# Carter’s Forecasts Q4 Sales of $860 Million to $880 Million

By John Kim

Canonical URL: https://www.tokenpost.com/news/business/45197
Published: 2026-10-30T22:37:48.000Z
Updated: 2026-10-30T22:37:48.000Z
Section: Business

> The 13-week outlook follows a 0.7% third-quarter sales decline. Carter’s also reshaped its leadership team and is continuing a brand refresh.

On Oct. 30, Carter’s projected fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 net sales of $860 million to $880 million and announced leadership changes after third-quarter sales declined; the company is continuing a brand refresh launched in September.

The forecast covers 13 weeks and includes adjusted operating income of $74 million to $83 million and adjusted diluted earnings per share of $1.37 to $1.55. The year-earlier fourth quarter lasted 14 weeks and generated $925 million in net sales. Fiscal 2025 also had a 53rd week, which Carter’s estimated added about $37 million in net sales, making the periods less directly comparable.

For the quarter ended Oct. 3, net sales were $752.5 million, compared with $757.8 million a year earlier. U.S. Retail comparable sales increased 0.4%. The result followed a 5.2% year-over-year increase in second-quarter net sales to $615.5 million.

Carter’s forecast fiscal 2026 net sales of $2.91 billion to $2.93 billion, adjusted operating income of $178 million to $187 million, and adjusted diluted earnings per share of $3.05 to $3.23. CEO and President Sharon Price John said the company believes its third-quarter performance puts it on track for full-year gains in net sales, U.S. Retail comparable sales and operating profit, “even as we moderate our revenue outlook.”

The leadership changes combine oversight of North American retail and wholesale under a chief commercial officer. Allison Peterson was named to the role. Sarah Crockett was named chief brand officer, and Emily Evert will serve as chief strategy and business development officer. Maria Gemzell is expected to join as chief product officer in early 2027.

Carter’s has started a search for a standalone chief operating officer. Chief Financial Officer Richard Westenberger will remain in that position and leave the COO role when a successor is appointed.

The company introduced an updated brand identity in September, its first change to the brand look in 25 years. The new promise is “Let every child’s light shine.” Further changes to stores, products and packaging are expected in fiscal 2027.