SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

   
þ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended SeptemberDecember 28, 2002
 
or
 
o
 TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission file number 001-13057

Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
   
Delaware
 13-2622036
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
650 Madison Avenue,
New York, New York
 
10022
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code

212-318-7000

     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 registrants were required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.     Yes þ          No o

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).     Yes þ          No o

At NovemberFebruary 7, 2002 48,841,97145,048,771 shares of the registrant’s Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value, were outstanding, 43,280,021 shares of the registrant’s Class B Common Stock, $.01 par value, were outstanding and 10,570,979 shares of the registrant’s Class C Common Stock, $.01 par value were outstanding.




TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security-Holders
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
SIGNATURES
CERTIFICATION
EXHIBIT 10.1CERTIFICATION
EXHIBIT 99.110.1: CROSS DEFAULT & TERM EXTENSION AGREE
EXHIBIT 99.210.2: FORM OF CREDIT AGREEMENT
EXHIBIT 99.1: CERTIFICATION OF C.E.O.
EXHIBIT 99.2: CERTIFICATION OF C.F.O.


POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

       
Page

PART 1.I.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION    
 
Item 1. Financial Statements    
  Consolidated Balance Sheets as of SeptemberDecember 28, 2002 (Unaudited) and March 30, 2002  2 
  Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and sixnine months ended SeptemberDecember 28, 2002 and SeptemberDecember 29, 2001 (Unaudited)  3 
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the threenine months ended SeptemberDecember 28, 2002 and SeptemberDecember 29, 2001 (Unaudited)  4 
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  5-105-14 
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations  11-1815-25 
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk  1825 
Item 4. Controls and Procedures  1825 
 
PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION    
 
Item 1. Legal Proceedings  19
Item 4.Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security-Holders19-2026 
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K  2026 
Signatures
Signatures  21 
CertificationsCertifications  22-23 

1


POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
                    
September 28,March 30,December 28,March 30,
2002200220022002




(Unaudited)(Unaudited)
ASSETSASSETSASSETS
Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents $355,475 $244,733 Cash and cash equivalents $441,584 $244,733 
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $7,896 and $13,175 290,698 353,608 
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $8,643 and $13,175Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $8,643 and $13,175 262,559 353,608 
InventoriesInventories 401,521 349,818 Inventories 340,077 349,818 
Deferred tax assetsDeferred tax assets 18,989 17,897 Deferred tax assets 8,901 17,897 
Prepaid expenses and otherPrepaid expenses and other 58,986 42,001 Prepaid expenses and other 64,078 42,001 
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total current assets
 1,125,669 1,008,057  
Total current assets
 1,117,199 1,008,057 
Property and equipment, netProperty and equipment, net 344,032 343,836 Property and equipment, net 343,539 343,836 
Deferred tax assetsDeferred tax assets 66,762 58,127 Deferred tax assets 66,356 58,127 
Goodwill, net 284,623 273,348 
GoodwillGoodwill 295,378 273,348 
Other assets, netOther assets, net 71,869 66,129 Other assets, net 81,355 66,129 
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total assets
 $1,892,955 $1,749,497  
Total assets
 $1,903,827 $1,749,497 
 
 
   
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITYLIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITYLIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Short term bank borrowingsShort term bank borrowings $120,442 $32,988 Short term bank borrowings $105,752 $32,988 
Accounts payableAccounts payable 173,786 177,472 Accounts payable 144,946 177,472 
Income taxes payableIncome taxes payable 83,560 52,819 Income taxes payable 67,298 52,819 
Accrued expenses and otherAccrued expenses and other 151,155 128,492 Accrued expenses and other 150,931 128,492 
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total current liabilities
 528,943 391,771  
Total current liabilities
 468,927 391,771 
Long-term debtLong-term debt 226,577 285,414 Long-term debt 238,127 285,414 
Other noncurrent liabilitiesOther noncurrent liabilities 79,448 74,117 Other noncurrent liabilities 75,705 74,117 
Commitments & Contingencies (Note 9) 
Commitments & Contingencies (Note 11)Commitments & Contingencies (Note 11) 
Stockholders’ equityStockholders’ equity Stockholders’ equity 
Common Stock Common Stock 
 Class A, par value $.01 per share; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 48,841,671 and 36,103,439 shares issued 488 361  Class A, par value $.01 per share; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 48,941,386 and 36,103,439 shares issued 489 361 
 Class B, par value $.01 per share; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 43,280,021 shares issued and outstanding 433 433  Class B, par value $.01 per share; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 43,280,021 shares issued and outstanding 433 433 
 Class C, par value $.01 per share; 70,000,000 shares authorized; 10,570,979 and 22,720,929 shares issued and outstanding 106 227  Class C, par value $.01 per share; 70,000,000 shares authorized; 10,570,979 and 22,720,929 shares issued and outstanding 106 227 
Additional paid-in-capital 501,441 490,337 Additional paid-in-capital 503,002 490,337 
Retained earnings 660,328 602,124 Retained earnings 703,140 602,124 
Treasury Stock, Class A, at cost (3,887,094 and 3,876,506 shares) (73,555) (73,246)Treasury Stock, Class A, at cost (3,894,532 and 3,876,506 shares) (73,713) (73,246)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (24,128) (19,799)Accumulated other comprehensive loss (5,737) (19,799)
Unearned compensation (7,126) (2,242)Unearned compensation (6,652) (2,242)
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total stockholders’ equity
 1,057,987 998,195  
Total stockholders’ equity
 1,121,068 998,195 
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total liabilities & stockholders’ equity
 $1,892,955 $1,749,497  
Total liabilities & stockholders’ equity
 $1,903,827 $1,749,497 
 
 
   
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

2


POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
                                  
Three Months EndedSix Months EndedThree Months EndedNine Months Ended




September 28,September 29,September 28,September 29,December 28,December 29,December 28,December 29,
20022001200220012002200120022001








Net salesNet sales $574,554 $528,202 $988,420 $989,260 Net sales $583,303 $560,293 $1,571,723 $1,549,553 
Licensing revenueLicensing revenue 66,285 67,493 119,419 124,264 Licensing revenue 55,867 56,802 175,286 181,066 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
Net revenues
 640,839 595,695 1,107,839 1,113,524 
Net revenues
 639,170 617,095 1,747,009 1,730,619 
Cost of goods soldCost of goods sold 319,573 310,055 553,969 565,522 Cost of goods sold 331,260 330,086 885,229 895,608 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
Gross profit
 321,266 285,640 553,870 548,002 
Gross profit
 307,910 287,009 861,780 835,011 
Selling, general and administrative expensesSelling, general and administrative expenses 236,618 199,507 451,534 408,281 Selling, general and administrative expenses 230,391 212,561 681,925 620,844 
Restructuring chargeRestructuring charge 8,000  8,000  
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
Income from operations
 84,648 86,133 102,336 139,721 
Income from operations
 69,519 74,448 171,855 214,167 
Foreign currency loss 220 5,664 3,752 2,837 
Foreign currency (gain) lossForeign currency (gain) loss (1,262) (3,036) 2,490 (199)
Interest expense, netInterest expense, net 2,942 4,779 6,926 10,703 Interest expense, net 3,359 4,501 10,285 15,204 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes
 81,486 75,690 91,658 126,181 
Income before income taxes
 67,422 72,983 159,080 199,162 
Income tax provisionIncome tax provision 29,742 27,880 33,454 47,318 Income tax provision 24,610 27,369 58,064 74,685 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
Net income
 $51,744 $47,810 $58,204 $78,863 
Net income
 $42,812 $45,614 $101,016 $124,477 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
Net income per share — BasicNet income per share — Basic $0.53 $0.49 $0.59 $0.81 Net income per share — Basic $0.44 $0.47 $1.03 $1.28 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
Net income per share — DilutedNet income per share — Diluted $0.52 $0.49 $0.59 $0.80 Net income per share — Diluted $0.43 $0.46 $1.02 $1.26 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding — BasicWeighted average common shares outstanding — Basic 98,301,441 97,437,461 98,230,188 97,273,124 Weighted average common shares outstanding — Basic 98,412,022 97,506,076 98,290,799 97,350,775 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding — DilutedWeighted average common shares outstanding — Diluted 99,319,019 98,483,031 99,440,497 98,454,113 Weighted average common shares outstanding — Diluted 99,311,085 98,504,094 99,367,649 98,433,333 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

3


POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
                    
Six Months EndedNine Months Ended


September 28,September 29,December 28,December 29,
2002200120022001




Cash flows from operating activities
Cash flows from operating activities
 
Cash flows from operating activities
 
Net incomeNet income $58,204 $78,863 Net income $101,016 $124,477 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: 
Depreciation and amortization 42,115 44,737 Depreciation and amortization 63,019 63,234 
Benefit from deferred income taxes (7,128) (9,517)Provision for (benefit from) deferred income taxes 6,877 (3,791)
Provision for losses on accounts receivable 1,210 698 Provision for losses on accounts receivable 1,869 1,184 
Foreign currency losses 3,752 2,837 Restructuring charge 8,000  
Other (15,106) (4,363)Foreign currency loss (gain) 2,491 (199)
Changes in assets and liabilities Other (18,514) (75)
 Accounts receivable 73,435 (14,237)Changes in assets and liabilities: 
 Inventories (39,781) 1,320  Accounts receivable 100,389 19,880 
 Prepaid expenses and other (13,892) 26,461  Inventories 30,562 79,047 
 Other assets (2,026) 1,376  Prepaid expenses and other (14,789) 5,537 
 Accounts payable (9,352) 581  Other assets (2,104) 1,506 
 Income taxes payable (receivable) 30,741 68,908  Accounts payable (39,444) 4,649 
 Accrued expenses and other 17,594 (71,427) Income taxes payable 14,478 61,782 
 
 
  Accrued expenses and other 6,665 (79,478)
 
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities
 139,766 126,237 
Net cash provided by operating activities
 260,515 277,753 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities
Cash flows from investing activities
 
Cash flows from investing activities
 
Purchases of property and equipment (40,177) (40,242)Acquisition, net of cash acquired (4,796) (23,702)
Increase (Decrease) in cash surrender value — officers’ life insurance 1,911 (1,540)Purchases of property and equipment (59,695) (61,052)
 
 
 Increase (decrease) in cash surrender value — officers’ life insurance 2,756 (2,315)
Net cash used in investing activities
 (38,266) (41,782)
 
 
 
Net cash (used in) investing activities
Net cash (used in) investing activities
 (61,735) (87,069)
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
 
Cash flows from financing activities
 
Repurchases of common stock (309) (2,067)Repurchases of common stock (467) (2,067)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 5,644 11,882 Proceeds from exercise of stock options 7,206 15,642 
Proceeds from (Repayments of) short term borrowings, net 6,307 (24,379)Proceeds from (repayments of) short-term bank borrowings, net 70,707 (10,357)
Repayments of long-term debt (7,746)  Repayments of long-term debt (7,700) (1,256)
 
 
 Net repayment of term loan (80,000)  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
 3,896 (14,564)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 5,346 (358)
 
 
 
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
 (10,254) 1,962 
 
 
 
Effect of exchange rate fluctuation on cashEffect of exchange rate fluctuation on cash 8,325 (296)
 
 
 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalentsNet increase in cash and cash equivalents 110,742 69,533 Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 196,851 192,350 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of periodCash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 244,733 102,219 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 244,733 102,219 
 
 
   
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of periodCash and cash equivalents at end of period $355,475 $171,752 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $441,584 $294,569 
 
 
   
 
 
Supplemental cash flow information
Supplemental cash flow information
 
Supplemental cash flow information
 
Cash paid for interest $2,789 $3,018 Cash paid for interest $18,150 $19,410 
 
 
   
 
 
Cash paid (refunded) for income taxes $14,681 $(25,716)Cash paid for income taxes $34,854 $33,773 
 
 
   
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

4


POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Information for SeptemberDecember 28, 2002 and SeptemberDecember 29, 2001 is unaudited)
(In thousands, except where otherwise indicated)

1.     Basis of Presentation and Organization

     The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation (“PRLC”) and its wholly and majority owned subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the “Company”, “we”, “us”, and “our”). The consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosure normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted from this report as is permitted by such rules and regulations. However, the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. The consolidated balance sheet data for March 30, 2002 is derived from the audited financial statements which are included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year ended March 30, 2002 (“fiscal 2002”), which should be read in conjunction with these financial statements. Reference is made to such annual report on Form 10-K for a complete set of financial notes, including the Company’s significant accounting policies. The results of operations for the three and sixnine months ended SeptemberDecember 28, 2002 are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the entire fiscal year endedending March 29, 2003 (“fiscal 2003”).

     Effective December 30, 2001, for reporting purposes the Company changed the fiscal years of certain of its European subsidiaries in the consolidated financial statements to end on the Saturday closest to March 31 to conform with the fiscal year end of the Company. Previously, these European subsidiaries were consolidated and reported on a three-month lag with fiscal years ending December 31. Accordingly, we have included the SeptemberDecember 28, 2002 and March 30, 2002 balance sheets of these European subsidiaries in the accompanying SeptemberDecember 28, 2002 and March 30, 2002, consolidated balance sheets. We also have consolidated the results of operations of these European subsidiaries for the three and sixnine months ended September 28, 2002 and June 30, 2001 in the three and six months ended SeptemberDecember 28, 2002 and September 29, 2001 in the three and nine months ended December 28, 2002 and December 29, 2001 consolidated statements of operationsincome and cash flows. Had these European subsidiaries been consolidated on a consistent fiscal year basis for the three and sixnine months ended SeptemberDecember 29, 2001, net revenues would have been $659$565.0 million and $1,133$1,697.8 million, and net income would have been $66$25.0 million and $82$106.8 million, respectively.

     In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all normal and recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial condition, results of operations, and changes in cash flows of the Company for the interim periods presented.

2.     Restructuring and Special Charges

 
(a) 2003 Restructuring Plan

     During the third quarter of fiscal 2003, we completed a strategic review of our European businesses and formalized our plans to centralize and more efficiently consolidate its business operations. The major initiatives of the plan included the following: consolidation of our headquarters from five cities in three countries to one location; the consolidation of our European logistics operations to Italy; and the migration of all European information systems to a standard global system. In connection with the implementation of this plan, the Company has completed the consultation process regarding the headquarters in the United Kingdom and Italy and has recorded an $8.0 million restructuring charge during the third quarter of fiscal 2003 for severance and contract termination costs. The Company expects the final phase of the process, related to the French consultation regarding back office functions, to be completed during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003.

5


POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

The major component of the activity in the restructuring charge taken for the quarter ended December 28, 2002 were as follows:

             
Lease and Other
Severance andContract
TerminationTermination
BenefitsCostsTotal



Third Quarter Fiscal 2003 provision $6,433  $1,567  $8,000 
Fiscal 2003 activity  (3,052)     (3,052)
   
   
   
 
Balance at December 28, 2002 $3,381  $1,567  $4,948 
   
   
   
 

Total severance and termination benefits as a result of this restructuring related to approximately 100 employees. Total cash outlays related to this plan of approximately $3.1 million have been paid through December 28, 2002. It is expected that this plan will be completed, and the remaining liabilities will be paid, in fiscal 2004. The Company expects to take a fourth quarter restructuring charge of approximately $3.0 to $7.0 million, net of taxes, to complete the headquarter and back office relocation portion of our overall European consolidation plan.

(b) 2001 Operational Plan

     The major componentscomponent of the activity in the restructuring charge taken in connection with the Company’s 2001 Operational Plan (as defined in the Company’s fiscal 2002 Form 10-K) for the sixnine months ended SeptemberDecember 28, 2002 were as follows:

           
           Lease and
Severance andSeverance andContract
TerminationLease and ContractTerminationTermination
BenefitsTermination CostsTotalBenefitsCostsTotal






Balance at March 30, 2002 $807 $14,155 $14,962  $807 $14,155 $14,962 
Fiscal 2003 activity (582) (7,560) (8,142) (826) (8,532) (9,358)
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
Balance at September 28, 2002 $225 $6,595 $6,820 
Balance at December 28, 2002 $(19) $5,623 $5,604 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 

     Total severance and termination benefits as a result of the 2001 Operational Plan related to approximately 550 employees, all of whom have been terminated. Total cash outlays related to the 2001 Operational Plan are

5


POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

expected to be approximately $40.7 million, $33.9$35.1 million of which have been paid through SeptemberDecember 28, 2002. We completed the implementation of the 2001 Operational Plan in fiscal 2002 and expect to settle the remaining liabilities in fiscal 20032004 or in accordance with contract terms.

 
(b)(c) 1999 Restructuring Plan

     As of December 28, 2002, the Company has settled the remaining liabilities related to the 1999 Restructuring Plan. The major components of the restructuring activity in the restructuring charge taken in connection with the Company’s 1999 Restructuring Plan (as defined in the Company’s fiscal 2002 Form 10-K) for the sixnine months ended SeptemberDecember 28, 2002 were as follows:

           
           Lease and
Severance andSeverance andContract
TerminationLease and ContractTerminationTermination
BenefitsTermination CostsTotalBenefitsCostsTotal






Balance at March 30, 2002 $1,456 $1,226 $2,682  $1,456 $1,226 $2,682 
Fiscal 2003 activity (981) (1,250) (2,231) (1,456) (1,226) (2,682)
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
Balance at September 28, 2002 $475 $(24) $451 
Balance at December 28, 2002 $ $ $ 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 

     Total severance6


POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

3.     Acquisitions

     In December 2002, the Company signed definitive agreements for a series of transactions which, if consummated, would result, among other things, in the Company having increased control over its master license for Japan. The agreements contemplate that the Company will acquire a 50% interest in its Japanese master license and termination benefitsan 18% equity interest in a company that will hold the sublicenses for the Company’s men’s, women’s and Polo Jeans businesses in Japan. The Company’s total investment in the transactions will be approximately $67 million and will be funded through the Company’s available cash. The transactions are expected to close in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003.

During the three months ended December 28, 2002, the Company acquired six retail locations and related assets in Germany and Argentina from certain of our licensees for a purchase price of approximately $2.6 million and $2.2 million, respectively. Consistent with Statements of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 141,Business Combinations, these acquisitions were accounted for as a resultpurchases.

     In connection with the purchase accounting for these acquisitions, the Company is in the process of evaluating the 1999 Restructuring Plan relatedtangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. At December 28, 2002, the Company’s accounting for the acquisitions was based on preliminary valuation information, which is subject to approximately 280 employees, all of whom have been terminated. Total cash outlaysrevision. The sales and total assets related to the 1999 Restructuring Plan are approximately $39.5 million, $39.0 millionacquired entities were not material. The pro-forma effect of these two acquisitions on the historical results was not material. The transitional impairment tests were completed and did not result in an impairment charge.

     The Company finalized the purchase accounting for the acquisition of the assets of PRL Fashions of Europe SRL, which occurred on October 31, 2002, the result of which have been paid to date. We completedwas an increase in goodwill of approximately $0.3 million, which was recorded during the implementation of the 1999 Restructuring Plan in fiscal 2000 and expect to settle the remaining liabilities in fiscal 2003 or in accordance with contract terms.quarter ended December 28, 2002.

3.4.     Inventories

     Inventories are valued at lower of cost (first-in, first-out, “FIFO”) or market and consist of the following:

                
September 28,March 30,December 28,March 30,
2002200220022002




Raw materials $8,745 $3,874  $7,754 $3,874 
Work-in-process 6,299 5,469  5,440 5,469 
Finished goods 386,477 340,475  326,883 340,475 
 
 
  
 
 
 $401,521 $349,818  $340,077 $349,818 
 
 
  
 
 

4.5.     Financing Agreements

     In November 2002, we terminated both our 1997 bank credit facility and our 1999 senior bank credit facility and entered into a new credit facility. The 1997 bank credit facility provided for a $225 million revolving line of credit and matured on December 31, 2002, while the 1999 senior bank credit facility consisted of a $20 million revolving line of credit and an $80 million term loan, both of which mature on June 30, 2003. The new credit facility with a syndicate of banks which consists of a $300 million revolving line of credit, subject to increase to $375 million, and is available for the issuance of letters of credit, acceptances and direct borrowings. This credit facility matures on November 18, 2005. As of December 28, 2002, we had $100 million outstanding under this new facility, which was the aggregate amount outstanding under the 1997 bank credit facility and 1999 senior bank credit facility at the time of extinguishment. Borrowings under this facility bear interest, at our option, at a Base Rate equal to the higher of the Federal Funds Effective Rate, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, plus  1/2 of one percent, and the prime commercial lending rate of JP Morgan Chase Bank in effect from time to time, or at the Eurodollar Rate (LIBOR) plus an interest margin based on the Federal Reserve Boards “Eurocurrency liabilities” reserve requirements.

7


POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Our 2002 bank credit facility requires that we maintain certain financial covenants:

• a minimum consolidated tangible net worth, and
• a maximum adjusted debt to EBITDAR (as such terms are defined in the credit facility) ratio.

The credit facility also contains covenants that, subject to specified exceptions, restrict our ability to:

• incur additional debt;
• incur liens and contingent liabilities;
• sell or dispose of our assets, including equity interests;
• merge with or acquire other companies, liquidate or dissolve;
• engage in businesses that are not a related line of business;
• make loans, advances, guarantees or stock repurchases;
• engage in transactions with affiliates; and
• make investments.

     Upon the occurrence of an event of default under the credit facility, the lenders may cease making loans, terminate the credit facility, and declare all amounts outstanding to be immediately due and payable. The credit facility specifies a number of events of default, many of which are subject to applicable grace or cure periods, including, among others, the failure to make timely principal and interest payments, to satisfy the covenants, or to maintain the required financial performance requirements described above. Additionally, the agreement provides that an event of default will occur if Mr. Ralph Lauren and related entities fail to maintain a specified minimum percentage of the voting power of our common stock. As of December 28, 2002, the Company was in compliance with all financial and non-financial debt covenants.

6.     Derivative Instruments

     In November 2002, the Company entered into forward contracts on 6.2 billion Japanese Yen that terminate in February 2003. These forward contracts were entered into to minimize the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations on the Japanese Yen purchase price in connection with the transactions described in Note 13. The forward contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting under SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (“SFAS No. 133”) and as such the changes in the fair value of the contracts are recognized currently in earnings. In connection with recording these contracts at fair market value as of December 28, 2002, the Company recognized $1.3 million of foreign exchange gain on these forward contracts, included as a component of foreign currency (gain) losses, in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

In June 2002, we entered into a cross currency rate swap, which expiresterminates in November 2006. The cross currency rate swap is being used to convert Euro 105.2 million, 6.125% fixed rate borrowings into $100.0 million, LIBOR plus 1.24% variable rate borrowings. We entered into the cross currency rate swap to minimize the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations in both principal and interest rate fluctuations onpayments resulting from Euro debt, and to minimize the impact of changes in the fair value of the Euro debt.debt due to changes in LIBOR, the benchmark interest rate. The swap has been designated as a fair value hedge under Statements of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”)SFAS No. 133,Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.133. Hedge ineffectiveness is measured as the difference between the respective gains or losses recognized in earnings from the changes in the fair value of the cross currency rate swap and the Euro debt, and was deminimisde minimis for the sixthree and nine months ended SeptemberDecember 28, 2002.

68


POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

5.7.     Comprehensive Income

     For the three and sixnine months ended SeptemberDecember 28, 2002 and SeptemberDecember 29, 2001, comprehensive income was as follows:

                    
Three Months EndedThree Months Ended


September 28,September 29,December 28,December 29,
2002200120022001




Net IncomeNet Income $51,744 $47,810 Net Income $42,812 $45,614 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes: Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes: 
Foreign currency translation adjustments (6,927) (1,709)Foreign currency translation adjustments 17,163 105 
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow and foreign currency hedges 4,993 (1,825)Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow and foreign currency hedges, net 1,228 (4,584)
 
 
   
 
 
 Comprehensive Income $49,810 $44,276  Comprehensive Income $61,203 $41,135 
 
 
   
 
 

     The income tax effect related to foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized gains and losses on cash flow and foreign currency hedges, net, was a benefitan expense of $1.1$10.6 million in the three months ended SeptemberDecember 28, 2002, and a benefit of $2.1$2.7 million in the three months ended SeptemberDecember 29, 2001.

                    
Six Months EndedNine Months Ended


September 28,September 29,December 28,December 29,
2002200120022001




Net IncomeNet Income $58,204 $78,863 Net Income $101,016 $124,477 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes: Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes: 
Foreign currency translation adjustments 9,866 712 Foreign currency translation adjustments 27,029 817 
Cumulative transition adjustment gains  4,028 Cumulative transition adjustment gains, net  4,028 
Unrealized losses on cash flow and foreign currency hedges (14,195) (1,981)Unrealized losses on cash flow and foreign currency hedges, net (12,967) (6,566)
 
 
   
 
 
 Comprehensive Income $53,875 $81,622  Comprehensive Income $115,078 $122,756 
 
 
   
 
 

     The income tax effect related to foreign currency translation adjustments, cumulative transition adjustment gains, net, and unrealized losses on cash flow and foreign currency hedges, net, was an expense of $8.1 million in the nine months ended December 28, 2002, and a benefit of $2.5$1.0 million in the sixnine months ended September 28, 2002, and an expense of $1.7 million in the six months ended SeptemberDecember 29, 2001.

6.8.     Segment Reporting

     We have three reportable business segments: wholesale, retail and licensing. Our reportable segments are individual business units that offer different products and services. The segments are managed separately because each segment requires different strategic initiatives, promotional campaigns, marketing and advertising, based upon its own individual positioning in the market. Additionally, these segments reflect the reporting basis used internally by senior management to evaluate performance and the allocation of resources.

79


POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

     Our net revenues and income from operations for the three and sixnine months ended SeptemberDecember 28, 2002 and SeptemberDecember 29, 2001, by segment were as follows:

                   
Three Months EndedThree Months Ended


September 28,September 29,December 28,December 29,
2002200120022001




Net revenues:
Net revenues:
 
Net revenues:
 
Wholesale $310,715 $280,437  Wholesale $268,251 $279,955 
Retail 263,839 247,765  Retail 315,052 280,338 
Licensing 66,285 67,493  Licensing 55,867 56,802 
 
 
   
 
 
 $640,839 $595,695   $639,170 $617,095 
 
 
   
 
 
Income from operations:
Income from operations:
 
Income from operations:
 
Wholesale $35,769 $28,723  Wholesale $18,065 $30,211 
Retail 13,310 14,966  Retail 30,703 13,648 
Licensing 35,569 42,444  Licensing 28,751 30,589 
 
 
   
 
 
 $84,648 $86,133   77,519 74,448 
 
 
 Less: Unallocated restructuring charge (8,000)  
 
 
 
 $69,519 $74,448 
 
 
 
                   
Six Months EndedNine Months Ended


September 28,September 29,December 28,December 29,
2002200120022001




Net revenues:
Net revenues:
 
Net revenues:
 
Wholesale $497,443 $525,610  Wholesale $765,694 $805,565 
Retail 490,977 463,650  Retail 806,029 743,988 
Licensing 119,419 124,264  Licensing 175,286 181,066 
 
 
   
 
 
 $1,107,839 $1,113,524   $1,747,009 $1,730,619 
 
 
   
 
 
Income from operations:
Income from operations:
 
Income from operations:
 
Wholesale $13,839 $49,690  Wholesale $31,904 $79,898 
Retail 29,180 18,933  Retail 59,883 32,582 
Licensing 59,317 71,098  Licensing 88,068 101,687 
 
 
   
 
 
 $102,336 $139,721   179,855 214,167 
 
 
 Less: Unallocated restructuring charge (8,000)  
 
 
 
 $171,855 $214,167 
 
 
 

Summarized below are our net revenues for the three and six months ended September 28, 2002 and September 29, 2001, by geographic location:

          
Three Months Ended

September 28,September 29,
20022001


Net revenues:
        
 United States $478,003  $523,453 
 Foreign Countries  162,836   72,242 
   
   
 
  $640,839  $595,695 
   
   
 

810


POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Summarized below are our net revenues for the three and nine months ended December 28, 2002 and December 29, 2001 by geographic location:

          
Six Months Ended

September 28,September 29,
20022001


Net revenues:
        
 United States $859,369  $928,636 
 Foreign Countries  248,470   184,888 
   
   
 
  $1,107,839  $1,113,524 
   
   
 
          
Three Months Ended

December 28,December 29,
20022001


Net revenues:
        
 United States and Canada $511,086  $495,474 
 Europe  81,472   106,156 
 Other Regions  46,612   15,465 
   
   
 
  $639,170  $617,095 
   
   
 
          
Nine Months Ended

December 28,December 29,
20022001


Net revenues:
        
 United States and Canada $1,370,451  $1,455,773 
 Europe  305,366   230,534 
 Other Regions  71,192   44,312 
   
   
 
  $1,747,009  $1,730,619 
   
   
 

7.9.     Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

     Effective March 31, 2002, the Company adopted SFAS No. 142,Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (“SFAS No. 142”).142. This accounting standard requires that goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets are no longer amortized but are subject to annual impairment tests. Other intangible assets with finite lives will continue to be amortized over their useful lives. The transitional impairment tests were completed and did not result in an impairment charge.

     In accordance with SFAS No. 142, the Company discontinued the amortization of goodwill effective March 31, 2002, and prior period amounts were not restated. A reconciliation of previously reported net income and earnings per share to the amounts adjusted for the exclusion of goodwill amortization, net of the related income tax effect, is as follows:

         
Three Months Ended

September 28,September 29,
20022001


Reported net income $51,744  $47,810 
Goodwill amortization, net of taxes     2,438 
   
   
 
Adjusted net income $51,744  $50,248 
Adjusted net income per share — basic $0.53  $0.52 
Adjusted net income per share — diluted $0.52  $0.51 
         
Six Months Ended

September 28,September 29,
20022001


Reported net income $58,204  $78,863 
Goodwill amortization, net of taxes     4,631 
   
   
 
Adjusted net income $58,204  $83,494 
Adjusted net income per share — basic $0.59  $0.86 
Adjusted net income per share — diluted $0.59  $0.85 
         
Three Months Ended

December 28,December 29,
20022001


Reported net income $42,812  $45,614 
Goodwill amortization, net of tax     1,937 
   
   
 
Adjusted net income $42,812  $47,551 
   
   
 
Adjusted net income per share — Basic $0.44  $0.49 
   
   
 
Adjusted net income per share — Diluted $0.43  $0.48 
   
   
 

The net carrying value of goodwill as of September 28, 2002 and March 30, 2002 by operating segment is as follows (amounts in millions):

                     
Unallocated
WholesaleRetailLicensingCorporateTotal





Balance at March 30, 2002 $107.0  $64.7  $99.1  $2.5  $273.3 
Effect of foreign exchange and other adjustments  9.3   (2.0)     4.0   11.3 
Balance at September 28, 2002 $116.3  $62.7  $99.1  $6.5  $284.6 

911


POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

         
Nine Months Ended

December 28,December 29,
20022001


Reported net income $101,016  $124,477 
Goodwill amortization, net of tax     4,626 
   
   
 
Adjusted net income $101,016  $129,103 
   
   
 
Adjusted net income per share — Basic $1.03  $1.33 
   
   
 
Adjusted net income per share — Diluted $1.02  $1.31 
   
   
 

The carrying value of goodwill as of December 28, 2002 and March 30, 2002 by operating segment is as follows:

                     
Unallocated
WholesaleRetailLicensingCorporateTotal





Balance at March 30, 2002 $107.0  $64.7  $99.1  $2.5  $273.3 
Purchases     3.6         3.6 
Effect of foreign exchange and other adjustments  18.4   (1.5)     1.6   18.5 
   
   
   
   
   
 
Balance at December 28, 2002 $125.4  $66.8  $99.1  $4.1  $295.4 
   
   
   
   
   
 

8.10.     Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 148,Accounting for Stock-based Compensation — Transition and Disclosure. The standard provides alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, SFAS No. 148 amends the disclosure requirements for SFAS No. 123 to require more prominent and more frequent disclosures in financial statements about the effects of stock-based compensation. SFAS No. 148 is effective for fiscal years ending after December 31, 2002. We do not expect the adoption of this pronouncement to have a material effect on the consolidated results of operations or financial position.

     In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146,Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities. The standard required companies to recognize costs associated with exit or disposal activities when they are incurred rather than at the date of a commitment to an exit or disposal plan. Examples of costs covered by the standard include lease termination costs and certain employee severance costs that are associated with a restructuring, discontinued operation, plant closing, or exit or disposal activity. SFAS No. 146 is to be applied prospectively to exit or disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002. The Company will apply SFAS No. 146 on a prospective basis, and as such, does not expect the adoption of this pronouncementit to have aan initial material effectimpact on theour consolidated results of operations or financial position.position upon adoption.

     In November 2002, the FASB issued Financial Interpretation No. 45 (“FIN 45”), “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others.) FIN 45 requires certain guarantees to be recorded at fair value and requires a guarantor to make significant new disclosures, even when the likelihood of making any payments under the guarantee is remote. Generally, FIN 45 applies to certain types of financial guarantees that contingently require the guarantor to make payments to the guaranteed party based on changes in an underlying that is related to an asset, liability, or an equity security of the guaranteed party; performance guarantees involving contracts which require the guarantor to make payments to the guaranteed party based on another entity’s failure to perform under an obligating agreement; indemnification agreements that contingently require the guarantor to make payments

12


POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

to an indemnified party based on changes in an underlying that is related to an asset, liability, or an equity security of the indemnified party; or indirect guarantees of the indebtedness of others. The initial recognition and initial measurement provisions of FIN 45 are applicable on a prospective basis to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. Disclosure requirements under FIN 45 are effective for financial statements ending after December 15, 2002 and are applicable to all guarantees issued by the guarantor subject to FIN 45’s scope, including guarantees issued prior to FIN 45. The Company has evaluated the accounting provisions of the interpretations and there was no material impact on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows for the period ended December 28, 2002.

     In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46 (“FIN 46”), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” with the objective of improving financial reporting by companies involved with variable interest entities. A variable interest entity is a corporation, partnership, trust, or any other legal structure used for business purposes that either (a) does not have equity investors with voting rights, or (b) has equity investors that do not provide sufficient financial resources for the entity to support its activities. Historically, entities generally were not consolidated unless the entity was controlled through voting interests. FIN 46 changes that by requiring a variable interest entity to be consolidated by a company if that company is subject to a majority of the risk of loss from the variable interest entity’s activities or entitled to receive a majority of the entity’s residual returns or both. A company that consolidates a variable interest entity is called the “primary beneficiary” of that entity. FIN 46 also requires disclosures about variable interest entities that a company is not required to consolidate but in which it has a significant variable interest. The consolidation requirements of FIN 46 apply immediately to variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003. The consolidation requirements of FIN 46 apply to existing entities in the first fiscal year or interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. Also, certain disclosure requirements apply to all financial statements issued after January 31, 2003, regardless of when the variable interest entity was established. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of the interpretation and does not expect any material impact to the financial statements as a result of adopting this interpretation.

11.     Commitments & Contingencies

 
9.(a) Commitments & Contingencies
(a) Commitments

     As of SeptemberDecember 28, 2002, the Company had $40.4$105.8 million outstanding in direct borrowings $80.0 million outstanding under the term loancredit facility and $226.6$238.1 million outstanding in Euro debt based on the quarter end Euro exchange rate. The Company was also contingently liable for $32.5$27.6 million in outstanding letters of credit primarily related to commitments for the purchase of inventory. The weighted-average interest rate on the Company’s borrowings at SeptemberDecember 28, 2002 was 5.7%5.5%.

 
(b) (b) Legal Proceedings

     With regard to the Saipan class action litigation referred to in the fiscal 2002 Form 10-K, subsequent to the date of the fiscal 2002 Form 10-K, most of the remaining defendants agreed to a settlement with plaintiffs. A hearing on final court approval of the settlements is expected to be held in the spring of 2003.

     On September 18, 2002, an employee at one of the Company’s stores Toni Young, filed a lawsuit against Polo Retail, LLC and the Company in the United States District Court for the District of Northern California alleging violations of California antitrust and labor laws. The plaintiff purports to represent a class of employees who have allegedly been injured by Polo’s requirement that certain retail employees purchase and wear Polo Ralph Lauren merchandise as a condition of their employment. The complaint, as amended, seeks an unspecified amount of actual and punitive damages, disgorgement of profits and injunctive and declaratory relief. The Company answered the amended complaint on November 4, 2002,2002. A hearing on cross motions for summary judgement on the issue of whether the Company’s policies violated California law has been scheduled for August 14, 2003, and believes that the plaintiff’s claimsmotions are substantially without merit and intendsexpected to defend against them vigorously.be filed in June or July.

13


POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 
10.(c) ReclassificationRecent Developments

     As the result of the failure of Jones Apparel Group (including its subsidiaries, “Jones”) to meet the minimum sales volumes for the year ended December 31, 2002 under the license agreements for the sale of products under the “Ralph” trademark between the Company and Jones dated May 11, 1998, these license agreements will terminate as of December 31, 2003. The Company has advised Jones that the termination of these licenses will automatically result in the termination of the licenses between the Company and Jones with respect to the “Lauren” trademark pursuant to the Cross Default and Term Extension Agreement, between the Company and Jones dated May 11, 1998. The Lauren license agreements would otherwise expire on December 31, 2006. Jones has advised the Company that it does not agree that the Lauren licenses will terminate on December 31, 2003. The Company is confident that its legal position is correct, and is in discussions with Jones regarding the Lauren and Ralph brands. Jones has reported that net sales of Lauren and Ralph products for the year ended December 31, 2002 were $548 million and $37 million, respectively.

12.     Reclassification

For comparative purposes, certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation.

11.

13.     Subsequent Events

     In October 2002,January 2003, the Company signed an agreement in principlecompleted the assignment of the sublease for one store location for which if definitive agreements are executed and consummated, would result, among other things, in the Company having increased control over the license for Japan. The agreement in principle outlinesreceived proceeds of approximately $10 million, and recorded a seriesgain of transactions whereby the Company would acquire a 50% controlling interest in its Japanese master license and an 18% equity interest in a company that will hold the sublicensesapproximately $5 million for the Company’s men’s, women’s and Polo Jeans businesses in Japan. The Company’s total investment in the transactions will be approximately $70 million and will be funded through the Company’s available cash.fourth quarter ended March 29, 2003.

1014


POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION

 
Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     The following discussion and analysis is a summary and should be read together with our consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto which are included herein. We utilize a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the Saturday nearest March 31. Fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2002 end on March 29, 2003 and March 30, 2002, respectively, and each reflect a 52-week period. Due to the collaborative and ongoing nature of our relationships with our licensees, such licensees are referred to herein as “licensing partners” and the relationships are referred to herein as “licensing alliances.” Notwithstanding these references, however, the legal relationship between our licensees and us is one of licensor and licensee, and not one of partnership.

     Certain statements in this Form 10-Q and in future filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in our press releases and in oral statements made by or with the approval of authorized personnel constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and are indicated by words or phrases such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “we believe,” “is or remains optimistic,” “currently envisions” and similar words or phrases and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following: risks associated with a general economic downturn and other events leading to a reduction in discretionary consumer spending; risks associated with implementing our plans to enhance our worldwide luxury retail business, inventory management program and operating efficiency initiatives; risks associated with changes in the competitive marketplace, including the introduction of new products or pricing changes by our competitors; changes in global economic or political conditions; risks associated with our dependence on sales to a limited number of large department store customers, including risks related to extending credit to customers; risks associated with our dependence on our licensing partners for a substantial portion of our net income and risks associated with a lack of operational and financial control over licensed businesses; risks associated with financial distress of licensees, including the impact on our net income and business of one or more licensee’slicensees’ reorganization; risks associated with consolidations, restructurings and other ownership changes in the retail industry; risks associated with competition in the segments of the fashion and consumer product industries in which we operate, including our ability to shape, stimulate and respond to changing consumer tastes and demands by producing attractive products, brands and marketing, and our ability to remain competitive in the areas of quality and price; risks associated with uncertainty relating to our ability to implement our growth strategies; risks associated with our entry into new markets either through internal development activities or through acquisitions; risks associated with the possible adverse impact of our unaffiliated manufacturers’ inability to manufacture in a timely manner, to meet quality standards or to use acceptable labor practices; risks associated with changes in social, political, economic and other conditions affecting foreign operations or sourcing and the possible adverse impact of changes in import restrictions; risks related to our ability to establish and protect our trademarks and other proprietary rights; risks related to fluctuations in foreign currency affecting our foreign subsidiaries’ and foreign licensees’ results of operations and the relative prices at which we and our foreign competitors sell products in the same market and our operating and manufacturing costs outside of the United States; and, risks associated with our control by Lauren family members and the anti-takeover effect of multiple classes of stock. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Overview

     We began operations in 1968 as a designer and marketer of premium quality men’s clothing and sportswear. Since our inception, we have grown through increased sales of existing product lines, the introduction of new brands and products, expansion into international markets, development of our retail operations and acquisitions. Our net revenues are generated from our three integrated operations: wholesale, retail and licensing.

1115


Results of Operations

     The table below sets forth the percentage relationship to net revenues of certain items in our consolidated statements of incomeoperations for the three and sixnine months ended SeptemberDecember 28, 2002 and SeptemberDecember 29, 2001:

                          
September 28, 2002September 29, 2001December 28, 2002December 29, 2001




ThreeSixThreeSixThreeNineThreeNine
MonthsMonthsMonthsMonthsMonthsMonthsMonthsMonths








Net sales 89.7% 89.2% 88.7% 88.8% 91.3% 90.0% 90.8% 89.5%
Licensing revenue 10.3 10.8 11.3 11.2  8.7 10.0 9.2 10.5 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Net revenues 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0  100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Gross profit 50.1 50.0 48.0 49.2  48.2 49.3 46.5 48.2 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 36.9 40.8 33.5 36.7  36.0 39.0 34.4 35.8 
Restructuring charge 1.3 0.5   
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Income from operations 13.2 9.2 14.5 12.5  10.9 9.8 12.1 12.4 
Foreign currency loss  0.3 1.0 0.3 
Foreign currency (gain) loss (0.2) 0.1 (0.4)  
Interest expense, net 0.5 0.6 0.8 0.9  0.6 0.6 0.7 0.9 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes 12.7% 8.3% 12.7% 11.3% 10.5 9.1 11.8 11.5 
Income tax provision 3.8 3.3 4.4 4.3 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Net income 6.7% 5.8% 7.4% 7.2%
 
 
 
 
 

Consolidation of European Entities — Change in Reporting Period

     Effective December 30, 2001, for reporting purposes the Companywe changed the fiscal years of certain of itsour European subsidiaries in the consolidated financial statements to end on the Saturday closest to March 31 to conform with the fiscal year end of the Company. Previously, these European subsidiaries were consolidated and reported on a three-month lag with fiscal years ending December 31. Accordingly, we have included the SeptemberDecember 28, 2002 and March 30, 2002 balance sheets of these European subsidiaries in the accompanying SeptemberDecember 28, 2002 and March 30, 2002 consolidated balance sheets. We also have consolidated the results of operations of these European subsidiaries for the three and sixnine months ended September 28, 2002 and June 30, 2001 in the three and six months ended SeptemberDecember 28, 2002 and September 29, 2001 in the three and nine months ended December 28, 2002 and December 29, 2001 consolidated statements of operationsincome and cash flows. Had these European subsidiaries been consolidated on a consistent fiscal year basis for the three and sixnine months ended SeptemberDecember 29, 2001, net revenues would have been $659$565.0 million and $1,133$1,697.8 million, and net income would have been $66$25.0 million and $82$106.8 million, respectively.

 
Three Months Ended SeptemberDecember 28, 2002 Compared to Three Months Ended SeptemberDecember 29, 2001

     Net Sales.Net sales increased 8.8%4.1% to $574.6$583.3 million in the three months ended SeptemberDecember 28, 2002, from $528.2$560.3 million in the three months ended SeptemberDecember 29, 2001. Had certain of the European subsidiaries been reported on a consistent fiscal year basis for the three months ended SeptemberDecember 28, 2001, net sales would have been $590.2 million.$510.9 million and the increase would have been 14.2%.

     Wholesale net sales increased 10.8%decreased 4.2% to $310.7$268.3 million in the three-month period, from $280.4$280.0 million in the corresponding period in fiscal 2002. Had certain of the European subsidiaries been reported on a consistent fiscal year basis for the three months ended December 29, 2001, wholesale net sales would have been $228.5 million, and the wholesale net sales for the three months ended December 29, 2001, would have represented an increase of 17.4%, driven by a $20.6 million, or approximately 62.4%, increase in the European wholesale business which resulted from continued European expansion and a full quarter’s inclusion of PRL Fashions of Europe S.r.L.’s operations of $9.1 million. PRL Fashions of Europe S.r.L. (hereafter referred to as “PRL Fashions”), which was acquired in October 2001, held licenses to sell women’s Ralph Lauren apparel in Europe, men’s and boys’ Polo Ralph Lauren apparel in Italy and men’s and women’s Polo Jeans Co.

16


collections in Italy. These increases were offset in part by a strategic streamlining of the amount of product sold to the department stores, the elimination of the women’s Ralph Lauren Sport and the Lauren for men lines of $7.8 million, and a difficult holiday sell-through.

     Retail net sales increased $34.8 million, or 12.4%, to $315.1 million in the three months ended December 28, 2002, from $280.3 million in the corresponding period in fiscal 2002. Had certain of the European subsidiaries been reported on a consistent fiscal year basis for the three months ended December 29, 2001, retail net sales would have been $282.4 million, and the increase would have been 11.6%, primarily driven by a $18.4 million, or 10.3%, increase in comparable outlet store sales and a $5.4 million, or 5.8%, increase in comparable total full price store sales (comparable store sales information includes both Polo Ralph Lauren stores and Club Monaco stores).

     Also impacting this increase is worldwide store expansion. During the three months ended December 28, 2002, we opened six Polo Ralph Lauren stores, two Club Monaco stores, two European outlet stores, and closed one Polo Jeans outlet store and one Club Monaco outlet store. At December 28, 2002, we operated 251 stores compared to 234 stores at the third quarter end of fiscal 2002. At December 28, 2002, the Company’s retail group consisted of 47 Polo Ralph Lauren stores, 58 Club Monaco stores, 94 full line outlet stores, 22 Polo Jeans outlet stores, 21 European outlet stores and nine Club Monaco outlet stores.

Licensing Revenue.Licensing revenue decreased 1.6% to $55.9 million in the three months ended December 28, 2002, from $56.8 million in the corresponding period of fiscal 2002. Had certain of the European subsidiaries been reported on a consistent fiscal year basis for the three months ended September 28,December 29, 2001, wholesale net saleslicensing revenue would have been $341.2$54.1 million, resulting in an 8.9% decrease. This decrease primarily reflects a strategic streamlining of the amount of product sold to the department stores and the eliminationlicensing revenue for the three months ended December 28, 2002, would have represented an increase of the women’s Ralph Lauren Sport3.3%, driven by greater licensing revenues from our international and the Lauren for men lines, resulting in a combined decreasehome licensing partners of approximately $66.5 million. These decreases were$1.7 million and $0.8 million, respectively, partially offset by a $43.2$0.8 million increase, or approximately 51.3%, in the European wholesale business which primarily reflects the acquisition in October 2001 of PRL Fashions of Europe S.R.L, which held licenses to sell women’s Ralph Lauren apparel in Europe, men’s and boys’ Polo Ralph Lauren apparel in Italy and men’s and women’s Polo Jeans Co. collections in Italy.less licensing revenues from certain domestic licensing partners.

     Retail salesGross Profit.Gross profit as a percentage of net revenues increased $16.0 million, or 6.5%, to $263.8 million48.2% in the three months ended SeptemberDecember 28, 2002, from $247.8 million in the corresponding period in fiscal 2002. Had certain of the European subsidiaries been reported on a consistent fiscal year basis for the three months ended September 29, 2001, retail net sales

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would have been $248.9 million, and the increase would have been 6.0%. This increase is primarily driven by a $9.5 million, or 5.7%, increase in comparable outlet store sales, which was offset by a $6.6 million, or 8.8%, decrease in comparable full price store sales.

     At September 28, 2002, we operated 243 stores compared to 231 stores at the second quarter end of fiscal 2002. At September 28, 2002 the Company’s retail group consisted of 41 Polo Ralph Lauren stores, 56 Club Monaco stores, 94 full line Outlet stores, 23 Polo Jeans Co. Outlet stores, 19 European Outlet stores and 10 Club Monaco Outlet stores. During the three months ended September 28, 2002, the Company opened two Polo Ralph Lauren stores, one domestic outlet store, one Polo Jeans Co. Outlet store and two Club Monaco stores.

Licensing Revenue.Licensing revenue decreased 1.8% to $66.3 million in the three months ended September 28, 2002, from $67.5 million46.5% in the corresponding period of fiscal 2002. Had certain of the European subsidiaries been reported on a consistent fiscal year basis for the three months ended SeptemberDecember 29, 2001, licensing revenuegross profit would have been $69.3 million, resulting45.3%. Improved gross profit was driven by better merchandise margins in a 4.3% decrease. This decrease resulted from the elimination ofworldwide retail businesses and in the Italian royalties due to the acquisition in October 2001 of PRL Fashions of Europe S.R.L., which holds licenses to sell our women’s Ralph Lauren apparel in Europe, our men’s and boy’s Polo Ralph Lauren apparel in Italy, and our men’s and women’s Polo Jeans Co. collectionsdomestic wholesale businesses. The improved margins in Italy.the domestic wholesale business primarily are the result of lower sales to off-price channels caused by better inventory management.

     Gross Profit.Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.Gross profit as a percentageSelling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses increased $17.8 million to $230.4 million, or 36.0% of net revenues, increased to 50.1% in the three months ended SeptemberDecember 28, 2002, from 48.0%$212.6 million, or 34.4% of net revenues, in the corresponding period of fiscal 2002. Had certain of the European subsidiaries been reported on a consistent fiscal year basis for the three months ended SeptemberDecember 29, 2001, SG&A expenses would have been $214.7 million, or 38.0% of net revenues. This increase in SG&A dollars is driven by higher selling salaries and related costs in connection with an incremental increase in worldwide retail sales and store expansion (primarily in Europe) as well as the expansion of the European wholesale business, which includes three months of PRL Fashions’ operations, as opposed to two months of PRL Fashions’ operations in the prior year’s period. This increase was offset by the elimination of goodwill amortization of $3.1 million as a result of the implementation of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142,Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. The decrease as a percentage of revenues is attributable to ongoing company-wide expense management and cost reduction initiatives.

Restructuring Charge.During the third quarter of fiscal 2003, we completed a strategic review of our European businesses and formalized our plans to centralize and more efficiently consolidate our business operations. The major initiatives of our plan included the following: consolidation of our headquarters from five cities in three countries, to one location; the consolidation of our European logistics operations to Italy; and the migration of all European information systems to a standard global system. In connection with the implementation of this plan, we have completed the consultation process regarding the headquarters in the United Kingdom and Italy and have recorded a restructuring charge of $8.0 million, which included approximately $6.4 million for severance and termination benefits related to approximately 100 employees,

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and $1.6 million for lease and other contract termination costs, during the third quarter of fiscal 2003. Total cash outlays related to this plan of approximately $3.1 million for severance and termination benefits have been paid through December 28, 2002. The Company expects the final phase of the process, related to the French consultation regarding back office functions, to be completed during the fourth quarter of 2003 and expects to take a fourth quarter restructuring charge of approximately $3.0 to $7.0 million, net of taxes. It is expected that this plan will be completed, and the remaining liabilities will be paid, in fiscal 2004.

Interest Expense, net.Interest expense decreased to $3.4 million in the three months ended December 28, 2002, from $4.5 million in the comparable period in fiscal 2002. This change was primarily due to a decrease of approximately $0.9 million related to reduced interest rates as a result of the cross currency swap, which was entered into in connection with our Euro debt in June 2002 and is further described in theFinancial Position, Liquidity and Capital Resourcessection. The remaining decrease resulted from decreased short-term borrowings and long-term Euro debt borrowings during the three months ended December 28, 2002. These decreases were partially offset by higher Eurodollar exchange rates, which effect the Euro denominated interest payments on the portion of the Euro debt not covered by the cross currency swap.

Foreign Currency (Gain) Loss.Foreign currency gains decreased to $1.3 million in the three months ended December 28, 2002, compared to $3.0 million in the comparable period in fiscal 2002. In fiscal 2003, these gains primarily relate to Japanese forward contracts entered into in November 2002, which are further described in theFinancial Position, Liquidity and Capital Resources section. In addition, no gains or losses were recorded during the third quarter of fiscal 2003, in connection with our Euro debt since it was fully hedged. However, in fiscal 2002, gains of approximately $3.0 million were derived from transaction gains on the unhedged portion of our Euro debt, which resulted from decreases in the Eurodollar rate.

Income Taxes.The effective tax rate decreased to 36.5% in the three months ended December 28, 2002, from 37.5% in the corresponding period in fiscal 2002. This decline is a result of the implementation of tax strategies.

Nine Months Ended December 28, 2002 Compared to Nine Months Ended December 29, 2001

Net Sales.Net sales increased 1.4% to $1,571.7 million in the nine months ended December 28, 2002, from $1,549.6 million in the nine months ended December 29, 2001. Had certain of the European subsidiaries been reported on a consistent fiscal year basis for the nine months ended December 29, 2001, net sales would have been $1,520.8 million and the increase would have been 3.3%.

     Wholesale net sales decreased 5.0% to $765.7 million in the nine-month period, from $805.6 million in the corresponding period in fiscal 2002. Had certain of the European subsidiaries been reported on a consistent fiscal year basis for the nine months ended December 29, 2001, wholesale net sales would have been $771.6 million and the decrease would have been 0.8%, driven by a strategic streamlining of the amount of product sold to the department stores, the elimination of the women’s Ralph Lauren Sport and the Lauren for men lines of $22.1 million, and a difficult holiday sell-through, partially offset by a $86.8 million, or approximately 62.0%, increase in the European wholesale business which resulted from continued European expansion and the inclusion of PRL Fashions’ operations of $50.5 million for the full nine-month period in fiscal 2003.

     Retail net sales increased 8.3% to $806.0 million in the nine months ended December 28, 2002, from $744.0 million in the corresponding period in fiscal 2002. Had certain of the European subsidiaries been reported on a consistent fiscal year basis for the nine months ended December 29, 2001, retail net sales would have been $749.2 million, and the increase would have been 7.6%, primarily driven by the $41.6 million, or 8.7%, increase in comparable outlet store sales, which was offset by $8.8 million, or 3.6% decrease, in our total full price stores (comparable store sales information includes both Polo Ralph Lauren stores and Club Monaco stores).

     Also impacting this increase is worldwide store expansion. During the nine months ended December 28, 2002, the Company opened 15 stores, net of closings, ending the period with 251 stores as compared to 234 in the same period of the prior year. Included in these openings were eight Polo Ralph Lauren stores, four Club

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Monaco stores, one full line outlet store, one Polo Jeans outlet store and five European outlet stores. Offsetting these openings were the closings of one of each of the following stores: Club Monaco store, full line outlet, Polo Jeans outlet, and Club Monaco outlet.

Licensing Revenue.Licensing revenue decreased 3.2% to $175.3 million in the nine months ended December 28, 2002, from $181.1 million in the corresponding period of fiscal 2002. Had certain of the European subsidiaries been reported on a consistent fiscal year basis for the nine months ended December 29, 2001, licensing revenue would have been $177.1, resulting in a 1.0% decrease, primarily driven by the elimination of the Italian royalties due to the acquisition in October 2001 of PRL Fashions and lower licensing revenues received from certain domestic licensing partners of $3.1 million and $1.6 million, respectively. These decreases were offset by an increase in revenues received from our international and home licensing partners of approximately $0.9 million and $1.9 million, respectively.

Gross Profit.Gross profit as a percentage of net revenues increased to 49.3% in the nine months ended December 28, 2002, from 48.2% in the corresponding period of fiscal 2002. Had certain of the European subsidiaries been reported on a consistent fiscal year basis for the nine months ended December 29, 2001, gross profit would have been 48.7%47.9%. Improved gross profit was driven by better merchandise margins in the domestic retail businesses.

     Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses increased $37.1$61.1 million to $236.6$681.9 million, or 36.9%,39.0% of net revenues in the threenine months ended SeptemberDecember 28, 2002, from 33.5% of net revenues in the corresponding period of fiscal 2002. Had certain of the Company’s European subsidiaries been reported on a consistent fiscal year basis for the three months ended September 29, 2001, SG&A expenses would have increased $31.1 million to 31.2% of net revenues. This increase is primarily due to increased operating expenses from the acquisition in October 2001 of PRL Fashions of Europe S.R.L, which held licenses to sell women’s Ralph Lauren apparel in Europe, men’s and boys’ Polo Ralph Lauren apparel in Italy and men’s and women’s Polo Jeans Co. collections in Italy, and higher selling salaries and related costs in connection with the expansion of the European retail business.

Interest Expense, net.Interest expense decreased to $2.9 million in the three months ended September 28, 2002, from $4.8 million in the comparable period in fiscal 2002. This decrease was primarily due to decreased borrowings as a result of significantly increased levels of cash and cash equivalents during the three months ended September 28, 2002 and repurchases of a portion of our outstanding Euro debt.

Income Taxes.The effective tax rate decreased to 36.5% in the three months ended September 28, 2002, from 36.8% in the corresponding period in fiscal 2002. This decline is primarily a result of the implementation of tax strategies.

Six Months Ended September 28, 2002 Compared to Six Months Ended September 29, 2001

Net Sales.Net sales decreased $0.9 million to $988.4 million in the six months ended September 28, 2002 from $989.3 million in the six months ended September 29, 2001. Had certain of the European subsidiaries been reported on a consistent fiscal year basis for the six months ended September 29, 2001, net sales would have been $1,009.8 million.

     Wholesale net sales decreased 5.4% to $497.4 million in the six-month period, from $525.6 million in the corresponding period in fiscal 2002. Had certain of the European subsidiaries been reported on a consistent fiscal year basis for the six months ended September 29, 2001, wholesale net sales would have been $543.1 million and the decrease would have been 8.4%. This decrease primarily reflects a strategic streamlining of the amount of product sold to the department stores and the elimination of the women’s Ralph Lauren Sport and the Lauren for men lines, resulting in a combined decrease of approximately $106.8 million.

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These decreases were offset by a $66.2 million increase, or approximately 61.9%, in the European wholesale business which primarily reflects the acquisition in October 2001 of PRL Fashions of Europe S.R.L, which held licenses to sell women’s Ralph Lauren apparel in Europe, men’s and boys’ Polo Ralph Lauren apparel in Italy and men’s and women’s Polo Jeans Co. collections in Italy.

     Retail sales increased $27.3$620.8 million or 5.9%, to $491.0 million in the six months ended September 28, 2002, from $463.7 million in the corresponding period in fiscal 2002. Had certain of the European subsidiaries been reported on a consistent fiscal year basis for the six months ended September 29, 2001, retail net sales would have been $466.8 million, and the increase would have been 5.2%. This increase is primarily driven by the $19.2 million, or 6.4% increase in comparable outlet store sales, which was offset by $14.9 million, or 9.8% decrease, in our full price stores.

     At September 28, 2002, we operated 243 stores compared to 231 stores at the second quarter end of fiscal 2002. At September 28, 2002, the Company’s retail group consisted of 41 Polo Ralph Lauren stores, 56 Club Monaco stores, 94 full line Outlet stores, 23 Polo Jeans Co. Outlet stores, 19 European Outlet stores and 10 Club Monaco Outlet stores. During the six months ended September 28, 2002, the Company opened three European outlet stores, two Polo Ralph Lauren stores, one domestic outlet store, one Polo Jeans Co. Outlet store, two Club Monaco stores, and closed one domestic outlet store and one Club Monaco store.

Licensing Revenue.Licensing revenue decreased 3.9% to $119.4 million in the three months ended September 28, 2002, from $124.3 million in the corresponding period of fiscal 2002. Had certain of the European subsidiaries been reported on a consistent fiscal year basis for the three months ended September 29, 2001, licensing revenue would have been $123.0 million, resulting in a 2.9% decrease. This decrease resulted from the elimination of the Italian royalties due to the acquisition in October 2001 of PRL Fashions of Europe S.R.L., which holds licenses to sell our women’s Ralph Lauren apparel in Europe, our men’s and boys’ Polo Ralph Lauren apparel in Italy, and our men’s and women’s Polo Jeans Co. collections in Italy.

Gross Profit.Gross profit as a percentage of net revenues increased to 50.0% in the six months ended September 28, 2002, from 49.2% in the corresponding period of fiscal 2002. Had certain of the European subsidiaries been reported on a consistent fiscal year basis for the six months ended September 29, 2001, gross profit would have been 49.1%. Improved gross profit was driven by better merchandise margins in the domestic retail businesses.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.SG&A expenses increased $43.3 million to $451.5 million, to 40.8% of net revenues in the six months ended September 28, 2002, from 36.7%35.8% of net revenues in the corresponding period of fiscal 2002. Had certain of the European subsidiaries been reported on a consistent fiscal year basis for the sixnine months ended SeptemberDecember 29, 2001, SG&A expenses would have increased $39.4been $626.8 million, or as a percentage36.9% of net revenues, would have been 36.4%, a decrease of 30 basis points. Thiswith the increase isin the fiscal 2002 nine-month period being primarily due to increased operating expenses from the acquisition in October 2001 of PRL Fashions of Europe S.R.L., which held licenses to sell women’s Ralph Lauren apparel in Europe, men’s and boys’ Polo Ralph Lauren apparel in Italy and men’s and women’s Polo Jeans Co. collections in Italy and higher selling salaries and related costs in connection with the incremental increase in retail sales and worldwide store expansion (primarily Europe), the expansion of the European retail business.wholesale business as well as the inclusion of PRL Fashions’ operations, which was acquired in October 2002. These increases were offset by the elimination of goodwill amortization of $7.4 million as a result of the implementation of SFAS No. 142.

Restructuring Charge.During the third quarter of fiscal 2003, we completed a strategic review of our European businesses and formalized our plans to centralize and more efficiently consolidate its operations. The major initiatives of our plan included the following: consolidation of our headquarters from five cities in three countries, to one location; the consolidation of our European logistics operations to Italy; and the migration of all European information systems to a standard global system. In connection with the implementation of this plan, we have completed the consultation process regarding the headquarters in the United Kingdom and Italy and have recorded a restructuring charge of $8.0 million, which included approximately $6.4 million for severance and termination benefits related to approximately 100 employees, and $1.6 million for lease and other contract termination costs, during the third quarter of fiscal 2003. Total cash outlays related to this plan of approximately $3.1 million for severance and termination benefits have been paid through December 28, 2002. The Company expects the final phase of the process, related to the French consultation regarding back office functions, to be completed during the fourth quarter of 2003 and expects to take a fourth quarter restructuring charge of approximately $3.0 to $7.0 million, net of taxes. It is expected that this plan will be completed, and the remaining liabilities will be paid, in fiscal 2004.

     Interest Expense, net.Interest expense decreased to $6.9$10.3 million in the sixnine months ended SeptemberDecember 28, 2002, from $10.7$15.2 million in the comparable period in fiscal 2002. This decrease was primarily due to decreased short-term borrowings and long-term Euro debt borrowings of $48.2 million and $16.9 million, respectively, during the nine months ended December 28, 2002. The remaining decrease of approximately $2.0 million resulted from reduced interest rates as a result of significantlythe cross currency swap, which was entered into in connection with our Euro debt in June 2002 and is further described in theFinancial Position, Liquidity and Capital Resourcessection. These decreases were partially offset by higher Eurodollar exchange rates, which effect the Euro denominated interest payments on the portion of the Euro debt not covered by the cross currency swap.

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Foreign Currency (Gain) Loss.Foreign currency losses increased levels of cash and cash equivalents duringto $2.5 million in the sixnine months ended SeptemberDecember 28, 2002, and repurchasescompared to a gain of a$0.2 million in the comparable period of fiscal 2002. In fiscal 2003, these losses primarily relate to approximately $3.8 million of transaction losses on the unhedged portion of our outstanding Euro debt.debt, which result from increases in the Eurodollar rate until we entered into the cross currency swap in June 2002. These losses were offset by $1.3 million of gains recorded on the Japanese forward contracts, which are further described in theFinancial Position, Liquidity and Capital Resourcessection. However, in fiscal 2002, these gains were derived from transaction gains on the unhedged portion of our Euro debt, which resulted from decreases in the Eurodollar rate.

     Income Taxes.The effective tax rate decreased to 36.5% in the sixnine months ended SeptemberDecember 28, 2002, from 37.5% in the corresponding period in fiscal 2002. This decline is primarily a result of the implementation of tax strategies.

Recent Developments

     In December 2002, we signed definitive agreements for a series of transactions which, if consummated, would result, among other things, in our having increased control over the license for Japan. The agreements contemplate that we will acquire a 50% interest in its Japanese master license and an 18% equity interest in a company that will hold the sublicenses for our men’s, women’s and Polo Jeans businesses in Japan. Our total investment in the transactions will be approximately $70 million and will be funded through our available cash. The transactions are expected to close in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003.

     As the result of the failure of Jones Apparel Group (including its subsidiaries, “Jones”) to meet the minimum sales volumes for the year ended December 31, 2002 under the license agreements for the sale of products under the “Ralph” trademark between us and Jones, dated May 11, 1998, these license agreements will terminate as of December 31, 2003. We have advised Jones that the termination of these licenses will automatically result in the termination of the licenses between us and Jones with respect to the “Lauren” trademark pursuant to the Cross Default and Term Extension Agreement, between us and Jones dated May 11, 1998. The Lauren license agreements would otherwise expire on December 31, 2006. Jones has advised us that it does not agree that the Lauren licenses will terminate on December 31, 2003. We are confident that our legal position is correct, and are in discussions with Jones regarding the Lauren and Ralph brands. Jones has reported that net sales of Lauren and Ralph products for the year ended December 31, 2002, were $548 million and $37 million, respectively.

Financial Position, Liquidity and Capital Resources

     Our principle cash requirements primarily derive fromare for working capital needs,(primarily accounts receivable and inventory) to support projected sales increases, construction and renovation of shop-within-shops, distribution center and information systems upgrades, retail store expansion, acquisitions, and other corporate activities. Our main sources of liquidity are cash flows from operations, credit facilities and other borrowings.

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     Net cash provided by operating activities increased to $139.8     We ended the third quarter of fiscal 2003 with $441.6 million in cash and cash equivalents and $343.9 million of debt outstanding compared to $294.6 million and $372.0 million of cash and cash equivalents and debt outstanding, respectively, at December 29, 2001. This represents a $175.1 million improvement in our debt net of cash position over the six months ended September 28, 2002, from $126.2last twelve months. This improvement is partially attributable to the accumulation of funds to cover the anticipated $70 million payment in connection with agreements related to the license for Japan, which are expected to close in the comparable periodfourth quarter of fiscal 2003, and the changes in fiscal 2002. This increase was primarily due to a decrease in accounts receivable offset by increased inventories, both of which were primarily caused by seasonal differences reflected in the two periods as a result of certain European subsidiaries being consolidated on a current basis in the six months ended September 28, 2002 as compared to a three-month lag in the comparable period in fiscal 2002.

     Net cash used in investing activities decreased to $38.3 million in the six months ended September 28, 2002 as compared to $41.8 million in the comparable period in fiscal 2002 primarilyworking capital due to the increase in the cash surrender value of officers’ life insurance.

     Net cash provided by financing activities was $3.9 million in the six months ended September 28, 2002 as compared to net cash used in financing activities of $14.6 million in the comparable period in fiscal 2002. This change is primarily due to the proceeds from short-term borrowings of $6.3 million and the proceeds from the issuance of common stock of $5.6 million, offset by the repurchase of $7.7 million of our Euro debt.

     In June 1997, we entered into a credit facility with a syndicate of banks which provides for a $225.0 million revolving line of credit available for the issuance of letters of credit, acceptances and direct borrowings and matures on December 31, 2002. Borrowings under the syndicated bank credit facility bear interest, at our option, at a base rate equal to the higher of the Federal Funds Rate, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, plus  1/2 of one percent, and the prime commercial lending rate of JP Morgan Chase Bank in effect from time to time, or at the Eurodollar Rate (LIBOR) plus an interest margin based on the Federal Reserve Boards “Eurocurrency liabilities” reserve requirements. The margin was 0.75% as of September 28, 2002.

     In March 1999, in connection with our acquisition of Club Monaco, we entered into a $100.0 million senior credit facility with a syndicate of banks consisting of a $20.0 million revolving line of credit and an $80.0 million term loan. The revolving line of credit is available for working capital needs and general corporate purposes and matures on June 30, 2003. The term loan was used to finance the acquisition of all of the outstanding common stock of Club Monaco and to repay indebtedness of Club Monaco. The term loan is also repayable on June 30, 2003. Borrowings under the 1999 senior credit facility bear interest, at our option, at a Base Rate equal to the higher of the Federal Funds Rate, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, plus  1/2 of one percent and the prime commercial lending rate of JP Morgan Chase Bank in effect from time to time, or at the Eurodollar Rate (LIBOR) plus an interest margin based on the Federal Reserve Board’s “Eurocurrency liabilities” reserve requirements. The margin was 0.75% as of September 28, 2002. In April 1999, we entered into interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $100.0 million to convert the variable interest rate on our 1999 senior credit facility to a fixed rate of 5.5%.

     Our 1997 bank credit facility and our 1999 senior bank credit facility require that we maintain:

• a minimum consolidated net worth, and
• a maximum consolidated indebtedness ratio.

     Each of these credit facilities also contain covenants that, subject to specified exceptions, restrict our ability to:

• make capital expenditures,
• sell or dispose of our assets,
• incur additional debt,
• incur contingent liabilities and liens,
• merge with or acquire other companies or be subject to a change of control,
• make loans or advances or stock repurchases,

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• engage in transactions with affiliates, and
• make investments.

     Upon the occurrence of an event of default under each of these credit facilities, the lenders may cease making loans, terminate the credit facility, and declare all amounts outstanding to be immediately due and payable. The credit facilities specify a number of events of default, many of which are subject to applicable grace or cure periods, including, among others, the failure to make timely principal and interest payments, to satisfy the covenants, or to maintain the required financial performance requirementsfactors described above.

     Additionally, the agreements provide that an event of default will occur if Mr. Ralph Lauren and related entities fail to maintain a specified minimum percentage of the voting power of our common stock.below.

     As of September 28, 2002, the Company was in compliance with all financial and non-financial debt covenants.

     We are currently in the process of negotiating a new credit facility which would replace the 1997 and 1999 credit facilities. The proposed credit facility, which would be with a syndicate of banks, would provide for a $300.0 million revolving line of credit (subject to increase to $375 million) available for the issuance of letters of credit and direct borrowings, and would expire on the third anniversary of its effective date. It is contemplated that borrowings under the proposed facility would bear interest, at our option, at a base rate equal to the higher of the Federal Funds Rate, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, plus  1/2 of one percent, and the prime commercial lending rate of JP Morgan Chase Bank in effect from time to time, or at the Eurodollar Rate (LIBOR) plus an interest margin based on the Federal Reserve Boards “Eurocurrency liabilities” reserve requirements. It is also contemplated that the credit facility will contain requirements, covenants and events of default of the types described above. Although no assurance can be given as to the consummation of the proposed credit facility or its final terms, we currently expect to enter into the facility in November 2002.

     In November 1999, we issued Euro 275.0 million of 6.125% notes due November 2006. Our Euro debt is listed on the London Stock Exchange. The net proceeds from the Euro offering were $281.5 million, based on the Euro exchange rate on the issuance date. Interest on the Euro debt is payable annually. A portion of the net proceeds from the issuance was used to acquire Poloco while the remaining net proceeds were retained for general corporate purposes.

     In June 2002, we entered into a cross currency rate swap, which expires November 2006. The cross currency rate swap is being used to convert Euro 105.2 million, 6.125% fixed rate borrowings into $100.0 million, LIBOR plus 1.24% variable rate borrowings. We entered into the cross currency rate swap to minimize the impact of foreign exchange and interest rate fluctuations on the fair value of the Euro debt. The swap has been designated as a fair value hedge under SFAS 133. Hedge ineffectiveness is measured as the difference between the respective gains or losses recognized in earnings from the changes in the fair value of the cross currency rate swap and the Euro debt; and was deminimis for the six months ended September 28, 2002.

     In fiscal 2003, we repurchased Euro 8.3 million, or $7.7 million based on Euro exchange rates, of our outstanding Euro debt.

     As of SeptemberDecember 28, 2002, we had $40.4$105.8 million outstanding in directshort-term bank borrowings $80.0and $238.1 million outstanding under the term loan and $226.6 million outstanding in long-term Euro debt based on the quarter end Euro exchange rate. We were also contingently liable for $32.5$27.6 million in outstanding letters of credit primarily related to commitments for the purchase of inventory. The weighted-average interest rate on our borrowings at SeptemberDecember 28, 2002 was 5.7%5.5%.

     We recognize foreign currency gains or lossesAccounts receivable increased $16.9 million at the end of the third quarter in connection withfiscal 2002 compared to the end of the third quarter in fiscal 2001. Improvements were made in our Euro debt based on fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. We recorded $0.2 million and $3.8 million in foreign currency loss indays sales outstanding, however, the three and six months ended September 28, 2002, respectively, and $5.7 million and $2.8 million in foreign currency loss in the three and six months ended September 29, 2001, respectively.

1620


incremental effect of these improvements was offset by the additional revenues recorded in fiscal 2003 compared to fiscal 2002. Accounts receivable decreased $91.0 million at December 28, 2002 compared to March 30, 2002 due to the seasonality of business and timing of shipments.

     Inventories decreased $15.1 at the end of the third quarter in fiscal 2003 compared to the end of the third quarter in fiscal 2002, and decreased $9.7 million at December 28, 2002 compared to March 30, 2002. These decreases are a result of improvements in the management of the Company’s supply chain resulting in better forecasting and distribution. In addition to lower inventory balances, these improvements have resulted in increased average inventory turnover rates for the twelve-month period ended December 28, 2002 compared to the same period in fiscal 2002.

Net cash provided by operating activities.Net cash provided by operating activities increased to $260.5 million in the nine months ended December 28, 2002, from $277.8 million in the comparable period in fiscal 2002. This decrease was driven primarily by year-over-year changes in the accounts receivable, inventories, prepaid expenses and accounts payable. These changes were primarily caused by seasonal differences reflected in the two periods as a result of certain European business being consolidated and reported on a current basis in the nine months ended December 28, 2002 as compared to a three-month lag in the comparable period in fiscal 2002.

     During the third quarter of fiscal 2003, we completed a strategic review of our European businesses and formalized our plans to centralize and more efficiently consolidate its business operations. In connection with the implementation of this plan, we recorded a restructuring charge of $8.0 million and had total cash outlays of approximately $3.1 million during the nine months ended December 28, 2002. It is expected that the remaining liabilities will be paid in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003 and throughout fiscal 2004.

     During fiscal 2001 and 1999 we implemented two plans: the 2001 Operational Plan and 1999 Restructuring Plan. Total cash outlays related to the 2001 Operational Plan are expected to be approximately $40.7and 1999 Restructuring Plan were $9.4 million $33.9and $2.7 million, of which have been paid through Septemberrespectively, for the nine months ended December 28, 2002. We completed the implementationAs of the operational plan in fiscalDecember 28, 2002, and expect to settle thewe settled all remaining liabilities in fiscal 2003.

     Total cash outlays related to the 1999 Restructuring Plan, are approximately $39.5 million, $39.0 million of which has been paid through September 28, 2002. We completed the implementation of the operational plan in fiscal 2002 and we expect to settle the remaining $5.6 million liabilities related to the 2001 Operational Plan in fiscal 2003.2004.

     CapitalNet cash used in investing activities.Net cash used in investing activities decreased to $61.7 million in the nine months ended December 28, 2002 as compared to $87.1 million in the comparable period in fiscal 2002. Both the fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2002 net cash used primarily reflected shop-within-shop and other capital expenditures were $41.9 millionrelated to retail expansion and $40.2upgrading our systems and facilities. However, the fiscal 2003 net cash used also reflects $4.8 million for the sixacquisition of stores in Germany and Argentina, whereas the fiscal 2002 net cash used reflects $23.7 million for the acquisition of PRL Fashions.

     Our anticipated capital expenditures for fiscal 2003 approximate $90 to $100 million, of which $61.2 million has been expended though nine months ended SeptemberDecember 28, 2002 and September 29, 2001.compared to $61.1 million in the corresponding period in fiscal 2002. Capital expenditures primarily reflect costs associated with the following:

 • the expansion of our retail operations;
 
 • shop-within-shopsshop-within-shop development program which includes new shops, renovations and expansions;
 
 • the continued upgrading and expansion of our information systems and distribution facilities;
• our information systems; and
 
 • other capital projects.

     During the third quarter of fiscal 2003, the Company completed its acquisitions of six retail store locations and related assets in Germany and Argentina from certain of our licensees for a purchase price of $2.6 million and $2.2 million, net of cash acquired, respectively. Consistent with SFAS No. 141, these acquisitions were accounted for as purchases. In connection with the purchase accounting for these acquisitions, we are in the process of evaluating the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. At December 28, 2002, the Company’s accounting for the acquisitions was based on preliminary valuation information, which is subject to revision. The sales and total assets related to the acquired entities

21


were not material. The pro-forma effect of these two acquisitions on the historical results was not material. The transitional impairment tests were completed and did not result in an impairment charge.

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities.Net cash used in financing activities was $10.3 million in the nine months ended December 28, 2002 as compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $2.0 million in the comparable period in fiscal 2002. This change is primarily due to the repurchase of $7.7 million of our Euro debt offset by the proceeds from the issuance of common stock of $7.2 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2003; compared to $1.3 million of Euro debt repurchases offset by the proceeds from the issuance of common stock of $15.6 million, respectively, in fiscal 2002.

     In March 1998, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase, subject to market conditions, of up to $100.0 million of our Class A common stock. Share repurchases were to be made in the open market over a two-year period, which commenced April 1, 1998. The Board of Directors has extended the stock repurchase program through March 31, 2004. Shares acquired under the repurchase program will be used for stock option programs and for other corporate purposes. As of SeptemberDecember 28, 2002, we had repurchased 3,887,0943,894,532 shares of our Class A common stock at an aggregate cost of $73.6$73.7 million. As of SeptemberDecember 28, 2002, we had approximately $26.4$26.3 million remaining in our stock repurchase program.

     In November 1999, we issued Euro 275.0 million of 6.125% notes due November 2006. Our Euro debt is listed on the London Stock Exchange. The net proceeds from the Euro offering were $281.5 million, based on the Euro exchange rate on the issuance date. Interest on the Euro debt is payable annually. A portion of the net proceeds from the issuance was used to acquire Poloco while the remaining net proceeds were retained for general corporate purposes. In fiscal 2003, we repurchased Euro 8.3 million, or $7.7 million, based on Euro exchange rates at the time of repurchase, of our outstanding Euro debt.

     In November 2002, we terminated both our 1997 bank credit facility and our 1999 senior bank credit facility and entered into a new credit facility. The 1997 bank credit facility provided for a $225 million revolving line of credit and matured on December 31, 2002, while the 1999 senior bank credit facility consisted of a $20 million revolving line of credit and an $80 million term loan, both of which mature on June 30, 2003. The new credit facility with a syndicate of banks which consists of a $300.0 million revolving line of credit, subject to increase to $375.0 million, and is available for the issuance of letters of credit, acceptances and direct borrowings. This credit matures on November 18, 2005. As of December 28, 2002, we had $100 million outstanding under this new facility, which was the aggregate amount outstanding under the 1997 bank credit facility and 1999 senior bank credit facility at the time of extinguishment. Borrowings under this facility bear interest, at our option, at a Base Rate equal to the higher of the Federal Funds Effective Rate, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, plus 1/2 of one percent, and the prime commercial lending rate of JP Morgan Chase Bank in effect from time to time, or at the Eurodollar Rate (LIBOR) plus an interest margin based on the Federal Reserve Boards “Eurocurrency liabilities” reserve requirements.

     Our 2002 bank credit facility requires that we maintain certain covenants:

• a minimum consolidated tangible net worth, and
• a maximum of adjusted debt to EBITDAR (as such terms are defined in the credit facility) ratio.

     The credit facility also contains covenants that, subject to specified exceptions, restrict our ability to:

• incur additional debt;
• incur liens and contingent liabilities;
• sell or dispose of our assets, including equity interests;
• merge with or acquire other companies, liquidate or dissolve;
• engage in businesses that are not a related line of business;
• make loans, advances, guarantees or stock repurchases;

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• engage in transactions with affiliates; and
• make investments.

     Upon the occurrence of an event of default under the credit facility, the lenders may cease making loans, terminate the credit facility, and declare all amounts outstanding to be immediately due and payable. The credit facility specifies a number of events of default, many of which are subject to applicable grace or cure periods, including, among others, the failure to make timely principal and interest payments, to satisfy the covenants, or to maintain the required financial performance requirements described above. Additionally, the agreement provides that an event of default will occur if Mr. Ralph Lauren and related entities fail to maintain a specified minimum percentage of the voting power of our common stock. As of December 28, 2002, the Company was in compliance with all financial and non-financial debt covenants.

     We believe that cash from ongoing operations and funds available under our credit facilities and replacement facilities that we will be able to obtain,facility and from our initial Euro debt offering will be sufficient to satisfy our current level of operations, capital requirements, the stock repurchase program and other corporate activities for the next 12 months. We do not currently intend to pay dividends on our common stock in the next 12 months.

     In January 2003, the Company completed the assignment of the sublease for one store location for which the Company received proceeds of approximately $10 million and recorded a gain of approximately $5.0 million for the fourth quarter ended March 29, 2003.

Derivative Instruments.In June 2002, we entered into a cross currency rate swap, which terminates in November 2006. The cross currency rate swap is being used to convert Euro 105.2 million, 6.125% fixed rate borrowings into $100.0 million, LIBOR plus 1.24% variable rate borrowings. We entered into the cross currency rate swap to minimize the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations in both principal and interest payments resulting from the Euro debt, and to minimize the impact of changes in the fair value of the Euro debt due to changes in LIBOR, the benchmark interest rate. The swap has been designated as a fair value hedge under SFAS No. 133,Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. Hedge ineffectiveness is measured as the difference between the respective gains or losses recognized in earnings from the changes in the fair value of the cross currency rate swap and the Euro debt; and was de minimis for the nine months ended December 28, 2002.

     Occasionally, we purchase short-term foreign currency contracts as hedges relating to identifiable currency positions to reduce our risk from exchange rate fluctuations on inventory purchases or to neutralize month-end balance sheet and other expected exposures. To the extent that these derivative instruments do not qualify for hedge accounting under SFAS No. 133, they are recorded at fair value, with all gains or losses recognized immediately in the current period earnings. In November 2002, we entered into forward contracts on 6.2 billion Japanese Yen that terminate in February 2003. While these transactions do not qualify for hedge accounting under SFAS No. 133, we entered into these forward contracts to minimize the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations on the Japanese Yen denominated purchase price described in the agreements related to the license for Japan, which are expected to be consummated during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003.

     We recognize foreign currency gains or losses in connection with our Euro debt and certain short-term foreign currency contracts based on fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. In connection with recording these contracts at fair market value, we recognized $1.3 million in foreign currency gain and $2.5 million in foreign currency loss in the three and nine months ended December 28, 2002, respectively, and $3.1 million and $0.2 million in foreign currency gain in the three and nine months ended December 29, 2001, respectively, included as a component of foreign currency (gain) losses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Seasonality of Business

     Our business is affected by seasonal trends, with higher levels of wholesale sales in our second and fourth quarters and higher retail sales in our second and third quarters. These trends result primarily from the timing of seasonal wholesale shipments to retail customers and key vacation travel and holiday shopping periods in the retail segment. As a result of the growth in our retail operations and licensing revenue, historical quarterly operating trends and working capital requirements may not be indicative of future performances. In addition,

23


fluctuations in sales and operating income in any fiscal quarter may be affected by the timing of seasonal wholesale shipments and other events affecting retail sales.

     Effective December 30, 2001, for reporting purposes the Company changed the fiscal years of certain of its European subsidiaries in the consolidated financial statements to end on the Saturday closest to March 31 to conform with the fiscal year end of the Company. Previously, these European subsidiaries were consolidated and reported on a three-month lag with fiscal years ending December 31. Accordingly, we have included the SeptemberDecember 28, 2002 and March 30, 2002 balance sheets of these European subsidiaries in the accompanying SeptemberDecember 28, 2002 and March 30, 2002, consolidated balance sheets. We also have consolidated the results of operations of these European subsidiaries for the three and sixnine months ended September 28, 2002 and June 30, 2001 in the three and six months ended SeptemberDecember 28, 2002 and September 29, 2001 in the three and nine months ended December 28, 2002 and December 29, 2001 consolidated statements of operationsincome and cash flows. Had theses European subsidiaries been consolidated on a consistent fiscal year basis for the three and six months ended September 29, 2001, net revenues would have been $659.4 million and $1,132.8 million, and net income would have been $66.1 million and $81.8 million, respectively.

17


Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

     Our discussion of results of operations and financial condition relies on our consolidated financial statements that are prepared based on certain critical accounting policies that require management to make judgements and estimates that are subject to varying degrees of uncertainty. We believe that investors need to be aware of these policies and how they impact our financial statements as a whole, as well as our related discussion and analysis presented herein. While we believe that these accounting policies are based on sound measurement criteria, actual future events can and often do result in outcomes that can be materially different from these estimates or forecasts. The accounting policies and related risks described in our report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 30, 2002 are those that depend most heavily on these judgements and estimates. As of SeptemberDecember 28, 2002, there have been no material changes to any of the critical accounting policies contained therein other than the adoption of the new accounting standards as discussed herein.

New Accounting Standards

In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148,Accounting for Stock-based Compensation — Transition and Disclosure. The standard provides alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, SFAS No. 148 amends the disclosure requirements for SFAS No. 123 to require more prominent and more frequent disclosures in financial statements about the effects of stock-based compensation. SFAS No. 148 is effective for fiscal years ending after December 31, 2002. We do not expect the adoption of this pronouncement to have a material effect on the consolidated results of operations or financial position.

     In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146,Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities. The standard required companies to recognize costs associated with exit or disposal activities when they are incurred rather than at the date of a commitment to an exit or disposal plan. Examples of costs covered by the standard include lease termination costs and certain employee severance costs that are associated with a restructuring, discontinued operation, plant closing, or exit or disposal activity. SFAS No. 146 is to be applied prospectively to exit or disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002. We doThe Company will apply SFAS No. 146 on a prospective basis, and as such, does not expect the adoption of this pronouncementit to have aan initial material effectimpact on theour consolidated results of operations or financial position.position upon adoption.

     In November 2002, the FASB issued Financial Interpretation No. 45 (“FIN 45”), “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others.” FIN 45 requires certain guarantees to be recorded at fair value and requires a guarantor to make significant new disclosures, even when the likelihood of making any payments under the guarantee is remote. Generally, FIN 45 applies to certain types of financial guarantees that contingently require the guarantor to make payments to the guaranteed party based on changes in an underlying that is related to an asset, liability, or an equity security of the guaranteed party; performance guarantees involving contracts which require the guarantor to make payments to the guaranteed party based on another entity’s failure to perform under an obligating agreement; indemnification agreements that contingently require the guarantor to make payments to an indemnified party based on changes in an underlying that is related to an asset, liability, or an equity security of the indemnified party; or indirect guarantees of the indebtedness of others. The initial recognition

24


and initial measurement provisions of FIN 45 are applicable on a prospective basis to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. Disclosure requirements under FIN 45 are effective for financial statements ending after December 15, 2002 and are applicable to all guarantees issued by the guarantor subject to FIN 45’s scope, including guarantees issued prior to FIN 45. The Company has evaluated the accounting provisions of the interpretations and there was no material impact on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows for the period ended December 28, 2002.

In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46 (“FIN 46”), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” with the objective of improving financial reporting by companies involved with variable interest entities. A variable interest entity is a corporation, partnership, trust, or any other legal structure used for business purposes that either (a) does not have equity investors with voting rights, or (b) has equity investors that do not provide sufficient financial resources for the entity to support its activities. Historically, entities generally were not consolidated unless the entity was controlled through voting interests. FIN 46 changes that by requiring a variable interest entity to be consolidated by a company if that company is subject to a majority of the risk of loss from the variable interest entity’s activities or entitled to receive a majority of the entity’s residual returns or both. A company that consolidates a variable interest entity is called the “primary beneficiary” of that entity. FIN 46 also requires disclosures about variable interest entities that a company is not required to consolidate but in which it has a significant variable interest. The consolidation requirements of FIN 46 apply immediately to variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003. The consolidation requirements of FIN 46 apply to existing entities in the first fiscal year or interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. Also, certain disclosure requirements apply to all financial statements issued after January 31, 2003, regardless of when the variable interest entity was established. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of the interpretation and does not expect any material impact to the financial statements as a result of adopting this interpretation.

 
Item 3.     Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures Aboutabout Market Risk

     The market risk inherent in our financial instruments represents the potential loss in fair value, earnings or cash flows arising from adverse changes in interest rates or foreign currency exchange rates.

     We manage these exposures through operating and financing activities and, when appropriate, through the use of derivative financial instruments. Our policy allows for the use of derivative financial instruments for identifiable market risk exposures, including interest rate and foreign currency fluctuations. During the sixnine months ended SeptemberDecember 28, 2002, there were significant fluctuations in the value of the Euro. WeEuro dollar exchange rate. In June 2002, we entered into a cross currency rate swap in June 2002 to minimize the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations on the long-term Euro debt and the impact of fluctuations in the interest rate fluctuations on the fair value of the long-term Euro debt. In November 2002, we entered into Japanese Yen forward contracts to minimize the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations on the Japanese Yen denominated purchase price described in the agreements relating to the Japanese license described in Item 2.

Since March 30, 2002, other then disclosed above, there have been no significant changes in our interest rate and foreign currency exposures, changes in the types of derivative instruments used to hedge those exposures, or significant changes in underlying market conditions.

 
Item 4.     Controls and Procedures

     DuringWithin the quarter ended September 28, 2002,90-day period prior to the date of this report, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and the Senior Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and the Senior Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-14 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) are effective. There have been no significant changes in the Company’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of completion of their evaluation.

1825


PART II.     OTHER INFORMATION

 
Item 1.Legal Proceedings

     With regard to the Saipan class action litigation referred to in the fiscal 2002 Form 10-K, subsequent to the date of the fiscal 2002 Form 10-K, most of the remaining defendants agreed to a settlement with plaintiffs. A hearing on final court approval of the settlements is expected to be held in the spring of 2003.

     On September 18, 2002, an employee at one of the Company’s stores, Toni Young, filed a lawsuit against Polo Retail, LLC and the Company in the United States District Court for the District of Northern California alleging violations of California antitrust and labor laws. The plaintiff purports to represent a class of employees who have allegedly been injured by Polo’s requirement that certain retail employees purchase and wear Polo Ralph Lauren merchandise as a condition of their employment. The complaint, as amended, seeks an unspecified amount of actual and punitive damages, disgorgement of profits and injunctive and declaratory relief. The Company answered the amended complaint on November 4, 2002,2002. A hearing on cross motions for summary judgement on the issue of whether the Company’s policies violated California law has been scheduled for August 14, 2003, and believes that the plaintiff’s claimsmotions are substantially without merit and intendsexpected to defend against them vigorously.be filed in June or July.

 
Item 4.     6.Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security-HoldersExhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(a) The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company was held on August 15, 2002.
(b) The following directors were elected at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to serve until the 2003 Annual Meeting and until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified:

Class A Directors:
Arnold H. Aronson
Dr. Joyce F. Brown

Class B Directors:
Ralph Lauren
F. Lance Isham
Roger N. Farah
Frank A. Bennack, Jr.
Joel L. Fleishman
Judith A. McHale
Terry S. Semel
Class C Director:
Richard A. Friedman

(c)(i) Each person elected as a director received the number of votes (shares of Class B Common Stock are entitled to ten votes per share) indicated beside his or her name:

         
Number ofNumber of
Votes ForVotes Withheld


Class A Directors:
        
Arnold H. Aronson  37,912,741   560,301 
Dr. Joyce F. Brown  38,229,170   243,872 
Class B Directors:
        
Ralph Lauren  432,800,210    
F. Lance Isham  432,800,210    
Roger N. Farah  432,800,210    
Frank A. Bennack, Jr.  432,800,210    
Joel L. Fleishman  432,800,210    
Judith A. McHale  432,800,210    

19


Number ofNumber of
Votes ForVotes Withheld


Terry S. Semel432,800,210
432,800,210
Class C Director:
Richard A. Friedman10,570,979

(ii) 480,581,915 votes were cast for, and 911,191 votes were cast against, the approval of amendments to the Company’s Executive Officer Annual Incentive Plan. Abstentions totaled 351,125; there were no broker non-votes.

(iii) 481,812,869 votes were cast for, and 12,670 votes were cast against, the ratification of the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the independent auditors of the Company for the year ending March 29, 2003. Abstentions totaled 18,692; there were no broker non-votes.

Item 6.     Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

     (a) Exhibits 

 10.1Cross Default and Term Extension Agreement, dated May 11, 1998, among PRL USA, Inc., The Polo/ Lauren Company, L.P., Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation, Executive Officer Annual Incentive Plan as AmendedJones Apparel Group, Inc. and Jones Investment Co., Inc.
10.2Form of Credit Agreement, dated as of August 15, 2002.November 18, 2002, among Polo Ralph Lauren, as Borrower, The Lenders Party Thereto, and JP Morgan Chase Bank, as Administrative Agent, The Bank of New York, Fleet National Bank, SunTrust Bank, Wachovia Bank, N.A., as Syndication Agents, and J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc. as Sole Bookrunner and Sole Lead Arranger.
 
 99.1Certification of Ralph Lauren Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 99.2Certification of Gerald M. Chaney Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

     (b) Reports on Form 8-K

     The Company filed no reports on Form 8-K in the quarter ended SeptemberDecember 28, 2002.

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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.

 POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION

Date: February 11, 2003
 By: /s/ GERALD M. CHANEY
 
 Gerald M. Chaney
 Senior Vice President of Finance and
 Chief Financial Officer
 (Principal Financial and
 Accounting Officer)

Date: November 12, 2002

21


CERTIFICATION

I, Ralph Lauren, certify that:

     1.     I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation;

     2.     Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

     3.     Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

     4.     The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

      a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;
 
      b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the “Evaluation Date”); and
 
      c) presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

     5.     The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

      a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and
 
      b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and

     6.     The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

 /s/ RALPH LAUREN
 
 Ralph Lauren
 Chairman of the Board and
 Chief Executive Officer
 (Principal Executive Officer)

Date: November 12, 2002

22February 11, 2003


CERTIFICATION

I, Gerald M. Chaney, certify that:

     1.     I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation;

     2.     Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

     3.     Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

     4.     The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

      a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;
 
      b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the “Evaluation Date”); and
 
      c) presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

     5.     The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

      a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and
 
      b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and

     6.     The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

 /s/ GERALD M. CHANEY
 
 Gerald M. Chaney
 Senior Vice President and
 Chief Financial Officer
 (Principal Financial Officer)

Date: November 12, 2002February 11, 2003

23