Edgar Filing: CARTERS INC

form10_q.htm

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 APRIL 2, 2011 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)

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 (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, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer, accelerated filer, and smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one)

Large Accelerated Filer (X) Accelerated Filer ( ) Non-Accelerated Filer ( ) Smaller Reporting Company ( )

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ( ) No (X)

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 April 29, 2011
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share		57,761,103

CARTER’S, INC.

INDEX

		Page
Part I. Financial Information

Item 1.	Financial Statements
	Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of April 2, 2011, January 1, 2011, and April 3, 2010		1
	Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three-month periods ended April 2, 2011 and April 3, 2010		2
	Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three-month periods ended April 2, 2011 and April 3, 2010		3
	Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the three-month period ended April 2, 2011		4
	Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements		5
Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		15
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk		25
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures		26

Part II. Other Information

Item 1.	Legal Proceedings		27
Item 1A.	Risk Factors		28
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		33
Item 3.	Defaults upon Senior Securities		33
Item 4.	Removed and Reserved		33
Item 5.	Other Information		33
Item 6.	Exhibits		33
Signatures			34
Certifications			35

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CARTER’S, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(dollars in thousands, except for share data)

(unaudited)

	April 2, 2011			January 1, 2011			April 3, 2010

ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	248,871		$	247,382		$	365,865
Accounts receivable, net		160,057			121,453			118,888
Finished goods inventories, net		217,458			298,509			143,125
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		19,650			17,372			10,439
Deferred income taxes		26,667			31,547			26,352

Total current assets		672,703			716,263			664,669
Property, plant, and equipment, net		92,553			94,968			85,783
Tradenames		305,733			305,733			305,733
Goodwill		136,570			136,570			136,570
Deferred debt issuance costs, net		3,155			3,332			2,189
Licensing agreements, net		--			--			957
Other assets		322			316			307

Total assets	$	1,211,036		$	1,257,182		$	1,196,208

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	$	--		$	--		$	3,503
Accounts payable		53,077			116,481			40,689
Other current liabilities		49,640			66,891			54,230

Total current liabilities		102,717			183,372			98,422
Long-term debt		236,000			236,000			330,145
Deferred income taxes		112,453			113,817			109,018
Other long-term liabilities		46,873			44,057			41,935

Total liabilities		498,043			577,246			579,520

Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock; par value $.01 per share; 100,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding at April 2, 2011, January 1, 2011, and April 3, 2010		--			--			--
Common stock, voting; par value $.01 per share; 150,000,000 shares authorized; 57,761,103, 57,493,567, and 59,390,706 shares issued and outstanding at April 2, 2011, January 1, 2011, and April 3, 2010, respectively		578			575			594
Additional paid-in capital		211,531			210,600			252,990
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(1,890	)		(1,890	)		(3,900	)
Retained earnings		502,774			470,651			367,004

Total stockholders’ equity		712,993			679,936			616,688

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	1,211,036		$	1,257,182		$	1,196,208

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
	April 2, 2011			April 3, 2010

Net sales	$	469,000		$	409,049
Cost of goods sold		311,194			242,239

Gross profit		157,806			166,810
Selling, general, and administrative expenses		113,501			105,295
Royalty income		(9,329	)		(9,654	)

Operating income		53,634			71,169
Interest expense, net		1,850			2,444

Income before income taxes		51,784			68,725
Provision for income taxes		19,661			25,900

Net income	$	32,123		$	42,825

Basic net income per common share (Note 12)	$	0.56		$	0.73
Diluted net income per common share (Note 12)	$	0.55		$	0.71

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 three-month periods ended
	April 2, 2011			April 3, 2010
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	32,123		$	42,825
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		8,130			7,882
Amortization of debt issuance costs		177			280
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense		2,151			1,690
Income tax benefit from exercised stock options		(407	)		(8,263	)
Loss (gain) on disposal/sale of property, plant, and equipment		100			(181	)
Deferred income taxes		3,353			5,469
Effect of changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable		(38,604	)		(36,794	)
Inventories		81,051			70,875
Prepaid expenses and other assets		(2,284	)		673
Accounts payable and other liabilities		(76,496	)		(61,028	)

Net cash provided by operating activities		9,294			23,428

Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures		(6,813	)		(8,223	)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment		--			286

Net cash used in investing activities		(6,813	)		(7,937	)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on Term Loan		--			(875	)
Income tax benefit from exercised stock options		407			8,263
Withholdings from vesting of restricted stock		(1,406	)		(517	)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		7			8,462

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities		(992	)		15,333

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents		1,489			30,824
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		247,382			335,041

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	248,871		$	365,865

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

CARTER’S, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(dollars in thousands, except for share data)

(unaudited)

	Common stock		Additional paid-in capital			Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income			Retained earnings		Total stockholders’ equity

Balance at January 1, 2011	$	575	$	210,600		$	(1,890	)	$	470,651	$	679,936
Exercise of stock options (2,520 shares)		--		7			--			--		7
Withholdings from vesting of restricted stock (49,584 shares)		--		(1,406	)		--			--		(1,406	)
Income tax benefit from exercised stock options		--		407			--			--		407
Restricted stock activity		3		(3	)		--			--		--
Stock-based compensation expense		--		1,926			--			--		1,926
Comprehensive income:
Net income		--		--			--			32,123		32,123
Total comprehensive income		--		--			--			32,123		32,123
Balance at April 2, 2011	$	578	$	211,531		$	(1,890	)	$	502,774	$	712,993

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

CARTER’S, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

NOTE 1 – THE COMPANY:

Carter’s, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “its,” and “our”) design, source, and market branded childrenswear under the Carter’s, Child of Mine, Just One You, Precious Firsts, OshKosh, and related brands. Our products are sourced through contractual arrangements with manufacturers worldwide for wholesale distribution to major domestic retailers, including the mass channel, for our 316 Carter’s and 179 OshKosh retail stores, and our eCommerce business that market our brand name merchandise and other licensed products manufactured by other companies.

NOTE 2 – BASIS OF PREPARATION:

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Carter’s, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

In our opinion, the Company’s accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position as of April 2, 2011 and April 3, 2010, the results of our operations for the three-month periods ended April 2, 2011 and April 3, 2010, cash flows for the three-month periods ended April 2, 2011 and April 3, 2010 and changes in stockholders’ equity for the three-month period ended April 2, 2011. Operating results for the three-month period ended April 2, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2011. Our accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2011 is from our audited consolidated financial statements included in our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).

Certain information and footnote disclosure normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the instructions to Form 10-Q. The accounting policies we follow are set forth in our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K in the notes to our audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2011.

Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday, in December or January, nearest the last day of December. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the first quarter of fiscal 2011 reflect our financial position as of April 2, 2011. The first quarter of fiscal 2010 ended on April 3, 2010.

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to facilitate comparability with current year presentation.

NOTE 3 – COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:

Comprehensive income is summarized as follows:

	For the three-month periods ended
(dollars in thousands)	April 2, 2011		April 3, 2010
Net income	$	32,123	$	42,825
Unrealized gain on interest rate swap agreements, net of tax of $98		--		166
Total comprehensive income	$	32,123	$	42,991

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(unaudited)

NOTE 4 – LONG-TERM DEBT:

Long-term debt consisted of the following:

(dollars in thousands)	April 2, 2011		January 1, 2011		April 3, 2010
Revolving credit facility	$	236,000	$	236,000	$	--
Former term loan		--		--		333,648
Current maturities		--		--		(3,503	)
Total long-term debt	$	236,000	$	236,000	$	330,145

On October 15, 2010, the Company entered into a new $375 million ($130 million sub-limit for letters of credit and a swing line sub-limit of $40 million) revolving credit facility with Bank of America as sole lead arranger and administrative agent, JP Morgan Chase Bank as syndication agent, and other financial institutions. The new revolving credit facility was immediately drawn upon to pay off the Company’s former term loan of $232.2 million and pay transaction fees and expenses of $3.8 million, leaving approximately $130 million available under the revolver for future borrowings (net of letters of credit of approximately $8.6 million). At April 2, 2011 and January 1, 2011, we had approximately $236.0 million in revolver borrowings, exclusive of $8.6 million of outstanding letters of credit, at an effective interest rate of 2.50% and 2.51%, respectively.

The term of the new revolving credit facility expires October 15, 2015. This revolving credit facility provides for two pricing options for revolving loans: (i) revolving loans on which interest is payable quarterly at a base rate equal to the highest of (x) the Federal Funds Rate plus ½ of 1%, (y) the rate of interest in effect for such day as publicly announced from time to time by Bank of America, N.A. as its prime rate, or (z) the Eurodollar Rate plus 1%, plus, in each case, an applicable margin initially equal to 1.25%, which may be adjusted based upon a leverage-based pricing grid ranging from 1.00% to 1.50% and (ii) revolving loans on which interest accrues for one, two, three, six or if, generally available, nine or twelve month interest periods (but is payable not less frequently than every three months) at a rate of interest per annum equal to an adjusted British Bankers Association LIBOR rate, plus an applicable margin initially equal to 2.25%, which may be adjusted based upon a leverage-based pricing grid ranging from 2.00% to 2.50%. Amounts currently outstanding under the revolving credit facility initially accrue interest at a LIBOR rate plus 2.25%.

The new revolving credit facility contains and defines financial covenants, including a lease adjusted leverage ratio (defined as, with certain adjustments, the ratio of the Company’s consolidated indebtedness plus six times rent expense to consolidated net income before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and rent expense (“EBITDAR”)) to exceed (x) if such period ends on or before December 31, 2014, 3.75:1.00 and (y) if such period ends after December 31, 2014, 3.50:1.00; and consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio (defined as, with certain adjustments, the ratio of consolidated EBITDAR to consolidated fixed charges (defined as interest plus rent expense)), for any such period to be less than 2.75:1.00.

The Company’s former senior credit facility was comprised of a $333.6 million term loan (the “former term loan”) and a $125 million revolving credit facility (the “former revolver”) (including a sub-limit for letters of credit of $80 million). There were no borrowings outstanding under the former revolver, exclusive of approximately $8.6 million of outstanding letters of credit at April 3, 2010. Amounts borrowed under the former term loan had an applicable rate of LIBOR + 1.50%, regardless of the Company’s overall leverage level. Interest was payable at the end of interest rate reset periods, which vary in length but in no case exceeded 12 months for LIBOR rate loans and quarterly for prime rate loans. The effective interest rate on former term loan borrowings as of April 3, 2010 was 1.75%.

CARTER’S, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(unaudited)

NOTE 5 – GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS:

Goodwill as of April 2, 2011, represents the excess of the cost of the acquisition of Carter’s, Inc. which was consummated on August 15, 2001 over the fair value of the net assets acquired. Our goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. Our Carter’s goodwill and Carter’s and OshKosh tradenames are deemed to have indefinite lives and are not being amortized.

The Company’s intangible assets were as follows:

		April 2, 2011						January 1, 2011
(dollars in thousands)	Weighted-average useful life	Gross amount		Accumulated amortization		Net amount		Gross amount		Accumulated amortization		Net amount

Carter’s goodwill (1)	Indefinite	$	136,570	$	--	$	136,570	$	136,570	$	--	$	136,570
Carter’s tradename	Indefinite	$	220,233	$	--	$	220,233	$	220,233	$	--	$	220,233
OshKosh tradename	Indefinite	$	85,500	$	--	$	85,500	$	85,500	$	--	$	85,500
OshKosh licensing agreements	4.7 years	$	19,100	$	19,100	$	--	$	19,100	$	19,100	$	--

		April 3, 2010
(dollars in thousands)	Weighted-average useful life	Gross amount		Accumulated amortization		Net amount

Carter’s goodwill (1)	Indefinite	$	136,570	$	--	$	136,570
Carter’s tradename	Indefinite	$	220,233	$	--	$	220,233
OshKosh tradename	Indefinite	$	85,500	$	--	$	85,500
OshKosh licensing agreements	4.7 years	$	19,100	$	18,143	$	957

(1) $51.8 million of which relates to Carter’s wholesale segment, $82.0 million of which relates to Carter’s retail segment, and $2.7 million of which relates to Carter’s mass channel segment.

Amortization expense for intangible assets was approximately $0.8 million for the three-month period ended April 3, 2010. All intangible assets subject to amortization were fully amortized as of January 1, 2011.

NOTE 6 – INCOME TAXES:

The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the United States and in various states and local jurisdictions. Previously, the Internal Revenue Service completed an income tax audit through fiscal 2007. In most cases, the Company is no longer subject to state and local tax authority examinations for years prior to fiscal 2007.

As of April 2, 2011, the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $9.3 million, $6.4 million of which, if ultimately recognized, will impact the Company’s effective tax rate in the period settled. The Company has recorded tax positions for which the ultimate deductibility is highly certain, but for which there is uncertainty about the timing of such deductions. Because of deferred tax accounting, changes in the timing of these deductions would not impact the annual effective tax rate, but would accelerate the payment of cash to the taxing authorities.

Included in the reserves for unrecognized tax benefits as of April 2, 2011, are approximately $2.0 million of reserves for which the statute of limitations is expected to expire in the third or fourth quarter of fiscal 2011. If these tax benefits are ultimately recognized, such recognition, net of federal income taxes, may impact our annual effective tax rate for fiscal 2011 and the effective tax rate in the quarter in which the benefits are recognized.

CARTER’S, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(unaudited)

NOTE 6 – INCOME TAXES: (Continued)

We recognize interest related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of interest expense and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. During the first quarter of fiscal 2011 and 2010, the Company recognized interest expense on uncertain tax positions of approximately $0.1 million. The Company had approximately $0.7 million, $0.6 million, and $0.6 million of interest accrued as of April 2, 2011, January 1, 2011, and April 3, 2010, respectively.

NOTE 7 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:

The Company accounts for its fair value measurements in accordance with accounting guidance which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The fair value hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements is as follows:

Level 1	- Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities

Level 2	- Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable

Level 3	- Inputs that are unobservable (for example, cash flow modeling inputs based on assumptions)

The following table summarizes assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

	April 2, 2011						January 1, 2011						April 3, 2010
(dollars in millions)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3

Assets
Investments	$	175.4	$	--	$	--	$	226.5	$	--	$	--	$	--	$	342.1	$	--

Liabilities
Interest rate swap agreements	$	--	$	--	$	--	$	--	$	--	$	--	$	--	$	1.1	$	--

At April 2, 2011, we had approximately $50.4 million of cash invested in money market deposit accounts ($0.2 million in Bank of America and $50.2 million in JP Morgan) and $125.0 million in U.S. Treasury bills.

At January 1, 2011, we had approximately $151.5 million of cash invested in money market deposit accounts ($73.3 million in Bank of America and $78.2 million in JP Morgan) and $75.0 million in U.S. Treasury bills.

At April 3, 2010, we had approximately $215.1 million invested in a money market deposit account and $127.0 million invested in a Dreyfus Treasury Prime Cash Management fund, which invests only in U.S. Treasury Bills or U.S. Treasury Notes.

Our former senior credit facility required us to hedge at least 25% of our variable rate debt under this facility. The Company historically entered into interest rate swap agreements in order to hedge the risk of interest rate fluctuations. These interest rate swap agreements were designated as cash flow hedges of the variable interest payments on a portion of our variable rate former term loan debt. Our interest rate swap agreements were traded in the over-the-counter market. Fair values were based on quoted market prices for similar assets or liabilities or determined using inputs that use as their basis readily observable market data that are actively quoted and can be validated through external sources, including third-party pricing services, brokers, and market transactions. Our interest rate swap agreements were classified as current as their terms span less than one year.

As of April 3, 2010, approximately $134.8 million of our $333.6 million of outstanding debt was hedged under interest rate swap agreements. In connection with the repayment of the Company’s former term loan, the Company terminated its two remaining interest rate swap agreements totaling $100.0 million originally scheduled to mature in January 2011.

CARTER’S, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(unaudited)

NOTE 7 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS: (Continued)

The fair value of our derivative instruments in our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets were as follows:

	Asset Derivatives			Liability Derivatives

(dollars in millions)	Balance sheet location	Fair value		Balance sheet location	Fair value
April 2, 2011	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	--	Other current liabilities	$	--
January 1, 2011	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	--	Other current liabilities	$	--
April 3, 2010	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	--	Other current liabilities	$	1.1

The effect of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges on our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements was as follows:

	For the three-month period ended April 2, 2011				For the three-month period ended April 3, 2010
(dollars in thousands)	Amount of gain (loss) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on effective hedges (1)		Amount of (loss) gain reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into interest expense		Amount of gain (loss) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on effective hedges (1)		Amount of (loss) gain reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into interest expense

Interest rate hedge agreements	$	--	$	--	$	166	$	(622	)

(1) Amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax benefit of $98,000 for the three-month period ended April 3, 2010.

CARTER’S, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(unaudited)

NOTE 8 – EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS:

Under a defined benefit plan frozen in 1991, we offer a comprehensive post-retirement medical plan to current and certain future retirees and their spouses until they become eligible for Medicare or a Medicare Supplement Plan. We also offer life insurance to current and certain future retirees. Employee contributions are required as a condition of participation for both medical benefits and life insurance and our liabilities are net of these expected employee contributions. See Note 7 “Employee Benefit Plans” to our audited consolidated financial statements in our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information.

The components of post-retirement benefit expense charged to operations are as follows:

	For the three-month periods ended
(dollars in thousands)	April 2, 2011			April 3, 2010

Service cost – benefits attributed to service during the period	$	18		$	23
Interest cost on accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation		106			133
Amortization of net actuarial gain		(5	)		(7	)
Total net periodic post-retirement benefit cost	$	119		$	149

We have an obligation under a defined benefit plan covering certain former officers and their spouses. The component of pension expense charged to operations is as follows:

	For the three-month periods ended
(dollars in thousands)	April 2, 2011		April 3, 2010

Interest cost on accumulated pension benefit obligation	$	8	$	12

Under a defined benefit pension plan frozen as of December 31, 2005, certain current and former employees of OshKosh are eligible to receive benefits. The net periodic pension (benefit) expense associated with this pension plan and included in the statement of operations was comprised of:

	For the three-month periods ended
(dollars in thousands)	April 2, 2011			April 3, 2010

Interest cost on accumulated pension benefit obligation	$	614		$	598
Expected return on assets		(778	)		(719	)
Amortization of actuarial loss		--			34
Total net periodic pension benefit	$	(164	)	$	(87	)

CARTER’S, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(unaudited)

NOTE 9 – COMMON STOCK:

On February 16, 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a share repurchase authorization, pursuant to which the Company was authorized to purchase up to $100 million of its outstanding common shares (the “2007 Authorization”). On June 15, 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase authorization, pursuant to which the Company is authorized to purchase up to an additional $100 million of its outstanding common shares (the “2010 Authorization”). The Company has completed repurchase of outstanding shares in the amount totaling the entire $100 million approved under the 2007 Authorization. Under the 2010 Authorization, the Company has repurchased and retired 1,686,830 shares, or approximately $41.1 million, of its common stock at an average price of $24.37 per share. The total remaining capacity under this authorization was approximately $58.9 million as of April 2, 2011. This authorization has no expiration date.

The Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock during the three-month periods ended April 2, 2011 and April 3, 2010. We have reduced common stock by the par value of such shares repurchased and have deducted the remaining excess repurchase price over par value from additional paid-in capital. Future repurchases may occur from time to time in the open market, in 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.

NOTE 10 – STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION:

Under our 2003 Amended and Restated Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), the compensation committee of our Board of Directors may award incentive stock options (ISOs and non-ISOs), stock appreciation rights (SARs), restricted stock, unrestricted stock, stock deliverable on a deferred basis, performance-based stock awards, and cash payments intended to help defray the cost of awards. Our Compensation Committee approved an amendment to the Plan on February 24, 2011, which, if approved by the shareholders at the Annual Meeting to be held on May 13, 2011, will become effective on that date. The fair value of time-based or performance-based stock option grants are estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing method with the following weighted-average assumptions used for grants issued during the three-month period ended April 2, 2011.

	Assumptions

Volatility		34.96	%
Risk-free interest rate		2.87	%
Expected term (years)		7
Dividend yield		--

The fair value of restricted stock is determined based on the quoted closing price of our common stock on the date of grant.

The following table summarizes our stock option and restricted stock activity during the three-month period ended April 2, 2011:

	Time-based stock options			Restricted stock

Outstanding, January 1, 2011		2,471,486			481,413

Granted		366,600			324,200
Exercised		(2,520	)		--
Vested restricted stock		--			(141,287	)
Forfeited		(21,550	)		(9,600	)
Expired		(5,000	)		--

Outstanding, April 2, 2011		2,809,016			654,726

Exercisable, April 2, 2011		1,746,954			--

CARTER’S, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(unaudited)

NOTE 10 – STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION: (Continued)

During the three-month period ended April 2, 2011, we granted 366,600 time-based stock options with a weighted-average Black-Scholes fair value of $12.00 per share and a weighted-average exercise price of $28.44 per share. In connection with this grant, we recognized approximately $107,000 in stock-based compensation expense during the three-month period ended April 2, 2011.

During the three-month period ended April 2, 2011, we granted 324,200 shares of restricted stock to employees with a weighted-average fair value on the date of grant of $28.43. In connection with this grant, we recognized approximately $177,000 in stock-based compensation expense during the three-month period ended April 2, 2011.

Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to outstanding unvested stock options and unvested restricted stock awards is expected to be recorded as follows:

(dollars in thousands)	Time-based stock options		Restricted stock		Total

2011 (period from April 3 through December 31, 2011)	$	2,715	$	3,871	$	6,586
2012		3,090		4,671		7,761
2013		2,280		3,574		5,854
2014		1,218		2,442		3,660
Total	$	9,303	$	14,558	$	23,861

CARTER’S, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(unaudited)

NOTE 11 – SEGMENT INFORMATION:

We report segment information in accordance with accounting guidance on segment reporting, 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. We report our corporate expenses separately as they are not included in the internal measures of segment operating performance used by the Company in order to measure the underlying performance of our reportable segments.

The table below presents certain segment information for the periods indicated:

	For the three-month periods ended
(dollars in thousands)	April 2, 2011			% of Total			April 3, 2010			% of Total
Net sales:

Carter’s:
Wholesale	$	187,878			40.1	%	$	146,258			35.7	%
Retail (a)		137,862			29.4	%		118,139			28.9	%
Mass Channel		66,636			14.2	%		67,920			16.6	%
Carter’s total net sales		392,376			83.7	%		332,317			81.2	%

OshKosh:
Retail (a)		53,994			11.5	%		55,145			13.5	%
Wholesale		22,630			4.8	%		21,587			5.3	%
OshKosh total net sales		76,624			16.3	%		76,732			18.8	%

Total net sales	$	469,000			100.0	%	$	409,049			100.0	%

Operating income (loss):				% of segment net sales						% of segment net sales

Carter’s:
Wholesale	$	34,707			18.5	%	$	40,297			27.6	%
Retail (a)		27,353			19.8	%		26,143			22.1	%
Mass Channel		5,445			8.2	%		12,794			18.8	%

Carter’s operating income		67,505			17.2	%		79,234			23.8	%

OshKosh:
Retail (a)		(6,073	)		(11.2	%)		1,963			3.6	%
Wholesale		2,625			11.6	%		3,593			16.6	%
Mass Channel (b)		808			--			766			--

OshKosh operating (loss) income		(2,640	)		(3.4	%)		6,322			8.2	%

Segment operating income		64,865			13.8	%		85,556			20.9	%

Corporate expenses (c)		(11,231	)		(2.4	%)		(14,387	)		(3.5	%)

Total operating income	$	53,634			11.4	%	$	71,169			17.4	%

(a)

Includes eCommerce results.

(b)

OshKosh mass channel consists of a licensing agreement with Target Stores. Operating income consists of royalty income, net of related expenses.

(c)

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

CARTER’S, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(unaudited)

NOTE 12 – EARNINGS PER SHARE:

The Company calculates basic and diluted net income per common share in accordance with accounting guidance which requires earnings per share to be calculated pursuant to the two-class method for unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid).

Basic net income per share is calculated by dividing net income for the period by the weighted-average common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income per share includes the effect of dilutive instruments, such as stock options and restricted stock, and uses the average share price for the period in determining the number of shares that are to be added to the weighted-average number of shares outstanding.

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

	For the three-month periods ended
	April 2, 2011			April 3, 2010

Weighted-average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding:
Basic number of common shares outstanding		57,049,228			58,307,332
Dilutive effect of unvested restricted stock		141,851			116,950
Dilutive effect of stock options		694,932			958,484
Diluted number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding		57,866,011			59,382,766

Basic net income per common share:
Net income	$	32,123,000		$	42,825,000
Income allocated to participating securities		(364,477	)		(381,913	)
Net income available to common shareholders	$	31,758,523		$	42,443,087

Basic net income per common share	$	0.56		$	0.73

Diluted net income per common share:
Net income	$	32,123,000		$	42,825,000
Income allocated to participating securities		(360,140	)		(375,790	)
Net income available to common shareholders	$	31,762,860		$	42,449,210

Diluted net income per common share	$	0.55		$	0.71

For the three-month period ended April 2, 2011, anti-dilutive shares of 945,050, were excluded from the computations of diluted earnings per share and for the three-month period ended April 3, 2010, anti-dilutive shares of 581,900 were excluded from the computations of diluted earnings per share.

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 current financial position. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes included elsewhere in this quarterly report.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

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

	Three-month periods ended
	April 2, 2011			April 3, 2010
Net sales:
Carter’s:
Wholesale		40.1	%		35.7	%
Retail		29.4			28.9
Mass Channel		14.2			16.6
Carter’s total net sales		83.7			81.2

OshKosh:
Retail		11.5			13.5
Wholesale		4.8			5.3
OshKosh total net sales		16.3			18.8

Consolidated net sales		100.0	%		100.0	%
Cost of goods sold		66.4			59.2

Gross profit		33.6			40.8
Selling, general, and administrative expenses		24.2			25.7
Royalty income		(2.0	)		(2.3	)

Operating income		11.4			17.4
Interest expense, net		0.4			0.6

Income before income taxes		11.0			16.8
Provision for income taxes		4.2			6.3

Net income		6.8	%		10.5	%

Number of retail stores at end of period:
Carter’s		316			281
OshKosh		179			172
Total		495			453

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: (Continued)

Three-month period ended April 2, 2011 compared to the three-month period ended April 3, 2010

CONSOLIDATED NET SALES

In the first quarter of fiscal 2011, consolidated net sales increased $60.0 million, or 14.7%, to $469.0 million and primarily reflects growth in our Carter’s wholesale and retail segments.

	For the three-month periods ended
(dollars in thousands)	April 2, 2011		% of Total			April 3, 2010		% of Total
Net sales:
Carter’s:
Wholesale	$	187,878		40.1	%	$	146,258		35.7	%
Retail		137,862		29.4	%		118,139		28.9	%
Mass Channel		66,636		14.2	%		67,920		16.6	%
Carter’s total net sales		392,376		83.7	%		332,317		81.2	%

OshKosh:
Retail		53,994		11.5	%		55,145		13.5	%
Wholesale		22,630		4.8	%		21,587		5.3	%
OshKosh total net sales		76,624		16.3	%		76,732		18.8	%

Total net sales	$	469,000		100.0	%	$	409,049		100.0	%

CARTER’S WHOLESALE SALES

Carter’s brand wholesale sales increased $41.6 million, or 28.5%, in the first quarter of fiscal 2011 to $187.9 million. The increase in Carter’s brand wholesale sales was driven primarily by a 34% increase in units shipped, partially offset by a 4% decrease in average price per unit, as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2010. The growth in units shipped was driven by an increase in shipments in the off-price channel and strong over-the-counter performance of our product offerings. Average prices decreased as a result of the increase in off-price sales.

CARTER’S RETAIL STORES

Carter’s retail store sales increased $19.7 million, or 16.7%, in the first quarter of fiscal 2011 to $137.9 million. The increase was driven by incremental sales of $18.3 million generated by new store openings and eCommerce sales and a comparable store sales increase of 1.2%, or $1.4 million.

On a comparable store basis, units per transaction increased 4.6%, transactions decreased 1.8%, and average prices decreased 1.4% as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2010. We believe poor weather and a later Easter holiday as compared to the prior year contributed to the decrease in transactions. The decrease in average prices was due to higher levels of promotional activity.

The Company’s comparable store sales calculations include sales for all stores that were open during the comparable fiscal period, including remodeled stores and certain relocated stores. 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 calculation. If a store relocates to another center, or there is a material change in square footage, such store is treated as a new store. Stores that are closed during the period are included in the comparable store sales calculation up to the date of closing.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2011, we opened ten Carter’s retail stores. As of April 2, 2011, there were 316 Carter’s retail stores. In total, we plan to open 55 and close four Carter’s retail stores during fiscal 2011.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: (Continued)

MASS CHANNEL SALES

Mass channel sales decreased $1.3 million, or 1.9%, in the first quarter of fiscal 2011 to $66.6 million. The decrease was primarily due to a $4.5 million, or 12.8%, decrease in sales of our Child of Mine brand, partially offset by a $3.2 million, or 9.6%, increase in sales of our Just One You brand. The decrease in Child of Mine brand sales was due to seasonal transition issues and timing of shipments, partially offset by new door growth. The increase in Just One You brand sales was largely driven by increased productivity, additional floor space, and earlier demand than a year ago.

OSHKOSH RETAIL STORES

OshKosh retail store sales decreased $1.2 million, or 2.1%, in the first quarter of fiscal 2011 to $54.0 million. The decrease reflects a comparable store sales decline of 9.8%, or $5.2 million, and the impact of store closings of $0.8 million, partially offset by incremental sales of $4.7 million generated by new store openings and eCommerce sales.

On a comparable store basis, transactions decreased 7.9%, average prices decreased 1.3%, and units per transaction decreased 0.9%. We believe poor weather and a later Easter holiday as compared to the prior year contributed to the decrease in transactions. The decrease in average prices was due to higher levels of promotional activity.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2011, we opened two OshKosh retail stores and closed three. As of April 2, 2011, there were 179 OshKosh retail stores. In total, we plan to open four and close three OshKosh retail stores during fiscal 2011.

OSHKOSH WHOLESALE SALES

OshKosh brand wholesale sales increased $1.0 million, or 4.8%, in the first quarter of fiscal 2011 to $22.6 million. The increase in OshKosh brand wholesale sales reflects a 5% increase in units shipped as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2010 and was driven by an increase in shipments in the off-price channel. The average price per unit was comparable with the first quarter of fiscal 2010.

GROSS PROFIT

Our gross profit decreased $9.0 million, or 5.4%, to $157.8 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2011. Gross margin decreased 720 basis points from 40.8% in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 to 33.6% in the first quarter of fiscal 2011.

The decrease in gross profit as a percentage of net sales primarily reflects:

Approximately $28 million in higher product costs primarily related to increases in cotton prices and labor rates; and

ii)

$3.4 million in excess inventory provisions.

The Company includes distribution costs in its selling, general, and administrative expenses. Accordingly, the Company’s gross profit may not be comparable to other companies that include such distribution costs in their cost of goods sold.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: (Continued)

SELLING, GENERAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

Selling, general, and administrative expenses in the first quarter of fiscal 2011 increased $8.2 million, or 7.8%, to $113.5 million. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general, and administrative expenses in the first quarter of fiscal 2011 improved to 24.2% as compared to 25.7% in the first quarter of fiscal 2010.

The improvement in selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales reflects:

Controlling growth in spending to a lower rate than growth in net sales;

ii)

$4.2 million in lower provisions for performance-based compensation; and

iii)

$0.8 million reduction in amortization expenses.

Partially offsetting these reductions were:

$7.2 million, or 12.9%, in consolidated retail expense driven by new store growth; and

ii)

$3.5 million in incremental eCommerce operating expenses.

ROYALTY INCOME

We license the use of our Carter’s, Just One You, Child of Mine, OshKosh B’gosh, OshKosh, and Genuine Kids from OshKosh brand names. Royalty income from these brands in the first quarter of fiscal 2011 was approximately $9.3 million (including $2.2 million of international royalty income), a decrease of $0.3 million, or 3.4%, as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2010. This decrease resulted from lower levels of licensed sales of our Child of Mine brand.

OPERATING INCOME

Operating income decreased $17.5 million, or 24.6%, to $53.6 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2011. The decrease in operating income was due to the factors described above.

INTEREST EXPENSE, NET

Interest expense in the first quarter of fiscal 2011 decreased $0.6 million, or 24.3%, to $1.9 million. The decrease is primarily attributable to lower weighted average borrowings. Weighted-average borrowings in the first quarter of fiscal 2011 were $236.0 million at an effective interest rate, including amortization of debt issuance costs, of 3.3%, compared to weighted-average borrowings in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 of $334.2 million at an effective interest rate of 3.0%. In the first quarter of fiscal 2010, we recorded $0.6 million in interest expense related to our interest rate swap agreements.

INCOME TAXES

Our effective tax rate was 38% for the first quarter of fiscal 2011 and 37.7% for the first quarter of fiscal 2010.

NET INCOME

As a result of the factors described above, our net income for the first quarter of fiscal 2011 decreased $10.7 million, or 25.0%, to $32.1 million as compared to $42.8 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2010.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: (Continued)

FINANCIAL CONDITION, CAPITAL RESOURCES, AND LIQUIDITY

Our primary cash needs are working capital and capital expenditures. Our primary source of liquidity will continue to be cash and cash equivalents on hand, cash flow from operations, and borrowings under our revolving credit facility, and we expect that these sources will fund our ongoing requirements for working capital and capital expenditures. These sources of liquidity may be impacted by events described in our risk factors, as further discussed in Part II, Item 1A of this filing.

Net accounts receivable at April 2, 2011 were $160.1 million compared to $118.9 million at April 3, 2010 and $121.5 million at January 1, 2011. The increase as compared to April 3, 2010 primarily reflects higher levels of wholesale sales in the latter part of the first quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2010. Due to the seasonal nature of our operations, the net accounts receivable balance at April 2, 2011 is not comparable to the net accounts receivable balance at January 1, 2011.

Net inventories at April 2, 2011 were $217.5 million compared to $143.1 million at April 3, 2010 and $298.5 million at January 1, 2011. The increase of $74.3 million, or 51.9%, as compared to April 3, 2010 is due to increased product costs and forecasted growth in each of our business segments. Due to the seasonal nature of our operations, net inventories at April 2, 2011 are not comparable to net inventories at January 1, 2011.

Product costs can vary depending on the underlying cost of raw materials, such as cotton and polyester, and the level of labor and transportation costs. A substantial portion of the Company’s products utilize cotton based fabrics, the cost of which has recently reached historically high levels. Additionally, labor costs have increased across Asia, particularly in China, where the Company currently sources more than 50% of its products. Furthermore, transportation costs to bring product to the United States have risen due to higher fuel costs and limited capacity in the marketplace. The Company purchases finished goods largely from foreign suppliers and pays its suppliers in U.S. currency. Consequently, the Company’s product costs have been adversely impacted by the devaluation of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies. These inflationary and currency risk factors have begun to result in higher costs of goods sold and inventory levels, and have adversely impacted our profitability and cash flows from operations. We expect that higher product costs will continue to adversely impact our profitability and cash flow through at least fiscal 2011.

Net cash provided by operating activities for the first quarter of fiscal 2011 was $9.3 million compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $23.4 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2010. The decrease in operating cash flow primarily reflects decreased earnings and changes in net working capital.

We invested $6.8 million in capital expenditures during the first quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to $8.2 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2010. We plan to invest approximately $50 million in capital expenditures during fiscal 2011, primarily for retail store openings and investments in information technology.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: (Continued)

At April 2, 2011, we had approximately $236.0 million in revolver borrowings, exclusive of $8.6 million of outstanding letters of credit. Weighted-average borrowings for the first quarter of fiscal 2011 were $236.0 million at an effective rate, including amortization of debt issuance costs, of 3.3% as compared to weighted-average borrowings of $334.2 million at an effective rate of 3.0% in the first quarter of fiscal 2010.

Our operating results are subject to risk from interest rate fluctuations on our revolving credit facility, which carries variable interest rates. As of April 2, 2011, our outstanding variable rate debt aggregated approximately $236.0 million. An increase or decrease of 1% in the applicable rate would increase or decrease our annual interest cost by approximately $2.4 million and could have an adverse effect on our earnings and cash flow.

Based on our current outlook, we believe that cash generated from operations and available cash, together with amounts available under our revolving credit facility, will be adequate to meet our working capital needs and capital expenditure requirements for the foreseeable future, although no assurance can be given in this regard. We may, however, need to refinance all or a portion of the principal amount, if any, outstanding under our revolving credit facility on or before October 15, 2015.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: (Continued)

EFFECTS OF INFLATION AND DEFLATION

The Company is subject to both inflationary and deflationary risks. With respect to inflation, the Company is experiencing, and expects to continue to experience for the foreseeable future, increases in the cost of its products, driven by increases in underlying component costs, such as cotton, polyester, labor rates, and transportation costs. The Company’s product costs have also been adversely impacted by the devaluation of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies. These inflationary and currency risk factors have begun to result in higher costs of goods sold and inventory levels. Although we plan to raise our selling prices on some of our products, we do not expect in the near term to be able to fully absorb these cost increases and our profitability will be adversely impacted.

In recent years, the Company has also experienced deflationary pressure on its selling prices, in part driven by intense price competition in the young children’s apparel industry. In this environment there is a risk that customers will not accept our price increases. If the Company is unable to effectively raise selling prices to help offset higher production costs, the adverse effect on our profitability may be even greater than anticipated.

SEASONALITY

We experience seasonal fluctuations in our sales and profitability due to the timing of certain holidays and key retail shopping periods, generally resulting in lower sales and gross profit in the first half of our fiscal year. Our consolidated net sales over the past five fiscal years have typically been generated in the second half of our fiscal year (approximately 57%). Accordingly, our results of operations during the first half of the year may not be indicative of the results we expect for the full year.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

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

Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 2 to our audited consolidated financial statements in our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K. The following discussion addresses our critical accounting policies and estimates, which are those policies that require management’s most difficult and subjective judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain.

Revenue recognition: We recognize wholesale, mass channel, and eCommerce revenue after shipment of products to customers, when title passes, when all risks and rewards of ownership have transferred, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. In certain cases, in which we retain the risk of loss during shipment, revenue recognition does not occur until the goods have reached the specified customer. In the normal course of business, we grant certain accommodations and allowances to our wholesale and mass channel customers to assist these customers with inventory clearance or promotions. Such amounts are reflected as a reduction of net sales and are recorded based upon agreements with customers, historical trends, and annual forecasts. Retail store revenues are recognized at the point of sale. We reduce revenue for estimated customer returns and deductions. We also maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make payments and other actual and estimated deductions. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, an additional allowance could be required. Past due balances over 90 days are reviewed individually for collectability. Our credit and collections department reviews all other balances regularly. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when we believe it is probable the receivable will not be recovered.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: (Continued)

We contract with a third-party service to provide us with the fair value of cooperative advertising arrangements entered into with certain of our major wholesale and mass channel customers. Such fair value is determined based upon, among other factors, comparable market analysis for similar advertisements. In accordance with accounting guidance on consideration given by a vendor to a customer/reseller, we have included the fair value of these arrangements of approximately $0.2 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2011 and $0.5 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 as a component of selling, general, and administrative expenses on the accompanying audited consolidated statement of operations rather than as a reduction of revenue. Amounts determined to be in excess of the fair value of these arrangements are recorded as a reduction of net sales.

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

Goodwill and tradename: As of April 2, 2011, we had approximately $136.6 million in Carter’s goodwill and $305.7 million of aggregate value related to the Carter’s and OshKosh tradename assets. The fair value of the Carter’s tradename was estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis at the time of the acquisition of Carter’s, Inc. which was consummated on August 15, 2001. The particular discounted cash flow approach utilized the hypothetical cost savings that accrue as a result of our ownership of the tradename. The fair value of the OshKosh tradename was also estimated at its acquisition date using an identical discounted cash flow analysis. The Carter’s and OshKosh tradenames were determined to have indefinite lives.

The carrying values of the goodwill and tradename assets are subject to annual impairment reviews in accordance with accounting guidance on goodwill and other intangible assets, as of the last day of each fiscal year. Impairment reviews may also be triggered by any significant events or changes in circumstances affecting our business. Factors affecting such impairment reviews include the continued market acceptance of our offered products and the development of new products. We use discounted cash flow models to determine the fair value of these assets, using assumptions we believe hypothetical marketplace participants would use. For indefinite-lived intangible assets, if the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, an impairment charge is recognized in the amount equal to that excess. We do not believe there were any triggering events as of April 2, 2011 that would require us to perform an updated impairment review.

We perform impairment tests of our goodwill at our reporting unit level, which is consistent with our operating segments. The goodwill impairment test consists of a two-step process, if necessary. The first step is to compare the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. We use discounted cash flow models to determine the fair value of a reporting unit. The assumptions used in these models are consistent with those we believe hypothetical marketplace participants would use. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the second step of the impairment test must be performed in order to determine the amount of impairment loss, if any. The second step compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment charge is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The loss recognized cannot exceed the carrying amount of goodwill.

A deterioration of macroeconomic conditions may not only negatively impact the estimated operating cash flows used in our cash flow models, but may also negatively impact other assumptions used in our analyses, including, but not limited to, the estimated cost of capital and/or discount rates. Additionally, as discussed above, in accordance with accounting guidance, we are required to ensure that assumptions used to determine fair value in our analyses are consistent with the assumptions a hypothetical marketplace participant would use. As a result, the cost of capital and/or discount rates used in our analyses may increase or decrease based on market conditions and trends, regardless of whether our actual cost of capital has changed. Therefore, we may recognize an impairment of an intangible asset or assets even though realized actual cash flows are approximately equal to or greater than our previously forecasted amounts.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: (Continued)

Accrued expenses: Accrued expenses for workers’ compensation, incentive compensation, health insurance, 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.

Loss contingencies: We record accruals for various contingencies including legal exposures as they arise in the normal course of business. In accordance with accounting guidance on contingencies, we determine whether to disclose and accrue for loss contingencies based on an assessment of whether the risk of loss is remote, reasonably possible or probable. Our assessment is developed in consultation with our internal and external counsel and other advisors and is based on an analysis of possible outcomes under various strategies. Loss contingency assumptions involve judgments that are inherently subjective and can involve matters that are in litigation, which, by its nature is unpredictable. We believe that our assessment of the probability of loss contingencies is reasonable, but because of the subjectivity involved and the unpredictable nature of the subject matter at issue, our assessment may prove ultimately to be incorrect, which could materially impact our consolidated financial statements.

Accounting for income taxes: As part of the process of preparing the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements, we are required to estimate our actual current tax exposure (state, federal, and foreign). We assess our income tax positions and record tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon management’s evaluation of the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting dates. For those uncertain tax positions where it is “more likely than not” that a tax benefit will be sustained, we have recorded the largest amount of tax benefit with a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. For those income tax positions where it is not “more likely than not” that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit has been recognized in the financial statements. Where applicable, associated interest is also recognized. We also assess permanent and temporary differences resulting from differing bases and treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes, such as the carrying value of intangibles, deductibility of expenses, depreciation of property, plant, and equipment, stock-based compensation expense, and valuation of inventories. Temporary differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included within our consolidated balance sheets. We must then assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income. Actual results could differ from this assessment if sufficient taxable income is not generated in future periods. To the extent we determine the need to establish a valuation allowance or increase such allowance in a period, we must include an expense within the tax provision in the accompanying audited consolidated statement of operations.

Employee benefit plans: We sponsor a defined contribution plan, a frozen defined benefit pension plan and other unfunded post-retirement plans. The defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans require an actuarial valuation to determine plan obligations and related periodic costs. We use independent actuaries to assist with these calculations. Plan valuations require economic assumptions, including expected rates of return on plan assets, discount rates to value plan obligations, employee demographic assumptions including mortality rates, and changes in health care costs. The actuarial assumptions used may differ materially from actual results due to changing market and economic conditions. Actual results that differ from the actuarial assumptions are reflected as unrecognized gains and losses. Unrecognized gains and losses that exceed 10% of the greater of the plan’s projected benefit obligations or market value of assets are amortized to earnings over the estimated service life of the remaining plan participants.

The most significant assumption used to determine the Company’s projected benefit obligation under its post-retirement life and medical plan under which retirement benefits were frozen in 1991 is the discount rate used to determine the plan’s projected benefit obligation.

See Note 7, “Employee Benefits Plans,” to our audited consolidated financial statements, in our most recently filed Annual Report in Form 10-K for further details on rates and assumptions.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: (Continued)

Stock-based compensation arrangements: The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with the fair value recognition provisions of accounting guidance on share-based payments. The Company adopted this guidance using the modified prospective application method of transition. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which requires the use of subjective assumptions. These assumptions include the following:

Volatility – This is a measure of the amount by which a stock price has fluctuated or is expected to fluctuate. The Company uses actual monthly historical changes in the market value of our stock covering the expected life of stock options being valued. An increase in the expected volatility will increase compensation expense.

Risk-free interest rate – This is the U.S. Treasury rate as of the grant date having a term equal to the expected term of the stock option. An increase in the risk-free interest rate will increase compensation expense.

Expected term – This is the period of time over which the stock options granted are expected to remain outstanding and is based on historical experience and estimated future exercise behavior. Separate groups of employees that have similar historical exercise behavior are considered separately for valuation purposes. An increase in the expected term will increase compensation expense.

Dividend yield – The Company does not have plans to pay dividends in the foreseeable future. An increase in the dividend yield will decrease compensation expense.

Forfeitures – The Company estimates forfeitures of stock-based awards based on historical experience and expected future activity.

Changes in the subjective assumptions can materially affect the estimate of fair value of stock-based compensation and consequently, the related amount recognized in the accompanying audited consolidated statement of operations.

The Company accounts for its performance-based awards in accordance with accounting guidance on share-based payments and records stock-based compensation expense over the vesting term of the awards that are expected to vest based on whether it is probable that the performance criteria will be achieved. The Company reassesses the probability of vesting at each reporting period for awards with performance criteria and adjusts stock-based compensation expense based on its probability assessment.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements contained herein that relate to our future performance, including, without limitation, statements with respect to our anticipated results of operations or level of business for fiscal 2011 or any other future period, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. 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 should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated, or projected. These risks are described herein under Item 1A of Part II. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

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 risk and interest rates. These risks and our strategies to manage our exposure to them are discussed below.

We contract for production with third parties primarily in Asia 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 (loss) in future years. In order to manage this risk, we source products from over 100 vendors in over 15 countries, providing us with flexibility in our production should significant fluctuations occur between the United States dollar 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 our revolving credit facility, which carries variable interest rates. As of April 2, 2011, our outstanding variable rate debt aggregated approximately $236.0 million. An increase or decrease of 1% in the applicable rate would increase or decrease our annual interest cost by $2.4 million and could have an adverse effect on our net income (loss) and cash flow.

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. As we rely exclusively on our full-package global sourcing network, we could incur more of these termination charges, which could increase our cost of goods sold and have a material impact on our business.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined under Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) 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 effective as of April 2, 2011.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS:

A shareholder class action lawsuit was filed on September 19, 2008 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia entitled Plymouth County Retirement System v. Carter’s, Inc., No. 1:08-CV-02940-JOF (the “Plymouth Action”). The Amended Complaint filed on May 12, 2009 in the Plymouth Action asserted claims under Sections 10(b), 20(a), and 20A of the 1934 Securities Exchange Act, and alleged that between February 1, 2006 and July 24, 2007, the Company and certain current and former executives made material misrepresentations to investors regarding the successful integration of OshKosh into the Company’s business, and that the share price of the Company’s stock later fell when the market learned that the integration had not been as successful as represented. Defendants in the Plymouth Action filed a motion to dismiss the Amended Complaint for failure to state a claim under the federal securities laws on July 17, 2009, and briefing of that motion was complete on October 22, 2009.

A separate shareholder class action lawsuit was filed on November 17, 2009 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia entitled Mylroie v. Carter’s, Inc., No. 1:09-CV-3196-JOF (the “Mylroie Action”). The initial Complaint in the Mylroie Action asserted claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the 1934 Securities Exchange Act, and alleged that between April 27, 2004 and November 10, 2009, the Company and certain current and former executives made material misstatements to investors regarding the Company’s accounting for discounts offered to some wholesale customers. The Court consolidated the Plymouth Action and the Mylroie Action on November 24, 2009 (the “Consolidated Action”). On March 15, 2010, the plaintiffs in the Consolidated Action filed their amended and consolidated complaint. The Company filed a motion to dismiss on April 30, 2010, and briefing of the motion was complete on July 23, 2010.

On March 16, 2011, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia granted without prejudice the Company’s motion to dismiss all of the claims in the amended and consolidated complaint in the Consolidated Action for failure to state a claim under the federal securities laws. The Court set a deadline of May 16, 2011 for the plaintiffs to file any amended complaint. The Company intends to vigorously defend against any claim or claims the plaintiffs assert in any amended complaint filed in the Consolidated Action.

A shareholder derivative lawsuit was filed on May 25, 2010 in the Superior Court of Fulton County, Georgia, entitled Alvarado v. Bloom, No. 2010-cv-186118 (the “Alvarado Action”). The Complaint in the Alvarado Action alleges, among other things, that certain current and former directors and executives of the Company breached their fiduciary duties to the Company in connection with the Company’s accounting for discounts offered to some wholesale customers. The Company is named solely as a nominal defendant against whom the plaintiff seeks no recovery. Pursuant to a series of stipulations, the parties have agreed to defer the time by which defendants are to respond to the Complaint pending the timely close of the pleadings, if any, in the Consolidated Action referenced above.

The Company is subject to various other claims and pending or threatened lawsuits in the normal course of our business. The Company is not currently party to any other 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:

You should carefully consider each of the following risk factors as well as the other information contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and other filings with the SEC in evaluating our business. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently consider immaterial may also impact our business operations. If any of the following risks actually occur, our operating results may be affected.

Risks Relating to Our Business

The loss of one or more of our major customers could result in a material loss of revenues.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2011, we derived approximately 38% of our consolidated net sales from our top eight customers, including mass channel customers. No one customer represented greater than 10% of our consolidated net sales in the first quarter of fiscal 2011. We do not enter into long-term sales contracts with our major customers, relying instead on long-standing relationships and on our position in the marketplace. As a result, we face the risk that one or more of our major customers may significantly decrease their business with us or terminate their relationships with us. Any such decrease or termination of our major customers’ business could result in a material decrease in our sales and operating results.

The acceptance of our products in the marketplace is affected by consumers’ tastes and preferences, along with fashion trends.

We believe that continued success depends on our ability to provide a unique and compelling value proposition for our consumers in the Company’s distribution channels. There can be no assurance that the demand for our products will not decline, or that we will be able to successfully and timely evaluate and adapt our products to changes in consumers’ tastes and preferences or fashion trends. If consumers’ tastes and preferences are not aligned with our product offerings, promotional pricing may be required to move seasonal merchandise. Increased use of promotional pricing would have a material adverse effect on our sales, gross margin, and results of operations.

The value of our brand, and our sales, could be diminished if we are associated with negative publicity.

Although our employees, agents, and third-party compliance auditors periodically visit and monitor the operations of our vendors, independent manufacturers, and licensees, we do not control these vendors, independent manufacturers, licensees, or their labor practices. A violation of our vendor policies, licensee agreements, labor laws, or other laws by these vendors, independent manufacturers, or licensees could interrupt or otherwise disrupt our supply chain or damage our brand image. As a result, negative publicity regarding our Company, brands or products, including licensed products, could adversely affect our reputation and sales.

In addition, the Company’s brand image, which is associated with providing a consumer product with outstanding quality and name recognition, makes it valuable as a royalty source. The Company is able to generate royalty income from the sale of licensed products that bear its Carter’s, Just One Year, Just One You, Precious Firsts, Child of Mine, OshKosh, OshKosh Est. 1895, Genuine Kids, and related trademarks. The Company also generates foreign royalty income as our OshKosh B’gosh label carries an international reputation for quality and American style. While the Company takes significant steps to ensure the reputation of its brand is maintained through its license agreements, there can be no guarantee that the Company’s brand image will not be negatively impacted through its association with products outside of the Company’s core apparel products.

We may incur substantial costs as a result of litigation, investigations or other proceedings, including those related to our previously filed restatements.

We are currently involved in litigation matters and investigations and may be subject to additional actions in the future. As disclosed in the Company’s amended and restated Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2008, we announced on November 10, 2009, that our Audit Committee, with the assistance of outside counsel, had commenced a review of customer margin support provided by the Company and an investigation into undisclosed margin support commitments and related matters. The Company self-reported information concerning this investigation to the SEC in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 and has also been informed that the United States Attorney’s Office is conducting an investigation into this matter. In December 2010, the Company and the SEC entered into a non-prosecution agreement pursuant to which the SEC agreed not to charge the Company with any violations of the federal securities laws, commence any enforcement action against the Company, or require the Company to pay any financial penalties in connection with the SEC’s investigation of customer margin support provided by the Company, conditioned upon the Company’s continued cooperation with the SEC’s investigation and with any related enforcement proceedings. The Company has incurred, and expects to continue to incur, substantial expenses for legal and accounting services due to the SEC and United States Attorney’s Office investigations and any resulting litigation. These matters have diverted in the past, and may continue to divert in the future, management’s time and attention away from operations and cause the Company to continue to incur substantial costs. The Company also may bear additional costs to the extent it is required, under the terms of organizational documents or under Delaware law, to indemnify former officers of the Company in respect of costs they incur in connection with any proceedings related to these matters. At this point, the Company is unable to predict the duration, costs, scope or result of these matters.

As described in more detail in Part II - Item 1 of this filing, the Company is also currently subject to two class action lawsuits and a derivative shareholder action lawsuit, as well as various other claims and pending or threatened lawsuits in the normal course of our business. We have only limited amounts of insurance, which may not provide coverage to offset a negative judgment or a settlement payment, which could be substantial. We may be unable to obtain additional insurance in the future, or we may be unable to do so on favorable terms. Our insurers may also dispute our claims for coverage. Further, these lawsuits may result in diversion of management's time and attention, the expenditure of large amounts of cash on legal fees and other expenses, and injury to our reputation, all of which may adversely affect our operations and financial condition.

The Company’s databases containing personal information of our retail customers could be breached, which could subject us to adverse publicity, litigation, and expenses. In addition, if we are unable to comply with security standards created by the banks and payment card industry, our operations could be adversely affected.

Database privacy, network security, and identity theft are matters of growing public concern. In an attempt to prevent unauthorized access to our network and databases containing confidential, third-party information, we have installed privacy protection systems, devices, and activity monitoring on our network. Nevertheless, if unauthorized parties gain access to our networks or databases, they may be able to steal, publish, delete, or modify our private and sensitive third-party information. In such circumstances, we could be held liable to our customers or other parties or be subject to regulatory or other actions for breaching privacy rules. This could result in costly investigations and litigation, civil or criminal penalties, and adverse publicity that could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, and reputation. Further, if we are unable to comply with the security standards, established by banks and payment card industry, we may be subject to fines, restrictions, and expulsion from card acceptance programs, which could adversely affect our retail operations.

Increased production costs and deflationary pressures on our selling prices may adversely affect our results.

The Company’s product costs, driven by inflation in significant component costs such as cotton, polyester, labor, and transportation, have increased and are expected to continue to increase for the foreseeable future. Our product costs have also been adversely impacted by the devaluation of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies. These inflationary and currency risk factors have begun to result in higher costs of goods sold and inventory levels. Although we plan to raise our selling prices on some of our products, we do not expect in the near term to be able to fully absorb these cost increases and our profitability will be adversely impacted. In recent years, the Company has also experienced deflationary pressure on its selling prices, in part driven by intense price competition in the young children’s apparel industry. In this environment there is a risk that customers will not accept our price increases. If the Company is unable to effectively raise selling prices to help offset higher production costs, the adverse effect on our profitability may be even greater than anticipated.

Our business is sensitive to overall levels of consumer spending, particularly in the young children’s apparel segment.

Consumers’ demand for young children’s apparel, specifically brand name apparel products, is impacted by the overall level of consumer spending. Discretionary consumer spending is impacted by employment levels, gasoline and utility costs, business conditions, availability of consumer credit, tax rates, interest rates, levels of consumer indebtedness, and overall levels of consumer confidence. Recent and further reductions in the level of discretionary spending may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s sales and results of operations.

We source substantially all of our products through foreign production arrangements. Our dependence on foreign supply sources could result in disruptions to our operations in the event of political instability, unfavorable economic conditions, international events, or new foreign regulations and such disruptions may increase our cost of goods sold and decrease gross profit.

We source substantially all of our products through a network of vendors primarily in Asia, coordinated by our sourcing agents. The following could disrupt our foreign supply chain, increase our cost of goods sold, decrease our gross profit, or impact our ability to get products to our customers:

·financial instability of one or more of our major vendors;

·political instability or other international events resulting in the disruption of trade in foreign countries from which we source our products;

·increases in transportation costs as a result of increased fuel prices or significant changes in the relationship between carrier capacity and shipper demand;

·interruptions in the supply, or increases in the cost of raw materials, including cotton, fabric, and trim items;

·significant changes in the cost of labor in our sourcing locations;

·the imposition of new regulations relating to imports, duties, taxes, and other charges on imports;

·the occurrence of a natural disaster, unusual weather conditions, or an epidemic, the spread of which may impact our ability to obtain products on a timely basis;

·changes in the United States customs procedures concerning the importation of apparel products;

·unforeseen delays in customs clearance of any goods;

·disruption in the global transportation network such as a port strike, world trade restrictions, or war;

·the application of foreign intellectual property laws;

·the ability of our vendors to secure sufficient credit to finance the manufacturing process including the acquisition of raw materials; and

·exchange rate fluctuations between the United States dollar and the local currencies of foreign contractors.

These and other events beyond our control could interrupt our supply chain and delay receipt of our products into the United States.

We source all of our products through a network of vendors. We have limited control over these vendors and we may experience delays, product recalls or loss of revenues if our products do not meet our quality standards or regulatory requirements.

Our vendors, independent manufacturers, and licensees may not continue to provide products that are consistent with our standards. We have occasionally received, and may in the future continue to receive, shipments of product that fail to conform to our quality control standards. A failure in our quality control program may result in diminished product quality, which may result in increased order cancellations and returns, decreased consumer demand for our products, or product recalls, any of which may have a material adverse affect on our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, notwithstanding our strict quality control procedures, because we do not control our vendors, products that fail to meet our standards, or other unauthorized products, could end up in the marketplace without our knowledge. This could materially harm our brand and our reputation in the marketplace.

Our products are subject to regulation of and regulatory standards set by various governmental authorities including the Consumer Product Safety Commission, with respect to quality and safety. Regulations and standards in this area are currently in place. These regulations and standards may change from time to time. Our inability, or that of our vendors, to comply on a timely basis with regulatory requirements could result in significant fines or penalties, which could adversely affect our reputation and sales. Issues with the quality and safety of merchandise we sell in our stores, regardless of our culpability, or customer concerns about such issues, could result in damage to our reputation, lost sales, uninsured product liability claims or losses, merchandise recalls, and increased costs.

The loss of a sourcing agent could negatively impact our ability to timely deliver our inventory supply and disrupt our business, which may adversely affect our operating results.

One sourcing agent manages approximately 90% of our inventory purchases. Although we believe that other buying agents could be retained, the loss of this buying agent could delay our ability to timely receive inventory supply and disrupt our business, which could result in a material adverse effect on our operating results.

We operate in a highly competitive market and the size and resources of some of our competitors may allow them to compete more effectively than we can, resulting in a loss of market share and, as a result, a decrease in revenue and gross profit.

The baby and young children's apparel market is highly competitive. Both branded and private label manufacturers compete in the baby and young children's apparel market. Our primary competitors in our wholesale and mass channel businesses include Disney, Gerber, and private label product offerings. Our primary competitors in the retail store channel include Old Navy, The Gap, The Children’s Place, Gymboree, 77kids, and Disney. Because of the fragmented nature of the industry, we also compete with many other manufacturers and retailers. Some of our competitors have greater financial resources and larger customer bases than we have and are less financially leveraged than we are. As a result, these competitors may be able to:

·adapt to changes in customer requirements more quickly;

·take advantage of acquisition and other opportunities more readily;

·devote greater resources to the marketing and sale of their products; and

·adopt more aggressive pricing strategies than we can.

The Company’s retail success and future growth is dependent upon identifying locations and negotiating appropriate lease terms for retail stores.

The Company’s retail stores are located in leased retail locations across the country. Successful operation of a retail store depends, in part, on the overall ability of the retail location to attract a consumer base sufficient to make store sales volume profitable. If the Company is unable to identify new retail locations with consumer traffic sufficient to support a profitable sales level, retail growth may consequently be limited. Further, if existing outlet and brand stores do not maintain a sufficient customer base that provides a reasonable sales volume or the Company is unable to negotiate appropriate lease terms for the retail stores, there could be a material adverse impact on the Company’s sales, gross margin, and results of operations.

Profitability could be negatively impacted if we do not adequately forecast the demand for our products and, as a result, create significant levels of excess inventory or insufficient levels of inventory.

If the Company does not adequately forecast demand for its products and purchases inventory to support an inaccurate forecast, the Company could experience increased costs due to the need to dispose of excess inventory or lower profitability due to insufficient levels of inventory.

We may not achieve sales growth plans, cost savings, and other assumptions that support the carrying value of our intangible assets.

As of April 2, 2011, the Company had Carter’s goodwill of $136.6 million, a $220.2 million Carter’s brand tradename asset, and an $85.5 million OshKosh brand tradename asset on its consolidated balance sheet. The carrying value of these assets is subject to annual impairment reviews as of the last day of each fiscal year or more frequently, if deemed necessary, due to any significant events or changes in circumstances.

Estimated future cash flows used in these impairment reviews could be negatively impacted if we do not achieve our sales plans, planned cost savings, and other assumptions that support the carrying value of these intangible assets, which could result in potential impairment of the remaining asset value.

The Company’s success is dependent upon retaining key individuals within the organization to execute the Company’s strategic plan.

The Company’s ability to attract and retain qualified executive management, marketing, merchandising, design, sourcing, operations, and support function staffing is key to the Company’s success. If the Company were unable to attract and retain qualified individuals in these areas, an adverse impact on the Company’s growth and results of operations may result.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURTIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS:

N/A

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES:

N/A

ITEM 4. REMOVED AND RESERVED:

N/A

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION:

N/A

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS:

(a) Exhibits:

Exhibit Number	Description of Exhibits

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

SIGNATURES

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

CARTER’S, INC.


Date: April 29, 2011	/s/ MICHAEL D. CASEY
	Michael D. Casey
	Chief Executive Officer
	(Principal Executive Officer)


Date: April 29, 2011	/s/ RICHARD F. WESTENBERGER
	Richard F. Westenberger
	Executive Vice President and
	Chief Financial Officer
	(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)