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 January 1,July 2, 2005
 
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
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
10022
(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 February 7,August 5, 2005, 59,398,96960,857,535 shares of the registrant’s Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value, were outstanding and 43,280,021 shares of the registrant’s Class B Common Stock, $.01 par value, were outstanding.




POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
       
Page

PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)
 Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of July 2, 2005 and April 2, 2005  2 
  Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 1, 2005 and April 3, 20042
 Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended January 1,July 2, 2005 and December 27, 2003July 3, 2004  3 
   Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the ninethree months ended January 1,July 2, 2005 and December 27, 2003July 3, 2004  4 
   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  5 
  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations  2225 
  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk  38 
  Controls and Procedures  38 
 
 PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION
  Legal Proceedings  3940 
  Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds39
Submission Matters to a Vote of Security-holders
Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K  40 
Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K40
 Signatures  41 
 EX-10.1EX-10.1: EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
 EX-31.1EX-31.1: CERTIFICATION
 EX-31.2EX-31.2: CERTIFICATION
 EX-32.1EX-32.1: CERTIFICATION
 EX-32.2EX-32.2: CERTIFICATION

1


POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except shares and per share data)
(Unaudited)
                    
January 1,April 3,  July 2, April 2,
20052004  2005 2005


    
ASSETS
ASSETS
 
ASSETS
       
Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents $362,931 $343,477 Cash and cash equivalents $522,327 $350,485 
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $97,935 and $107,593 334,347 441,724 
Inventories, net 425,071 363,691 
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $86,446 and $111,042Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $86,446 and $111,042  275,598  455,682 
InventoriesInventories  467,610  430,082 
Deferred tax assetsDeferred tax assets 36,008 21,565 Deferred tax assets  70,730  74,821 
Prepaid expenses and otherPrepaid expenses and other 105,767 100,862 Prepaid expenses and other  111,220  102,693 
 
 
       
Total current assets
 1,264,124 1,271,319 
Total current assets
  1,447,485  1,413,763 
Property and equipment, netProperty and equipment, net 467,340 397,328 Property and equipment, net  488,728  487,894 
Deferred tax assetsDeferred tax assets 52,851 61,579 Deferred tax assets  34,634  35,973 
GoodwillGoodwill 597,987 341,603 Goodwill  547,752  558,858 
Intangibles, netIntangibles, net 18,377 17,640 Intangibles, net  46,043  46,991 
Other assetsOther assets 189,369 180,772 Other assets  179,172  183,190 
 
 
       
Total assets
 $2,590,048 $2,270,241 
Total assets
 $2,743,814 $2,726,669 
 
 
       
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
       
Accounts payableAccounts payable $154,447 $187,355 Accounts payable $160,324 $184,394 
Income tax payableIncome tax payable 71,663 77,736 Income tax payable  55,689  72,148 
Accrued expenses and otherAccrued expenses and other 303,149 236,039 Accrued expenses and other  375,744  365,868 
 
 
       
Total current liabilities
 529,259 501,130 
Total current liabilities
  591,757  622,410 
Long-term debtLong-term debt 307,981 277,345 Long-term debt  269,149  290,960 
Other non current liabilities 99,601 69,693 
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 11): 
Other non-current liabilitiesOther non-current liabilities  139,785  137,591 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12):Commitments and contingencies (Note 12):       
Stockholders’ equity:Stockholders’ equity: Stockholders’ equity:       
Common stock Common stock       
 Class A, par value $.01 per share; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 63,499,061 and 61,498,183 shares issued 647 620  Class A, par value $.01 per share; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 65,014,942 and 64,016,034 shares issued and outstanding  666  652 
 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 
Additional paid-in-capital 647,721 563,457 Additional paid-in-capital  715,784  664,279 
Retained earnings 1,079,467 927,390 Retained earnings  1,133,048  1,090,310 
Treasury stock, Class A, at cost (4,177,600 and 4,145,800 shares) (80,027) (78,975)Treasury stock, Class A, at cost (4,215,908 and 4,177,600 shares)  (81,629)  (80,027)
Accumulated other comprehensive income 39,559 23,942 Accumulated other comprehensive income  19,341  29,973 
Unearned compensation (34,593) (14,794)Unearned compensation  (44,520)  (29,912)
 
 
       
Total stockholders’ equity
 1,653,207 1,422,073 
Total stockholders’ equity
  1,743,123  1,675,708 
 
 
       
 
Total liabilities & stockholders’ equity
 $2,590,048 $2,270,241  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 $2,743,814 $2,726,669 
 
 
       

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

2


POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
        
                 Three Months Ended
  
Three Months EndedNine Months Ended July 2, July 3,


 2005 2004
January 1,December 27,January 1,December 27,    
2005200320052003   (As restated




   see note 2)
Net sales $830,058 $578,131 $2,187,407 $1,627,461  $694,603 $549,064 
Licensing revenue 57,935 67,234 177,016 203,412   57,339  56,942 
 
 
 
 
      
Net revenues
 887,993 645,365 2,364,423 1,830,873   751,942  606,006 
Cost of goods sold 449,960 312,363 1,181,535 898,553   337,514  290,478 
 
 
 
 
      
Gross profit
 438,033 333,002 1,182,888 932,320   414,428  315,528 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 322,981 256,614 921,931 767,453   334,207  295,043 
Restructuring charge 218 15,930 1,846 15,930     731 
 
 
 
 
      
Total expenses  334,207  295,774 
Income from operations
 114,834 60,458 259,111 148,937   80,221  19,754 
Foreign currency (gains) losses (400) 3,552 (3,334) (531)  (41)  211 
Interest expense 2,951 2,969 8,165 9,721   2,510  2,435 
Interest income (955) (459) (2,494) (2,097)  (2,943)  (808)
 
 
 
 
      
Income before provision for income taxes and other (income) expense, net
 113,238 54,396 256,774 141,844   80,695  17,916 
Provision for income taxes 40,199 19,854 91,342 51,773   30,343  6,316 
Other (income) expense, net (1,803) (816) (3,220) (4,352)  (355)  (1,125)
 
 
 
 
      
Net income
 $74,842 $35,358 $168,652 $94,423  $50,707 $12,725 
 
 
 
 
      
Net income per share — Basic $0.73 $0.36 $1.67 $0.96  $0.49 $0.13 
 
 
 
 
      
Net income per share — Diluted $0.72 $0.35 $1.63 $0.94  $0.48 $0.12 
 
 
 
 
      
Weighted average common shares outstanding — Basic 101,896 99,072 101,190 98,718 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding — Basic  103,048  100,481 
 
 
 
 
      
Weighted average common shares outstanding — Diluted 104,325 101,291 103,566 100,403 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding — Diluted  105,491  102,802 
 
 
 
 
      
Dividends declared per share $0.05 $0.05 $0.15 $0.15  $0.05 $0.05 
 
 
 
 
      

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

3


POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
          
            Three Months Ended
  
Nine Months Ended  July 2, July 3,

 2005 2004
January 1,December 27,     
20052003    (As restated


   see note 2)
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash flows from operating activities
 
Cash flows from operating activities
       
Net incomeNet income $168,652 $94,423 Net income $50,707 $12,725 
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:       
Deferred income taxes benefit (1,253) (6,242)Benefit from deferred income taxes  (6,964)  (1,678)
Depreciation and amortization 73,342 59,104 Depreciation and amortization  27,661  23,154 
Stock compensation expense 9,350 2,825 Stock compensation expense  4,869  1,162 
Tax benefit of exercised stock options 12,922 2,055 Tax benefit from stock option exercises  6,490  2,142 
Provision for losses on accounts receivable 4,242 971 Provision for losses on accounts receivable  207  901 
Disposal of property and equipment 3,927 858 Loss on disposal of property and equipment  210  693 
Restructuring charge (non cash)  15,930 Changes in other non-current liabilities  9,340  (325)
Changes in non-current liabilities 32,149 (16,238)Foreign currency gains  (1,318)   
Foreign currency gains (3,334) (145)Other  (2,776)  (1,923)
Other (5,013) (428)Changes in assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions):       
Changes in assets and liabilities (excluding acquisitions):  Accounts receivable  174,991  186,678 
 Accounts receivable 108,561 91,292  Inventories  (47,225)  (31,168)
 Inventories (21,385) (47,015) Prepaid expenses and other  (3,546)  29,639 
 Prepaid expenses and other 3,576 (21,395) Other assets  (1,407)  (2,237)
 Other assets (15,720) (30,255) Accounts payable  (22,640)  (56,354)
 Accounts payable (36,485) (18,789) Income taxes payable  (16,432)  (39,553)
 Income taxes payable 1,827 (834) Accrued expenses and other  18,540  (10,934)
 Accrued expenses and other 24,626 56,584       
 
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities
 359,984 182,701 
Net cash provided by operating activities
  190,707  112,922 
 
 
       
Cash flows from investing activities
Cash flows from investing activities
 
Cash flows from investing activities
       
Acquisition, net of cash acquired (243,834) (4,519)
Purchases of property and equipment (124,907) (69,650)
Equity investments  (5,427)Acquisition, net of cash acquired    (239,971)
Purchase of other intangibles (7,500)Purchases of property and equipment  (32,607)  (36,017)
 
 
       
Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash used in investing activities
 (368,741) (87,096)
Net cash used in investing activities
  (32,607)  (275,988)
 
 
       
Cash flows from financing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
 
Cash flows from financing activities
       
Payment of dividends (15,137) (9,877)Payment of dividends  (5,193)  (5,023)
Repurchases of common stock (1,052) (1,047)Repurchases of common stock  (1,602)  (369)
Payment of deferred financing costs (1,106)  Payments of capital lease liability  (654)  (322)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 42,228 18,685 Proceeds from exercise of stock options  25,552  13,187 
Repayments of short-term bank borrowings  (100,943)      
 
 
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
 24,933 (93,182)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
  18,103  7,473 
 
 
       
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents and net investment in foreign subsidiaries 3,278 (8,326)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalentsEffect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents  (4,361)  683 
 
 
       
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalentsNet increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 19,454 (5,903)Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  171,842  (154,910)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of periodCash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 343,477 343,606 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  350,485  352,335 
 
 
       
Cash and cash equivalents at end of periodCash and cash equivalents at end of period $362,931 $337,703 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $522,327 $197,425 
 
 
       
Supplemental cash flow information
Supplemental cash flow information
 
Supplemental cash flow information
       
Cash paid for interest $13,378 $6,546 Cash paid for interest $4,137 $2,423 
 
 
       
Cash paid for income taxes $69,528 $20,840 Cash paid for income taxes $41,735 $38,734 
 
 
       
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities
 
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities
       
Fair value of assets acquired excluding cash $275,518 $ Fair value of assets acquired, excluding cash $ $266,369 
Less: Cash paid 244,120  Less: Cash paid    239,971 
Acquisition obligation 20,000  
 
 
  Acquisition obligation    15,000 
Liabilities assumed $11,398 $       
 
 
 Liabilities assumed $ $11,398 
     

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

4


POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except per share data and where otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)
1.Significant Accounting PoliciesFiscal Year
      Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to March 31. All references to “Fiscal 2006” represent the 52 week fiscal year ending April 1, 2006, references to “Fiscal 2005” represent the 52 week fiscal year ended April 2, 2005 and references to “Fiscal 2004” represent the 53 week fiscal year ended April 3, 2004. References to “Fiscal 2003” represent the 52 week year ended March 29, 2003.
Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation (“PRLC”) and its wholly and majority owned subsidiaries as well as variable interest entities, for which we are the primary beneficiary (collectively referred to as the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our,” unless the content requires otherwise). All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform with the current year’s presentation.
Financial Reporting

      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, we believe that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. The consolidated balance sheet data for April 3, 20042, 2005 is derived from the audited financial statements included in our annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year ended April 3, 20042, 2005 (“Fiscal 2004”2005”), 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 statements. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended January 1,July 2, 2005 are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the entire fiscal year ending April 2, 20051, 2006 (“Fiscal 2005”2006”).

      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.

      Operating results for our Japanese interests and Ralph Lauren Media are reported on a one-month lag (See Note 2).

Critical Accounting Policies

and three-month lag, respectively.

Use of Estimates
      The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements. These estimatesstatements and assumptions also affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses.expenses during the reporting period. Estimates by their nature are based on judgmentsjudgements and available information. Therefore, actual results could materially differ from thoseThe estimates under differentthat we make are based upon historical factors, current circumstances and the experience and judgement of our management. We evaluate our assumptions and conditions.

     Critical accounting policies are those that are most importantestimates on an ongoing basis and may employ outside experts to the portrayal of the Company’s financial condition and the results of operations and require management’s most difficult, subjective and complex judgments as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. The Company’s most critical accounting policies, discussed below, pertain to revenue recognition, income taxes, accounts receivable, net, inventories, net, the valuation of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives, accrued expenses and derivative instruments. In applying such policies, management must use significant estimates that are based on its informed judgment. Because of the uncertainty inherentassist in these estimates, actual results could differ from estimates used in applying the critical accounting policies.our evaluations. Changes in such estimates, based on more accurate future information, may affect amounts reported in future periods. We are not aware of any reasonably likely events or circumstances which would result in different amounts being reported that would materially affect our financial condition or results of operations.

5


POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Revenue Recognition

Revenue within the Company’s wholesale operations is recognized at the time title passes and risk of loss is transferred to customers. Wholesale revenue is recorded net of returns, discounts, allowances and operational chargebacks. Returns and allowances require pre-approval from management.management and Discounts are based on trade terms. Estimates for end-of-season allowances are based on historic trends, seasonal results, an evaluation of current economic conditions and retailer performance. The Company reviews and refines these estimates on a quarterly basis based on current experience, trends and retailer performance. The Company’s historical estimates of these costs have not differed materially from actual results.
      Retail store revenue is recognized net of estimated returns at the time of sale to consumers. Licensing revenue is initially recorded based upon contractually guaranteed minimum levels and adjusted as actual sales data is received from licensees. During the three months ending July 2, 2005 and July 3, 2004, the Company reduced revenues and credited customer accounts for end of season customer allowances, operational chargebacks and returns as follows:
         
  Three Months Ended
   
  July 2, July 3,
  2005 2004
     
Beginning reserve balance $100,001  $90,269 
Amount expensed to increase reserve  55,027   48,684 
Amount credited against customer accounts  (76,967)  (69,444)
Foreign currency translation  (1,170)  254 
       
Ending reserve balance $76,891  $69,763 
       
Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” In accordance with SFAS No. 109, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, as measured by statutory tax rates that are expected to be in effect in the periods when the deferred tax assets and liabilities are expected to be settled or realized. Significant judgment is required in determining the worldwide provisions for income taxes. In the ordinary course of a global business, there are many transactions for which the ultimate tax outcome is uncertain. ItOur policy is the Company’s policy to establish provisions for taxes that may become payable in future years as a result of an examination by tax authorities.these uncertainties. The Company establishes the provisions based upon management’s assessment of exposure associated with permanent tax differences and tax credits. The tax provisions are analyzed periodically and adjustments are made as events occur that warrant adjustments to those provisions.
Accounts Receivable Net

      In the normal course of business, the Company extends credit to its wholesale customers that satisfy pre-defined credit criteria. Accounts receivable, net, as shown on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, is net of the following allowances and reserves.

reserves:

      An allowance for doubtful accounts is determined through analysis of theperiodic aging of accounts receivable, at the date of the consolidated financial statements, assessments of collectibility based on an evaluation of historic and anticipated trends, the financial condition of the Company’s customers, and an evaluation of the impact of economic conditions. Expenses of $4.2$0.2 million were recorded as an allowance for uncollectible accounts during the first ninethree months of fiscalended July 2, 2005. The amounts written off against customer accounts during the first ninethree months of fiscalended July 2, 2005 totaled $1.0$1.2 million, and the balance in this reserve was $10.4$9.6 million as of January 1,July 2, 2005.

6


POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
      A reserve for trade discounts is established based on open invoices where trade discounts have been extended to customers and is treated as a reduction of sales.

      Estimated customer end of season allowances (also referred to as customer markdowns) are included as a reduction of sales. These provisions are based on retail sales performance, seasonal negotiations with the Company’sour customers as well as historic deduction trends and an evaluation of current market conditions. Our historical estimates of these costs have not differed materially from actual results. (See Revenue Recognition above)

      A reserve for operational chargebacks represents various deductions by customers relating to individual shipments. This reserve, net of expected recoveries, is included as a reduction of sales. The reserve is based on chargebacks received as of the date of the financial statements and past experience. Our historical estimates of these costs have not differed materially from actual results. (See Revenue Recognition above)

Costs associated with potential returns of products are included as a reduction of sales. These reserves are based on current information regarding retail performance, historical experience and an evaluation of current

6


POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

market conditions. The Company’s historical estimates of these costs have not differed materially from actual results. (See Revenue Recognition above)

Inventories Net

Inventories net are stated at lower of cost (using the first-in-first-out method, “FIFO”) or market. The Company continually evaluates the composition of its inventories assessing slow-turning, ongoing product as well as all fashion product. Market value of distressed inventory is determined based on historical sales trends for this category of inventory of the Company’s individual product lines, the impact of market trends and economic conditions, and the value of current orders in-house relating to the future sales of this type of inventory. Estimates may differ from actual results due to quantity, quality and mix of products in inventory, consumer and retailer preferences and market conditions. The Company’s historical estimates of these costs and its provisions have not differed materially from actual results.
Goodwill, and Other Intangibles, Net and Long-Lived Assets

      SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” requires that goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives no longer be amortized, but rather be tested, at least annually, for impairment. This pronouncementstandard also requires that intangible assets with finite lives be amortized over their respective lives to their estimated residual values, and reviewed for impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” During fiscalthe three months ended July 2, 2005, there have been no material impairment losses recorded in connection with the assessment of the carrying value of long-lived and intangible assets.

      The recoverability of the carrying values of all long-lived assets with definite lives is reevaluated when changes in circumstances indicate the assets’ value may be impaired. Impairment testing is based on a review of forecasted operatingIn evaluating an asset for recoverability, the Company estimates the future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and eventual disposition. If sum of the expected future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss, equal to the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the asset, is recognized. In determining the future cash flows the Company takes various factors into account, including changes in merchandising strategy, the impact of increased local advertising and the profitabilityemphasis on store cost controls. Since the determination of future cash flows is an estimate of future performance, there may be future impairments in the related business.

event the future cash flow does not meet expectations.

During the ninethree months ended January 1,July 2, 2005, the Company recorded a $0.5 millionno impairment charge related to the fixed assets at one retail location.charges were recorded.

7


POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Accrued ExpensesDerivative Instruments

Accrued expenses for employee insurance, workers’ compensation, contracted advertising, professional fees, and other outstanding Company obligations are assessed based on claims experience and statistical trends, open contractual obligations, and estimates based on projections and current requirements.

Derivative Instruments

      SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as amended and interpreted, requires that each derivative instrument (including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts) be recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset or liability and measured at its fair value. The statement also requires that changes in the derivative’s fair value be recognized currently in earnings in either income (loss) from continuing operations or accumulatedAccumulated other comprehensive income (loss), depending on whether the derivative qualifies for hedge accounting treatment.

     The Company uses

      We use foreign currency forward contracts and options for the specific purpose of hedging the exposure to variability in forecasted cash flowflows associated primarily with inventory purchases andmainly for our European businesses, royalty payments from our Japanese licensee, and other specific activities. These instruments are designated as cash flow hedges and, in connectionaccordance with SFAS No. 133, to the extent the hedges are highly effective, the changes in fair value are included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of related tax effects, with the Company’s European business.corresponding asset or liability recorded in the balance sheet. The Company also uses interest rate swapsineffective portion of the cash flow hedge, if any, is recognized in current-period earnings. Amounts recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income are reflected in current-period earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings. If the relative values of the currencies involved in the hedging activities were to hedge the fair valuemove dramatically, such movement could have a significant impact on our results of its Euro denominated bonds against fluctuations due to changesoperations. We are not aware of any reasonably likely events or circumstances which would result in interest rates.

different amounts being reported that would materially affect our financial condition or results of operations.

      Hedge accounting requires, that, at inception and the beginning of each hedge period, the Company justify an expectation that the hedge will be highly effective. This effectiveness assessment involves an estimation of the

7


POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

probability of the occurrence of transactions for cash flow hedges. The use of different assumptions and changing market conditions may impact the results of the effectiveness assessment and ultimately the timing of when changes in derivative fair values and underlying hedged items are recorded in earnings.

The Company hedges its

      We hedge our net investment position in Euro-functional subsidiaries which conduct business in Euros by borrowing directly in foreign currency and designating a portion of foreign currency debt as a hedge of net investments. Under SFAS No. 133, changes in the fair value of these instruments are recognized in foreign currency translation, a component of accumulatedAccumulated other comprehensive income (loss), to offset the change in value of the net investment being hedged.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, short-term borrowings and accounts payable approximates their carrying value due to their short-term maturities. Fair values for derivatives are obtained from the counter party.
Cash and Cash Equivalents

All

      Cash and cash equivalents include all highly liquid investments with original maturity of three months or less at the date of purchaseincluding investments in debt securities. Our investments in debt securities are classified as cash equivalents.diversified among high credit quality securities in accordance with our risk management policy and primarily include commercial paper and money market funds.
Property and Equipment, Net

Property and equipment, net is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Buildings and building improvements are depreciated using the straight-line method over 37.5their estimated useful lives, of approximately 35-40 years. Machinery and equipment, and furniture and fixtures are depreciated using the

8


POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
straight-line method over their estimated useful lives of three to ten years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the remaining lease term or the estimated useful lives of the assets.
Foreign Currency TranslationAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Assets and liabilities of non-U.S. subsidiaries have been translated at period-end exchange rates. Revenues and expenses have been translated at average rates of exchange in effect during the period. Resulting translation adjustments have been included in accumulated

      Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).consists of unrealized gains or losses on hedges and foreign currency translation adjustments. Accumulated other comprehensive income is recorded net of taxes and is reflected in the consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity.
Foreign Currency Translation
      The financial position and results of operations of our foreign subsidiaries are measured using the Euro in our European operations and Yen in our Japanese operations as the functional currencies. Assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rate in effect at each quarter end. Results of operations are translated at the average rate of exchange prevailing throughout the period. Translation adjustments arising from differences in exchange rates from period to period are included in other comprehensive income, net of taxes, except for certain foreign-denominated debt. Gains and losses on translation of intercompany loans with foreign subsidiaries of a long-term investment nature are also included in this component of stockholders’ equity. We have designated our Euro debt as a hedge of our net investment in a foreign subsidiary. Gains and losses from other foreign currency transactions are separately identified in the consolidated statements of income.
Cost of Goods Sold and Selling Expenses

Cost of goods sold includes the expenses incurred to acquire and produce inventory for sale, including product costs, freight-in, import costs as well as reserves for shrinkage and provisionsinventory obsolescence. The costs of selling the merchandise, including preparing the merchandise for shrinkage.sale, such as picking, packing, warehousing and order charges, are included in Selling, general and administrative expenses.
Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping

      We reflect shipping and handling costs are includedincurred as a component of selling, general & administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.Income. We bill our wholesale customers for shipping and handling costs and record such revenues in Net sales upon shipment.
Stock Options

      We use the intrinsic value method to account for stock-based compensation in accordance with Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and have adopted the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” as amended by SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Transition and Disclosure.” Accordingly, the Companyno compensation cost has been recognized compensation costs for restricted stock and stock unit grants (see Note 10) and has not recognized compensation cost for fixed stock option grants. The fair value of the

8


POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

restricted stock and stock unit grants, as determined under the Black-Scholes option pricing model, approximates the actual expense recognized by the Company for these awards using the intrinsic value method. Accordingly, the company has included compensation costs for Restricted Stock and stock units granted, in the pro forma calculation below, as valued by the intrinsic value method. Had compensation costs for the Company’s stock option grants been determined based on the fair value at the grant dates of such

9


POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
awards in accordance with SFAS No. 123, the Company’s net income and earnings per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts as follows:
                 
         
For the ThreeFor the Nine  For the Three
Months EndedMonths Ended  Months Ended


  
January 1,December 27,January 1,December 27,  July 2, July 3,
2005200320052003  2005 2004




    
 (In thousands, except
(In thousands, except per share amounts)  per share amounts)
Net income as reportedNet income as reported $74,842 $35,358 $168,652 $94,423 Net income as reported $50,707 $12,725 
Add: stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income, net of taxAdd: stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income, net of tax 2,903 785 6,018 1,779 Add: stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income, net of tax  3,058  752 
Deduct: total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of taxDeduct: total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of tax 6,368 4,634 16,343 13,325 Deduct: total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of tax  6,749  3,849 
 
 
 
 
       
Pro forma net incomePro forma net income $71,377 $31,509 $158,327 $82,877 Pro forma net income $47,016 $9,628 
 
 
 
 
       
Net income per share as reported —Net income per share as reported — Net income per share as reported —       
Basic $0.73 $0.36 $1.67 $0.96 Basic $0.49 $0.13 
Diluted $0.72 $0.35 $1.63 $0.94 Diluted $0.48 $0.12 
Pro forma net income per share —Pro forma net income per share — Pro forma net income per share —       
Basic $0.70 $0.32 $1.56 $0.84 Basic $0.46 $0.10 
Diluted $0.69 $0.31 $1.54 $0.83 Diluted $0.45 $0.09 

For this purpose, the fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions used for grants in Fiscal 20052006 and Fiscal 2004,2005, respectively: risk-free interest rates of 3.63%3.66% and 2.57%2.20%; a dividend of $0.20 per annum; expected volatility of 35.0%29.1% and 47.2% and expected lives of 5.2 years for both periods.
2.Fiscal YearRestatement of Previously Issued Financial Statements

      The Company has concluded that the following restatements are necessary to our financial statements for the three months ended July 3, 2004, as described below. Our fiscal year ends onfinancial statements for the Saturday closest to March 31. All references to “Fiscal 2005” representsecond and third quarters of Fiscal 2005 will also be restated for these items in future Fiscal 2006 quarterly filings. No restatement of our financial statements for the 52 week fiscal year ending April 2, 2005, references to “Fiscal 2004” represent the 53 weekfull fiscal year ended April 2, 2005 is necessary as a result of the matters discussed below.
      As a result of the clarifications contained in the February 7, 2005 letter from the Office of the Chief Accountant of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) to the Center for Public Company Audit Firms of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants regarding specific lease accounting issues, we initiated a review of the Company’s lease accounting practices. Management and the Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors determined that our accounting practices were incorrect with respect to rent holiday periods and the classification of landlord incentives and the related amortization. We have made all appropriate adjustments to correct these errors.
      In periods prior to the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2005, we recorded straight-line rent expense for store operating leases over the related store’s lease term beginning with the commencement date of store operations. Rent expense was not recognized during any build-out period. To correct this practice, we adopted a policy in which rent expense is recognized on a straight-line over the stores’ lease term commencing with the build-out period (the effective lease-commencement date). In addition, prior to the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2005, we incorrectly classified tenant allowances (amount received from a landlord to fund leasehold improvements) as a reduction of property and equipment rather than as a deferred lease incentive liability. The amortization of these landlord incentives was originally recorded as a reduction in depreciation expense rather than as a

10


POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
reduction of rent expense. In addition, our statements of cash flows had originally reflected these incentives as a reduction of capital expenditures within cash flows from investing activities rather than as cash flows from operating activities. These corrections resulted in an increase to net property and equipment of $10.8 million and deferred lease incentive liabilities of $20.5 million, at July 3, 2004. Additionally, for the three-month period ended July 3, 2004, the reclassification of the amortization of deferred lease incentives resulted in an increase to rent expense of $1.1 million and referencesan increase to “Fiscal 2003” representdepreciation expense of $0.7 million.
      In January 2000, Ralph Lauren Media, LLC (“RL Media”), a joint venture with National Broadcasting Company, Inc. and certain affiliated companies (“NBC”), was formed. Under this 30-year joint venture agreement, RL Media is owned 50% by the 52 week fiscal yearCompany and 50% by NBC and related affiliates. We used the equity method of accounting for this investment since inception. On December 24, 2003, the Financial Accounting Standard Board (“FASB”) issued Financial Interpretation Number (“FIN”) 46R, which was applicable for financial statements issued for reporting periods ending after March 15, 2004. We considered the provisions of FIN 46R for our Fiscal 2004 financial statements and made the determination that RL Media was a variable interest entity (“VIE”) under FIN 46R and concluded that we were not the primary beneficiary under FIN 46R and, therefore, should not consolidate the results of RL Media. Upon subsequent review, the Company concluded that its determination in 2004 was incorrect and that consolidation of RL Media into the Company’s financial statements was required as of April 3, 2004. The impact on the Company’s balance sheet as of April 3, 2004 was to increase assets and liabilities. Previously, the Company accounted for this joint venture using the equity method of accounting under which we recognized our share of RL Media’s operating results based on our share of ownership and the terms of the joint venture agreement.
      The Company has also corrected the classification on our Balance Sheet as of July 3, 2004 of certain unapplied cash from retail credit card receivables to cash. This error was originally corrected on a cumulative basis in the third quarter of Fiscal 2005. This resulted in approximately a $10.5 million increase in cash provided by operating activities, a corresponding increase in our cash and cash equivalents balance and an approximately $10.5 million decrease in accounts receivable. The Company has also corrected the classification on our Balance Sheet as of July 3, 2004 of certain inventory amounts from prepaid expenses of approximately $2.1 million which had no impact on cash flows from operating activities.
      The Company also corrected the classification within the Statement of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 29, 2003. All referencesJuly 3, 2004 of the net loss recorded on the disposal of property and equipment from the investing activities to “Fiscal 2002” represent the 52 week fiscal year ending March 30, 2002operating activities and referencescapital lease payments from operating activities to “Fiscal 2001” representfinancing activities. In addition, we corrected the 52 week fiscal yearclassification of certain amounts from cash to accounts payable, which resulted in a $2.6 million increase in cash and accounts payable as well as cash flow from operating activities.

11


POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
      A summary of the impact of the restatement to properly account for leases and to consolidate RL Media on the consolidated income statements for the three months ended March 31, 2001.July 3, 2004 is as follows:
                 
  Three Months Ended July 3, 2004
   
    Lease  
  As Previously Accounting RL Media  
  Reported Adjustments Consolidation As Restated
         
Consolidated Statement of Income
                
Net sales $535,808  $  $13,256  $549,064 
Net revenues  592,750      13,256   606,006 
Cost of goods sold  285,650      4,828   290,478 
Gross profit  307,100      8,428   315,528 
Selling, general and administrative expenses  285,764   1,783   7,496   295,043 
Income from operations  20,605   (1,783)  932   19,754 
Interest expense, net  1,630      (3)  1,627 
Income before provision for income taxes and other (income) expense, net  18,764   (1,783)  935   17,916 
Provision for income taxes  6,849   (725)  192   6,316 
Other (income) expense, net  (1,488)     363   (1,125)
Net income  13,403   (1,058)  380   12,725 
Net income per share — Diluted  0.13   (0.01)     0.12 
      The corrections described above resulted in increases in cash provided by operating activities (primarily due to the correction of the classification of credit card receivables) for the three months ended July 3, 2004 of $14.1 million. A summary of the impact of the corrections to the statements of cash flows is as follows:
                     
        Credit Card  
        Receivable and  
    Lease   Other  
  As Previously Accounting RL Media Cash Flow  
  Reported Adjustments Consolidation Adjustments As Restated
           
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                    
For the three months ended July 3, 2004:                    
Net cash provided by operating activities $98,169  $79  $574  $14,100  $112,922 
Net cash used in investing activities  275,216   79      693   275,988 
Net cash provided by financing activities  7,795         (322)  7,473 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents  (168,569)     574   13,085   (154,910)
2.3.Acquisitions

      On July 2, 2004, we completed the acquisition of certain assets of RL Childrenswear Company, LLC for a purchase price of approximately $260$263.5 million including transaction costs. The purchase price includes deferred payments of $15 million over the next three years after the acquisition date, and we have agreed to assume

12


POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
certain liabilities. Additionally, we have agreed to pay up to an additional $5 million in contingent payments if certain sales targets arewere attained. During the third quarter,Fiscal 2005, we recorded a $5 million liability representing thefor this contingent purchase payment because we believe it is likelyprobable the sales targets will be achieved. This amount was treatedrecorded as an increase in goodwill. RL Childrenswear Company,

9


POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

LLC was a Polo Ralph Laurenour licensee holding the exclusive licenses to design, manufacture, merchandise and sell newborn, infant, toddler and girls and boys clothing in the United States, Canada and Mexico. In connection with this acquisition, we recorded preliminary estimates of fair values for assets and liabilities as follows: inventory of $25.5$26.6 million, property &and equipment of $6.8$7.5 million, intangible assets, consisting of non-compete agreements, valued at $2.6of $2.5 million and customer relationships, of $29.9 million, other assets of $1.0 million, goodwill of $235.5$208.3 million and liabilities of $11.4 million. Transaction costs increased the goodwill recorded to $239.2$12.3 million. The Company has not yet finalized the allocationresults of the purchase price pending its determination of the appropriate value to assign to these assets and other intangible assets.

     The Company is in the process of completing its assessment of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. As a result, the purchase price allocation is subject to change.

     Operating activities ofoperations for the Childrenswear Company sincebusiness for the acquisitionperiod are included in the consolidated results of operations commencing July 2, 2004, for the three and nine months ended January 1, 2005.

2004.

      The following unaudited pro forma information assumes the Childrenswear acquisition had occurred on March 30, 2003. The pro forma information, as presented below, is not indicative of the results that would have been obtained had the transaction occurred March 30, 2003, nor is it indicative of ourthe Company’s future results. The unaudited pro forma information is presented based on the preliminary purchase price allocation. The final purchase price allocation, and the resulting effect on net income may differ significantly from the unaudited pro forma amounts included herein.

The following pro forma amounts reflect adjustments for purchases made by us from Childrenswear, licensing royalties paid to us by Childrenswear, amortization of the non-compete agreements, lost interest income on the cash used for the purchase and the income tax effect based upon an unaudited pro forma effective tax rate of 35.5% in Fiscal 2005 and Fiscal 2004.2005. The unaudited pro forma information gives effect only to adjustments described above and does not reflect management’s estimate of any anticipated cost savings or other benefits as a result of the acquisition. The unaudited pro forma amounts exclude material nonrecurring charges of approximately $6.2 million related to the write up to fair value of inventory as part of the preliminary purchase price allocation.

                
For the Three        
MonthsEndedFor the Nine For the Three

Months Ended Months Ended



  
January 1,December 27,January 1,December 27, July 2, July 3,
2005200320052003 2005 2004




    
Actual Actual  
Net revenue $887,993 $687,703 $2,418,176 $1,979,393  $751,942 $659,759 
Net income 74,842 37,564 174,253 105,468   50,707  13,881 
Net income per share — Basic $0.73 $0.38 $1.72 $1.07  $0.49 $0.14 
Net income per share — Diluted $0.72 $0.37 $1.68 $1.05  $0.48 $0.14 

     In November 2003, we acquired a license for the use of trademarks for $7.5 million. This license was accounted for as a finite lived intangible asset and is being amortized over 10 years.

     In February 2003, we acquired a 50% controlling interest in the Japanese master licensee for our men’s, women’s, kids, home and jeans business in Japan for approximately $24.1 million. In connection with this acquisition, we recorded tangible assets of $11.0 million, an intangible license valued at $9.9 million and liabilities assumed of $8.5 million based on estimated fair values as determined by management utilizing information available at the time. At March 29, 2003, goodwill of $13.0 million was recognized for the excess of the purchase price plus transaction costs of $1.3 million over the preliminary estimate of fair market value of the net assets acquired. During Fiscal 2004, we incurred an additional $3.5 million of transaction costs, which have been included in goodwill, and finalized our accounting for the acquisition, which resulted our recording an additional $0.5 million of goodwill.

10


POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

     All of the revenues and expenses for the Japanese master licensee are included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations because management has concluded that certain rights granted to us in the stockholders agreement give us perpetual legal control over our Japanese master licensee. For the three and nine months ended January 1, 2005, we have recorded minority interest expense of $0.8 million and $3.2 million, respectively, to reflect the share of earnings allocable to the 50% minority interest holder in the Japanese master license. These amounts are included in Other (income) expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

     Also, in February 2003, we acquired an 18% equity interest in the company which holds the sublicenses for the Polo Ralph Lauren men’s, women’s and jeans business in Japan for approximately $47.6 million. In May 2003, we paid $5.4 million to acquire an additional 2% equity interest in this company. For the three and nine months ended January 1, 2005, we recorded $2.6 million and $5.8, respectively, of equity investment income related to this investment. These amounts are included in Other (income) expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

     Results for our Japanese interests are reported on a one-month lag.

On October 31, 2001, we completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of PRL Fashions of Europe S.R.L. During Fiscal 2005, and Fiscal 2004,an additional payments werepayment was made on the earn-out, payment calculations, resulting in increasesan increase in goodwill of approximately $1.3 million and $1.0 million, respectively.million.

3.4.Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost, using the FIFO method, or market and are summarized as follows:
                
January 1,April 3, July 2, April 2,
20052004 2005 2005


    
Raw materials $5,530 $5,516  $8,478 $5,276 
Work-in-process 7,215 4,669   42,499  8,283 
Finished goods 412,326 353,506   416,633  416,523 
 
 
      
 $425,071 $363,691  $467,610 $430,082 
 
 
      
4.5.Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net

As required by SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” we completed our annual impairment test as of the first day of the second quarter of Fiscal 2005. No impairment was recognized as a

13


POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
result of this test. The carrying value of goodwill as of January 1,July 2, 2005 and April 3, 20042, 2005 by operating segment is as follows (dollars in millions):
                          
WholesaleRetailLicensingTotal Wholesale Retail Licensing Total




        
Balance at April 3, 2004 $151.1 $74.0 $116.5 $341.6 
Balance at April 2, 2005 $367.9 $74.5 $116.5 $558.9 
Purchases 240.6   240.6          
Effect of foreign exchange and other adjustments 13.4 2.4  15.8   (10.7)  (0.4)    (11.1)
 
 
 
 
          
Balance at January 1, 2005 $405.1 $76.4 $116.5 $598.0 
Balance at July 2, 2005 $357.2 $74.1 $116.5 $547.8 
 
 
 
 
          

11


POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

The carrying value of indefinite life intangible assets as of January 1,July 2, 2005 was $1.5 million and relates to an owneda purchased trademark. Finite life intangible assets as of January 1,July 2, 2005 and April 3, 2004,2, 2005, subject to amortization, are comprised of the following:

                    
                    
January 1, 2005April 3, 2004 July 2, 2005 April 2, 2005


    
GrossGross Gross   Gross  
CarryingAccum.CarryingAccum.Estimated Carrying Accum.   Carrying Accum.   Estimated
AmountAmort.NetAmountAmort.NetLives Amount Amort. Net Amount Amort. Net Lives







              
Licensed trademarks $17,400 $(2,690) $14,710 $17,400 $(1,260) $16,140 10 years  $17,400 $(3,560) $13,840 $17,400 $(3,125) $14,275 10 years 
Non-compete agreements 2,600 (433) 2,167    3 years   2,500  (833)  1,667  2,500  (625)  1,875 3 years 
Customer relationships  29,900  (1,199)  28,701  29,900  (897)  29,003 25 years 
Domain name  353  (18)  335  353  (12)  341 15 years 

Intangible amortization expense was $0.7$1.0 million and $1.9$0.6 million for the three and nine months ended January 1,July 2, 2005 and July 3, 2004, respectively. The estimated intangible amortization expense for each of the following five years is expected to be approximately $2.6$3.8 million per year for the next two fiscal years, $2.4and $3.0 million forper fiscal year in the third, year and $1.7 million in the fourth and fifth year.years.
5.6.Restructuring
     (a) 2003 Restructuring Plan

During the third quarter of Fiscal 2003, we completed a strategic review of our European business and formalized our plans to centralize and more efficiently consolidate its business operations. In connection with the implementation of this plan, the Company recorded a restructuring charge of $2.1 million during Fiscal 2005 and $7.9 million during Fiscal 2004 and $14.4 million during Fiscal 2003 for severance and contract termination costs. The $7.9$2.1 million represents the additional liability for employees notified of their termination and properties we ceased using during Fiscal 2004. An additional $1.8 million charge was recorded during the nine months ended January 1, 2005 representing severance costs and other termination benefits for additional employees released during the period.2005. The components of the charge and the activity for the ninethree months ended January 1,July 2, 2005 were as follows:
             
Lease and Other
Severance andContract
TerminationTermination
BenefitsCostsTotal



Balance at April 3, 2004 $3,316  $1,859  $5,175 
Fiscal 2005 provision  1,846      1,846 
Fiscal 2005 spending  (4,849)  (642)  (5,491)
  
  
  
 
Balance at January 1, 2005 $313  $1,217  $1,530 
  
  
  
 
             
    Lease and Other  
  Severance and Contract  
  Termination Termination  
  Benefits Costs Total
       
Balance at April 2, 2005 $141  $891  $1,032 
Provision         
Utilization  (60)  (313)  (373)
          
Balance at July 2, 2005 $81  $578  $659 
          

Total severance and termination benefits as a result of this restructuring related to approximately 160 employees. Total cash outlays related to this plan of approximately $22.6$23.7 million, since inception, have been paid through January  1,July 2, 2005. It is expected that this plan will be completed, and the remaining liabilities will be paid during Fiscal 2006 or in accordance with contract terms.

14


POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
     (b) 2001 Operational Plan

      In connection with the implementation of our fiscalFiscal 2001 Operational Plan, we recorded a pre-tax restructuring charge of $128.6 million in our second quarter of Fiscal 2001. This charge was subsequently adjusted for a $5.0 million reduction of liabilities in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2001 and a $16.0 million increase in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2002 for lease termination costs associated with the closure of certain retail stores. During Fiscal 2004, a $10.4 million increase was recorded due to market factors that were less

12


POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

favorable than originally estimated. The major component of the charge remaining and the activity for the ninethree months ended January 1,July 2, 2005 was as follows:

     
Lease and
Contract
Termination
Costs

Balance at April 3, 2004 $6,360 
Fiscal 2005 spending  (1,994)
  
 
Balance at January 1, 2005 $4,366 
  
 
     
  Lease and
  Contract
  Termination
  Costs
   
Balance at April 2, 2005 $4,066 
Fiscal 2006 spending  (563)
    
Balance at July 2, 2005 $3,503 
    

Total cash outlays related to the 2001 Operational Plan are expected to be approximately $51.2 million, $46.8$47.6 million of which have been paid through January 1,July 2, 2005. We completed the implementation of the 2001 Operational Plan in Fiscal 2002 and expect to settle the remaining liabilities in accordance with contract terms.
6.7.Financing Agreements

      Prior to October 6, 2004, we had a credit facility with a syndicate of banks consisting of a $300.0 million revolving line of credit, subject to increase to $375.0 million, which was available for direct borrowings and the issuance of letters of credit. It was scheduled to mature on November 18, 2005.

On October 6, 2004, we, in substance, expanded and extended this bank credit facility by entering into a new credit agreement, dated as of that date, with JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Administrative Agent, The Bank of New York, Fleet National Bank, SunTrust Bank and Wachovia Bank National Association, as Syndication Agents, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., as soleSole Bookrunner and Sole Lead Arranger, and a syndicate of lending banks that included each of the lending banks under the prior credit agreement (the “New Credit Facility”).

     The

      Our credit facility, which is otherwise substantially on the same terms as the priorformer credit facility, provides for a $450.0 million revolving line of credit, subject to increase to $525.0 million, which is available for direct borrowings and the issuance of letters of credit. It will mature on October 6, 2009. As of January 1,July 2, 2005, we had no direct borrowings outstanding under the credit facility and, we were contingently liable for $34.9$34.8 million in outstanding letters of credit related primarily to commitments for the purchase of inventory. We incur a financing charge of ten basis points per month on the average monthly balance of these outstanding letters of credit. Direct borrowings under the New Credit Facilitycredit facility bear interest, at our option, at a rate equal to (i) the higher of (x) the weighted average overnight Federal funds rate, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, plus one-half of one percent, and (y) the prime commercial lending rate of JPMorgan Chase Bank in effect from time to time, or (ii) the LIBO Rate (as defined in the New Credit Facility)credit facility) in effect from time to time, as adjusted for the Federal Reserve Board’s Eurocurrency Liabilities maximum reserve percentage, and a margin based on our then current credit ratings.

     The As of July 2, 2005, the margin was 0.625%.

      Our credit facility requires us to maintain certain covenants:

 • a minimum ratio of consolidated Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, Amortization and Rent (“EBITDAR”) to Consolidated Interest Expense (as such terms are describeddefined in the New Credit Facility)credit facility); and
 
 • a maximum ratio of Adjusted Debt (as defined in the credit facility) to EBITDAR.

     The15


POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
      Our credit facility also contains covenants that, subject to specified exceptions, restrict our ability to:

 • incur additional debt;
 
 • incur liens and contingent liabilities;

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 • sell or dispose of 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 or guarantees;
 
 • 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 periods), including, among others, the failure to make timely principal and interest payments or to satisfy the covenants, including the financial covenants described above. Additionally, the credit facility provides that an event of default will occur if Mr. Ralph Lauren and related entities as defined, fail to maintain a specified minimum percentage of the voting power of our common stock.
7.8.Financial Instruments

We enter into forward foreign exchange contracts as hedges relating to identifiable currency positions to reduce our risk from exchange rate fluctuations on inventory purchases and intercompany royalty payments. Gains and losses on these contracts are deferred and recognized as adjustments to either the basis of those assets or foreign exchange gains/losses, as applicable. Hedge ineffectiveness would be measured as the difference between gains and losses generated by the transactions hedged by these forward contracts and gains and losses attributable to the forward contracts. Gains and losses attributable to hedge ineffectiveness are recognized immediately in the Company’s results of operations and were immaterial for the three and nine months ended January 1, 2005 and December 27, 2003. At January 1,July 2, 2005, we had the following foreign exchange contracts outstanding: (i) to deliver116.377.0 million in exchange for $151.3$101.7 million through Fiscal 2006 and (ii) to deliver ¥8,248¥10,468 million in exchange for $71.0$91.6 million through Fiscal 2008. At January 1,July 2, 2005, the fair value of these contracts resulted in unrealized pretax gains and losses net of tax of $4.5$9.1 million and $10.2$9.6 million for the Euro forward contracts and Japanese Yen forward contracts, respectively.

In May 2003, we entered into an interest rate swap that terminates in November 2006. The interest rate swap is being used to convert105.2 million, 6.125% fixed rate borrowings into105.2 million, EURIBOR minus 1.55% variable rate borrowings. On April 6, 2004 and October 4, 2004, the Company executed interest rate swaps to convert the fixed interest rate on total of an additional100 million of the Eurobonds to a EURIBOR plus 3.14% variable rate borrowing. After the execution of these swaps, approximately22 million of the Eurobonds remained at a fixed interest rate. We entered into the interest rate swapsswap to minimize the impact of changes in the fair value of the Euro debt due to changes in EURIBOR, the benchmark interest rate. The swaps haveswap has been designated as a fair value hedgeshedge under SFAS No. 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 interest rate swap and the Euro debt resulting from changes in the benchmark interest rate, and were immaterial in Fiscal 2004 andwas de minimus for the first nine monthsquarter of Fiscal 2005.2006. In addition, we have designated the entire principal of ourthe Euro debt as a hedge of our net investment in certain foreign subsidiaries. As a result, changes in the fair value of the Euro debt resulting from changes in the Euro rate are reported net of income taxes in accumulatedAccumulated other comprehensive income in the consolidated financial statements as an unrealized gain or loss on foreign currency hedges. On April 6, 2004 and October 4, 2004, the Company executed interest rate swaps to convert the fixed interest rate on total of an additional 100.0 million of the Eurobonds to a floating rate (EURIBOR based). After the execution of these swaps, approximately 22.0 million of the Eurobonds remained at a fixed interest rate.
For the three and nine months ended January 1,July 2, 2005, Accumulated other comprehensive income included unrealized losses of $16.9$34.7 million and $20.9 million respectively, related to227.3 million of foreign investment hedged. For the three and nine months ended December 27, 2003 Other Comprehensive Income

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
July 3, 2004, Accumulated other comprehensive income included unrealized losses of $13.8$40.1 million and $23.0 million respectively, related to227.3 million of foreign investment hedged.

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POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

8.9.Other Comprehensive Income

For the three and nine months ended January 1,July 2, 2005 and December 27, 2003,July 3, 2004, other comprehensive income was as follows:
                  
          
Three Months EndedNine Months Ended  Three Months Ended


  
January 1,December 27,January 1,December 27,  July 2, July 3,
2005200320052003  2005 2004




    
Net incomeNet income $74,842 $35,358 $168,652 $94,423 Net income $50,707 $12,725 
Other comprehensive income, net of taxes:Other comprehensive income, net of taxes: Other comprehensive income, net of taxes:       
Foreign currency translation adjustments 35,965 5,435 39,562 21,402 Foreign currency translation adjustments  (33,691)  3,022 
Unrealized losses on cash flow and foreign currency hedges, net (22,985) (24,610) (23,946) (41,170)Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow and foreign currency hedges, net  23,058  (1,423)
 
 
 
 
       
 Comprehensive income $87,822 $16,183 $184,268 $74,655  Comprehensive income $40,074 $14,324 
 
 
 
 
       

     The income tax effect related to foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized gains and losses on cash flow and foreign currency hedges, was a charge of $2.2 million and a benefit of $11.9 million in the three months ended January 1,2005, respectively. The income tax effect related to foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized gains and losses on cash flow and foreign currency hedges was a charge of $0.2 million and a benefit of $9.3 million for the three months ended December 27, 2003, respectively.

     The income tax effect related to foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized gains and losses on cash flow and foreign currency hedges, was a charge of $3.1 million and a benefit of $14.0 million in the nine months ended January 1, 2005, respectively.

      The income tax effect related to foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized gains and losses on cash flow and foreign currency hedges, was a benefit of $2.7$1.8 million and a charge of $10.0 million, respectively, in the three months ended July 2, 2005. The income tax effect related to foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized gains and losses on cash flow and foreign currency hedges, was a benefit of $0.6 million and a benefit of $16.3$1.5 million, respectively, for the ninethree months ended December 27, 2003 respectively.

July 3, 2004.

      The Company has several hedges in place at the January 1,July 2, 2005 primarily relating to inventory purchases, royalty payments and net investment in foreign subsidiaries. All of the hedges are considered highly effective and as a result the changes in the fair market value of each hedge are recorded in unrealized gains and losses on hedging derivatives, a component of accumulatedAccumulated other comprehensive income, until the hedged transaction is realized in results of operations. The following table details the changes in the unrealized losses on hedging derivatives for the ninethree months ended January 1,July 2, 2005.

Unrealized losses on hedging derivatives are comprised of the following (dollars in millions):
                   
Unrealized LossesChanges in FairUnrealized LossesUnrealized Losses
on HedgingValue During theon Hedgeson Hedging
Derivatives as ofNine-Months EndedReclassified intoDerivatives as of
April 3, 2004January 1, 2005EarningsJanuary 1, 2005




Derivatives designated as hedges of:                
 Inventory purchases $(6.9) $(9.0) $9.0  $(6.9)
 Intercompany royalty payments  (10.7)  (6.5)     (17.2)
 Net investment in foreign subsidiaries  (60.2)  (32.8)     (93.0)
  
  
  
  
 
  Before-tax totals $(77.8) $(48.3) $9.0  $(117.1)
  
  
  
  
 
  After-tax totals $(50.7) $(32.2) $8.3  $(74.6)
  
  
  
  
 
                   
  Unrealized     Unrealized
  Gains (Losses) Changes in Fair Unrealized Losses Gains (Losses)
  on Hedging Value During the on Hedges on Hedging
  Derivatives as of Three-Months Ended Reclassified into Derivatives as of
  April 2, 2005 July 2, 2005 Earnings July 2, 2005
         
Derivatives designated as hedges of:                
 Inventory purchases $1.9  $5.8  $1.4  $9.1 
 Intercompany royalty payments  (13.8)  4.1      (9.7)
 Net investment in foreign subsidiaries  (77.4)  21.8      (55.6)
             
  Before-tax totals $(89.3) $31.7  $1.4  $(56.2)
             
  After-tax totals $(55.1) $21.7  $1.3  $(32.1)
             

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

9.10.Earnings Per Share

Basic EPSEarnings per share is calculated based on income available to common shareholders and the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the reported period. Diluted EPS includes additional dilution from potential common stock issuable pursuant to the exercise of stock options outstanding as well as

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
the vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units, and is calculated under the treasury stock method. The weighted averageweighted-average number of common shares outstanding used to calculate Basic EPS is reconciled to those shares used in calculating Diluted EPS as follows:
                 
         
Three Months EndedNine Months Ended  Three Months Ended


  
January 1,December 27,January 1,December 27,  July 2, July 3,
2005200320052003  2005 2004




    
BasicBasic 101,896 99,072 101,190 98,718 Basic  103,048  100,481 
Dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock unitsDilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units 2,429 2,219 2,376 1,685 Dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units  2,443  2,321 
 
 
 
 
       
Diluted shares 104,325 101,291 103,566 100,403 Diluted shares  105,491  102,802 
 
 
 
 
       

Options to purchase shares of common stock at an exercise price greater than the average market price of the common stock are anti-dilutive and therefore not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share. For the three months ended January 1,July 2, 2005 and December 27, 2003July 3, 2004, there were no anti-dilutive options or restricted stock grants and less than 20,000 anti-dilutive options and stock grants excluded from the diluted share calculation respectively. For the nine months ended January  1, 2005 and December 27, 2003 anti-dilutive options of zero shares and 0.9 million shares were excluded from the diluted share calculation.
10.11.Stock Incentive Plans

      In June 2004,2005, the Compensation Committee granted 100,000 restricted stock units, payable solely in shares of our Class A Common Stock, under our Stock Incentive Plan. This was the secondthird of five annual grants pursuant to an employment agreement. Each grant vests on the fifth anniversary of the grant date, subject to acceleration in certain circumstances, including termination of the executive’s employment after the end of Fiscal 2008 for any reason other than termination by the Company for cause, and is payable following the termination of the executive’s employment. Additional restricted stock units are issued in respect of outstanding grants as dividend equivalents in connection with the payment of dividends on our Class A Common Stock. In June 2004,2005, an aggregate of approximately 230,000222,000 performance based restricted stock units and approximately 1.61.3 million options to purchase shares of our Class A Common Stock were granted to certain employees under the Stock Incentive Plan. The restricted stock units will vest in Fiscal 2008,2009, subject to the Company’s satisfaction of performance goals, and the options will vest in three equal installments on the first three anniversaries of the grant date. The exercise price of the options is the fair market value of the Class A Common Stock on the grant date. In July 2004,June 2005, the Company issued an aggregate of 437,500187,500 restricted stock units under our Stock Incentive Plan pursuant to an employment agreement. Of theseThese restricted units 187,500 are performance based and will vest over the next three years, subject to the Company’s satisfaction of performance goals and 250,000 will vest in three equal installments at the end of Fiscal 2008, Fiscal 2009 and Fiscal 2010 and will be paid upon the termination of the executive’s employment. These units are entitled to dividend equivalents, and the employment agreement provides for the grant of up to an additional 562,500375,000 performance based units that would vest, subject to the Company’s achievement of performance goals for periods ending at the close of Fiscal 2008, Fiscal 2009 and Fiscal 2010.

      On October 1, 2004, the Company issued 75,000 restricted shares of Class A Common Stock and options to purchase 200,000 shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to an employment agreement. The restricted stock will vest in equal installments on the first five anniversaries of the grant dates. An additional 75,000

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POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

options to purchase 75,000 shares of Class A Common Stock were granted under our Stock Incentive Plan to new hires during the first ninethree months of Fiscal 2005.

      Total stock compensation expense recorded for the three and nine months ended January 1,July 2, 2005 was $4.5$4.9 million, and $9.4 million, respectively, compared to $1.2 million and $2.8 million for the three and nine months ended December 27, 2003.

July 3, 2004.

During the ninethree months ended January 1,July 2, 2005 and December 27, 2003,July 3, 2004, the Company realized a tax benefit due to the exercise of stock options of $12.9$6.5 million and $2.1 million, respectively.

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POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
11.12.Commitments & Contingencies
Declaration of Dividend

On May 20, 2003 the Board of Directors initiated a regular quarterly cash dividend program of $0.05 per share, or $0.20 per share on an annual basis, on Polo Ralph Laurenour common stock. The thirdfirst quarter Fiscal 20052006 dividend of $0.05 per share was declared on December 20, 2004,June 14, 2005, payable to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 31, 2004,July 1, 2005, and was paid on January 14,July 15, 2005. Approximately $15.2During the three months ended July 2, 2005, approximately $5.2 million was recorded as a reduction to retained earnings during the nine months ended January 1, 2005 in connection with this dividend.
12.13.Legal Proceedings

      As a result of the failure of Jones Apparel Group, Inc. (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 terminated as of December 31, 2003. We had advised Jones that the termination of these license agreements would automatically result in the termination of the license agreements between us and Jones with respect to the “Lauren” trademark pursuant to the Cross Default and Term Extension Agreement between the Companyus and Jones dated May 11, 1998. The terms of the Lauren license agreements would otherwise have expired on December 31, 2006.

      On June 3, 2003, Jones filed a lawsuit against us in the Supreme Court of the State of New York alleging, among other things, that we had breached the Lauren license agreements by asserting our rights pursuant to the Cross Default and Term Extension Agreement, and that we induced Ms. Jackwyn Nemerov, the former President of Jones, to breach the non-compete and confidentiality clauses in Ms. Nemerov’s employment agreement with Jones. Jones stated that it would treat the Lauren license agreements as terminated as of December 31, 2003, and is seeking compensatory damages of $550.0 million, punitive damages and enforcement of Ms. Nemerov’s agreement. Also on June 3, 2003, we filed a lawsuit against Jones in the Supreme Court of the State of New York seeking, among other things, an injunction and a declaratory judgmentjudgement that the Lauren license agreements would terminate as of December 31, 2003 pursuant to the terms of the Cross Default and Term Extension Agreement. The two lawsuits were consolidated.
      On July 3, 2003, we filed a motion to dismiss Jones’ claims regarding breach of the “Lauren” agreements and a motion to stay the claims regarding Ms. Nemerov pending the arbitration of Jones’ dispute with Ms. Nemerov.

On July 23, 2003, Jones filed a motion for summary judgmentjudgement in our action against Jones, and on August 12, 2003, we filed a cross-motion for summary judgment.judgement. Oral argument on the motions was heard on September 30, 2003. On March 18, 2004, the Court entered orders (i) denying our motion to dismiss Jones’ claims against us for breach of the Lauren agreements and (ii) granting Jones’ motion for summary judgmentjudgement in our action for declaratory judgmentjudgement that the Lauren agreements terminated on December 31, 2003 and dismissing our complaint. The order also stayed Jones’ claim against us relating to Ms. Nemerov pending arbitration regarding her alleged breach of her employment agreement. On April 16,August 24, 2004, we moved the courtCourt denied our motion to reconsider its orders, and a hearing on our motion was held on May 19, 2004. The Court denied our motions

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POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

on August 24,October 4, 2004, and we filed our appeal of the Court’s ordersorders.

      On March 24, 2005, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court affirmed the lower court’s orders. On April 22, 2005, we filed a motion with the Appellate Division for reargument and/or permission to appeal its decision to the New York Court of Appeals. On June 23, 2005, the Appellate Division denied our request for reargument but granted our motion for leave to appeal to the Court of Appeals. If the Court of Appeals does not reverse the Appellate Division’s decision, the case would go back to the lower court for a trial on October 4, 2004. We currently anticipate that oral argument will be heard in March 2005. If Jones’ lawsuit were to be determined adversely to us, it could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. However,damages. Although we intend to continue to defend the case vigorously, in light of the Appellate Division’s decision we recorded an aggregate litigation charge to establish a reserve of $100.0 million in Fiscal 2005. This charge represents management’s best estimate at this time of the loss incurred to date. No discovery has been held and believethe ultimate outcome of this matter could differ materially from the reserved amount.

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POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
      We are subject to various claims relating to allegations of a security breach of our positionretail point of sale system, including fraudulent credit card charges, the cost of replacing cards and related monitoring expenses and other related claims. The Company is correctunable to predict whether further claims will be asserted. The Company has contested and will continue to vigorously contest the claims made against it and continues to explore its defenses and possible claims against others. The Company recorded a reserve of $6.2 million representing management’s best estimate of the loss incurred in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2005 relating to this matter.
      The ultimate outcome of these matters could differ from the amounts recorded and could be material to the results of operations for any affected reporting period. Management does not expect the resolution of these matters to have a material impact on the merits.

Company’s liquidity or financial position.

      On September 18, 2002, an employee at one of the Company’s stores filed a lawsuit against us and our Polo Retail, LLC subsidiary 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 a requirement that certain retail employees purchase and wear Company apparel 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. A hearing on cross motions for summary judgmentjudgement on the issue of whether the Company’s policies violated California law took place on August 14, 2003. The Court granted partial summary judgmentjudgement with respect to certain of the plaintiff’s claims, but concluded that more discovery was necessary before it could decide the key issue as to whether the Company had maintained for a period of time a dress code policy that violated California law. The Court ordered the parties to conduct limited discovery to that end. Discovery has been stayed pending the outcome of voluntary mediation between the parties, which commenced on May 12, 2004. The parties are currently engaged in settlement discussionsdiscussion, and we have establishedrecorded a reserveliability for our best estimate of the settlement cost, of a settlement, which is not material to the Company.

material.

      On April 14, 2003, a second putative class action was filed in the San Francisco Superior Court. This suit, brought by the same attorneys, alleges near identical claims to thosethese in the federal class action. The class representatives consist of former employees and the plaintiff in the federal court action. Defendants in this class action include us and our Polo Retail, LLC, Fashions Outlet of America, Inc., Polo Retail, Inc. and San Francisco Polo, Ltd. subsidiaries as well as a non-affiliated corporate defendant and two current managers. As in the federal action, the complaint seeks an unspecified amount of actualaction and punitive damages, restitution of monies spent, and declaratory relief. The state court class action has been stayed pending resolution of the federal class action.

      On October 1, 1999, we filed a lawsuit against the United States Polo Association Inc., Jordache, Ltd. and certain other entities affiliated with them, alleging that the defendants were infringing on our famous trademarks. This lawsuit continues to proceed as both sides are awaiting the court’s decision on various motions. In connection with this lawsuit, on July 19, 2001, the United States Polo Association and Jordache filed a lawsuit against us in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. This suit, which is effectively a counterclaim by them in connection with the original trademark action, asserts claims related to our actions in connection with our pursuit of claims against the United States Polo Association and Jordache for trademark infringement and other unlawful conduct. Their claims stem from our contacts with the United States Polo Association’s and Jordache’s retailers in which we informed these retailers of our position in the original trademark action. All claims and counterclaims have now been settled, except for the Company’s claims that the defendants violated the Company’s trademark rights. We did not pay any damages in this settlement. NoOn July 30, 2004, the Court denied all motions for summary judgement and set a trial date has been set for trial yet.

October 3, 2005.

      On December 5, 2003, United StatedStates Polo Association, USPA Properties, Inc., Global Licensing Sverige and Atlas Design AB (collectively, “USPA”) filed a Demand for Arbitration against the Company in Sweden under the auspices of the International Centre for Dispute Resolution seeking a declaratory judgmentjudgement that USPA’s so-called Horseman symbol does not infringe on Polo Ralph Lauren’s trademark and other rights. No

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POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
claim for damages was stated. On February 19, 2004, we answered the Demand for Arbitration, contesting the arbitrability of USPA’s claim for declaratory relief. We also asserted our own counterclaim, seeking a judgmentjudgement that the USPA’s Horseman symbol infringes on our trademark and other rights. We also sought injunctive relief and damages in an unspecified amount. On March 5, 2004, USPA answered our counter-

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POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

claim, denying the allegations set forth therein.      On November 1, 2004, after conducting several hearings, the arbitral tribunalpanel of the International Centre for Dispute Resolution hearing the arbitration between us and the United States Polo Association, United States Polo Association Properties, Inc., Global Licensing Sverige and Atlas Design AB (collectively, “USPA”) in Sweden rendered a decision rejecting the relief sought by USPA and holding that USPA’stheir so-called Horseman symbol infringes on our trademark and other rights. The arbitral tribunal awarded us damages in excess of 3,500,0003.5 million Swedish Krona, or $0.4 million, and ordered USPA to discontinue the sale of, and destroy all remaining stock of, clothing bearing its Horseman symbol in Sweden.

This amount has not yet been recorded as income.

      On October 29, 2004, we filed a Demand for Arbitrationarbitration against the United States Polo Association and United States Polo Association Polo Properties, Inc withInc. in the United Kingdom under the auspices of the International Centre for Dispute Resolution in the United Kingdom seeking a judgmentjudgement that the USPA’s Horseman symbol infringes on our trademark and other rights, as well as injunctive relief. Subsequently, the Unites States Polo Association and the United States Polo Association Properties, Inc. agreed not to distribute products bearing the Horseman symbol in the United Kingdom or any other member nation of the European community.Community. Consequently, we withdrew our arbitration demand on December 7, 2004.

     In December 2003, we received a demand on behalf of a stockholder to inspect the Company’s books and records relating to the amended and restated employment agreement dated June 23, 2003 between the Company and Ralph Lauren. The demand asserts that the purpose of the inspection is to determine, among other things, whether the directors of the Company breached their fiduciary duties in approving the compensation provided for in the employment agreement. While we have provided certain documents to the Stockholders’ counsel pursuant to a confidentiality agreement, we believe that the issues asserted by the demand are without merit.

We are otherwise involved from time to time in legal claims involving trademark and intellectual property, licensing, employee relations and other matters incidental to our business. We believe that the resolution of these other matters currently pending will not individually or in aggregate have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
13.14.Segment Reporting

      The Company operates inhas three businessreportable segments: wholesale, retailWholesale, Retail and licensing. OurLicensing. The Company’s reportable segments are individual business units that either offer different products and services or similar products through different channels of distribution. The Wholesale segment consists of women’s, men’s and children’s apparel and related products which are managed separately sincesold to major department stores and specialty stores and to our owned and licensed retail stores in the United States and overseas. The retail segment consists of the Company’s worldwide retail operations which sells our products through our full price and outlet stores as well as Polo.com, our e-commerce site. The stores and the website sell our products purchased from our licensees, our suppliers and our wholesale segment. The Licensing segment, which consists of product, international and home, generates revenues from royalties through its licensing alliances. The licensing agreements grant the licensee rights to use our various trademarks in connection with the manufacture and sale of designated products in specified geographical areas.
      The accounting policies of the segments are consistent with those described in Note 1. Intersegment sales and transfers are recorded at cost and treated as transfer of inventory. All intercompany revenues are eliminated in consolidation. We do not review these sales when evaluating segment performance. We evaluate each segment’s performance based upon operating income before interest, foreign currency gains and losses, restructuring charges, one-time items and income taxes. In conjunction with an evaluation of our overall segment reporting, we have changed our method of allocating corporate expenses to each segment requires different strategic initiatives, promotional campaigns, and marketing based upon its own individual positioning in the market. Additionally, these segmentsto more appropriately reflect the reporting basis used internally bythose corporate expenses directly related to segments. Therefore, Corporate overhead expenses, exclusive of expenses for senior management, to evaluate performanceoverall branding related expenses and the allocation of resources. Corporate overheadcertain other corporate related expenses, are allocated to eachthe segments based upon specific usage or other allocation methods beginning with the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2005. As a result of this change, prior year segment based on each segment’s usage of corporate resources.results have been restated to reflect how management currently views the business as well as for the restatement items discussed in Note 2.

1921


POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Our net revenues and income from operations for the three and nine months ended January 1,July 2, 2005 and December 27, 2003July 3, 2004 for each segment were as follows:
                 
          
Three Months EndedNine Months Ended  Three Months Ended


  
January 1,December 27,January 1,December 27,  July 2, July 3,
2005200320052003  2005 2004




    
Net revenues:
Net revenues:
 
Net revenues:
       
Wholesale $427,445 $219,147 $1,169,032 $716,877 Wholesale $337,199 $239,024 
Retail 402,613 358,984 1,018,375 910,584 Retail  357,404  310,040 
Licensing 57,935 67,234 177,016 203,412 Licensing  57,339  56,942 
 
 
 
 
       
 $887,993 $645,365 $2,364,423 $1,830,873   $751,942 $606,006 
 
 
 
 
       
Income (loss) from operations:
Income (loss) from operations:
 
Income (loss) from operations:
       
Wholesale $47,653 $(3,330) $110,566 $(8,921)Wholesale $46,269 $(2,633)
Retail 49,459 45,411 101,005 77,731 Retail  35,650  24,444 
Licensing 17,940 34,307 49,386 96,057 Licensing  35,212  31,847 
 
 
 
 
       
 115,052 76,388 260,957 $164,867    117,131  53,658 
Less: unallocated restructuring charge 218 15,930 1,846 15,930 Less: Unallocated corporate expenses  36,910  33,173 
 
 
 
 
  Unallocated restructuring charge    731 
 $114,834 $60,458 $259,111 $148,937       
 
 
 
 
   $80,221 $19,754 
     

Our net revenues for the three and nine months ended January 1,July 2, 2005 and December 27, 2003,July 3, 2004, by geographic location of the reporting subsidiaries, were as follows:
                  
Three Months EndedNine Months Ended


January 1,December 27,January 1,December 27,
2005200320052003




Net revenues:
                
 United States and Canada $726,680  $527,612  $1,891,392  $1,444,588 
 Europe  118,430   94,051   385,176   311,088 
 Other Regions  42,883   23,702   87,855   75,197 
  
  
  
  
 
  $887,993  $645,365  $2,364,423  $1,830,873 
  
  
  
  
 
          
  Three Months Ended
   
  July 2, July 3,
  2005 2004
     
Net revenues:
        
 United States and Canada $622,722  $506,239 
 Europe  104,701   86,736 
 Other Regions  24,519   13,031 
       
  $751,942  $606,006 
       
14.15.New Accounting Pronouncements

      In December 2004,May 2005, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS 154, “Change in Accounting Principle.” SFAS 154 generally requires that changes in accounting principle be applied retrospectively. SFAS 154 is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. The Company does not expect SFAS 154 to have a material impact on our financial statements.
      In March 2005, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Interpretation Number 47 (“FIN 47”), “Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations.” FIN 47 provides clarification regarding the meaning of the term “conditional asset retirement obligation” as used in FASB 143,

22


POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
“Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations.” The Company is currently evaluating the impact of FIN 47 on its financial statements.
      In December 2004, the FASB issued Staff Position (“FSP”) No. 109-2, “Accounting and Disclosure Guidance for the Foreign Earnings Repatriation Provision within the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004” (“FSP No. 109-2”). FSP No. 109-2 provides guidance under SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” with respect to recording the potential impact of the repatriation provisions of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the “Jobs Act”) on enterprises’ income tax expense and deferred tax liability. FSP No. 109-2 states that an enterprise is allowed time beyond the financial reporting period of enactment to evaluate the effect of the Jobs Act on its plan for reinvestment or repatriation of foreign earnings for purposes of applying SFAS No. 109. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of FSP No. 109-2 on its consolidated financial statements.
      In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS 123R, “Share-Based Payment,” a revision of FASB Statement No. 123. Under this standard, all forms of share-based payment to employees, including stock options, would be treated as compensation and recognized in the income statement. This proposed statementstandard would be effective for awards granted, modified or settled in interim periods or fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. The Company currently accounts for stock options under APB No. 25. The pro forma impact of expensing options, valued using the Black Scholes valuation model, is disclosed in Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company is currently researching the appropriate valuation model to use for stock options,options. In connection with the issuance of SFAS 123R, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin number 107 (“SAB 107”) in March of 2005. SAB 107 provides implementation guidance for companies to use in their adoption of SFAS 123R. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of SFAS 123R and SAB 107 on its financial statements and will implement SFAS 123R on April 2, 2006.
      In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS 153, “Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets.” SFAS 153 is an amendment of Accounting Principles Board Opinion 29, “Accounting for Nonmonetary Transactions,” and eliminates certain narrow differences between APB 29 and international accounting standards. SFAS 153 is effective for fiscal periods beginning on or after June 15, 2005. The adoption of SFAS 153 will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
      In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS 152, “Accounting for Real Estate Time Sharing Transactions.” SFAS 152 is an amendment of SFAS 66 and 67 and generally requires that real estate time sharing transactions be accounted for as non retail land sales. SFAS 152 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2005. The adoption of SFAS 152 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
      In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS 151, “Inventory costs.” SFAS 151 is an amendment of Accounting Research Board Opinion number 43 and sets standards for the treatment of abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and spoilage. SFAS 151 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of SFAS 151 on its financial statements.
      In October 2004, the FASB Emerging Issue Task Force issued its abstract No. 04-01 (“EITF 04-01”) “Accounting for Pre-existing Relationships between the Parties to a Business Combination.” EITF 04-01 addresses the appropriate accounting treatment for portions of the acquisition costs of an entity which may be deemed to apply to Elements of a pre-existing business relationship between the acquiring company and the target company. EITF 04-01 is effective for combinations consummated after October 2004. It is therefore applicable to the pro forma expense disclosureFootwear acquisition discussed in Note 1 could vary from the actual expense recorded when16. Historically, the Company adopts SFAS 123R.had not assigned any value to pre-existing business relationships reacquired in purchase transactions. The adoption of EITF 04-01 has no effect on historical financial statements.

2023


POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

      In May 2004,January 2003, the FASB issued FSP FAS 106-2 toFinancial Interpretation No. (“FIN”) 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” which was amended by FIN 46R in December, 2003. 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 guidance on accountingsufficient financial resources for the effectsentity to support its activities. Historically, entities generally were not consolidated unless the entity was controlled through voting interests. FIN 46R changes that by requiring a variable interest entity to be consolidated by a company if that company is subject to a majority of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvementrisk 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 46R 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 46R apply immediately to variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003. The consolidation requirements of FIN 46R apply to existing entities in the first fiscal year or interim period beginning after December 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 adoption of FIN 46R required us to consolidate the assets and Modernization Actliabilities of 2003, to employers that sponsor post-retirement health care plans that provide prescription drug benefits. The Company does not sponsor a post-retirement healthcare plan. Consequently this pronouncement has no impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

21


POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION

RL Media. See Note 2 regarding our interest in Ralph Lauren Media, LLC.
16.Subsequent Event
      On July 15, 2005, the Company consummated its agreement to acquire from Reebok International, Ltd all the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of Ralph Lauren Footwear Co., Inc., its global licensee for men’s, women’s and children’s footwear, as well as certain foreign assets owned by affiliates of Reebok International Ltd (the “Footwear Business”). The purchase price for the acquisition was approximately $108 million in cash, subject to certain post closing adjustments. Payment of the Purchase Price was funded by cash on hand. In addition, the Footwear Licensee and certain of its affiliates have entered into a transition services agreement with the Company to provide a variety of operational, financial and information systems services over a period of twelve to eighteen months.

24


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 Statementsconsolidated financial statements and relatedthe notes thereto included elsewhere in this 10-Q. We utilize a 52-53 week Fiscalfiscal year ending on the Saturday nearest March 31. Fiscal 20052006 will end on April 1, 2006 (“Fiscal 2006”) and reflects a 52 week period. Fiscal 2005 ended April 2, 2005 (“Fiscal 2005”) and reflects a 52 week period. Fiscal 2004 ended April 3, 2004 (“Fiscal 2004”) and reflects a 53 week period.

     CertainVarious 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 about our future operations, results or financial condition and are generally 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 our start-up of the Lauren Line;efficiencies; 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 mergers and acquisitions and the extending of credit; risks associated with our dependence on our licensing partners for a substantial portion of our net income and a lack of operational and financial control over licensed businesses; risks associated with financial distresscondition of licensees, including the impact on our net income and business of one or more licensees’ 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; uncertainties relating to our ability to implement our growth strategies or successfully integrate acquired businesses; risks associated with our entry into new markets, either through internal development activities or through acquisitions; risks associated with changechanges in import quotas, other restrictions andor tariffs; risks associated with the possible adverse impact of our unaffiliated manufacturers’ inability to manufacture products 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, (includingincluding foreign currency fluctuations);fluctuations; risks related to current or future litigation or 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, 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, the anti-takeover effect of our two classes of common stock and the potential impact of stock repurchases. 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 operate in three businessintegrated segments: wholesale, retail and licensing.

      Wholesale consists of women’s, men’s and children’s apparel that we design and market worldwide. In our wholesale operations, we offer multiple lines that are directed by teamsapparel. Teams comprising design, merchandising, sales and production staff who work together to conceive, develop and merchandise product groupings that are organized to convey a variety of design concepts. This segment includes the core Polo Ralph Lauren brandproduct lines as

22


well as Lauren by Ralph Lauren, Blue Label, Polo Golf, RLX Polo Sport, Women’s Ralph Lauren Collection and Black Label, and Men’s Purple Label Collection.

25


      Retail consists of our worldwide Ralph Lauren retail operations, which sell our products through Ralph Lauren and Club Monaco full-price and outlet stores and Rugby full-price stores as well as Ralph Lauren Media, our Club Monaco full-price and outlet stores.

50% owned e-commerce joint venture, which sells products over the internet.

      Licensing consists of product, international and internationalhome licensing alliances, each of which pays us royalties based upon sales of licensed products,our product, and are generally subject to minimum royalty payments. We work closely with our licensing partners to ensure that products are developed, marketed and distributed in a manner consistent with the distinctive perspective and lifestyle associated with our brand.

brands.

      Our wholesale segment showed significant improvements in net sales, gross margin rates and operating income during the three and nine month periodsperiod ended January 1,July 2, 2005 as compared to the corresponding periodsperiod of the prior fiscal year. These improvements were largely due to the addition of the LaurenChildrenswear line and Childrenswear lines. These additional sales were partially offset by planned sales reductionsimprovements in our men’s business for the nine months period as we continue to reposition the brand in appropriate stores.

line.

      Our retail segment continued to perform well during the three and nine months ended January 1,July 2, 2005, driven by increased net sales and improved gross profit as a percentage of net sales. RetailThe increase in retail net sales increased primarilywas due to positive comparable store sales in both full-price and outlet stores, new store openings and, to a lesser extent, the impact of the appreciation of the Euro relative to the U.S. dollar. The increasing gross profit rate reflects a continued focus on inventory management, sourcing efficiencies, and higher realized sales dollars resulting from a combination of improved product mix, advertising and targeted marketing.

      Our licensing segment’s net revenues and operating income decreasedincreased compared to the prior year’s comparable period primarily as a result of increased international licensing income, which was largely offset by the loss of royalties associated with the Lauren line as well as the recently acquired Childrenswear line, partially offset by increases in International licensing income.

line.

      Our international operations’ results were affected by foreign exchange rate fluctuations. However, the increase in net sales due to the strengthening of the Euro was largely offset by a comparable increase in cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses. The strengthening of the Euro has had a significant effect on certain of our balance sheet accounts including accounts receivable, inventory, accounts payable and long-term debt.

Recent DevelopmentsRestatement of Previously Issued Financial Statements

     On

      Our financial statements for the three months ended July 3, 2004 have been restated to give effect to the items discussed below. See note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q for a summary of the effects of the restatements. The accompanying Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations gives effect to these restatements. No restatement of our financial statements for the full Fiscal 2005 financial statements is necessary as a result of the matters discussed below. Our second and third quarter financial statements from fiscal 2005 will also be restated in future Fiscal 2006 quarterly filings for these items. The restated financial statements for the fiscal years ended April 3, 2004 we completed the acquisition of certain assets of RL Childrenswear Company LLC. See “Recent Acquisitions.”

and March 29, 2003 are contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for Fiscal 2005.

      As a result of the failureclarifications contained in the February 7, 2005 letter from the Office of the Chief Accountant of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) to the Center for Public Company Audit Firms of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants regarding certain specific lease accounting issues, we initiated a review of the Company’s lease accounting practices. Management and the Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors determined that our accounting practices were incorrect with respect to rent holiday periods and the classification of landlord incentives and the related amortization.
      In periods prior to the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2005, we had recorded straight-line rent expense for store operating leases over the related store’s lease term beginning with the commencement date of store operations. Rent expense was not recognized during any build-out period. To correct this practice, we have adopted a policy in which rent expense is recognized on a straight-line over the stores’ lease term commencing with the start of the build-out period (the effective lease-commencement date). In addition, prior to the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2005, we had classified tenant allowances (amounts received from a landlord to fund leasehold improvement) as a reduction of property and equipment rather than as a deferred lease incentive liability. The amortization of these landlord incentives was originally recorded as a reduction in depreciation expense rather than as a reduction of rent expense. In addition, our statements of cash flow had originally reflected these incentives as a reduction of capital expenditures within cash flows from investing activities rather than as cash flows from operating activities. Correcting these items resulted in an increase to each of net property and

26


equipment and deferred lease incentive liabilities of $10.8 million and $20.5 million, respectively, at July 3, 2004. Additionally, for the three month period ended July 3, 2004, the reclassification of the amortization of deferred lease incentives resulted in an increase to rent expense of $1.1 million and an increase to depreciation expense of $0.7 million.
      In January 2000, we formed Ralph Lauren Media, LLC as a joint venture. Under this 30-year joint venture agreement, Ralph Lauren Media is owned 50% by the Company, 37.5% by NBC Universal, Inc. and 12.5% by ValueVision Media, Inc. We had used the equity method of accounting for our investment in the joint venture since its inception. On December 24, 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FIN 46R, which is applicable for financial statements issued for reporting periods ending after March 15, 2004. We considered the provisions of FIN 46R for our Fiscal 2004 financial statements and made the determination that Ralph Lauren Media was a variable interest entity (“VIE”) under FIN 46R, and concluded that we were not the primary beneficiary under FIN 46R and, therefore, should not consolidate the results of Ralph Lauren Media. Upon subsequent review, the Company concluded that its determination in 2004 was incorrect and that consolidation of Ralph Lauren Media into the Company’s financial statements was required as of April 3, 2004. The impact on our balance sheet was to increase assets and liabilities. Previously, we accounted for this joint venture using the equity method of accounting under which we recognized our share of RL Media’s operating results based on our share of ownership and the terms of the joint venture agreement.
      The Company has also corrected the classification on our Balance Sheet as of July 3, 2004 of certain unapplied cash from retail credit card receivables to cash. This error was originally corrected on a cumulative basis in the third quarter of Fiscal 2005. This resulted in approximately a $10.5 million increase in cash provided by operating activities, a corresponding increase in our cash and cash equivalents balance and an approximately $10.5 million decrease in accounts receivable prepaid. The Company has also corrected the classification on our Balance Sheet as of July 3, 2004 of certain inventory amounts from prepaid expenses of approximately $2.1 million which had no impact on cash flows from operating activities.
      The Company also corrected the classification within the Statement of Cash Flows for the three months ended July 3, 2004 of the net loss recorded on the disposal of property and equipment from the investing activities to the operating activities and capital lease payments from operating activities to financing activities. In addition, we corrected the classification of certain amounts from cash to accounts payable, which resulted in a $2.6 million increase in cash and accounts payable as well as cash flow from operating activities.
Recent Developments
      As described in Item 1 — BUSINESS — “Recent Developments” and Item 3 — “LEGAL PROCEEDINGS” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for Fiscal 2005 and in note 13 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q, we have recorded a reserve of $100.0 million in connection with our litigation with Jones Apparel Group, Inc. (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 terminated as of December 31, 2003. We had advised Jones thatover the termination of these licenses would automatically result in the termination on that dateLauren product line license previously held by Jones. On March 24, 2005, the Appellate Division of the licenses between us and JonesNew York Supreme Court affirmed the lower Court’s orders in favor of Jones. We filed a motion with respectthe Appellate Division for reargument and/or permission to appeal its decision to the “Lauren” trademark pursuantNew York Court of Appeals, and on June 23, 2005, the Appellate Division denied our request for reargument but granted our motion for leave to appeal to the Cross Default and Term Extension Agreement between us and Jones dated May 11, 1998. The Lauren license agreements would otherwise have expired on December 31, 2006.

     On June 3, 2003, Jones filed a lawsuit against us in the Supreme Court of Appeals. If the StateCourt of New York alleging, among other things, that we had breached its agreements with Jones with respectAppeals does not reverse the Appellate Division’s decision, the case will go back to the “Lauren” trademark by asserting its rights pursuantlower court for a trial on damages. Although we intend to continue to defend the Cross Defaultcase vigorously,

27


in light of the Appellate Division’s decision we recorded an aggregate charge of $100.0 million in Fiscal 2005 to establish a reserve for this litigation. This charge represents management’s best estimate at this time of the loss incurred. No discovery has been held, and Term Extension Agreement, and that we induced Ms. Jackwyn Nemerov, the former Presidentultimate outcome of Jones, to breachthis matter could differ materially from the non-compete and confidentiality clauses in Ms. Nemerov’s employment agreement with Jones.reserved amount. Jones stated that it would treat the Lauren license agreements as terminated as of December 31, 2003, and is seeking compensatory damages of $550.0 million plus punitive damages relating to our alleged tortious interference in the non-compete and enforcement of theconfidentiality provisions of Ms.Jackwyn Nemerov’s agreement. Also on June 3, 2003, we filed a lawsuit againstformer employment agreement with Jones. If Jones in the Supreme Court of the State of New York seeking, among other things, an injunction and a declaratory judgment that the Lauren license agreements would terminate as of Decem-

23


ber 31, 2003 pursuant to the terms of the Cross Default and Term Extension Agreement. The two lawsuits were consolidated.

     On July 3, 2003, we filed a motion to dismiss Jones’ claims regarding breach of the “Lauren” agreements and a motion to stay the claims regarding Ms. Nemerov pending the arbitration of Jones’ dispute with Ms. Nemerov. On July 23, 2003, Jones filed a motion for summary judgment in the action filed by us, and on August 12, 2003, we filed a cross-motion for summary judgment. Oral argument on the motions was heard on September 30, 2003. On March 18, 2004, the Court entered orders (i) denying our motion to dismiss Jones’ claims against us for breach of the Lauren agreements and (ii) granting Jones’ motion for summary judgment in our action for declaratory judgment the Lauren agreement terminated on December 31, 2003 and dismissing our complaint. The order also stayed Jones’ claim against us relating to Ms. Nemerov pending arbitration regarding her alleged breach of her employment agreement. On April 16, 2004, the Company moved the court to reconsider its orders, and a hearing on our motion was held on May 19, 2004. The Court denied our motions on August 24, 2004, and we filed our appeal on October 4, 2004. We currently anticipate that oral argument on our appeal will be heard in March 2005. If Jones’ lawsuit were to be determined adversely to us,awarded the full amount of damages it couldseeks, the award would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. However,position.

      As described in more detail in Note 13 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q, we intendare subject to various claims relating to an alleged security breach of our retail point of sale system, including fraudulent credit card charges, the cost of replacing cards and related monitoring expenses and other related claims. We are unable to predict the extent to which further claims will be asserted. We have contested and will continue to defendvigorously contest the case vigorouslyclaims made against us and believecontinue to explore our defenses and possible claims against others. During Fiscal 2005, we established a reserve of $6.2 million relating to this matter, representing management’s best estimate at the time of the loss incurred. The ultimate outcome of this matter could differ from the amounts recorded. While that difference could be material to the results of operations for any affected reporting period, it is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position is correct onor liquidity.
      In June 2003, one of our licensing partners, WestPoint Stevens, Inc., and certain of its affiliates (“WestPoint”) filed a voluntary petition for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 of the merits.

United States Bankruptcy Code. WestPoint produces bedding and bath product in our home collection under license, and royalties paid by WestPoint accounted for 14.2% of our licensing revenues in Fiscal 2005. On June 24, 2005, American Real Estate Properties, LP, an entity controlled by investor Carl Icahn, won the U.S. Bankruptcy Court approved bidding process for WestPoint’s assets, subject to final confirmation by the Court. We recently expanded and extended our revolving credit facility. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below for further information.

are currently engaged in negotiations to extend the license agreement.

Recent Acquisitions

      On July 15, 2005, the Company acquired from Reebok International, Ltd all the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of Ralph Lauren Footwear Co., Inc., its global licensee for men’s, women’s and children’s footwear, as well as certain foreign assets owned by affiliates of Reebok International Ltd (“the Footwear Business”). The purchase price for the acquisition of the Footwear Business was approximately $108 million in cash, subject to certain post closing adjustments. Payment of the purchase price was funded by cash on hand. In addition, the Footwear Licensee and certain of its affiliates have entered into a transition services agreement with the Company to provide a variety of operational, financial and information systems services over a period of twelve to eighteen months. Licensing revenue from the Footwear Business license was $9.5 million in Fiscal 2005.
      On July 2, 2004, we completed the acquisition of certain assets of RL Childrenswear Company, LLC for a purchase price of approximately $260$263.5 million including transaction costs. The purchase price includes deferred payments of $15 million over the next three years subsequent to the purchase date, and we have agreed to assume certain liabilities. Additionally, we agreed to pay up to an additional $5 million in contingent payments if certain sales targets arewere attained. During the third quarter,Fiscal 2005, we recorded a $5 million liability for this contingent purchase payment because we believe it is likelyprobable the sales targets will be achieved. This amount was treatedrecorded as an increase in goodwill. RL Childrenswear Company, LLC was a Polo Ralph Laurenour licensee holding the exclusive licenses to design, manufacture, merchandise and sell newborn, infant, toddler and girls and boys clothing in the United States, Canada and Mexico. In connection with this acquisition, we recorded preliminary estimates of fair values for assets and liabilities as follows: inventory of $25.5$26.6 million, property &and equipment of $6.8$7.5 million, intangible assets, consisting of non-compete agreements, valued at $2.6$2.5 million and customer relationships, valued at $29.9 million, other assets of $1.0 million, goodwill of $235.5$208.3 million and liabilities of $11.4$12.3 million. Transaction costs increased the goodwill recorded to $239.2 million.

     The results of operations for the Childrenswear line for the period July 2, 2004 to January 1, 2005 are included in the consolidated results of operations commencing July 2, 2004, for the three and nine months ended January 1, 2005.

     The following unaudited pro forma information assumes the Childrenswear acquisition had occurred on March 30, 2003. The pro forma information, as presented below, is not indicative of the results that would have been obtained had the transaction occurred March 30, 2003, nor is it indicative of the Company’s future results. The unaudited pro forma information is presented based on the preliminary purchase price allocation. The final purchase price allocation and the resulting effect on net income may differ significantly from the unaudited pro forma amounts included herein (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts).

      The following pro forma amounts reflect adjustments for purchases made by the Companyus from Childrenswear, licensing royalties paid to the Companyus by Childrenswear, amortization of the non-compete agreements, lost interest income on the cash used for the purchase and the income tax effect based upon unaudited pro forma effective tax rate of 35.5% in Fiscal 2005 and Fiscal 2004.2005. The unaudited pro forma information gives effect only to adjustments

28


described above and does not reflect management’s estimate of any anticipated cost savings or other benefits as a result of the acquisition. The unaudited pro forma amounts

24


exclude material non recurring charges of approximately $6.2 million related to the write up to fair value of inventory as part of the preliminary purchase price allocation.acquisition (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts).
                
For the Three Months EndedFor the Nine Months Ended        


 For the Three Months Ended
January 1, 2005December 27, 2003January 1, 2005December 27, 2003  




 July 2, 2005 July 3, 2004
(unaudited)(unaudited)    
Actual(unaudited)(unaudited) Actual  
Net revenue $887,993 $687,703 $2,418,176 $1,979,393  $751,942 $659,759 
Net income 74,842 37,564 174,253 105,468   50,707  13,881 
Net income per share — Basic $0.73 $0.38 $1.72 $1.07  $0.49 $0.14 
Net income per share — Diluted $0.72 $0.37 $1.68 $1.05  $0.48 $0.14 

     In February 2003, we acquired a 50% controlling interest in the Japanese master licensee for our men’s, women’s, kids, home and jeans business in Japan for approximately $24.1 million. In connection with this acquisition, we recorded tangible assets of $11.0 million, an intangible license valued at $9.9 million and liabilities assumed of $8.5 million based on estimated fair values as determined by management utilizing information available at the time. At March 29, 2003, goodwill of $13.0 million was recognized for the excess of the purchase price plus transaction costs of $1.3 million over the preliminary estimate of fair market value of the net assets acquired. During Fiscal 2004, we incurred an additional $3.5 million of transaction costs, which have been included in goodwill, and finalized our accounting for the acquisition, which resulted in our recording an additional $0.5 million of goodwill.

     All of the revenues and expenses for the Japanese master licensee are included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations because we have concluded that certain rights granted to us in the stockholders agreement give us perpetual legal control over the master licensee. For the three and nine months ended January 1, 2005, we have recorded minority interest expense of $0.8 million and $3.2 million, respectively, to reflect the share of earnings allocable to the 50% minority interest holder in the Japanese master license. These amounts are included in Other (income) expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

     Also, in February 2003, we acquired an 18% equity interest in the company that holds the sublicenses for the Polo Ralph Lauren men’s, women’s and jeans business in Japan for approximately $47.6 million. In May 2003, we paid $5.4 million to acquire an additional 2% equity interest in this company. For the three and nine months ended January 1, 2005, we recorded $2.6 million and $5.8 million, respectively, of equity investment income related to this investment. These amounts are included in Other (income) expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

25


Results of Operations
Three Months Ended January 1,July 2, 2005 Compared to Three Months Ended December 27, 2003July 3, 2004

The following table sets forth results in millions of dollars and the percentage relationship to net revenues of certain items in our consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended January 1,July 2, 2005 and December 27, 2003:July 3, 2004:
                
                
Three Months EndedThree Months Ended Three Months Ended Three Months Ended


    
January 1,December 27,January 1,December 27, July 2, July 3, July 2, July 3,
2005200320052003 2005 2004 2005 2004




        
Net sales $830.1 $578.1 93.5% 89.6% $694.6 $549.1  92.4%  90.6%
Licensing revenue 57.9 67.2 6.5 10.4   57.3  56.9  7.6  9.4 
 
 
 
 
          
Net revenues 888.0 645.3 100.0 100.0   751.9  606.0  100.0  100.0 
 
 
 
 
          
Gross profit 438.0 333.0 49.3 51.6   414.4  315.5  55.1  52.1 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 323.0 256.6 36.4 39.8   334.2  295.0  44.4  48.7 
Restructuring charge 0.2 15.9  2.4     0.7    0.1 
 
 
 
 
          
Income from operations 114.8 60.5 12.9 9.4   80.2  19.8  10.7  3.3 
Foreign currency (gains) losses (0.4) 3.6  0.6     0.2     
Interest expense 3.0 3.0 0.3 0.5   2.5  2.5  0.3  0.4 
Interest income (1.0) (0.5) (0.1) (0.1)  (2.9)  (0.8)  (0.3)  (0.1)
 
 
 
 
          
Income before provision for income taxes and other (income) expense, net 113.2 54.4 12.7 8.4   80.6  17.9  10.7  3.0 
Provision for income taxes 40.2 19.8 4.5 3.0   30.3  6.3  4.1  1.1 
Other (income) expense, net (1.8) (0.8) (0.2) (0.1)  (0.4)  (1.1)  (0.1)  (0.2)
 
 
 
 
          
Net income $74.8 $35.4 8.4% 5.5% $50.7 $12.7  6.7%  2.1%
 
 
 
 
          

     Net revenues. Net revenues for the thirdfirst quarter of Fiscal 20052006 were $888.0$751.9 million, an increase of $242.6$145.9 million over net revenues for the thirdfirst quarter of Fiscal 2004.2005. Net revenues by business segmentsintegrated segment were as follows (dollars in thousands):
                  
Three Months Ended

January 1,December 27,Increase/
20052003(Decrease)% Change




Net revenues:
                
 Wholesale $427,445  $219,147  $208,298   95.0 
 Retail  402,613   358,984   43,629   12.2 
 Licensing  57,935   67,234   (9,299)  (13.8)
  
  
  
    
  $887,993  $645,365  $242,628   37.6 
  
  
  
    
                  
  Three Months Ended    
       
  July 2, July 3, Increase/  
  2005 2004 (Decrease) % Change
         
Net revenues:
                
 Wholesale $337,199  $239,024  $98,175   41.1 
 Retail  357,404   310,040   47,364   15.3 
 Licensing  57,339   56,942   397   0.7 
             
  $751,942  $606,006  $145,936   24.1 
             

29


     Wholesale Net Salesincreased by $208.3$98.2 million, or 95.0%41.1%, primarily due to the following:

• the incremental increase in sales from the newly implemented Lauren line of $83.5 million during the three months ended January 1, 2005;
 • the inclusion of sales from the newly acquired Childrenswear line of $69.4$58.6 million during the three months ended January 1,July 2, 2005 (acquired July 2, 2004); and
 
 • $5.7a $27.8 million from the favorable impact of Euro currency fluctuations;
• salesincrease in our core wholesale business were up due to the timing of spring shipments.domestic men’s business.

26


     Retail Net Salesincreased by $43.6$47.4 million, or 12.2%15.3%, primarily as a result of:

 • a 4.4%8.7% and 7.2% increase,6.5% increases, respectively, in comparable store sales for full price and outlet stores.comparable store sales. Excluding the effect of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, comparable store sales increased 3.0%7.7% for full price and 5.2%5.7% for outlet stores, respectively;
 
 • the stronger Euro, which accounted for approximately $4.9a $2.9 million of thesales increase in net sales;at RL Media, our e-commerce subsidiary; and
 
 • newrecent store openings, net of store closings.

     Licensing Revenuedecreasedincreased by $9.3$0.4 million, or 13.8%0.7%, primarily due to the following:

 • loss of $6.2 million of royalties from Lauren licenses,growth in our international and home licensing businesses, which terminated as of the end of the third quarter of Fiscal 2004;was largely offset by
 
 • the loss of $4.5 million of royalties from the Childrenswear licenses,license, which terminated as of the end of the first quarter of Fiscal 2005;
• partially offset by growth in our international and home licensing businesses.2005. During the first quarter of Fiscal 2005, we received royalties of $3.3 million from this license.

      Foreign exchange rate fluctuations in the value of the Euro increased recorded wholesale sales by $3.3 million and retail sales by $2.8 million.
     Gross Profit. Gross profit increased $105.0$98.9 million, or 31.5%31.3%, for the three months ended January 1,July 2, 2005 over the three months ended December 27, 2003.July 3, 2004. This increase reflected higher net sales and improved merchandise margins generally across our wholesale and retail businesses.

      Gross profit as a percentage of net revenues decreasedincreased from 51.6%52.1% last year to 49.3%55.1%. The reducedincreased gross profit rate reflects the loss of licensing revenue from the Lauren and Childrenswear businesses which was partially offset by gross profit percentage rate improvementsrates in the wholesale and retail businesses. The gross profit rate improvement in both wholesale and retail reflectsbusinesses reflect a continued focus on inventory management and sourcing efficiencies. Althoughefficiencies as well as reduced markdown activity as a result of better sell through on our inventory balance is higher at January 1, 2005 compared to the same period last year, this increase primarily reflects inventories related to the Lauren wholesale business and our recently acquired Childrenswear business lines and the appreciation of the Euro.

products.

     Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) increased $66.4$39.2 million, or 25.9%13.3%, to $323.0$334.2 million for the three months ended January 1,July 2, 2005 from $256.6$295.0 million for the three months ended December 27, 2003.July 3, 2004. SG&A as a percentage of net revenues decreased to 36.4%44.4% from 39.8%48.7%. The increase in SG&A was driven by:

 • higher selling salaries and related costs of $13.3$16.7 million in connection with the store openings and the increase in retail sales;
 
 • incremental expenses of $5.6 million associated with the Lauren wholesale line, exclusive of additional corporate and overhead expenses incurred;
• expenses of $13.2$9.0 million attributable to the recently acquired Childrenswear line;line.
• approximately $5.8
      The remainder of the increase in SG&A results from a number of factors, including higher distribution costs as a result of volume increases. Approximately $2.9 million of the increase in the quarter was due to the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, primarily due to the strengthening of the Euro;• the remainder of the increase in SG&A results from a number of factors, including higher distribution costs as a result of volume increases.

Restructuring Charge. During the quarter was due to the Company recorded a $0.2 million restructuring charge associated with our European operations. This charge wasimpact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, primarily attributabledue to severance and other benefits associated with employees released during the quarter.strengthening of the Euro.

2730


     Income (Loss) from Operations. Income from operations increased $54.4$60.5 million, or 89.9%306.1%, for the three months ended January 1,July 2, 2005 over the three months ended December 27, 2003.July 3, 2004. Income from operations for our three business segments is provided below (dollars in thousands):
                  
Three Months Ended

January 1,December 27,Increase/
20052003(Decrease)% Change




Income (loss) from operations:                
 Wholesale $47,653  $(3,330) $50,983   1,531.0%
 Retail  49,459   45,411   4,048   8.9%
 Licensing  17,940   34,307   (16,367)  (47.7)%
  
  
  
    
   115,052   76,388   38,664   50.6%
 Less: unallocated restructuring charge  218   15,930   15,712   98.6%
  
  
  
    
  $114,834  $60,458  $54,376   89.9%
  
  
  
    
                   
  Three Months Ended    
       
  July 2, July 3, Increase/  
  2005 2004 (Decrease) % Change
         
Income (loss) from operations:                
 Wholesale $46,269  $(2,633) $48,902   1,857.3%
 Retail  35,650   24,444   11,206   45.8%
 Licensing  35,212   31,847   3,365   10.6%
             
   117,131   53,658   63,473   1,182.9%
 Less: Unallocated corporate expenses  36,910   33,173   3,737   11.3%
  Unallocated restructuring charge     731         
             
  $80,221  $19,754         
             

 • The increase in the wholesale operating results was primarily the result of the inclusion of sales generated by the Lauren and Childrenswear linesline and improvements in the gross margin rate.
 
 • The increase in retail operating results was driven by increased net sales and improved gross margin rate, partially offset by the higher selling salaries and related costs incurred in connection with the increase in retail sales.sales and new store openings.
 
 • The decreaseincrease in licensing operating results was primarily due to improvements in our international licensing business, partially offset by the loss of royalties from the Lauren and Childrenswear licenses.license.

     Foreign Currency (Gains) Losses. The effect of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations resulted in a gain of $0.4$0.1 million for the three months ended January 1,July 2, 2005, compared to a $3.6$0.2 million loss for the three months ended December 27, 2003.

July 3, 2004. These gains are unrelated to the impact of changes in the value of the dollar against the Euro when operating results of our foreign subsidiaries are converted to US dollars.

     Interest Expense. Interest expense was $3.0$2.5 million for the three months ended January 1,July 2, 2005 and for the three months ended December 27, 2003.

Interest Income. Interest income increased to $1.0 million from $0.5$2.4 million for the three months ended January 1,July 3, 2004.

Interest Income. Interest income increased to $2.9 million for the three months ended July 2, 2005 and December 27, 2003.from $0.8 million for the three months ended July 3, 2004. The increase was the result of an increase in investments and higher interest rates on our investments.

     Provision for Income Taxes. The effective tax rate was 35.5%37.6% for the three months ended January 1,July 2, 2005 compared to 36.5%35.3% for the three months ended December 27, 2003.

July 3, 2004. The increase in the effective tax rate is due primarily to a greater portion of our profit being generated in higher tax jurisdictions.

     Other (Income) Expense, Net. Other (income) expense, net was $(1.8)$(0.4) million for the three months ended January 1,July 2, 2005 compared to $(0.8)$(1.1) million for the three months ended December 27, 2003.July 3, 2004. This reflects $2.6$1.8 million and $1.0$2.0 million of income, respectively, related to the 20% equity interest in the company that holds the sublicenses for the our men’s, women’s, kids, home and jeans business in Japan for three months ended January 1,July 2, 2005 and December 27, 2003, respectively,July 3, 2004, net of $0.8 million and $0.2$0.5 million of minority interest expense, respectively, for three months ended January 1,July 2, 2005 and December 27, 2003, respectively,July 3, 2004 associated with our Japanese master license, both of which were acquired in 2003.

Also included is $0.6 million and $0.4 million of minority interest expense for RL Media for the three months ended July 2, 2005 and July 3, 2004, respectively.

     Net Income. Net income increased to $74.8$50.7 million for three months ended January 1,July 2, 2005 from $35.4$12.7 million for the three months ended December 27, 2003,July 3, 2004, or 8.4%6.7% and 5.5%2.1% of net revenues, respectively.

31


     Net Income Per Share. Diluted net income per share increased due to the increase in Net income, partially offset by an increase in weighted average shares outstanding due to stock option exercises, the issuance of restricted stock units and an increase in stock price.

28


Results of Operations
Nine Months Ended January 1, 2005 Compared to Nine Months Ended December 27, 2003

The following table sets forth results in millions of dollars and the percentage relationship to net revenues of certain items in our consolidated statements of operations for the nine months ended January 1, 2005 and December  27, 2003:

                 
Nine Months EndedNine Months Ended


January 1,December 27,January 1,December 27,
2005200320052003




Net sales $2,187.4  $1,627.5   92.5%  88.9%
Licensing revenue  177.0   203.4   7.5   11.1 
  
  
  
  
 
Net revenues  2,364.4   1,830.9   100.0   100.0 
  
  
  
  
 
Gross profit  1,182.9   932.3   50.0   50.9 
Selling, general and administrative expenses  921.9   767.5   38.9   41.9 
Restructuring charge  1.8   15.9   0.1   0.9 
  
  
  
  
 
Income from operations  259.2   148.9   11.0   8.1 
Foreign currency (gains) losses  (3.3)  (0.5)  (0.1)   
Interest expense, net  8.2   9.7   0.3   0.5 
Interest income  (2.5)  (2.1)  (0.1)  (0.1)
  
  
  
  
 
Income before provision for income taxes and other (income) expense, net  256.8   141.8   10.9   7.7 
Provision for income taxes  91.3   51.8   3.9   2.8 
Other (income) expense, net  (3.2)  (4.4)  (0.1)  (0.2)
  
  
  
  
 
Net income $168.7  $94.4   7.1%  5.1%
  
  
  
  
 

Net revenues. Net revenues for the nine months ended January 1, 2005, were $2.4 billion, an increase of $533.6 million over net revenues for the nine months ended December 27, 2003. Net revenues by business segments were as follows (dollars in thousands):

                  
Nine Months Ended

January 1,December 27,Increase/
20052003(Decrease)% Change




Net revenues:
                
 Wholesale $1,169,032  $716,877  $452,155   63.1 
 Retail  1,018,375   910,584   107,791   11.8 
 Licensing  177,016   203,412   (26,396)  (13.0)
  
  
  
    
  $2,364,423  $1,830,873  $533,550   29.1 
  
  
  
    

Wholesale Net Salesincreased by $452.2 million, or 63.1%, primarily due to the following:

• the increase in sales from the newly implemented Lauren line of $278.7 million during the nine months ended January 1, 2005;
• the inclusion of sales from the newly acquired Childrenswear line of $132.5 million during the nine months ended January 1, 2005 (acquired July 2, 2004);
• $17.9 million from the favorable impact of Euro currency fluctuations;
• partially offsetting these increases is a $14.7 million decrease in men’s wholesale sales, resulting primarily from planned reductions in sales as we continue to reposition the brand in appropriate stores.

29


Retail Net Salesincreased by $107.8 million, or 11.8%, primarily as a result of:

• 8.9% and 6.5% increases, respectively, in comparable store sales for full price and outlet stores. Excluding the effect of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, comparable store sales increased 7.4% and 4.7% for full price and outlet stores, respectively;
• the stronger Euro, which accounted for approximately $12.0 million of the increase in net sales; and
• new store openings, net of store closings.

Licensing Revenuedecreased by $26.4 million, or 13.0%, primarily due to the following:

• loss of $27.6 million of royalties from Lauren licenses, which were terminated as of the end of the third quarter of Fiscal 2004;
• loss of $8.9 million of royalties from Childrenswear licenses, which were terminated as of the end of the first quarter of Fiscal 2005;
• partially offset by growth in our international and home licensing businesses.

Gross Profit. Gross profit increased $250.6 million, or 26.9%, for the nine months ended January 1, 2005 over the nine months ended December 27, 2003. This increase reflected higher sales and improved merchandise margins in our wholesale and retail businesses.

     Gross profit as a percentage of net revenues decreased to 50.0% from 50.9%. The decreasing gross profit rate reflects the loss of licensing revenue from the Lauren and Childrenswear licenses, partially offset by improvements in our wholesale and retail segments. The gross profit rate improvement in both wholesale and retail reflects a continued focus on inventory management and sourcing efficiencies. Although our inventory balance is higher at January 1, 2005 compared to the same period last year, this increase primarily reflects inventories related to our Lauren wholesale business and our recently acquired children’s business and the appreciation of the Euro.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. SG&A increased $154.5 million, or 20.1%, to $921.9 million for the nine months ended January 1, 2005 from $767.5 million for the nine months ended December 27, 2003. SG&A as a percentage of net revenues decreased to 38.9% from 41.9%. The increase in SG&A was driven by:

• higher selling salaries and related costs of $32.5 million in connection with the increase in retail sales;
• incremental expenses of $26.8 million associated with a full year’s expenses for the Lauren wholesale line, exclusive of additional corporate and overhead expenses incurred;
• expenses of $24.4 million attributable to the recently acquired Childrenswear line;
• approximately $14.8 million of the increase in the nine months ended January 1, 2005 was due to the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, primarily due to the strengthening of the Euro;
• the remainder of the increase in SG&A results from a number of factors, including higher distribution costs as a result of volume increases, costs associated with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and incremental advertising related to the addition of the Lauren and Children’s lines.

Restructuring Charge. During the nine months ended January 1, 2005, the Company recorded a $1.8 million restructuring charge associated with our European operations. This charge was primarily attributable to severance and other benefits associated with employees released during the quarter.

30


Income (Loss) from Operations. Income from operations increased $110.2 million, or 74.0%, for the nine months ended January 1, 2005 over the nine months ended December 27, 2003. Income from operations for our three business segments is provided below (dollars in thousands):

                  
Nine Months Ended

January 1,December 27,Increase/
20052003(Decrease)% Change




Income (loss) from operations:                
 Wholesale $110,566  $(8,921) $119,487   1,339.4%
 Retail  101,005   77,731   23,274   29.9%
 Licensing  49,386   96,057   (46,671)  (48.6)%
  
  
  
    
   260,957   164,867   96,090   58.3%
 Less: unallocated restructuring charge  1,846   15,930   14,084   88.4%
  
  
  
    
  $259,111  $148,937  $110,174   74.0%
  
  
  
    

• The increase in the wholesale operating results was primarily the result of sales generated by Lauren and Childrenswear lines and improvements in the gross margin rate, partially offset by the sales decrease in men’s wholesale.
• The increase in retail operating results was driven by increased net sales and improved gross margin rate, partially offset by the higher selling salaries and related costs incurred in connection with the sales increase.
• The decrease in licensing operating results was primarily due to the loss of royalties from the former Lauren and Childrenswear licenses.

Foreign Currency (Gains) Losses. The effect of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations resulted in a gain of $3.3 million for the nine months ended January 1, 2005, compared to a $0.5 million gain for the nine months ended December 27, 2003.

Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased to $8.2 million in the nine months ended January 1, 2005 from $9.7 million for the nine months ended December 27, 2003. This decrease was due to lower levels of borrowings due to the repayment of approximately $100.9 million of short-term borrowings as well as decreased interest rates as a result of the April 2004 and October 2004 interest rate swaps described in “Liquidity and Capital Resources — Derivative Instruments.”

Interest Income. Interest income increased to $2.5 million from $2.1 million for the nine months ended January 1, 2005 and December 27, 2003. The increase resulted from higher rates on our investments during the period.

Provision for Income Taxes. The effective tax rate was 35.6% for the nine months ended January 1, 2005 and 36.5% for the nine months ended December 27, 2003.

Other (Income) Expense, Net. Other (income) expense, net was $(3.2) million and $(4.4) million for the nine months ended January 1, 2005 and December 27, 2003, respectively. This reflected $5.8 million and $5.5 million of income related to the 20% equity interest in the company that holds the sublicenses for our men’s, women’s, kids, home and jeans business in Japan for the nine months ended January 1, 2005 and December 27, 2003, respectively, net of $3.2 million and $1.1 million of minority interest expense, for the nine months ended January 1, 2005 and December 27, 2003, respectively, associated with our 50% owned Japanese master licensee, both of which were acquired in 2003. Also included is $0.6 million of dividend income for the nine months ended January 1, 2005.

Net Income. Net income increased to $168.7 million for nine months ended January 1, 2005 from $94.4 million for the nine months ended December 27, 2003, or 7.1% and 5.2% of net revenues, respectively.

31


Net Income Per Share. Diluted net income per share increased due to the increase in Net income, partially offset by an increase in weighted average shares outstanding due to stock option exercises, the issuance of restricted stock units and an increase in stock price.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

      Our primary ongoing cash requirements are to fund growth in working capital for projected sales increases (primarily accounts receivable and inventory) for projected sales increases,, retail store expansion, construction and renovation of shop-within-shops, investment in the technological upgrading of our information systems, acquisitions, dividends and other corporate activities. Sources of liquidity to fund ongoing and future cash requirements include cash flows from operations, cash and cash equivalents on hand, our credit facility and other potential sources of borrowings.

We expect that cash flow from operations will continue to be sufficient to fund our current level of operations, capital requirements, cash dividends and our stock repurchase plan. However, in the event of a material acquisition, material contingencies or material adverse business developments, we may need to draw on our credit facility or other potential sources of borrowing.

As noted above, we used cash on hand to purchase the Footwear Business.

      On February 1, 2005, theour Board of Directors approved an additionala stock repurchase plan which allows for the purchase of up to an additional $100 million in our stock in addition to the approximately $21$22.5 million of repurchase authorityauthorized repurchases remaining under our original programstock repurchase plan which expires in 2006. The new repurchase plan does not have a termination date.

     As described below, our

      Our ability to borrow under our credit facility is subject to our maintenance of financial and other covenants.covenants described below. As of January 1,July 2, 2005, we had no direct borrowings under the credit facility and were in compliance with our covenants.

      With respect to pending litigation, the only matter which, if adversely determined, could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and capital resources is the litigation with Jones Apparel Group, Inc., discussed above under “Recent Developments,” in which Jones is seeking, among other things, compensatory damages of $550 million and unspecified punitive damages. (See Part II, Item 1 — Legal Proceedings.) We continue to believe that we are right on the merits and intend to continue to defend the case vigorously. We do not believe that this matter is likely to have a material adverse effect on our liquidity or capital resources or our ability to borrow under the credit facility.

      As of January 1,July 2, 2005, we had $362.9$522.3 million in cash and cash equivalents and $308.0$269.1 million of debt outstanding compared to $337.7$197.4 million in cash and cash equivalents and $284.7$279.0 million of debt outstanding at December 27, 2003.July 3, 2004. This represents an increase in our cash net of debt position of $2.0$334.7 million, which was primarily attributable to cash flow from operations partially offset by the following factors: the appreciation of the Euro increased the dollar equivalent of our Euro denominated debt by $23.2 million and the use of $242.5 million cash to acquire certain assets net of certain assumed liabilities of RL Childrenswear Company LLC.operations. As of January 1,July 2, 2005, we had $308.0$269.1 million outstanding in long-term Euro denominated debt, based on the Euro exchange rate at that date.date, as compared to $279.0 million as of July 3, 2004, due to changes in the exchange rate. Our capital expenditures were $124.9$32.6 million for the ninethree months ended January 1,July 2, 2005, compared to $69.7$36.0 million for the ninethree months ended December 27, 2003.

July 3, 2004.

      Accounts receivable increased to $334.3$275.6 million, or 14.4%9.2%, at January 1,July 2, 2005 compared to $292.2$252.4 million at December 27, 2003, primarily due to $28.0 million and $38.5 million of accounts receivables associated with Lauren and Childrenswear lines, respectively, and $6.8 million due to favorable impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations on our European businesses accounts receivable, partially offset by decreases in accounts receivable in our other lines.July 3, 2004. Inventories increased to $425.1$467.6 million, or 0.7%8.2%, at January 1,July 2, 2005 compared to $422.2$432.3 million at December 27, 2003,July 3, 2004, which primarily reflects the addition of inventory for the new Lauren and Childrenswear lines in the amount of $40.1 million and $16.2 million, respectively, and a $11.4 million increase in our European inventory levelMen’s line due to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, partially offset by reduced inventory in our other wholesale lines due to inventory management efforts, as well as reductions in our domestic retail inventory as a result of inventory management efforts.strong summer sales. Accounts payable and accrued expenses and other increased to a total of $457.6$536.1 million, or 7.8%39.2% at January 1,July 2, 2005 compared to

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$424.2 $385.1 million at December 27, 2003.July 3, 2004. This increase is primarily the result of the appreciation of the Euro and the addition of payables associated with our increased inventory balance and the Lauren and children’s wholesale lines.accrual of $106.2 million in litigation reserves during Fiscal 2005.

     Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities. Net cash provided by operating activities increased to $360.0$190.7 million during the nine-monththree-month period ended January 1,July 2, 2005, compared to $182.7$112.9 million for the nine-monththree-month period ended December 27, 2003.July 3, 2004. This $177.3$77.8 million increase in cash flow was driven primarily by year-over-year changes in working capital described above and the increase in net income.

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      During Fiscal 2003, we completed a strategic review of our European operations and formalized our plansimplemented a plan to centralize and more efficiently consolidate these operations. In connection with the implementation of this plan, we had total cash outlays of approximately $5.5$0.4 million during the ninethree months ended January 1,July 2, 2005. During Fiscal 2001, we implemented the 2001 Operational Plan, and total cash outlays related to this plan were $2.0$0.6 million during the ninethree months ended January 1,July 2, 2005. We expect that the remaining liabilities under these plans will be paid during Fiscal 2005 subject to applicable contract terms.

2006.

     Net Cash Used in Investing Activities. Net cash used in investing activities was $368.7$32.6 million for the ninethree months ended January 1,July 2, 2005, as compared to $87.1$276.0 million for the ninethree months ended December 27, 2003.July 3, 2004. For the ninethree months ended January 1, 2005,July 2, 2004, net cash used also reflected $242.5$240.0 million for the acquisition of certain assets of RL Childrenswear, LLC. For both periods, net cash used reflected capital expenditures related to retail expansion and upgrading our systems and facilities as well as shop-within-shop expenditures. Our anticipated capital expenditures for all of Fiscal 20052006 approximate $143.5$160 million. The Fiscal 2005 and Fiscal 2004 amounts also include $1.3 million and $1.0 million, respectively for an earn-out paymentspayment in connection with the P.R.L. Fashions of Europe SRL acquisition and $9.0 million in Fiscal 2004 related to the acquisition of our Japanese businesses.

acquisition.

     Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities. Net cash provided by financing activities was $24.9$18.1 million for the ninethree months ended January 1,July 2, 2005, compared to $93.2$7.5 million used in the ninethree months ended December 27, 2003.July 3, 2004. Cash provided by financing activities during the ninethree months ended January 1,July 2, 2005 consists of $42.2$25.6 million received from the exercise of stock options, which was partially offset by the payment of $15.1$5.2 million of dividends. Cash used in financing activities during the nine months ended December 27, 2003, consisted primarily of the net repayment of short-term borrowings of $100.9 million.

      Prior to October 6, 2004, we had a credit facility with a syndicate of banks and consisting of a $300.0 million revolving line of credit, subject to increase to $375.0 million, which was available for direct borrowings and the issuance of letters of credit. It was scheduled to mature on November 18, 2005.

On October 6, 2004, we, in substance, expanded and extended this credit facility by entering into a new Credit Agreement, dated as of that date, with JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Administrative Agent, The Bank of New York, Fleet National Bank, SunTrust Bank and Wachovia Bank National Association, as Syndication Agents, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., as sole Bookrunner and Sole Lead Arranger, and a syndicate of lending banks that included each of the lending banks under the prior credit agreement.

     Theagreement (the “New Credit Facility”).

      Our current credit facility, which is otherwise substantially on the same terms as the priorformer credit facility, provides for a $450.0 million revolving line of credit, subject to increase to $525.0 million, which is available for direct borrowings and the issuance of letters of credit. It will mature on October 6, 2009. As of January 1,July 2, 2005, we had no direct borrowings outstanding under the credit facility. Direct borrowings under the credit facility bear interest, at our option, at a rate equal to (i) the higher of (x) the weighted average overnight Federal funds rate, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, plus one-half of one percent, and (y) the prime commercial lending rate of JPMorgan Chase Bank in effect from time to time, or (ii) the LIBO Rate (as defined in the credit facility) in effect from time to time, as adjusted for the Federal Reserve Board’s Eurocurrency Liabilities maximum reserve percentage, and a margin based on our then current credit ratings.

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     The At July 2, 2005, we were contingently liable for $34.8 million in outstanding letters of credit facilityrelated primarily to commitments for the purchase of inventory. We incur a financing charge of ten basis points per month on the average monthly balance of these outstanding letters of credit.

      Our Credit Facility requires us to maintain certain covenants:

 • a minimum ratio of consolidated Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, Amortization and Rent (“EBITDAR”) to Consolidated Interest Expense (as such terms are describeddefined in the credit facility); and
 
 • a maximum ratio of Adjusted Debt (as defined in the credit facility) to EBITDAR.

     The

      Our 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 assets, including equity interests;
 
 • merge with or acquire other companies, liquidate or dissolve;

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 • engage in businesses that are not a related line of business;
 
 • make loans, advances or guarantees;
 
 • 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 periods), including, among others, the failure to make timely principal and interest payments or to satisfy the covenants, including the financial covenants described above. Additionally, the credit facility 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.

     At January 1, 2005, we were contingently liable for $34.9 million in outstanding letters of credit related primarily to commitments for the purchase of inventory. We incur a financing charge of ten basis points per month on the average monthly balance of these outstanding letters of credit.

      Fiscal 2005 dividends of $0.05 per outstanding share declared to stockholders of record at the close of business on July 2, 2004, October 1, 2004, and December 20, 2004 and April 1, 2005 were paid on July 16, 2004, and October 15, 2004, and January 14, 2005 and April 15, 2005, respectively.

The first quarter Fiscal 2006 dividend was declared on June 14, 2005 payable to shareholders of record at the close of business on July 1, 2005 and was paid on July 15, 2005.

     Derivative Instruments. In May 2003, we entered into an interest rate swap that will terminate in November 2006. The interest rate swap is being used to convert 105.2 million, 6.125% fixed rate borrowings into 105.2 million, EURIBOR minus 1.55% variable rate borrowings. On April 6, 2004 and October 4, 2004 the Company executed interest rate swaps to convert the fixed interest rate on a total of100 million of the Eurobonds to a EURIBOR plus 3.14% variable rate borrowing. After the execution of these swaps, approximately22 million of the Eurobonds remained at a fixed interest rate. We entered into the interest rate swaps to minimize the impact of changes in the fair value of the Euro debt due to changes in EURIBOR, the benchmark interest rate. The swaps have been designated as fair value hedges under SFAS No. 133. Hedge ineffectiveness is measured as the difference between the respective gains or losses recognized resulting from changes in the benchmark interest rate, and were immaterial in Fiscal 20042005 and for the ninethree months ended January 1,July 2, 2005. In addition, we have designated all of the principal of the Euro debt as a hedge of our net investment in certain foreign subsidiaries. As a result, the changes in the fair value of the Euro debt resulting from changes in the Euro rate are reported net of income taxes in accumulated other comprehensive income in the consolidated financial statements as an unrealized gain or loss on foreign currency hedges.

      We enter into forward foreign exchange contracts as hedges relating to identifiable currency positions to reduce our risk from exchange rate fluctuations on inventory and intercompany royalty payments. Gains and losses on these contracts are deferred and recognized as adjustments to either the basis of those assets or foreign exchange gains/losses, as applicable. At January 1,July 2, 2005, we had the following foreign exchange

34


contracts outstanding: (i) to deliver116.377.0 million in exchange for $151.3$101.7 million through Fiscal 2006 and (ii) to deliver ¥8,248¥10,468 million in exchange for $71.0$91.6 million through Fiscal 2008. At January 1,July 2, 2005, the fair value of these contracts resulted in unrealized pretax gains and losses net of tax of $4.5$9.1 million and $10.2$9.6 million for the Euro forward contracts and Japanese Yen forward contracts, respectively.

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, 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.

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Critical Accounting Policies
Principles of ConsolidationCritical Accounting Policies and Estimates

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,” unless the content requires otherwise). All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

      The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements. These estimatesstatements and assumptions also affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Estimatesexpenses during the reporting period. Significant accounting policies employed by their naturethe Company, including the use of estimates, are basedpresented in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on judgments and available information. Therefore, actual results could materially differ from those estimates under different assumptions and conditions.

Form 10-Q.

Critical accounting policies are those that are most important to the portrayal of the Company’s financial condition and the results of operations, and require management’s most difficult, subjective and complex judgmentsjudgements as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. The Company’s most critical accounting policies, discussed below, pertain to revenue recognition, income taxes, accounts receivable, net, inventories, net, the valuation of goodwill, andother long-lived intangible assets, with indefinite lives,income taxes, accrued expenses and derivative instruments. In applying such policies, management must use significant estimatessome amounts that are based onupon its informed judgment. Becausejudgements and best estimates. Estimates, by their nature, are based on judgements and available information. The estimates that we make are based upon historical factors, current circumstances and the experience and judgement of the uncertainty inherentour management. We evaluate our assumptions and estimates on an ongoing basis and may employ outside experts to assist in these estimates, actual results could differ from estimates used in applying the critical accounting policies.our evaluations.
      Changes in such estimates, based on more accurate future information, may affect amounts reported in future periods. We are not aware of any reasonably likely events or circumstances which would result in different amounts being reported that would materially affect our financial condition or results of operations.
Revenue Recognition

      Revenue within the Company’sour wholesale operations is recognized at the time title passes and risk of loss is transferred to customers. Wholesale revenue is recorded net of returns, discounts, allowances and operational chargebacks. Returns and allowances require pre-approval from management. Discounts are based on trade terms. Estimates for end-of-season allowances are based on historic trends, seasonal results, an evaluation of current economic conditions and retailer performance.

     The Company reviews

      We review and refinesrefine these estimates on a quarterly basis based on current experience, trends and retailer performance. The Company’sOur historical estimates of these costs have not differed materially from actual results. Retail store revenue is recognized net of estimated returns at the time of sale to consumers. Licensing revenue is initially recorded based upon contractually guaranteed minimum levels and adjusted as actual sales data is received from licensees. During the three and nine months ending January 1,July 2, 2005 and

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December 27, 2003, July 3, 2004, the Company reduced revenues and credited customer accounts for end of season customer allowances, operational chargebacks and returns as follows:
                
        
3 Months Ended9 Months Ended Three Months Ended


  
January 1,December 27,January 1,December 27, July 2, July 3,
2005200320052003 2005 2004




    
Beginning reserve balance $96,234 $58,779 $100,570 $48,432  $100,001 $90,269 
Amount expensed 79,396 42,278 196,757 131,479 
Amount expensed to increase reserve  55,027  48,684 
Amount credited against customer accounts (88,130) (37,739) (209,827) (116,593)  (76,967)  (69,444)
Foreign currency translation  (1,170)  254 
 
 
 
 
      
Ending reserve balance $87,500 $63,318 $87,500 $63,318  $76,891 $69,763 
 
 
 
 
      

      The Company’s provisions for, and write offs against, the reserves offsetting accounts receivable increased in fiscalFiscal 2006 compared to Fiscal 2005 due to the large increase in wholesale sales and the promotional retail environment.sales. Ending reserve balances have increased for substantially the same reasons.

We require that a store be open a full fiscal year before we include it in the computation of same store sales change. Stores that are closed during the fiscal year are excluded. Stores that are relocated or enlarged are also excluded until they have been in their new location for a full fiscal year.

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Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” In accordance with SFAS No. 109, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, as measured by statutory tax rates that are expected to be in effect in the periods when the deferred tax assets and liabilities are expected to be settled or realized. Significant judgmentjudgement is required in determining the worldwide provisions for income taxes. In the ordinary course of a global business, there are many transactions for which the ultimate tax outcome is uncertain. It is the Company’sour policy to establish provisions for taxes that may become payable in future years as a result of an examination by tax authorities. The Company establishesthese uncertainties. We establish the provisions based upon management’s assessment of exposure associated with permanent tax differences and tax credits. The tax provisions are analyzed periodically and adjustments are made as events occur that warrant adjustments to those provisions.
Accounts Receivable Net

      In the normal course of business, the Company extends credit to its wholesale customers that satisfy pre-defined credit criteria. Accounts receivable net, as shown on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, is net of the following allowances and reserves.

      An allowance for doubtful accounts is determined through analysis of the aging of accounts receivable at the date of the consolidated financial statements, assessments of collectibility based on an evaluation of historic and anticipated trends, the financial condition of the Company’s customers, and an evaluation of the impact of economic conditions. Expenses of $4.4$0.2 million were recorded as an allowance for uncollectible accounts during the first ninethree months of fiscal 2005.2006. The amounts written off against customer accounts during the first ninethree months of fiscal 20052006 totaled $1.0$1.2 million, and the balance in this reserve was $10.4$9.6 million as of January 1,July 2, 2005.

      A reserve for trade discounts is established based on open invoices where trade discounts have been extended to customers and is treated as a reduction of sales.

      Estimated customer end of season allowances (also referred to as customer markdowns) are included as a reduction of sales. These provisions are based on retail sales performance, seasonal negotiations with the Company’s customers as well as historic deduction trends and an evaluation of current market conditions. Our historical estimates of these costs have not differed materially from actual results. (See Revenue Recognition above)

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      A reserve for operational chargebacks represents various deductions by customers relating to individual shipments. This reserve, net of expected recoveries, is included as a reduction of sales. The reserve is based on chargebacks received as of the date of the financial statements and past experience. Our historical estimates of these costs have not differed materially from actual results. (See Revenue Recognition above)

Costs associated with potential returns of productsproduct are included as a reduction of sales. These reserves are based on current information regarding retail performance, historical experience and an evaluation of current market conditions. The Company’s historical estimates of these costs have not differed materially from actual results. (See Revenue Recognition above)
Inventories Net

Inventories net are statedvalued at the lower of cost (using the first-in-first-out method)First-in, First-out, (“FIFO”), method, or market. The CompanyWe continually evaluatesevaluate the composition of itsour inventories assessing slow-turning, ongoing product as well as prior seasons’ fashion product. Market value of distressed inventory is determined based on historical sales trends for thisthe category of inventory of the Company’s individual product lines,involved, the impact of market trends and economic conditions, and the value of current orders in-house relating to the future sales of this type of inventory.conditions. Estimates may differ from actual results due to quantity, quality and mix of products in inventory, consumer and retailer preferences and market conditions. The Company’sWe review our inventory position on a quarterly basis at a minimum and adjust our estimates based on revised projections and current market conditions. If economic conditions worsen, we incorrectly anticipate trends or unexpected events occur, our estimates could be proven overly optimistic, and required adjustments could materially adversely affect future results of operations. Our historical estimates of these costs and its provisions have not differed materially from actual results.

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Goodwill, and Other Intangibles, Net and Long-Lived Assets

      SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” requires that goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives no longer be amortized, but rather be tested, at least annually, for impairment. This pronouncement also requires that intangible assets with finite lives be amortized over their respective lives to their estimated residual values, and reviewed for impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” During fiscalthe months ended July 2, 2005, there have been no material impairment losses recorded in connection with the assessment of the carrying value of long-lived and intangible assets.

      The recoverability of the carrying values of all long-lived assets with definite lives is reevaluated when changes in circumstances indicate the assets’ value may be impaired. Impairment testing is based on a reviewIn evaluating an asset for recoverability, we use our best estimate of forecasted operatingthe future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and eventual disposition. If the sum of the expected future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss, equal to the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the asset, is recognized. In determining the future cash flows, we take various factors into account, including changes in merchandising strategy, the impact of increased local advertising and the profitabilityemphasis on store cost controls. Since the determination of future cash flows is an estimate of future performance, there may be future impairments in the related business.

Forevent the ninefuture cash flows do not meet expectations.

      During the three months ended January 1,July 2, 2005, thereno impairment charges were no adjustments to the carrying values of assets resulting from these evaluations.recorded.
Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses for employee insurance, workers’ compensation, profit sharing, contracted advertising, professional fees and other outstanding Company obligations are assessed based on claims experience and statistical trends, open contractual obligations, and estimates based on projections and current requirements. If these trends change significantly, then actual results would likely be impacted. Our historical estimates of these costs and our provisions have not differed materially from actual results.
Derivative Instruments

      SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as amended and interpreted, requires that each derivative instrument (including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts) be recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset or liability and measured at its fair value. The statement also requires that changes in the derivative’s fair value be recognized currently in earnings in either income (loss) from continuing operations or accumulatedAccumulated other comprehensive income (loss), depending on whether the derivative qualifies for hedge accounting treatment.

     The Company uses

      We use foreign currency forward contracts and options for the specific purpose of hedging the exposure to variability in forecasted cash flowflows associated primarily with inventory purchases andmainly for our European businesses, royalty payments from our Japanese licensee, and other specific activities. These instruments are designated as cash flow hedges and, in connectionaccordance with SFAS No. 133, to the extent the hedges are highly effective, the changes in fair value are included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of related tax effects, with the Company’s European business.corresponding asset or liability recorded in the balance sheet. The Company also uses interest rate swapsineffective portion of the cash flow hedge, if any, is recognized in current-period earnings. Amounts recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income are reflected in current-period earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings. If the relative values of the currencies involved in the hedging activities were to hedge the fair valuemove dramatically, such movement could have a significant impact on our results of its Euro denominated bonds against fluctuations due to changesoperations. We are not aware of any reasonably likely events or circumstances which would result in interest rates.

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different amounts being reported that would materially affect our financial condition or results of operations.

      Hedge accounting requires that at inception and at the beginning of each hedge period, the Companywe justify an expectation that the hedge will be highly effective. This effectiveness assessment involves an estimation of the probability of the occurrence of transactions for cash flow hedges. The use of different assumptions and changing market conditions may impact the results of the effectiveness assessment and ultimately the timing of when changes in derivative fair values and underlying hedged items are recorded in earnings.

The Company hedges its37


      We hedge our net investment position in euro-functional subsidiaries which conduct business in Euros by borrowing directly in foreign currency and designating a portion of foreign currencyour Euro denominated debt as a hedge of net investments. Under SFAS No. 133, changes in the fair value of these instruments are immediately recognized in foreign currency translation, a component of accumulatedAccumulated other comprehensive income (loss), to offset the change in the value of the net investment being hedged.
Item 3.Inflation
      The rate of inflation over the past few years has not had a significant impact on our sales or profitability.
      Our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 to Our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Alternative Accounting Methods
      In certain instances, accounting principles generally accepted in the United States allow for the selection of alternative accounting methods. Our significant policies that involve the selection of alternative methods are accounting for stock options and inventories.
• Two alternative methods for accounting for stock options are available, the intrinsic value method and the fair value method. We use the intrinsic value method of accounting for stock options, and accordingly, no compensation expense has been recognized. Beginning in Fiscal 2007, we will be required to expense the fair value of stock options granted to employees. Under the fair value method, the determination of the pro forma amounts involves several assumptions including option life and future volatility. If the fair value method were used, diluted earnings per share for Fiscal 2004 would decrease. See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
• Two alternative methods for accounting for wholesale inventories are the First-In, First-Out (“FIFO”) method and the Last-in, First-out (“LIFO”) method. We account for all wholesale inventories under the FIFO method. Two alternative methods for accounting for retail inventories are the retail method and the cost method. We account for all retail inventories under the cost method.
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About 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 ninethree months ended January 1,July 2, 2005, there were significant fluctuations in the Euro to U.S. dollar exchange rate.

      In May 2003, we entered into an interest rate swap for105.2 million to minimize the impact of changes in the fair value of the Euro debt due to changes in EURIBOR, the benchmark interest rate. In April 2004 and October 2004, we entered into additional interest rate swaps of50 million each for the same purpose. We have exposure to interest rate volatility as a result of these interest rate swaps. A ten percent change in the average rate would have resulted in a $0.8$0.2 million change in interest expense during the ninethree months ended January 1,July 2, 2005.

Since April 3, 2004,2, 2005, other than 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

     Based on an evaluation carried out as of the end of the period covered by this report conducted under the supervision and with the participation, of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our

      The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934)that are effectivedesigned to provide reasonable assuranceensure that information relating to the Company and its subsidiaries that we are required to disclosebe disclosed in the reports that we filethe Company files or submit tosubmits under the SECSecurities and Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

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      As of July 2, 2005, we carried out an evaluation, under the endsupervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the period covered by this report, there have been no significant changeseffectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(b). Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of July 2, 2005 due to the material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likelywith respect to materially affect, ourincome taxes identified during the Company’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of April 2, 2005, which has not yet been remediated and which was reported in our Fiscal 2005 Annual Report on Form 10K, and the additional material weakness identified during the first quarter of Fiscal 2006 relating to inadequacies in the controls over the period-end financial closing and reporting process as described below.
      During the financial closing and reporting process for the first quarter of Fiscal 2006, accounting errors were identified that resulted in adjustments to present the financial statements for the quarter ended July 2, 2005, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and in the restatement of the previously issued financial statements for the first quarter of Fiscal 2005, as more fully disclosed in Note 2 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. These errors resulted from inadequacies in our controls over the financial closing and reporting process. Specifically, the Company has an inadequate number of accounting personnel with sufficient training, which results in the inadequate review, monitoring and analysis of selected account balances and the lack of resolution of unusual or reconciling items in a timely manner. Based on these facts, and because of the significance of the financial closing and reporting process to the preparation of reliable financial statements, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that these inadequacies in our controls as described in this paragraph constituted a material weakness as of July 2, 2005.
      To compensate for these material weaknesses, the Company performed additional analysis and other procedures in order to prepare the unaudited quarterly consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America. Accordingly, management believes that the consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q fairly present, in all material respects, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented.
      To begin the remediation process for the matters described above, we have developed plans that include:
      i) Hiring additional finance staff including tax staff with significant tax accounting experience;
      ii) Instituting formal training of finance and tax personnel;
      iii) Conducting a review of accounting and tax processes to incorporate technology enhancements and strengthen the design and operation of controls and;
      iv) Implementing policies to ensure the accuracy of accounting and tax calculations supporting the amounts reflected in our financial statements and to ensure all significant accounts are properly reconciled on a frequent and timely basis.
These remediation plans will be implemented during the third and fourth quarter of this fiscal year. In addition, we hired a new vice president of Tax in the first quarter of Fiscal 2006. Neither material weakness will be considered remediated until the applicable remedial procedures operate for a period of time, such procedures are tested and management has concluded that the procedures are operating effectively.
      Except for the material weakness identified relating to inadequacies in the controls over the period-end financial closing and reporting process described above there were no changes in its internal control over financial reporting during the quarter covered by this report that would materially affect its internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.Legal Proceedings

      Reference is made to the information disclosed under Item 3 — Legal Proceedings“LEGAL PROCEEDINGS” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending April 3, 2004. Such information is supplemented by the following:

     In our litigation with Jones Apparel Group, Inc. (including its subsidiaries, “Jones”) with respect to the former Lauren license agreements, the New York State Supreme Court, on August 24, 2004, denied our motion to reconsider its orders (i) denying our motion to dismiss Jones’ claims against us for breach of the Lauren agreements and (ii) granting Jones’ motion for summary judgment in our action for declaratory judgment that the Lauren agreements terminated on December 31, 2003 and dismissing our complaint. We filed our motion to appeal the Court’s orders on October 4, 2004. We currently anticipate that oral argument on our appeal will be heard in March2, 2005.

     On November 1, 2004, the arbitral panel of the International Centre for Dispute Resolution hearing the arbitration between us and the United States Polo Association, United States Polo Association Properties, Inc., Global Licensing Sverige and Atlas Design AB (collectively, “USPA”) in Sweden rendered a decision rejecting the relief sought by USPA and holding that their so-called Horseman symbol infringes on our trademark and other rights. The arbitral tribunal awarded us damages in excess of 3,500,000 Swedish Krona, and ordered USPA to discontinue the sale of and destroy all remaining stock of, clothing bearing its Horseman symbol in Sweden.

     On October 29, 2004, we filed a Demand for arbitration against the United States Polo Association and United States Polo Association Properties, Inc. in the United Kingdom under the auspices of the International Centre for Dispute Resolution seeking a judgment that the Horseman symbol infringes on our trademark and other rights, as well as injunctive relief. Subsequently, the United States Polo Association and United States Polo Association Properties, Inc. agreed not to distribute products bearing the Horseman symbol in the United Kingdom or any other member nation of the European Community. Consequently, we withdrew our arbitration demand on December 7, 2004.

In the putative class action in the United States District Court for the District of Northern California in which the plaintiff purports to represent a class of employees who allegedly were injured by a requirement that certain retail employees purchase and wear our apparel as a condition of employment, the parties are engaged in settlement discussions and we have established a reserve for our estimate of the cost of a settlement, which is not material to the Company.

Item 2.Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds

     We did not repurchase any shares

      The following table sets forth the repurchases of our common stock during the first fiscal quarter ended January 1,July 2, 2005. In 1998 we announced a $100 million stock repurchase plan. Approximately $21 million in shares may yet be repurchased under this plan. On February 2, 2005, we announced that our Board of Directors had approved an additional stock repurchase plan which allows for the purchase of up to an additional $100 million in our stock. The new repurchase plan does not have a termination date.

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        Maximum Number
        (or Approximate
      Total Number of Dollar Value) of
      Shares (or Units) Shares (or Units)
  Total Number of   Purchased as Part of That May yet be
  Shares (or Units) Average Price Publicly Announced Purchased Under the
Period Purchased Paid per Share Plans or Programs Plans or Programs
         
April 2, 2005 to April 30, 2005  10,248(1) $38.43       (2)
May 1, 2005 to May 28, 2005            
May 29, 2005 to July 2, 2005  28,060(1)  43.04       
Total  38,308  $41.81       
(1) Represents shares surrendered to, or withheld by, the Company in satisfaction of withholding taxes in connection with the vesting of awards under the Company’s 1997 Long Term Incentive Plan, as amended and restated.
(2) In March 1998, we announced a $100 million Class A Common Stock repurchase plan. Approximately $22.5 million in share repurchases remain available under this plan. On February 2, 2005, we announced a second stock repurchase plan under which up to an additional $100 million of Class A Common Stock may be purchased. No shares have been repurchased under this plan, which does not have a termination date.
Item 6.Exhibits
   
3.1 Amended and restated Certificate of Incorporation of Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation (filed as exhibit 3.1 to the Polo Ralph Lauren Registration Statement on Form S-1 (file no. 333-24733) (the “S-1”)).
 
3.2 Amended and Restated By-Laws of Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation (filed as exhibit 3.2 to the S-1).
 
10.1 Employment Agreement, datedeffective as of JanuaryApril 3, 2005, between Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation and Tracey T. Travis.Mitchell A. Kosh, Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Legal.
 
10.231.1 Credit Agreement, dated as of October 6, 2004, among the Company, as Borrower, The Lenders Party Thereto, J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, as Administrative Agent, The Bank of New York, Fleet National Bank, SunTrust Bank, and Wachovia Bank N.A., as Syndication Agents, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., as Sole Bookrunner and Sole Lead Arranger. (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 12, 2004.)
31.1 Certification of Ralph Lauren, required byChairman and Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to 17 CFR 240.13a-14(a).
 
31.2 Certification of Tracey T. Travis, required bySenior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 17 CFR 24013a-14(a).
 
32.1 Certification of Ralph Lauren, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
32.2 Certification of Tracey T. Travis, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Exhibits 32.1 and 32.2 shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise subject to the liability of that Section. Such exhibits shall not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

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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 CORPORATIONPolo Ralph Lauren Corporation

 By: /s/ TRACEY T. TRAVIS
 
 Tracey T. Travis
 Senior Vice President of Finance and
 Chief Financial Officer
 (Principal Financial and
 Accounting Officer)

Date: February 10,August 11, 2005

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