Carter's reported stronger fourth-quarter sales driven by higher traffic and price increases, yet it warned that first-quarter earnings would miss analyst forecasts. The children's apparel retailer's performance highlights consumer spending resilience in its core market, though the weak guidance signals potential headwinds ahead. Investors reacted by trimming the company's stock valuation, reflecting concerns about sustaining growth momentum into the new year. Carter's now faces pressure to clarify how it plans to reverse the Q1 slowdown and restore confidence in its strategic direction.