Carter's Appoints Sharon Price John as CEO
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: May 01 2026
0mins
Carter's (CRI) announced the appointment of Sharon Price John as Chief Executive Officer and President, effective June 15, 2026. John will also be appointed as a member of the Carter's Board of Directors on the effective date. John will join Carter's following the conclusion of her 13-year tenure as Chief Executive Officer and President of Build-A-Bear Workshop (BBW)
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Analyst Views on CRI
Wall Street analysts forecast CRI stock price to fall
3 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
0 Hold
2 Sell
Moderate Sell
Current: 35.330
Low
25.00
Averages
34.67
High
50.00
Current: 35.330
Low
25.00
Averages
34.67
High
50.00
About CRI
Carter's, Inc. is a marketer of young children's apparel in North America. Its segments include U.S. Retail, U.S. Wholesale, and International. The U.S. Retail segment includes sales of products in the United States through its retail stores and eCommerce websites. The U.S. Wholesale segment consists of sales in the United States of products to its wholesale partners. The International segment includes sales of products outside the United States, through its retail stores and e-commerce websites in Canada and Mexico, and sales to its international wholesale customers and licensees. It owns Carter's and OshKosh B'gosh brands. These brands are sold in department stores, national chains, and specialty retailers domestically and internationally. They are also sold through nearly 1,000 Company-operated stores in the United States, Canada, and Mexico and online at www.carters.com, www.oshkosh.com, www.cartersoshkosh.ca, and www.carters.com.mx. It also owns Little Planet and Skip Hop brands.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Carter's (CRI) Q1 2026 Earnings Transcript
See More
Carter's Q1 2026 Earnings Exceed Expectations Amid Leadership Transition
- Leadership Transition: Carter's announced the departure of CEO Doug Palladini, with Sharon Price John set to take over next month, which may impact the company's strategic direction and market confidence.
- Performance Exceeds Expectations: The first quarter net sales reached $681 million, an 8% year-over-year increase, although earnings per share of $0.39 fell from $0.43 last year, indicating sales growth amid profitability pressures.
- Margin Pressure: The gross margin for the first quarter decreased to 43.1%, down over 300 basis points year-over-year due to tariff impacts, which is expected to continue affecting future profitability.
- Cautious Market Outlook: Management reiterated full-year sales and earnings guidance, expecting net sales growth in the low to mid-single digits for 2025, while facing challenges from a consumer increasingly focused on price, indicating ongoing market uncertainties.
See More
Carter's Q1 Earnings Announcement Scheduled
- Earnings Release Date: Carter's (CRI) is set to announce its Q1 earnings on May 6 before market open, with a consensus EPS estimate of $0.13, reflecting an 80.3% year-over-year decline, indicating significant profitability challenges for the company.
- Revenue Expectations: The revenue estimate stands at $660.8 million, representing a 4.9% year-over-year increase, suggesting some market resilience despite the overall growth being modest, which may reflect stable consumer demand.
- Historical Performance Review: Over the past two years, Carter's has beaten EPS estimates 88% of the time and revenue estimates 75% of the time, indicating a strong track record in financial forecasting that could bolster investor confidence.
- Expectation Revision Dynamics: In the last three months, there have been no upward revisions to EPS estimates and five downward revisions, while revenue estimates saw five upward revisions, indicating market divergence regarding Carter's future performance, which may influence investor decisions.
See More
Carter's Appoints New CEO, Outlook for Fiscal 2026
- New CEO Appointment: Carter's Inc. announced that Sharon Price John will become the CEO and President effective June 15, 2026, joining the board, which is expected to bring new leadership and strategic direction to the company.
- Transition Arrangements: Richard F. Westenberger will serve as interim CEO and President during the transition while continuing his roles as CFO and COO, ensuring operational continuity within the company.
- Rich Leadership Experience: Sharon Price John led 13 years of growth and profitability at Build-A-Bear Workshop and has held leadership roles at Stride Rite, Hasbro, and Mattel, which is anticipated to provide Carter's with valuable industry insights.
- Financial Outlook Reaffirmed: Carter's reaffirmed its Q1 and full-year fiscal 2026 outlook, planning to report earnings on May 6, 2026, demonstrating the company's confidence in its future performance.
See More
Carter's Appoints New CEO and Reaffirms Financial Outlook
- New CEO Appointment: Carter's has appointed Sharon Price John as CEO, effective June 15, 2026, bringing a wealth of experience from her successful tenure at Build-A-Bear, which is expected to drive new growth for the company.
- Transition Period Management: Richard F. Westenberger will serve as interim CEO, ensuring a smooth transition before John's arrival, reflecting the company's commitment to leadership stability during this critical period.
- Financial Outlook Reaffirmed: The company reaffirmed its first quarter and full-year fiscal 2026 outlook, demonstrating confidence in future performance, with results set to be announced on May 6, 2026.
- Brand Value Enhancement: John emphasized Carter's leadership in the children's apparel market and plans to enhance brand value and market share by addressing the evolving needs of modern families.
See More
Carter's to Report Q1 Fiscal 2026 Results on May 6
- Earnings Report Schedule: Carter's, Inc. will release its Q1 fiscal 2026 results before the market opens on May 6, 2026, providing crucial insights into the company's financial performance for investors.
- Conference Call Timing: The company will host a conference call at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on the same day to discuss the results and update on business developments, enhancing transparency and investor relations.
- Online Listening Options: Investors can access a live webcast and accompanying presentation materials via the company's website ir.carters.com, ensuring timely information dissemination and understanding.
- Brand and Market Position: As North America's largest apparel company for babies and young children, Carter's boasts well-known brands like Carter's and OshKosh B'gosh, sold through over 1,000 stores and various e-commerce platforms, solidifying its market leadership.
See More
Carter's (CRI) Q1 2026 Earnings Transcript
See More
Carter's Q1 2026 Earnings Exceed Expectations Amid Leadership Transition
- Leadership Transition: Carter's announced the departure of CEO Doug Palladini, with Sharon Price John set to take over next month, which may impact the company's strategic direction and market confidence.
- Performance Exceeds Expectations: The first quarter net sales reached $681 million, an 8% year-over-year increase, although earnings per share of $0.39 fell from $0.43 last year, indicating sales growth amid profitability pressures.
- Margin Pressure: The gross margin for the first quarter decreased to 43.1%, down over 300 basis points year-over-year due to tariff impacts, which is expected to continue affecting future profitability.
- Cautious Market Outlook: Management reiterated full-year sales and earnings guidance, expecting net sales growth in the low to mid-single digits for 2025, while facing challenges from a consumer increasingly focused on price, indicating ongoing market uncertainties.
See More
Carter's Q1 Earnings Announcement Scheduled
- Earnings Release Date: Carter's (CRI) is set to announce its Q1 earnings on May 6 before market open, with a consensus EPS estimate of $0.13, reflecting an 80.3% year-over-year decline, indicating significant profitability challenges for the company.
- Revenue Expectations: The revenue estimate stands at $660.8 million, representing a 4.9% year-over-year increase, suggesting some market resilience despite the overall growth being modest, which may reflect stable consumer demand.
- Historical Performance Review: Over the past two years, Carter's has beaten EPS estimates 88% of the time and revenue estimates 75% of the time, indicating a strong track record in financial forecasting that could bolster investor confidence.
- Expectation Revision Dynamics: In the last three months, there have been no upward revisions to EPS estimates and five downward revisions, while revenue estimates saw five upward revisions, indicating market divergence regarding Carter's future performance, which may influence investor decisions.
See More
Carter's Appoints New CEO, Outlook for Fiscal 2026
- New CEO Appointment: Carter's Inc. announced that Sharon Price John will become the CEO and President effective June 15, 2026, joining the board, which is expected to bring new leadership and strategic direction to the company.
- Transition Arrangements: Richard F. Westenberger will serve as interim CEO and President during the transition while continuing his roles as CFO and COO, ensuring operational continuity within the company.
- Rich Leadership Experience: Sharon Price John led 13 years of growth and profitability at Build-A-Bear Workshop and has held leadership roles at Stride Rite, Hasbro, and Mattel, which is anticipated to provide Carter's with valuable industry insights.
- Financial Outlook Reaffirmed: Carter's reaffirmed its Q1 and full-year fiscal 2026 outlook, planning to report earnings on May 6, 2026, demonstrating the company's confidence in its future performance.
See More
Carter's Appoints New CEO and Reaffirms Financial Outlook
- New CEO Appointment: Carter's has appointed Sharon Price John as CEO, effective June 15, 2026, bringing a wealth of experience from her successful tenure at Build-A-Bear, which is expected to drive new growth for the company.
- Transition Period Management: Richard F. Westenberger will serve as interim CEO, ensuring a smooth transition before John's arrival, reflecting the company's commitment to leadership stability during this critical period.
- Financial Outlook Reaffirmed: The company reaffirmed its first quarter and full-year fiscal 2026 outlook, demonstrating confidence in future performance, with results set to be announced on May 6, 2026.
- Brand Value Enhancement: John emphasized Carter's leadership in the children's apparel market and plans to enhance brand value and market share by addressing the evolving needs of modern families.
See More
Carter's to Report Q1 Fiscal 2026 Results on May 6
- Earnings Report Schedule: Carter's, Inc. will release its Q1 fiscal 2026 results before the market opens on May 6, 2026, providing crucial insights into the company's financial performance for investors.
- Conference Call Timing: The company will host a conference call at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on the same day to discuss the results and update on business developments, enhancing transparency and investor relations.
- Online Listening Options: Investors can access a live webcast and accompanying presentation materials via the company's website ir.carters.com, ensuring timely information dissemination and understanding.
- Brand and Market Position: As North America's largest apparel company for babies and young children, Carter's boasts well-known brands like Carter's and OshKosh B'gosh, sold through over 1,000 stores and various e-commerce platforms, solidifying its market leadership.
See More
