3rd Quarter 1999 Earnings Release

November 11, 1999

 Secaucus, New Jersey - November 11, 1999- The Children's Place Retail Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq: PLCE) today reported record sales and earnings for the third quarter and nine months ended October 30, 1999.

Third Quarter
Net sales increased 45% to $119.4 million, compared with $82.5 million in 1998.
Comparable store sales increased 15% on top of an 18% increase last year.
Net earnings increased 50% to $12.7 million from $8.5 million last year.
Diluted earnings per share increased to $0.48 per share from $0.33 in 1998.
21 new stores opened during the third quarter.

Nine Months
Net sales increased 53% to $286.0 million, compared with $186.5 million in 1998.
Comparable store sales grew 21% on top of a 12% increase in the prior-year period.
Net earnings increased 101% to $21.5 million from $10.7 million last year.
Diluted earnings per share increased to $0.81 per share from $0.42 in 1998.
73 new stores opened during the nine-month period.

"Our achievements are the result of strong customer acceptance of our back-to-school and early holiday merchandise lines that continue to attract new customers and retain their loyalty," said Ezra Dabah, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Our effective program of new store openings in existing and new markets is continuing, and the stores are performing above expectations.In the fourth quarter, we plan to open 11 new stores which will bring us to a total of 84 stores opened in 1999, ending the year at 293 stores. In 2000, we expect to add approximately 100 new stores."

Mr.Dabah concluded, "The third quarter marked the successful transition to our new headquarters and distribution center, further strengthening our infrastructure for planned growth. As we enter the fourth quarter, we look forward to opening the Company's online store at www.childrensplace.com. The site will offer a full line of our apparel and accessories to target a broader customer base with the convenience of multiple sales and service channels."

The Children's Place Retail Stores, Inc. is a leading specialty retailer of high quality, value-priced apparel and accessories for children, newborn to age twelve. The Company designs, contracts to manufacture and sells its products under the "The Children's Place" brand name. As of October 30, 1999, the Company operated 282 stores located primarily in regional shopping malls in the eastern half of the United States.

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements regarding future circumstances. These forward-looking statements are based upon the Company's current expectations and assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in such forward-looking statements including, in particular, the risks and uncertainties described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.

 

THE CHILDREN'S PLACE RETAIL STORES, INC.
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

13 Weeks Ended:
39 Weeks Ended:


 
Oct. 30, 1999


 
Oct.31,1998


 
Oct. 30, 1999


 
Oct. 31, 1998


Net Sales $
119,442
  $
82,496
  $
285,983
  $
186,509
Cost of sales
64,935

 
46,370

 
165,356

 
112,978

Gross profit
54,507
   
36,126
   
120,627
 
73,531
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
28,328
   
18,664
   
71,777
 
46,917
Pre-opening costs
1,156
   
837
   
3,124
 
2,500
Depreciation and amortization
3,310

 
2,006

 
9,497

 
5,477

Operating income
21,713
   
14,619
   
36,229
 
18,637
Interest expense, net
324
   
222
   
135
 
381
Other expense, net
4

 
15

 
49

 
92

Income before income taxes
21,385
   
14,382
   
36,045
 
18,164
Provision for income taxes
8,651

 
5,897

 
14,526

 
7,447

Net income $
12,734

  $
8,485

  $
21,519

  $
10,717

Diluted earnings per share  
0.48
   
0.33
   
0.81
   
0.42
Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding  
26,680
   
25,798
   
26,681
   
25,742

 

THE CHILDREN'S PLACE RETAIL STORES, INC.
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

 
Oct. 30, 1999


 
Oct. 31, 1998


Current assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents $
1,836
  $
1,209
Accounts receivable
6,938
 
3,203
Inventories
57,666
 
40,884
Other current assets
11,420

 
16,101

Total current assets
77,860
 
61,397
Property and equipment, net
83,702
 
41,885
Other assets, net
8,805

 
2,730

Total assets $
170,367

  $
106,012

Current liabilities:

         
Revolving credit facility $
15,139
  $
6,148
Accounts payable  
21,486
   
14,784
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
24,520

 
12,237

Total current liabilities
61,145
 
33,169
Other liabilities
3,918

 
3,027

Total liabilities
65,063
 
36,196
Stockholders' equity
105,304

 
69,816

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $
170,367

  $
106,012

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