Return to Year‑Over‑Year Revenue Growth
Q4 net sales of $925,000,000, up 8% versus prior year; on a comparable 13‑week basis (ex. 53rd week) consolidated net sales rose 3% year‑over‑year. This marks the first year‑over‑year revenue growth since 2021 (even excluding the 53rd week).
U.S. Retail Momentum and Comp Strength
U.S. Retail net sales increased 9% in Q4 with comparable sales up 4.7% (third consecutive quarter of comp growth). Ecommerce channel drove strength with double‑digit traffic increases in Q4. Baby category grew for the sixth consecutive quarter.
Improved Realized Pricing and AUR Gains
Consolidated average unit retails (AURs) rose low single digits in Q4 and mid single digits in U.S. Retail. Management attributes roughly half of the AUR improvement to reduced promotions and the other half to less clearance and higher‑price assortment penetration.
Direct‑to‑Consumer and Customer Acquisition
Active consumer counts grew in 2025 (first year of growth since 2021). Management reported meaningful new consumer acquisition, especially among Gen Z and millennial families, with new customers skewing to higher‑income cohorts and adopting higher‑priced 'better and best' product tiers.
International Outperformance
International reported net sales growth of 10% in Q4 (8% constant currency). Mexico grew nearly 30% driven by new stores and double‑digit comps; Canada comps roughly even despite a prior‑year tax holiday.
Profitability and Adjusted Operating Income
Q4 adjusted operating income was $89,000,000 with an adjusted operating margin of ~9.7% (nearly 10%). Management expects adjusted operating income to grow in 2026 (guidance: low‑to‑mid single‑digit growth) as productivity savings and demand investments realize benefits.
Strong Liquidity and Balance Sheet Actions
Year‑end liquidity exceeded $1,000,000,000, including just under $500,000,000 cash on hand. Management completed debt refinancing: issued $575,000,000 of 5‑year senior notes at 7.375% and secured a new $750,000,000 asset‑based revolving credit facility.
Productivity, Fleet Optimization and Operating Improvements
Company executed productivity initiatives (store rationalization, workforce rightsizing, operating model improvements). Plans to close ~60 stores in 2026 (approx. 150 through 2028) and expects ~$35,000,000 in organizational savings this year plus additional savings from store closures and discretionary reductions. Reported faster development cycle (3 months) and a 20%–30% reduction in product choices in key brands.
2026 Top‑Line Guidance
Full‑year 2026 net sales guidance: growth in the low‑to‑mid single digits versus 2025 with all segments expected to grow (U.S. Retail low single‑digit, comps mid single‑digit; U.S. Wholesale mid single‑digit; International mid single‑digit). Q1 net sales expected to increase mid single digits.
Cash Flow and Capital Allocation
Operating cash flow for 2025 was $122,000,000. 2026 operating cash flow is planned at $110,000,000–$120,000,000; CapEx planned at approximately $55,000,000 (Mexico stores, distribution center upgrades, technology). Dividends of $56,000,000 were paid in 2025.