’s Amended and Restated Annual Incentive Compensation Plan.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION:

None

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K:

(a) Exhibits:

Exhibit Number		Description of Exhibits

31.1		Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification

31.2		Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification

32		Section 1350 Certification

(b) Reports on Form 8-K: None

SIGNATURES

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

CARTER’S, INC.

Date: November 17, 2003		/s/ FREDERICK J. ROWAN, II
	Frederick J. Rowan, II
	Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer


Date: November 17, 2003		/s/ MICHAEL D. CASEY
	Michael D. Casey
	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer