Washington, D.C. 20549

______________________________________________________

(Mark One)

For the quarterly period ended April 30, 2016

For the transition period from               to              

Commission file number 0-23071

______________________________________________________

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

(201) 558-2400

(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes  x No  o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes  x No  o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer", "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one).

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes  o No  x

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's common stock with a par value of $0.10 per share, as of May 23, 2016 was 18,874,098 shares.

THE CHILDREN'S PLACE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED APRIL 30, 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

THE CHILDREN'S PLACE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

See accompanying notes to these condensed consolidated financial statements.

THE CHILDREN'S PLACE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

See accompanying notes to these condensed consolidated financial statements.

THE CHILDREN'S PLACE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

See accompanying notes to these condensed consolidated financial statements.

THE CHILDREN'S PLACE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited) (In thousands)

See accompanying notes to these condensed consolidated financial statements.

THE CHILDREN'S PLACE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited) (In thousands)

See accompanying notes to these condensed consolidated financial statements.

THE CHILDREN'S PLACE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP") for interim financial information and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").  Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the annual consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted.

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position of The Children's Place, Inc. (the "Company") as of April 30, 2016 and May 2, 2015 and the results of its consolidated operations and cash flows for the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2016 and May 2, 2015 . The consolidated financial position as of January 30, 2016 was derived from audited financial statements.  Due to the seasonal nature of the Company's business, the results of operations for the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2016 and May 2, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of operating results for a full fiscal year.  These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2016 .

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period financial statements to conform to the current period presentation.

Terms that are commonly used in the Company's notes to condensed consolidated financial statements are defined as follows:

Short-term Investments

Short-term investments consist of investments which the Company expects to convert into cash within one year, including time deposits, which have original maturities greater than 90 days. The Company classifies its investments in securities at the time of purchase as held-to-maturity and reevaluates such classifications on a quarterly basis. Held-to-maturity investments consist of securities that the Company has the intent and ability to retain until maturity. These securities are recorded at cost and adjusted for the amortization of premiums and discounts, which approximates fair value. Cash inflows and outflows related to the sale and purchase of investments are classified as investing activities in the Company's consolidated statements of cash flows. All of the Company's short-term investments are U.S. dollar denominated time deposits with banking institutions in Hong Kong that have six month maturity dates.

Stock-based Compensation

The Company generally grants time vesting stock awards ("Deferred Awards") and performance-based stock awards ("Performance Awards") to employees at management levels.  The Company also grants Deferred Awards to its non-employee directors.  Deferred Awards are granted in the form of a defined number of restricted stock units that require each recipient to complete a service period. Deferred Awards generally vest ratably over three years, except for those granted to non-employee directors, which generally vest after one year. Performance Awards are granted in the form of a defined range of restricted stock units which have performance criteria that must be achieved for the awards to vest (the "Target Shares") in addition to a service period requirement. For Performance Awards issued during fiscal 2014 and 2015 (the "2014 and 2015 Performance Awards"), an employee may earn from 0% to 300% of their Target Shares based on the achievement of adjusted earnings per share for a cumulative three-fiscal year performance period and our total shareholder return ("TSR") relative to that of companies in our peer group. The 2014 and 2015 Performance Awards cliff vest, if earned, after completion of the applicable three year performance period.  The 2014 and 2015 Performance Awards grant date fair value was estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation covering the period from the valuation date through the end of the applicable performance period using our simulated stock price as well as the TSR of companies in our peer group. For Performance Awards issued during fiscal 2016

(the "2016 Performance Awards"), an employee may earn from 0% to 200% of their Target Shares based on the achievement of adjusted earnings per share for a cumulative three-fiscal year performance period and adjusted operating margin expansion and adjusted return on invested capital achieved at the end of the performance period. The 2016 Performance Awards cliff vest, if earned, after completion of the three-year performance period. The fair value of the 2016 Performance Awards granted is based on the closing price of our common stock on the grant date. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized ratably over the related service period reduced for estimated forfeitures of those awards not expected to vest due to employee turnover. Stock-based compensation expense, as it relates to Performance Awards, is also adjusted based on the Company's estimate of adjusted earnings per share, adjusted operating margin expansion and adjusted return on invested capital as they occur.

Deferred Compensation Plan

The Company has a deferred compensation plan (the "Deferred Compensation Plan"), which is a nonqualified plan, for eligible senior level employees.  Under the plan, participants may elect to defer up to 80% of his or her base salary and/or up to 100% of his or her bonus to be earned for the year following the year in which the deferral election is made.  The Deferred Compensation Plan also permits members of the Board of Directors to elect to defer payment of all or a portion of their retainer and other fees to be earned for the year following the year in which a deferral election is made.  In addition, eligible employees and directors of the Company may also elect to defer payment of any shares of Company stock that is earned with respect to stock-based awards.  Directors may elect to have all or a certain portion of their fees earned for their service on the Board invested in shares of the Company's common stock.  Such elections are irrevocable.  The Company is not required to contribute to the Deferred Compensation Plan, but at its sole discretion, can make additional contributions on behalf of the participants. Deferred amounts are not subject to forfeiture and are deemed invested among investment funds offered under the Deferred Compensation Plan, as directed by each participant.  Payments of deferred amounts (as adjusted for earnings and losses) are payable following separation from service or at a date or dates elected by the participant at the time the deferral is elected.  Payments of deferred amounts are generally made in either a lump sum or in annual installments over a period not exceeding 15.0 years.  All deferred amounts are payable in the form in which they were made except for board fees invested in shares of the Company's common stock, which will be settled in shares of Company common stock.  Earlier distributions are not permitted except in the case of an unforeseen hardship.

The Company has established a rabbi trust that serves as an investment to shadow the Deferred Compensation Plan liability. The assets of the rabbi trust are general assets of the Company and as such, would be subject to the claims of creditors in the event of bankruptcy or insolvency.  Investments of the rabbi trust consist of mutual funds and Company common stock.  The Deferred Compensation Plan liability, excluding Company common stock, is included in other long-term liabilities and changes in the balance, except those relating to payments, are recognized as compensation expense.  The value of the mutual funds is included in other assets and related earnings and losses are recognized as investment income or loss, which is included in selling, general and administrative expenses.  Company stock deferrals are included in the equity section of the Company's consolidated balance sheet as treasury stock and as a deferred compensation liability.  Deferred stock is recorded at fair market value at the time of deferral and any subsequent changes in fair market value are not recognized.

The Deferred Compensation Plan liability, excluding Company stock, at fair value, was approximately $0.7 million , $0.7 million , and $0.5 million at April 30, 2016 , January 30, 2016 and May 2, 2015 , respectively.  The value of the Deferred Compensation Plan assets was approximately $0.7 million , $0.7 million and $0.3 million at April 30, 2016 , January 30, 2016 and May 2, 2015 , respectively.  Company stock was $2.0 million , $1.9 million , and $1.7 million at April 30, 2016 , January 30, 2016 and May 2, 2015 , respectively.

Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations

In accordance with the " Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations " topic of the FASB ASC, the Company records its exit and disposal costs at fair value to terminate an operating lease or contract when termination occurs before the end of its term and without future economic benefit to the Company. In cases of employee termination benefits, the Company recognizes an obligation only when all of the following criteria are met:

During the first quarter of fiscal 2012, management approved a plan to exit its distribution center in Ontario, California (the "West Coast DC") and move the operations to its distribution center in Fort Payne, Alabama (the "Southeast DC"). The Company ceased operations at the West Coast DC in May 2012. The lease of the West Coast DC expired in March 2016.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2012, management approved a plan to close the Company's distribution center in Dayton, New Jersey ("Northeast DC") and move the operations to its Southeast DC. The Company ceased operations in the Northeast DC during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012. The lease of the Northeast DC expires in January 2021 and the Company has subleased this facility through January 2021.

The following table provides details of the remaining accruals for the West Coast DC and Northeast DC as of April 30, 2016 , of which approximately $0.3 million was included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and approximately $0.3 million was included in other long-term liabilities (dollars in thousands):

Fair Value Measurement and Financial Instruments

The "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure" topic of the FASB ASC provides a single definition of fair value, together with a framework for measuring it, and requires additional disclosure about the use of fair value to measure assets and liabilities.

This topic defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date and establishes a three-level hierarchy, which encourages an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.  The three levels of the hierarchy are defined as follows:

The Company's cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, assets of the Company's Deferred Compensation Plan, accounts receivable, accounts payable and credit facility are all short-term in nature. As such, their carrying amounts approximate fair value and fall within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. The Company stock that is included in the Deferred Compensation Plan is not subject to fair value measurement.

The Company's assets and liabilities include foreign exchange forward contracts that are measured at fair value using observable market inputs such as forward rates, the Company's credit risk and our counterparties' credit risks. Based on these inputs, the Company's derivative assets and liabilities are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

The Company's assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include long-lived assets. The Company reviews the carrying amounts of such assets when events indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Any resulting asset impairment would require that the asset be recorded at its fair value. The resulting fair value measurements of the assets are considered to fall within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In March 2016, the FASB issued guidance relating to the accounting for share-based payment transactions. This guidance involves several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classifications of awards as either equity or liabilities and classification on the statement of cash flows. The standard is effective for the Company beginning in its fiscal year 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and early adoption is permitted. We are currently reviewing the potential impact of this standard.

In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance relating to the accounting for leases. This guidance applies a right of use model that requires a lessee to record, for all leases with a lease term of more than 12 months, an asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term and a liability to make lease payments. The lease term is the noncancellable period of the lease, and includes both periods covered by an option to extend the lease, if the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise that option, and periods covered by an option to terminate the lease, if the lessee is reasonably certain not to exercise that termination option. The standard is effective for the Company beginning in its fiscal year 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and early adoption is permitted. We are currently reviewing the potential impact of this standard.

In November 2015, the FASB issued guidance relating to balance sheet classification of deferred taxes. Currently, entities are required to present deferred tax assets and liabilities as current and noncurrent on the balance sheet. This guidance simplifies the current guidance by requiring entities to classify all deferred tax assets and liabilities, together with any related valuation allowance, as noncurrent on the balance sheet. The standard is effective for the Company beginning in its fiscal year 2018, with early adoption permitted, and may be applied prospectively or retrospectively. The adoption is not expected to impact the Company's consolidated financial statements other than the change in presentation of deferred tax assets and liabilities within its consolidated balance sheets.

In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance relating to revenue recognition from contracts with customers. This guidance requires entities to recognize revenue in a way that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. In August 2015, the FASB issued guidance to defer the effective date by one year and, therefore, the standard is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2017 and is to be applied retrospectively. We are currently reviewing the potential impact of this standard.

The Company's Board of Directors has authorized the following share repurchase programs active during the First Quarter 2016 and the First Quarter 2015 : (1) $100 million on March 3, 2014 (the "2014 Share Repurchase Program"); (2) $100 million on January 7, 2015 (the "2015 Share Repurchase Program"); and (3) $250 million on December 8, 2015 (the "2015 $250 Million Share Repurchase Program"). The 2014 Share Repurchase Program and the 2015 Share Repurchase Program have been completed. At April 30, 2016 , there was approximately $227.1 million remaining on the 2015 $250 Million Share Repurchase Program. Under the 2015 $250 Million Share Repurchase Program, the Company may repurchase shares in the open market at current market prices at the time of purchase or in privately negotiated transactions. The timing and actual number of shares repurchased under a program will depend on a variety of factors including price, corporate and regulatory requirements, and other market and business conditions. The Company may suspend or discontinue a program at any time, and may thereafter reinstitute purchases, all without prior announcement.

Pursuant to the Company's practice, including due to restrictions imposed by the Company's insider trading policy during black-out periods, the Company withholds and retires shares of vesting stock awards and makes payments to taxing authorities as required by law to satisfy the withholding tax requirements of certain recipients. The Company's payment of the withholding taxes in exchange for the retired shares constitutes a purchase of its common stock. The Company also acquires shares of its common stock in conjunction with liabilities owed under the Company's Deferred Compensation Plan, which are held in treasury.

The following table summarizes the Company's share repurchases (in thousands):

In accordance with the " Equity " topic of the FASB ASC, the par value of the shares retired is charged against common stock and the remaining purchase price is allocated between additional paid-in capital and retained earnings.  The portion charged against additional paid-in capital is done using a pro rata allocation based on total shares outstanding.  Related to all shares retired during the First Quarter 2016 and the First Quarter 2015 , approximately $38.5 million and $34.0 million , respectively, were charged to retained earnings.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2014 the Company's Board of Directors first authorized a quarterly cash dividend. The First Quarter 2016 dividend of $0.20 per share was paid on April 28, 2016 to shareholders of record on the close of business on April 7, 2016. Related to the First Quarter 2016 dividend, $4.0 million was charged to retained earnings, of which $3.8 million related to cash dividends paid and $0.2 million related to dividend share equivalents on unvested Deferred Awards and Performance Awards. Related to the First Quarter 2015 dividend, $3.2 million was charged to retained earnings, of which $3.1 million related to cash dividends paid and $0.1 million related to dividend share equivalents on unvested Deferred Awards and Performance Awards.

The Company's Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share to be paid on July 7, 2016 to shareholders of record on the close of business on June 16, 2016. Future declarations of quarterly dividends and the establishment of future record and payment dates are subject to approval by the Company's Board of Directors based on a number of factors, including business and market conditions, the Company's future financial performance and other investment priorities.

The following table summarizes the Company's stock-based compensation expense (in thousands):

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The Company recognized a tax benefit related to stock-based compensation expense of approximately $2.6 million and $1.5 million for the First Quarter 2016 and the First Quarter 2015 , respectively.

Awards Granted During the First Quarter 2016

The Company granted Deferred Awards and Performance Awards to various executives and members of our Board of Directors during the First Quarter 2016 . Awards were also granted in connection with new hires and contractual obligations. Generally, the Deferred Awards have a three year vesting period with one third of the award vesting annually. Generally, the Deferred Awards granted to the Board of Directors vest after one year. Performance Awards granted have a three-year performance period, and, if earned, vest upon completion of the three-year performance period. Depending on the final adjusted earnings per share achieved for the cumulative three-year performance period and adjusted operating margin expansion and adjusted return on invested capital achieved at the end of the performance period, the percentage of Target Shares earned range from 0% to 200%.

Changes in the Company's Unvested Stock Awards during the First Quarter 2016

Deferred Awards

Total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested Deferred Awards approximated $11.7 million as of April 30, 2016 , which will be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.9 years.

Performance Awards

____________________________________________

For those awards in which the performance period is not yet complete, the number of unvested shares in the table above is based on the participants earning their Target Shares at 100% ; however, the cumulative expense recognized reflects changes in estimated adjusted earnings per share, adjusted operating margin expansion and adjusted return on invested capital as they occur. Total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested Performance Awards approximated $24.9 million as of April 30, 2016 , which will be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.2 years.

Stock Options

At April 30, 2016 , there were no unvested stock options.

Outstanding Stock Options

Changes in the Company's outstanding stock options for the First Quarter 2016 were as follows:

The following table reconciles net income and share amounts utilized to calculate basic and diluted net income per common share (in thousands):

Antidilutive stock awards (stock options, Deferred Awards and Performance Awards) represent those awards that are excluded from the earnings per share calculation as a result of their antidilutive effect in the application of the treasury stock method in accordance with the " Earnings per Share" topic of the FASB ASC. 

Property and equipment consist of the following (in thousands):

At April 30, 2016 , the Company performed impairment testing on 1,053 stores with a total net book value of approximately $108.2 million . At May 2, 2015 , the Company performed impairment testing on 1,051 stores with a total net book value of approximately $130.0 million .

As of April 30, 2016 , January 30, 2016 and May 2, 2015 , the Company had approximately $4.4 million , $6.1 million and $3.2 million , respectively, in property and equipment for which payment had not yet been made.  These amounts are included in Accounts payable and Accrued expenses and other current liabilities.

6. CREDIT FACILITY

The Company and certain of its domestic subsidiaries maintain a credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association ("Wells Fargo"), Bank of America, N.A., HSBC Business Credit (USA) Inc., and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as lenders (collectively, the "Lenders") and Wells Fargo, as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent and Swing Line Lender (the "Credit Agreement"). The Credit Agreement was amended on September 15, 2015 and the provisions below reflect the amended and extended Credit Agreement.

The Credit Agreement, which expires in September 2020, consists of a $250 million asset based revolving credit facility, with a $50 million sublimit for standby and documentary letters of credit and an uncommitted accordion feature that could

provide up to $50 million of additional availability. Revolving credit loans outstanding under the Credit Agreement bear interest, at the Company's option, at:

The Company is charged an unused line fee of 0.25% on the unused portion of the commitments.  Letter of credit fees range from 0.625% to 0.75% for commercial letters of credit and range from 0.75% to 1.00% for standby letters of credit.  Letter of credit fees are determined based on the amount of the Company's average excess availability under the facility. The amount available for loans and letters of credit under the Credit Agreement is determined by a borrowing base consisting of certain credit card receivables, certain trade and franchise receivables, certain inventory and the fair market value of certain real estate, subject to certain reserves.

The outstanding obligations under the Credit Agreement may be accelerated upon the occurrence of certain events, including, among others, non-payment, breach of covenants, the institution of insolvency proceedings, defaults under other material indebtedness and a change of control, subject, in the case of certain defaults, to the expiration of applicable grace periods.  The Company is not subject to any early termination fees. 

The Credit Agreement contains covenants, which include conditions on stock buybacks and the payment of cash dividends or similar payments.  Credit extended under the Credit Agreement is secured by a first priority security interest in substantially all of the Company's U.S. assets excluding intellectual property, software, equipment and fixtures.

As of April 30, 2016 , the Company has capitalized an aggregate of approximately $4.3 million in deferred financing costs related to the Credit Agreement. The unamortized balance of deferred financing costs at April 30, 2016 was approximately $1.2 million . Unamortized deferred financing costs are amortized over the remaining term of the Credit Agreement. In conjunction with amending the agreement in September 2015, the Company paid $0.3 million in additional deferred financing costs.

The table below presents the components (in millions) of the Company's credit facility:

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During the First Quarter 2016 , neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries became a party to, nor did any of their property become the subject of, any material legal proceedings, and there were no material developments to any legal proceedings previously reported in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2016 .

The Company is also involved in various legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, any ultimate liability arising out of these proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

The Company computes income taxes using the liability method. This method requires recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities, measured by enacted rates, attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement and income tax basis of assets and liabilities. The Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities are comprised largely of differences relating to depreciation, rent expense, inventory and various accruals and reserves.

The Company's effective tax rate for the First Quarter 2016 was 34.3% compared to 32.2% during the First Quarter 2015 . The increase in the effective tax rate is due to the mix of income by jurisdiction and a tax benefit recorded for a reserve release in the First Quarter 2015 , partially offset by a decrease in non-deductible expenses for fiscal 2016. The Company recognized less than $0.1 million in each of the First Quarter 2016 and First Quarter 2015 , respectively, of additional interest expense related to its unrecognized tax benefits. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.

The Company is subject to tax in the United States and foreign jurisdictions, including Canada and Hong Kong. The Company, joined by its domestic subsidiaries, files a consolidated income tax return for Federal income tax purposes. The Company, with certain exceptions, is no longer subject to income tax examinations by U.S. Federal, state and local or foreign tax authorities for tax years 2011 and prior.

Management believes that an adequate provision has been made for any adjustments that may result from tax examinations; however, the outcome of tax audits cannot be predicted with certainty. If any issues addressed in the Company's tax audits are resolved in a manner not consistent with management's expectations, the Company could be required to adjust its provision for income tax in the period such resolution occurs.

The Company is exposed to gains and losses resulting from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates attributable to inventory purchases denominated in a foreign currency. Specifically, our Canadian subsidiary's functional currency is the Canadian dollar, but purchases inventory from suppliers in US dollars. In order to mitigate the variability of cash flows associated with certain of these forecasted inventory purchases, we began entering into foreign exchange forward contracts in the second quarter of fiscal 2015. These contracts typically mature within 12 months. We do not use forward contracts to engage in currency speculation and we do not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.

The Company accounts for all of its derivatives and hedging activity under the "Derivatives and Hedging" topic of the FASB ASC.

Under the Company's risk management policy and in accordance with guidance under the topic, in order to qualify for hedge accounting treatment, a derivative must be considered highly effective at offsetting changes in either the hedged item's cash flows or fair value. Additionally, the hedge relationship must be documented to include the risk management objective and strategy, the hedging instrument, the hedged item, the risk exposure, and how hedge effectiveness will be assessed prospectively and retrospectively. The Company formally measures effectiveness of its hedging relationships both at the hedge inception and on an ongoing basis. The Company would discontinue hedge accounting under a foreign exchange forward contract prospectively (i) if management determines that the derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of a hedged item, (ii) when the derivative expires or is terminated, (iii) if the forecasted transaction being hedged by the derivative is no longer probable of occurring, or (iv) if management determines that designation of the derivative as a hedge instrument is no longer appropriate.

All derivative instruments are presented at gross fair value on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets within either Prepaid expenses and other current assets or Accrued expenses and other current liabilities. As of April 30, 2016 the Company had foreign exchange forward contracts with an aggregate notional amount of $22.8 million and the fair value of the derivative

instruments was an asset of $0.4 million and a liability of less than $0.1 million . As these foreign exchange forward contracts are measured at fair value using observable market inputs such as forward rates, the Company's credit risk and our counterparties' credit risks, they are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. Cash settlements related to these forward contracts are recorded in Cash Flows from Operating Activities within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of Other Comprehensive Income ("OCI") and reclassified into earnings within Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Gains and losses on the derivative representing hedge ineffectiveness are recognized in earnings within Selling, general & administrative expenses, consistent with where the Company records realized and unrealized foreign currency gains and losses on transactions in foreign denominated currencies. Losses related to hedge ineffectiveness during the First Quarter 2016 were approximately $0.1 million . Assuming April 30, 2016 exchange rates remain constant, $0.2 million of gains, net of tax, related to hedges of these transactions are expected to be reclassified from OCI into earnings over the next 12 months. Changes in fair value associated with derivatives that are not designated and qualified as cash flow hedges are recognized as earnings within Selling, general & administrative expenses.

The Company enters into foreign exchange forward contracts with major banks and has risk exposure in the event of nonperformance by either party. However, based on our assessment, the Company believes that obligations under the contracts will be fully satisfied. Accordingly, there was no requirement to post collateral or other security to support the contracts as of April 30, 2016 .

The following table presents the components of the Company's interest expense, net (in thousands):

In accordance with the " Segment Reporting " topic of the FASB ASC, the Company reports segment data based on geography: The Children's Place U.S. and The Children's Place International.  Each segment includes an e-commerce business located at www.childrensplace.com .  Included in The Children's Place U.S. segment are the Company's U.S. and Puerto Rico based stores and revenue from the Company's U.S. based wholesale customers. Included in The Children's Place International segment are the Company's Canadian based stores, revenue from the Company's Canadian wholesale customer and revenue from international franchisees. The Company measures its segment profitability based on operating income, defined as income before interest and taxes.  Net sales and direct costs are recorded by each segment.  Certain inventory procurement functions such as production and design as well as corporate overhead, including executive management, finance, real estate, human resources, legal, and information technology services are managed by The Children's Place U.S. segment.  Expenses related to these functions, including depreciation and amortization, are allocated to The Children's Place International segment based primarily on net sales.  The assets related to these functions are not allocated.  The Company periodically reviews these allocations and adjusts them based upon changes in business circumstances.  Net sales to external customers are derived from merchandise sales and the Company has no major customers that account for more than 10% of its net sales.  As of April 30, 2016 , The Children's Place U.S. operated 934 stores and The Children's Place International operated 130 stores. As of May 2, 2015 , The Children's Place U.S. operated 959 stores and The Children's Place International operated 133 stores.

The following tables provide segment level financial information (dollars in thousands):

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Subsequent to April 30, 2016 and through May 23, 2016, the Company repurchased 0.1 million shares for approximately $6.4 million , which brought total shares purchased under the 2015 $250 Million Share Repurchase Program to approximately $29.3 million .

The Company announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share to be paid on July 7, 2016 to shareholders of record on the close of business on June 16, 2016.

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including but not limited to statements relating to the Company's strategic initiatives. Forward-looking statements typically are identified by use of terms such as "may," "will," "should," "plan," "project," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate" and similar words, although some forward-looking statements are expressed differently. 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 and performance to differ materially. Some of these risks and uncertainties are described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including in the "Risk Factors" section of its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2016 . Included among the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and performance to differ materially are the risk that the Company will be unsuccessful in gauging fashion trends and changing consumer preferences, the risks resulting from the highly competitive nature of the Company's business and its dependence on consumer spending patterns, which may be affected by weakness in the economy that continues to affect the Company's target customer, the risk that the Company's strategic initiatives to increase sales and margin are delayed or do not result in anticipated improvements, the risk that the cost of raw materials or energy prices will increase beyond current expectations or that the Company is unable to offset cost increases through value engineering or price increases, and the uncertainty of weather patterns. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they were made. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company's unaudited financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the annual audited financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 30, 2016 .

Terms that are commonly used in our management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are defined as follows:

Our Business

We are the largest pure-play children's specialty apparel retailer in North America. We design, contract to manufacture, sell at retail and wholesale, and license to sell trend right, high-quality merchandise at value prices, the substantial majority of which is under our proprietary "The Children's Place", "Place" and "Baby Place" brand names. As of April 30, 2016 , we operated 1,064 stores across North America, our e-commerce business at www.childrensplace.com , and had 110 international points of distribution open and operated by our six franchise partners in 16 countries.

Segment Reporting

In accordance with the " Segment Reporting " topic of the FASB ASC, we report segment data based on geography: The Children's Place U.S. and The Children's Place International.  Each segment includes an e-commerce business located at www.childrensplace.com .  Included in The Children's Place U.S. segment are our U.S. and Puerto Rico based stores and revenue from our U.S. based wholesale customers. Included in The Children's Place International segment are our Canadian based stores, revenue from the Company's Canadian wholesale customer, as well as revenue from international franchisees. We

measure our segment profitability based on operating income, defined as income before interest and taxes.  Net sales and direct costs are recorded by each segment.  Certain inventory procurement functions such as production and design as well as corporate overhead, including executive management, finance, real estate, human resources, legal, and information technology services are managed by The Children's Place U.S. segment.  Expenses related to these functions, including depreciation and amortization, are allocated to The Children's Place International segment based primarily on net sales.  The assets related to these functions are not allocated.  We periodically review these allocations and adjust them based upon changes in business circumstances.  Net sales from external customers are derived from merchandise sales and we have no major customers that account for more than 10% of our net sales.  As of April 30, 2016 , The Children's Place U.S. operated 934 stores and The Children's Place International operated 130 stores. As of May 2, 2015 , The Children's Place U.S. operated 959 stores and The Children's Place International operated 133 stores.

Operating Highlights

Our Comparable Retail Sales increased 5.1% during the First Quarter 2016 and was positive across all divisions, all channels and in all three months. Net sales increased by $14.5 million, or 3.6%, to $419.4 million during the First Quarter 2016 from $404.9 million during the First Quarter 2015 .

Gross Margin increased 180 basis points during the First Quarter 2016 . The increase in consolidated Gross Margin resulted primarily from merchandise margin leverage, a higher AUR and fixed cost leverage resulting from positive Comparable Retail Sales.

SG&A decreased $5.3 million to $109.2 million during the First Quarter 2016 from $114.5 million during the First Quarter 2015 . As a percentage of net sales SG&A decreased 230 basis points to 26.0% during the First Quarter 2016 from 28.3% during the First Quarter 2015 . The comparability of our SG&A was affected by income related to the restructuring of certain store and corporate operations of approximately $0.4 million for the First Quarter 2016 and costs incurred related to proxy contest costs and costs arising out of the restructuring of certain store and corporate operations of approximately $3.2 million for the First Quarter 2015 . Excluding this impact our SG&A decreased approximately $1.7 million for the First Quarter 2016 from the First Quarter 2015 , and leveraged 140 basis points. The leverage was primarily due to a reduction in store and administrative expenses partially offset by increased incentive compensation expenses. Managing company-wide expenses has been, and will continue to be, a key focus for the entire Company.

We continued our international store expansion program with our franchise partners and ended the First Quarter 2016 with 110 points of distribution, operating in 16 countries. We expect to open approximately 40 points of distribution in fiscal 2016. We have also decided to accelerate the timing of our investment in the China market so that we can be in a position to begin selling on-line there in early 2017.

We continue to evaluate our store fleet as part of our fleet optimization initiative to improve store productivity and plan to close approximately 200 underperforming stores through fiscal 2017, which includes the five stores we closed during the First Quarter 2016 , the 32 stores we closed in fiscal 2015, the 35 stores we closed in fiscal 2014 and the 41 stores we closed during fiscal 2013. During fiscal 2016, we plan to open seven stores and close 35 stores, which include the five stores closed during the First Quarter 2016 . Our customer segmentation analysis helps us to better understand customer shopping habits at the store level in order to understand what our store portfolio should look like. These closures should ultimately result in operating margin accretion due to sales transfer and the elimination of the underperforming locations. In those markets where we have closed stores, we are seeing the neighboring stores along with the e-commerce business become more productive from both a Comparative Retail Sales and profitability perspective. These results further our commitment to executing this optimization program while dramatically slowing down new store openings.

We continue to make progress on our business transformation initiatives in an effort to improve sales and margin. The insights from the implementation of our assortment planning and allocation and replenishment tools are delivering Gross Margin and inventory productivity benefits by adding enhanced data driven analytics to our internal processes leading to a better optimization of our overall buys and a better matching of the breadth of assortment with the depth of inventory. During fiscal 2016 we plan to go live with an enhanced order planning and forecasting tool, the first phase of our markdown optimization initiative and the implementation of our size and pack optimization tool. Additionally, our digital initiatives continue to gain traction and are focused on driving improvements in customer acquisition, retention and engagement. We are moving into the next phase of our mobile first digital transformation, prioritizing enhancements in checkout, search, browse and navigate and we will pilot our first omni-channel initiative in the second half of fiscal 2016.

Due in part to these initiatives and a continued focus on inventory management, inventory was down $30.8 million, or 11%, as of April 30, 2016 compared to May 2, 2015.

We continue to be committed to returning capital to shareholders. During the First Quarter 2016 we repurchased $43.7 million in stock and as of April 30, 2016 , there was approximately $227.1 million remaining on the 2015 $250 Million Share Repurchase Program. During the First Quarter 2016 we paid cash dividends of $3.8 million and our second quarter 2016 dividend of $0.20 per share will be paid on July 7, 2016 to shareholders of record on the close of business on June 16, 2016.

We reported net income of $26.0 million during the First Quarter 2016 compared to $15.6 million during the First Quarter 2015 , due to the factors discussed above.  Earnings per diluted share was $1.33 in the First Quarter 2016 compared to $0.73 in the First Quarter 2015 .  This increase in earnings per share is due to the increase in net income for the quarter and a lower weighted average common shares outstanding of approximately 1.8 million, which is primarily the result of our share repurchase program.

We have subsidiaries whose operating results are based in foreign currencies and are thus subject to the fluctuations of the corresponding translation rates into U.S. dollars. The table below summarizes those average translation rates that most impact our operating results:

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For the First Quarter 2016 , the effects of these translation rate changes on net sales and operating income were decreases of approximately $2.2 million and $0.4 million, respectively.  Net sales are affected only by the Canadian dollar translation rates.  In addition, translation rate changes affect the gross profit of our Canadian subsidiary because its inventory purchases are priced in U.S. dollars; however, during the second quarter of fiscal 2015 we began entering into foreign exchange forward contracts to mitigate the variability of cash flows associated with these inventory purchases.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported revenues and expenses during the reported period.  In many cases, there are alternative policies or estimation techniques that could be used.  We continuously review the application of our accounting policies and evaluate the appropriateness of the estimates used in preparing our financial statements; however, estimates routinely require adjustment based on changing circumstances and the receipt of new or better information.  Consequently, actual results could differ from our estimates.

The accounting policies and estimates discussed below include those that we believe are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our financial results.  Senior management has discussed the development and selection of our critical accounting policies and estimates with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors, which has reviewed our related disclosures herein.

Inventory Valuation - We value inventory at the lower of cost or market ("LCM"), with cost determined using an average cost method. We capitalize supply chain costs in inventory and these costs are reflected in cost of sales as the inventories are sold. We review our inventory levels in order to identify slow-moving merchandise and use markdowns to clear merchandise. We record an adjustment when future estimated selling price is less than cost. Our LCM adjustment calculation requires management to make assumptions to estimate the selling price and amount of slow-moving merchandise subject to markdowns, which is dependent upon factors such as historical trends with similar merchandise, inventory aging, forecasted consumer demand, and the promotional environment. In the LCM calculation any inability to provide the proper quantity of appropriate merchandise in a timely manner, or to correctly estimate the sell-through rate, could have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.  Our historical estimates have not differed materially from actual results and a 10% difference in our LCM reserve as of April 30, 2016 would have impacted net income by approximately $0.2 million.  Our reserve balance at April 30, 2016 was approximately $3.4 million compared to $3.0 million at May 2, 2015.

Additionally, we adjust our inventory based upon an annual physical inventory, which is taken during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year.  Based on the results of our historical physical inventories, an estimated shrink rate is used for each successive quarter until the next annual physical inventory, or sooner if facts or circumstances should indicate differently.  A 0.5% difference in our shrinkage rate as a percentage of cost of goods sold could impact each quarter's net income by approximately $0.6 million.

Stock-Based Compensation - We account for stock-based compensation according to the provisions of the " Compensation-Stock Compensation " topic of the FASB ASC.

Time Vesting and Performance-Based Awards

We generally grant time vesting and performance-based stock awards to employees at management levels and above.  We also grant time vesting stock awards to our non-employee directors.  Time vesting awards are granted in the form of restricted stock units that require each recipient to complete a service period ("Deferred Awards"). Deferred Awards granted to employees generally vest ratably over three years. Deferred Awards granted to non-employee directors generally vest after one year. Performance-based stock awards are granted in the form of restricted stock units which have a performance criteria that must be achieved for the awards to be earned in addition to a service period requirement ("Performance Awards") and each Performance Award has a defined number of shares that an employee can earn (the "Target Shares"). With the approval of the Board's Compensation Committee, the Company may settle vested Deferred Awards and Performance Awards to the employee in shares, in a cash amount equal to the market value of such shares at the time all requirements for delivery of the award have been met, or in part shares and cash. For Performance Awards issued during fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2015 (the "2014 and 2015 Performance Awards"), the Target Shares earned can range from 0% to 300% and depend on the achievement of adjusted earnings per share for the cumulative three-fiscal year performance period and our total shareholder return ("TSR") relative to that of companies in our peer group. 2014 and 2015 Performance Awards generally cliff vest, if earned, after the completion of the applicable three year performance period.  The 2014 and 2015 Performance Awards grant date fair value was estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation covering the period from the valuation date through the end of the applicable performance period using our simulated stock price as well as the TSR of companies in our peer group. For Performance Awards issued during fiscal 2016 (the "2016 Performance Awards"), an employee may earn from 0% to 200% of their Target Shares based on the achievement of adjusted earnings per share for a cumulative three-fiscal year performance period and adjusted operating margin expansion and adjusted return on invested capital achieved at the end of the performance period. The 2016 Performance Awards cliff vest, if earned, after completion of the applicable three year performance period. The fair value of the 2016 Performance Awards granted is based on the closing price of our common stock on the grant date. Compensation expense is recognized ratably over the related service period reduced for estimated forfeitures of those awards not expected to vest due to employee turnover. While actual forfeitures could vary significantly from those estimated, a 10% change in our estimated forfeiture rate would impact our fiscal 2016 net income by approximately $0.3 million. 

The expense for Performance Awards is based on the number of shares we estimate will vest as a result of our earnings-to-date plus our estimate of future earnings for the applicable performance periods. To the extent that actual operating results for fiscal years 2016, 2017 and 2018 differ from our estimates, future performance share compensation expense could be significantly different. For 2014 and 2015 Performance Awards for which the applicable performance periods have not concluded a 10% decrease in our cumulative projected adjusted earnings per share would have caused an approximate $3.6 million decrease to stock-based compensation expense for the First Quarter 2016 . For 2016 Performance Awards for which the applicable performance periods have not concluded a 10% increase or decrease in our cumulative projected adjusted earnings per share, adjusted operating margin expansion and adjusted return on invested capital would not have caused a material increase or decrease to stock-based compensation expense for the First Quarter 2016 .

Stock Options

We have not issued stock options since fiscal 2008; however, certain issued stock options remain outstanding.  The fair value of all outstanding stock options was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model based on a Monte Carlo simulation, which requires extensive use of accounting judgment and financial estimates, including estimates of how long employees will hold their vested stock options before exercise, the estimated volatility of our common stock over the expected term, and the number of options that will be forfeited prior to the completion of vesting requirements.  All exercise prices were based on the average of the high and low of the selling price of our common stock on the grant date.  There is no unamortized stock compensation at April 30, 2016.

Insurance and Self-Insurance Liabilities - Based on our assessment of risk and cost efficiency, we self-insure as well as purchase insurance policies to provide for workers' compensation, general liability, and property losses, cyber-security coverage, as well as directors' and officers' liability, vehicle liability and employee medical benefits.  We estimate risks and record a liability based upon historical claim experience, insurance deductibles, severity factors and other actuarial assumptions.  These estimates include inherent uncertainties due to the variability of the factors involved, including type of injury or claim, required services by the providers, healing time, age of claimant, case management costs, location of the

claimant, and governmental regulations.  While we believe that our risk assessments are appropriate, these uncertainties or a deviation in future claims trends from recent historical patterns could result in our recording additional or reduced expenses, which may be material to our results of operations.  Our historical estimates have not differed materially from actual results and a 10% difference in our insurance reserves as of April 30, 2016 would have impacted net income by approximately $0.7 million.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets - We periodically review our long-lived assets when events indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable.  Such events include a historical or projected trend of cash flow losses or a future expectation that we will sell or dispose of an asset significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life.  In reviewing for impairment, we group our long-lived assets at the lowest possible level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities.  In that regard, we group our assets into two categories: corporate-related and store-related.  Corporate-related assets consist of those associated with our corporate offices, distribution centers and our information technology systems.  Store-related assets consist of leasehold improvements, furniture and fixtures, certain computer equipment and lease related assets associated with individual stores.

For store-related assets, we review all stores that have been open for at least two years, or sooner if circumstances should dictate, on at least an annual basis.  We believe waiting two years allows a store to reach a maturity level where a more comprehensive analysis of financial performance can be performed. For each store that shows indications of operating losses, we project future cash flows over the remaining life of the lease and compare the total undiscounted cash flows to the net book value of the related long-lived assets.  If the undiscounted cash flows are less than the related net book value of the long-lived assets, they are written down to their fair market value.  We primarily determine fair market value to be the discounted future cash flows associated with those assets.  In evaluating future cash flows, we consider external and internal factors.  External factors comprise the local environment in which the store resides, including mall traffic, competition, and their effect on sales trends.  Internal factors include our ability to gauge the fashion taste of our customers, control variable costs such as cost of sales and payroll, and in certain cases, our ability to renegotiate lease costs. If external factors should change unfavorably, if actual sales should differ from our projections, or if our ability to control costs is insufficient to sustain the necessary cash flows, future impairment charges could be material.  At April 30, 2016, the average net book value per store was approximately $0.1 million.

Income Taxes - We utilize the liability method of accounting for income taxes as set forth in the " Income Taxes" topic of the FASB ASC .  Under the liability method, deferred taxes are determined based on the temporary differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities, as well as for net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using currently enacted tax rates that apply to taxable income in effect for the years in which the basis differences and tax assets are expected to be realized.  A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that some of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  In determining the need for valuation allowances we consider projected future taxable income and the availability of tax planning strategies.  If, in the future we determine that we would not be able to realize our recorded deferred tax assets, an increase in the valuation allowance would decrease earnings in the period in which such determination is made. 

We assess our income tax positions and record tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon our evaluation of the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting date.  For those tax positions where it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, we have recorded the largest amount of tax benefit with a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. For those income tax positions where it is not more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit has been recognized in the financial statements.

Fair Value Measurement and Financial Instruments- The " Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure " topic of the FASB ASC provides a single definition of fair value, together with a framework for measuring it, and requires additional disclosure about the use of fair value to measure assets and liabilities.

This topic defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date and establishes a three-level hierarchy, which encourages an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.  The three levels of the hierarchy are defined as follows:

Our cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, assets of the Company's Deferred Compensation Plan, accounts payable and credit facility are all short-term in nature.  As such, their carrying amounts approximate fair value and fall within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. The Company stock included in the Deferred Compensation Plan is not subject to fair value measurement.

Our assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include long-lived assets. We review the carrying amounts of such assets when events indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Any resulting asset impairment would require that the asset be recorded at its fair value. The resulting fair value measurements of the assets are considered to fall within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Our derivative assets and liabilities include foreign exchange forward contracts that are measured at fair value using observable market inputs such as forward rates, our credit risk and our counterparties' credit risks. Based on these inputs, our derivative assets and liabilities are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In March 2016, the FASB issued guidance relating to the accounting for share-based payment transactions. This guidance involves several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classifications of awards as either equity or liabilities and classification on the statement of cash flows. The standard is effective for the Company beginning in its fiscal year 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and early adoption is permitted. We are currently reviewing the potential impact of this standard.

In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance relating to the accounting for leases. This guidance applies a right of use model that requires a lessee to record, for all leases with a lease term of more than 12 months, an asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term and a liability to make lease payments. The lease term is the noncancellable period of the lease, and includes both periods covered by an option to extend the lease, if the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise that option, and periods covered by an option to terminate the lease, if the lessee is reasonably certain not to exercise that termination option. The standard is effective for the Company beginning in its fiscal year 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and early adoption is permitted. We are currently reviewing the potential impact of this standard.

In November 2015, the FASB issued guidance relating to balance sheet classification of deferred taxes. Currently, entities are required to present deferred tax assets and liabilities as current and noncurrent on the balance sheet. This guidance simplifies the current guidance by requiring entities to classify all deferred tax assets and liabilities, together with any related valuation allowance, as noncurrent on the balance sheet. The standard is effective for the Company beginning in its fiscal year 2018, with early adoption permitted, and may be applied prospectively or retrospectively. The adoption is not expected to impact the Company's consolidated financial statements other than the change in presentation of deferred tax assets and liabilities within its consolidated balance sheets.

In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance relating to revenue recognition from contracts with customers. This guidance requires entities to recognize revenue in a way that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. In August 2015, the FASB issued guidance to defer the effective date by one year and, therefore, the standard is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2017 and is to be applied retrospectively. We are currently reviewing the potential impact of this standard.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, selected statement of operations data expressed as a percentage of net sales. We primarily evaluate the results of our operations as a percentage of net sales rather than in terms of absolute dollar increases or decreases by analyzing the year over year change in our business expressed as a percentage of net sales (i.e. "basis points"). For example, Gross Profit increased approximately 180 basis points to 39.4% of net sales during the First Quarter 2016 from 37.6% during the First Quarter 2015 .  Accordingly, to the extent that our sales have increased at a faster rate than our costs (i.e. "leveraging"), the more efficiently we have utilized the investments we have made in our business.  Conversely, if our sales decrease or if our costs grow at a faster pace than our sales (i.e. "de-leveraging"), we have less

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Table may not add due to rounding.

The following tables set forth by segment, for the periods indicated, net sales, gross profit and Gross Margin (dollars in thousands).

The First Quarter 2016 Compared to the First Quarter 2015

Net sales increased by $14.5 million, or 3.6%, to $419.4 million during the First Quarter 2016 from $404.9 million during the First Quarter 2015 .  Our net sales increase resulted from a Comparable Retail Sales increase of 5.1%, or $19.5 million, partially offset by a $2.8 million decrease in sales due to fewer store openings, as well as other sales that did not qualify as comparable sales, and unfavorable changes in the Canadian exchange rate of $2.2 million.

The Children's Place U.S. net sales increased $12.0 million, or 3.3%, to $375.1 million in the First Quarter 2016 compared to $363.1 million in the First Quarter 2015 .  This increase primarily resulted from a U.S. Comparable Retail Sales increase of 4.4%.

The Children's Place International net sales increased $2.5 million, or 6.0%, to $44.2 million in the First Quarter 2016 compared to $41.7 million in the First Quarter 2015 .  The increase resulted primarily from a Canadian Comparable Retail Sales increase of 12.8% partially offset by unfavorable changes in the Canadian exchange rate.

During the First Quarter 2016 , we closed five stores, three in the United States and two in Canada. During the First Quarter 2015 , we opened two stores in the United States, and closed seven stores, six in the United States and one in Canada.

Gross profit increased by $13.3 million to $165.4 million during the First Quarter 2016 from $152.1 million during the First Quarter 2015 .  Consolidated Gross Margin increased 180 basis points to 39.4% during the First Quarter 2016 from 37.6%

during the First Quarter 2015 . The leverage in consolidated Gross Margin resulted primarily from merchandise margin leverage, a higher AUR and fixed cost leverage resulting from positive Comparable Retail Sales.

Gross Margin at The Children's Place U.S. increased 150 basis points from 37.6% in the First Quarter 2015 to 39.1% in the First Quarter 2016 . The increase in The Children's Place U.S. Gross Margin resulted primarily from merchandise margin leverage, a higher AUR and fixed cost leverage resulting from positive U.S. Comparable Retail Sales.

Gross Margin at The Children's Place International increased 520 basis points from 37.4% in the First Quarter 2015 to 42.6% in the First Quarter 2016 . The increase in The Children's Place International Gross Margin resulted primarily from merchandise margin leverage, a higher AUR and fixed cost leverage resulting from positive Canadian Comparable Retail Sales partially offset by the dilutive impact on gross margin of channel expansion.

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $5.3 million to $109.2 million during the First Quarter 2016 from $114.5 million during the First Quarter 2015 . As a percentage of net sales SG&A decreased 230 basis points to 26.0% during the First Quarter 2016 from 28.3% during the First Quarter 2015 . The comparability of our SG&A was affected by income related to the restructuring of certain store and corporate operations of approximately $0.4 million for the First Quarter 2016 and costs incurred related to proxy contest costs and costs arising out of the restructuring of certain store and corporate operations of approximately $3.2 million for the First Quarter 2015 . Excluding this impact our SG&A decreased approximately $1.7 million for the First Quarter 2016 from the First Quarter 2015 , and leveraged 140 basis points. The leverage was primarily due to a reduction in store and administrative expenses partially offset by increased incentive compensation expenses.

Depreciation and amortization was $16.5 million during the First Quarter 2016 compared to $14.4 million during the First Quarter 2015 reflecting increased depreciation associated with certain business transformation related systems.

Provision for income taxes was $13.6 million during the First Quarter 2016 compared to $7.4 million during the First Quarter 2015 .  Our effective tax rate was 34.3% and 32.2% in the First Quarter 2016 and the First Quarter 2015 , respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate is due to the mix of income by jurisdiction and a tax benefit recorded for a reserve release in the First Quarter 2015 , partially offset by a decrease in non-deductible expenses for fiscal 2016.

Net income was $26.0 million during the First Quarter 2016 compared to $15.6 million during the First Quarter 2015 , due to the factors discussed above.  Earnings per diluted share was $1.33 in the First Quarter 2016 compared to $0.73 in the First Quarter 2015 .  This increase in earnings per share is due to the increase in net income for the quarter and a lower weighted average common shares outstanding of approximately 1.8 million, which is primarily the result of our share repurchase program.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Liquidity

Our working capital needs follow a seasonal pattern, peaking during the third fiscal quarter based on seasonal inventory purchases.  Our primary uses of cash are working capital requirements, which are principally inventory purchases, and the financing of capital projects, including investments in new systems, the repurchases of our common stock, and the financing of new store openings and remodels. In March 2014, our Board of Directors instituted the payment of a quarterly cash dividend.

Our working capital decreased $6.2 million to $306.0 million at April 30, 2016 compared to $312.2 million at May 2, 2015 .  This decrease is primarily due to lower inventory balances. During the First Quarter 2016 , under our share repurchase programs, we repurchased approximately 0.6 million shares for approximately $43.7 million.  During the First Quarter 2015 , under our share repurchase programs, we repurchased approximately 0.6 million shares for approximately $40.2 million. We also paid cash dividends of $3.8 million and $3.1 million during the First Quarter 2016 and First Quarter 2015 , respectively. Subsequent to April 30, 2016 and through May 23, 2016, we repurchased 0.1 million shares for approximately $6.4 million and announced that we declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share to be paid on July 7, 2016 to shareholders of record on the close of business on June 16, 2016. 

Our credit facility provides for borrowings up to the lesser of $250.0 million or our borrowing base, as defined by the credit facility agreement (see "Credit Facility" below).  At April 30, 2016 , we had $25.0 million of outstanding borrowings and $171.6 million available for borrowing. In addition, at April 30, 2016 , we had $7.9 million of outstanding letters of credit with an additional $42.1 million available for issuing letters of credit.

As of April 30, 2016 , we had $174.8 million of cash and cash equivalents, of which approximately $162.7 million of cash and cash equivalents were held in foreign subsidiaries, of which approximately $104.2 million was in our Canadian subsidiaries, approximately $46.9 million was in our Hong Kong subsidiaries and approximately $11.6 million was in other foreign subsidiaries. As of April 30, 2016 we also had a short-term investment of $58.8 million in Hong Kong. Because all of

our earnings in our foreign subsidiaries are permanently and fully reinvested, any repatriation of cash from these subsidiaries would require the accrual and payment of U.S. federal and certain state taxes. Due to the complexities associated with the hypothetical calculation, including the availability of foreign tax credits, we have concluded it is not practicable to determine the unrecognized deferred tax liability related to the undistributed earnings. We currently do not intend to repatriate cash from any of these foreign subsidiaries.

We expect to be able to meet our working capital and capital expenditure requirements for the foreseeable future by using our cash on hand, cash flows from operations and availability under our credit facility. 

Credit Facility

We and certain of our domestic subsidiaries maintain a credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association ("Wells Fargo"), Bank of America, N.A., HSBC Business Credit (USA) Inc., and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as lenders (collectively, the "Lenders") and Wells Fargo, as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent and Swing Line Lender (the "Credit Agreement"). The Credit Agreement was amended on September 15, 2015 and the provisions below reflect the amended and extended Credit Agreement.

The Credit Agreement, which expires in September 2020, consists of a $250 million asset based revolving credit facility, with a $50 million sublimit for standby and documentary letters of credit and an uncommitted accordion feature that could provide up to $50 million of additional availability. Revolving credit loans outstanding under the Credit Agreement bear interest, at the Company's option, at:

We are charged an unused line fee of 0.25% on the unused portion of the commitments.  Letter of credit fees range from 0.625% to 0.750% for commercial letters of credit and range from 0.75% to 1.00% for standby letters of credit.  Letter of credit fees are determined based on the amount of our average excess availability under the facility. The amount available for loans and letters of credit under the Credit Agreement is determined by a borrowing base consisting of certain credit card receivables, certain trade and franchise receivables, certain inventory and the fair market value of certain real estate, subject to certain reserves.

The outstanding obligations under the Credit Agreement may be accelerated upon the occurrence of certain events, including, among others, non-payment, breach of covenants, the institution of insolvency proceedings, defaults under other material indebtedness and a change of control, subject, in the case of certain defaults, to the expiration of applicable grace periods.  We are not subject to any early termination fees. 

The Credit Agreement contains covenants, which include conditions on stock buybacks and the payment of cash dividends or similar payments.  Credit extended under the Credit Agreement is secured by a first priority security interest in substantially all of our U.S. assets excluding intellectual property, software, equipment and fixtures.

As of April 30, 2016 , we have capitalized an aggregate of approximately $4.3 million in deferred financing costs related to the Credit Agreement. The unamortized balance of deferred financing costs at April 30, 2016 was approximately $1.2 million . Unamortized deferred financing costs are amortized over the remaining term of the Credit Agreement. In conjunction with amending the agreement in September 2015, the Company paid $0.3 million in additional deferred financing costs.

Cash Flows/Capital Expenditures

During the First Quarter 2016 , cash flows provided by operating activities were $28.3 million compared to $13.4 million during the First Quarter 2015 . The net increase of $14.9 million in cash from operating activities resulted primarily from operating performance.

During the First Quarter 2016 cash flows used in investing activities were $25.8 million compared to $17.3 million during the First Quarter 2015 . This change was primarily due to an $18.7 million net purchase of short-term investments during the First Quarter 2016 compared to $7.3 million during the First Quarter 2015 and a $3.0 million decrease in purchases of property and equipment.

During the First Quarter 2016 , cash flows used in financing activities were $23.9 million compared to $31.9 million during the First Quarter 2015 .  The decrease primarily resulted from an increase in borrowings under our revolving credit facility partially offset by an increase in purchases of our common stock pursuant to our share repurchase programs.

We anticipate that total capital expenditures will be in the range of $50-60 million in fiscal 2016 compared to $42 million in fiscal 2015. Our ability to continue to meet our capital requirements in fiscal 2016 depends on our cash on hand, our ability to generate cash flows from operations and our available borrowings under our credit facility.  Cash flow generated from operations depends on our ability to achieve our financial plans.  During the First Quarter 2016 , we were able to fund our capital expenditures with cash on hand and cash generated from operating activities supplemented by funds from our credit facility.  We believe that our existing cash on hand, cash generated from operations and funds available to us through our credit facility will be sufficient to fund our capital and other cash requirements for the foreseeable future. 

Derivative Instruments

We are exposed to gains and losses resulting from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates attributable to inventory purchases denominated in a foreign currency. Specifically, our Canadian subsidiary's functional currency is the Canadian dollar, but purchases inventory from suppliers in US dollars. In order to mitigate the variability of cash flows associated with certain of these forecasted inventory purchases, we began entering into foreign exchange forward contracts in the second quarter of fiscal 2015. These contracts typically mature within 12 months. We do not use forward contracts to engage in currency speculation and we do not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.

All derivative instruments are presented at gross fair value on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets within either prepaid expenses and other current assets or accrued expenses and other current liabilities. As of April 30, 2016 we had foreign exchange forward contracts with an aggregate notional amount of $22.8 million and the fair value of the derivative instruments was an asset of $0.4 million and a liability of less than $0.1 million .

In the normal course of business, our financial position and results of operations are routinely subject to market risk associated with interest rate movements on borrowings and investments and currency rate movements on non-U.S. dollar denominated assets, liabilities, income and expenses.  We utilize cash from operations and short-term borrowings to fund our working capital and investment needs. 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents are normally invested in short-term financial instruments that will be used in operations within 90 days of the balance sheet date.  Because of the short-term nature of these instruments, changes in interest rates would not materially affect the fair value of these financial instruments. 

Short-term Investments

Short-term investments consist of time deposits which we expect to convert into cash within one year which have original maturities greater than 90 days. Because of the short-term nature of these instruments, changes in interest rates would not materially affect the fair value of these financial instruments.

Interest Rates

Our credit facility bears interest at a floating rate equal to the prime rate or LIBOR, plus a calculated spread based on our average excess availability.  As of April 30, 2016 , we had $25.0 million in borrowings under our credit facility. A 10% change in the prime rate or LIBOR interest rates would not have had a material impact on our interest expense.

Foreign Assets and Liabilities

Assets and liabilities outside the United States are primarily located in Canada and Hong Kong.  Our investments in our Canadian and Hong Kong subsidiaries are considered long-term. As of April 30, 2016 , net assets in Canada and Hong Kong were approximately $110.9 million and $141.6 million, respectively.  A 10% increase or decrease in the Canadian and Hong Kong exchange rates would increase or decrease the corresponding net investment by approximately $11.1 million and $14.2 million, respectively.  All changes in the net investment of our foreign subsidiaries are recorded in other comprehensive income as unrealized gains or losses. 

As of April 30, 2016 , we had approximately $162.7 million of our cash and cash equivalents held in foreign countries, of which approximately $104.2 million was in Canada, approximately $46.9 million was in Hong Kong and approximately $11.6 million was in other foreign countries. As of April 30, 2016 , we had short-term investments of $58.8 million held in Hong Kong which are U.S. dollar denominated time deposits with banking institutions in Hong Kong that have six month maturity dates.

Foreign Operations

We have exchange rate exposure primarily with respect to certain revenues and expenses denominated in Canadian dollars. As a result, fluctuations in exchange rates impact the amount of our reported sales and expenses.  Assuming a 10% change in foreign exchange rates, First Quarter 2016 net sales could have decreased or increased by approximately $3.9 million and total costs and expenses could have decreased or increased by approximately $4.3 million.  Additionally, we have foreign currency denominated receivables and payables that when settled, result in transaction gains or losses.  At April 30, 2016 , we had foreign currency denominated receivables and payables, including inter-company balances, of $9.1 million and $3.4 million, respectively. 

Our Canadian subsidiary's functional currency is the Canadian dollar, but purchases inventory from suppliers in US dollars. In order to mitigate the variability of cash flows associated with certain of these forecasted inventory purchases, we began entering into foreign exchange forward contracts in the second quarter of fiscal 2015. As of April 30, 2016 we had foreign exchange forward contracts with an aggregate notional amount of $22.8 million and the fair value of the derivative instruments was an asset of $0.4 million and a liability of less than $0.1 million . Assuming a 10% change in Canadian foreign exchange rates, the fair value of these instruments could have decreased by or increased by approximately $2.5 million. Any resulting changes in the fair value of the instruments would be partially offset by changes in the underlying balance sheet positions. We do not hedge all transactions denominated in foreign currency.

We import a vast majority of our merchandise from foreign countries, primarily China, Bangladesh and Vietnam.  Consequently, any significant or sudden change in these foreign countries' political, foreign trade, financial, banking or currency policies and practices, or the occurrence of significant labor unrest, could have a material adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Disclosure controls and procedures are designed only to provide "reasonable assurance" that the controls and procedures will meet their objectives. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within our company have been detected.

Management, including our Chief Executive Officer and President and our Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), as of April 30, 2016 . Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and President and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level, as of April 30, 2016 , to ensure that all information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive, principal accounting and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our most recently completed fiscal quarter to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Certain legal proceedings in which we are involved are discussed in Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements and Part I, Item 3 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 30, 2016 . See Note 7 to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for a discussion of any recent developments concerning our legal proceedings.

There were no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in Item 1A of Part I in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 30, 2016 .

The Company's Board of Directors has authorized the following share repurchase programs active during the First Quarter 2016 : (1) $100 million on January 7, 2015 (the "2015 Share Repurchase Program"); and (2) $250 million on December 8, 2015 (the "2015 $250 Million Share Repurchase Program"). The 2015 Share Repurchase Program was completed during the First Quarter 2016 . Under the 2015 $250 Million Share Repurchase Program, the Company may repurchase shares in the open market at current market prices at the time of purchase or in privately negotiated transactions. The timing and actual number of shares repurchased under the program will depend on a variety of factors including price, corporate and regulatory requirements, and other market and business conditions. We may suspend or discontinue the program at any time, and may thereafter reinstitute purchases, all without prior announcement.

The following table provides a month-by-month summary of our share repurchase activity during the First Quarter 2016 :

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The following exhibits are filed with this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:

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(+) Filed herewith.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.