SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


                                    FORM 10-Q


(X)      QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
         EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 27, 1997

                                       or

( )      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                                  (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization)                            Identification No.)

650 MADISON AVENUE, NEW YORK, NEW YORK                             10022
(Address of principal executive offices)                         (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code 212-318-7000


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrants were
required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes  [X]   No  [ ]

At February 10, 1998, 34,272,726 shares of the registrant's Class A Common
Stock, $.01 par value, were outstanding, 43,280,021 shares of the registrant's
Class B Common Stock, $.01 par value, were outstanding and 22,720,979 shares of
the registrant's Class C Common Stock, $.01 par value were outstanding.




                          POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION

                               INDEX TO FORM 10-Q


PART 1.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION

                                                                         PAGE
Item 1.   Financial Statements

          Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 27, 1997 
          (Unaudited) and March 29, 1997..................................3

          Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) for the three 
          months and nine months ended December 27, 1997 and December 
          28, 1996........................................................4

          Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the nine
          months ended December 27, 1997 and December 28, 1996............5-6

          Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements......................7-11

Item 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of
          Financial Condition and Results of Operations...................12-19


PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 5.   Other Information...............................................20

Item 6.   Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K................................20


                                        2


POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands, except share data) December 27, March 29, 1997 1997 ------------ ------------ (Unaudited) ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $116,504 $ 29,599 Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $11,144 and $12,845, respectively 115,119 144,303 Inventories 280,042 222,147 Deferred tax asset 15,862 2,669 Prepaid expenses and other 16,434 37,621 ------------ ------------ Total current assets 543,961 436,339 Property and equipment, net 131,927 83,240 Investments in and advances to affiliates 5,914 17,977 Deferred tax asset 14,012 84 Other assets 77,443 39,103 ------------ ------------ $773,257 $576,743 ============ ============ LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL Current liabilities Notes and acceptances payable - banks -- $ 26,777 Current portion of long-term debt $507 22,248 Current portion of subordinated notes -- 20,000 Accounts payable 66,024 89,417 Income taxes payable 15,773 2,357 Accrued expenses and other 112,919 63,168 ------------ ------------ Total current liabilities 195,223 223,967 Long-term debt -- 47,875 Other noncurrent liabilities 22,548 20,216 Subordinated notes -- 24,000 Stockholders' equity and partners' capital Common Stock Class A, par value $.01 per share; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 34,272,726 shares issued and outstanding 343 -- Class B, par value $.01 per share; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 43,280,021 shares issued and outstanding 433 -- Class C, par value $.01 per share; 70,000,000 shares authorized; 22,720,979 shares issued and outstanding 227 -- Additional paid-in-capital 446,435 -- Retained earnings and partners' capital 108,048 260,685 ------------ ------------ Total stockholders' equity and partners' capital 555,486 260,685 ------------ ------------ $773,257 $576,743 ============ ============ See accompanying notes to financial statements. 3
POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (In thousands, except share data) (unaudited) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended ------------------------------ ------------------------------ December 27, December 28, December 27, December 28, ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ 1997 1996 1997 1996 Net sales $361,222 $268,634 $989,294 $764,374 Licensing revenue 44,450 37,825 125,468 98,132 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Net revenues 405,672 306,459 1,114,762 862,506 Cost of goods sold 214,047 168,605 570,680 473,629 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Gross profit 191,625 137,854 544,082 388,877 Selling, general and administrative expenses 142,399 102,882 390,208 274,450 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Income from operations 49,226 34,972 153,874 114,427 Interest (income) expense (453) 2,882 2,056 10,725 Equity in net loss of affiliate -- 52 -- 1,654 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Income before income taxes 49,679 32,038 151,818 102,048 Provision for income taxes 20,368 7,253 32,936 20,688 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Net income $29,311 $24,785 $118,882 $81,360 ============ ============ ============ ============ Pro forma - (unaudited) Historical income before income taxes $32,038 $151,818 $102,048 Pro forma adjustments other than income taxes 3,009 3,162 11,038 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Pro forma income before income taxes 35,047 154,980 113,086 Pro forma provision for income taxes 14,724 63,542 47,496 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Pro forma net income $20,323 $91,438 $65,590 ============ ============ ============ Pro forma net income per share - Basic and Diluted $0.29 $0.20 $0.91 $0.65 ============ ============ ============ ============ Pro forma common shares outstanding 100,222,444 100,222,444 100,222,444 100,222,444 ============ ============ ============ ============ See accompanying notes to financial statements. 4
POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In thousands) (unaudited) Nine Months Ended ------------------------ December December 27, 1997 28, 1996 ----------- ---------- Cash flows from operating activities Net income $ 118,882 $ 81,360 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities Benefit from deferred income taxes (21,746) -- Equity in net loss of affiliate -- 1,654 Depreciation and amortization 19,964 9,039 Provision for doubtful accounts 589 563 Other 2,629 1,559 Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisition Accounts receivable 30,215 24,884 Inventories (30,538) 32,035 Prepaid expenses and other 5,381 (3,884) Other assets (12,740) (1,183) Accounts payable (30,888) (9,551) Accrued expenses and other and income taxes payable 47,073 21,100 --------- --------- Net cash provided by operating activities 128,821 157,576 --------- --------- Cash flows from investing activities Acquisition, net of cash acquired (8,551) -- Investments in joint ventures (5,914) -- Purchases of property and equipment (39,556) (24,179) Cash surrender value - officers' life insurance (1,315) (2,186) --------- --------- Net cash used in investing activities (55,336) (26,365) --------- --------- Cash flows from financing activities (Repayments of) proceeds from short-term borrowings, net (26,777) (49,592) Repayments of borrowings against officers' life insurance policies (5,757) -- Repayments of long-term debt and subordinated notes (134,964) (12,470) Payment of Dividend and Reorganization Notes (43,024) -- Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net 268,797 -- Distributions paid to partners (44,855) (63,857) --------- --------- Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 13,420 (125,919) --------- --------- Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 86,905 5,292 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents -- 83 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 29,599 13,568 --------- --------- Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 116,504 $ 18,943 ========= =========
5
POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In thousands) (unaudited) Nine Months Ended ------------------------ December December 27, 1997 28, 1996 ----------- ---------- Supplemental cash flow information Cash paid for interest $4,196 $12,770 =========== ========== Cash paid for income taxes $38,485 $15,380 =========== ========== Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities Foreign tax credits distributed to stockholders/partners $509 $2,733 =========== ========== Capital obligations for completed shop-within-shops $2,701 $12,319 =========== ========== Fair value of assets acquired $69,537 Less: Cash paid 8,551 Fair market value of common stock issued for PRC Acquisition 697 Liabilities assumed $60,289 =========== Fair market value of common stock issued for stock bonus award $667 =========== See accompanying notes to financial statements. 6
POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (INFORMATION FOR DECEMBER 27, 1997 AND DECEMBER 28, 1996 IS UNAUDITED) 1 Basis of Presentation (A) UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and in a manner consistent with that used in the preparation of the fiscal 1997 audited combined financial statements of Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation and subsidiaries (collectively, "Polo"). In the opinion of management, the accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal and recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. Operating results for the nine months ended December 27, 1997 and December 28, 1996 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a full year. In addition, the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements do not include all information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's fiscal 1997 audited combined financial statements. (B) BASIS OF PRESENTATION Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation ("PRLC") was incorporated in Delaware in March 1997. Prior to the completion on June 17, 1997 of Polo's initial public offering of its Class A Common Stock (the "Offerings"), the partners and certain of their affiliates contributed to PRLC all of the outstanding stock of, and partnership interests in, the entities which comprise the predecessor group of companies in exchange for various combinations of common stock and cash (the "Reorganization"), effective June 9, 1997. The accompanying combined financial statements for the three months and nine months ended December 28, 1996 include the accounts of Polo Ralph Lauren Enterprises, L.P. ("Enterprises"), Polo Ralph Lauren, L.P. ("Polo Partnership") and subsidiaries, The Ralph Lauren Womenswear Company, L.P. and subsidiary ("Womenswear") and Polo Retail Corporation and subsidiaries ("PRC"), a 50% joint venture with a previously nonaffiliated partner (collectively, the "Predecessor Company"). The controlling interests of the Predecessor Company were held by Mr. Ralph Lauren, with a 28.5% interest held by certain investment funds affiliated with The Goldman Sachs Group, L.P. (collectively, the "GS Group"). The accompanying consolidated financial statements as of and for the three months and nine months ended December 27, 1997 include the combined results of operations of the Predecessor Company through June 9, 1997 and the consolidated results of operations of Polo (Polo together with the Predecessor Company referred to herein as the "Company") thereafter through December 27, 1997. The financial statements of PRLC have not been included prior to its acquisition of the Predecessor Company because PRLC was a shell company with no business operations. 7 The financial statements of the Predecessor Company are being presented on a combined basis because of their common ownership. The combined financial statements have been prepared as if the entities had operated as a single consolidated group since their respective dates of organization. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. The equity method of accounting was used for the Company's investment in PRC during the period in which 50% of PRC was owned by a previously nonaffiliated partner (three months and nine months ended December 28, 1996). Subsequent to the Company's acquisition of the remaining 50% interest in PRC effective April 3, 1997, as discussed further in Note 1 (e) below, the results of operations of PRC have been consolidated and the acquisition has been accounted for as a purchase. (C) DIVIDEND AND REORGANIZATION NOTES On June 9, 1997, in connection with the Reorganization, the Company declared a dividend and issued reorganization notes aggregating $43.0 million to Mr. Lauren and the GS Group representing estimated undistributed earnings of the Predecessor Company through the closing of the Reorganization ("Dividend and Reorganization Notes"). The Dividend and Reorganization Notes were paid with a portion of the proceeds of the Offerings (see Note 1 (d)). Effective June 9, 1997, the Company declared a second dividend (the "Second Dividend") to Mr. Lauren and the GS Group in an amount representing the difference between the actual amount of undistributed earnings through the closing of the Reorganization and the estimated amount of the Dividend and Reorganization Notes. The amount of the Second Dividend is currently estimated to be $5.7 million and will be paid in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998. (D) INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING On June 17, 1997, Polo completed the sale of 11,170,000 shares of its Class A Common Stock at $26.00 per share in connection with the Offerings. The net proceeds from the Offerings, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses, aggregated $268.8 million. The proceeds from the Offerings were used as follows: (i) to repay borrowings outstanding under the Company's New Credit Facility (as defined - see Note 4) in the amount of $163.5 million; (ii) to pay the Dividend and Reorganization Notes in the amount of $43.0 million to Mr. Lauren and related entities and the GS Group; and (iii) to repay subordinated notes and interest thereon in the amount of $24.3 million to Mr. Lauren and the GS Group. The remaining $38.0 million has been used for other general corporate purposes. (E) ACQUISITIONS AND JOINT VENTURE Concurrent with the Reorganization, the Company acquired from an entity under common control the trademarks and rights under a licensing agreement associated with its U.S. fragrance business and the interests it did not already own in another related entity that holds the trademarks related to its international licensing business in exchange for shares of its Class B Common Stock ("Trademark Acquisition"). The operating results of these entities have been included in the results of operations of the Predecessor Company for all periods presented based on their common ownership. 8 Effective March 31, 1997, the Company entered into a joint venture agreement with a nonaffiliated partner to acquire real property in New York City. The Company and its partners expect to own and operate a concept store in New York City and are discussing a restaurant and other possible concepts at the location. Concurrent with the signing of the agreement, the Company made an initial contribution for its 50% interest in the joint venture in the amount of $5.0 million. The Company accounts for its 50% interest in the joint venture under the equity method commencing from the effective date of the agreement. On March 21, 1997, the Company entered into purchase agreements with its joint venture partners to acquire the remaining 50% interest in PRC, effective April 3, 1997, for consideration aggregating $10.4 million in cash and Class A Common Stock of Polo ("PRC Acquisition"). The PRC Acquisition was completed simultaneously with the Offerings. 2 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (A) PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS (UNAUDITED) The pro forma statement of income data for the nine months ended December 27, 1997 and for the three months and nine months ended December 28, 1996 presents the effects on the historical financial statements of certain transactions as if they had occurred at March 31, 1996. The pro forma statement of income data reflects adjustments for: (i) income taxes based upon pro forma pre-tax income as if the Company had been subject to additional Federal, state and local income taxes, calculated using a pro forma effective tax rate of 41.0% for the nine months ended December 27, 1997 and 42.0% for the three months and nine months ended December 28, 1996 (see Note 5); (ii) the reduction of interest expense resulting from the application of the net proceeds from the Offerings to outstanding indebtedness; and (iii) the PRC Acquisition, including the consolidation of PRC's operations, the amortization of goodwill over 25 years associated with the acquisition and the elimination of the Company's equity in net loss of PRC for the three months and nine months ended December 28, 1996. (B) NET INCOME PER SHARE (UNAUDITED) Pro forma net income per share has been computed by dividing pro forma net income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period, assuming the Offerings had been completed on March 31, 1996. For comparison purposes only, the weighted average number of shares outstanding immediately following the completion of the Offerings were considered to be outstanding during the nine months ended December 27, 1997 and during the three months and nine months ended December 28, 1996. The weighted average number of shares outstanding during the three months ended December 27, 1997 represent the actual number of shares outstanding during such period. Outstanding stock options are not included in the computation of diluted net income per share because the options' exercise price was equal to the average market price of the common shares during the three months ended December 27, 1997. (C) RECENTLY ISSUED PRONOUNCEMENTS In October 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 123, ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION. This Statement is effective for the fiscal year ending March 28, 1998 as a 9 result of the Company's adoption of the 1997 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan and the 1997 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors (see Note 6). The Company has adopted only the disclosure provision of SFAS No. 123 and accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25, ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK ISSUED TO EMPLOYEES, which recognizes compensation cost based on the intrinsic value of the equity instrument awarded. The required disclosures will be presented in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending March 28, 1998. 3 INVENTORIES DECEMBER 27, MARCH 29, 1997 1997 Raw materials $ 23,450 $ 32,781 Work-in-process 11,058 5,788 Finished goods 245,534 183,578 ------- ------- $280,042 $222,147 -------- -------- Merchandise inventories of $112,497 and $93,874 at December 27, 1997 and March 29, 1997, respectively, were valued utilizing the retail method and are included in finished goods. 4 FINANCING AGREEMENTS On June 9, 1997, the Company entered into a new financing arrangement (the "New Credit Facility") providing for a $375.0 million revolving line of credit available for the issuance of letters of credit, acceptances or direct borrowings. Upon the closing of the Offerings, the amount available under the revolving line of credit was reduced to $225.0 million. The New Credit Facility matures on December 31, 2002. Borrowings under the New Credit Facility were used to refinance the Polo Partnership credit facility of $104.5 million and to repay in full $56.7 million of aggregate borrowings outstanding under the Womenswear credit facility and the PRC credit facility. Such borrowings were repaid from the net proceeds of the Offerings (see Note 1 (d)). Borrowings under the New Credit Facility bear interest, as determined by the Company, at either the lender's Base Rate (as defined) or at the London Interbank Offered Rate plus an interest margin. The New Credit Facility is collateralized by trade accounts receivable and requires, among other things, the maintenance of restrictive covenants including net worth and leverage ratios, and sets limitations on indebtedness and incurrences of liens, and restrictions on sales of assets and transactions with affiliates. Additionally, the agreement provides that an event of default will occur if Mr. Lauren and related entities fail to maintain a specified minimum percentage of the voting power of Polo's Common Stock (as defined herein). 5 INCOME TAXES The entities which comprise the Predecessor Company included principally partnerships which were not subject to Federal or certain state income taxes. Concurrent with the Reorganization and the termination of the Company's partnership status, the Company became fully subject to such taxes. As a result and in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 109, ACCOUNTING FOR INCOME TAXES, the Company recorded a deferred tax asset and a 10 corresponding tax benefit in the amount of $32.1 million in its consolidated financial statements during the first quarter of fiscal 1998. The deferred tax asset recorded is in addition to $3.0 million of Federal, state and local deferred tax assets previously recorded by the Company. The deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences, primarily uniform inventory capitalization, depreciation, allowance for doubtful accounts and other accruals, between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting and the amounts used for income tax purposes. 6 STOCK INCENTIVE PROGRAM In connection with the Offerings, the Board of Directors of Polo granted options to purchase an aggregate of 4,366,300 shares of Polo's Class A Common Stock to certain employees of the Company under the 1997 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan adopted on June 9, 1997. At December 27, 1997, the Company had an additional 5,888,615 options reserved for issuance under this plan. The options vest in equal installments over three years for officers and other executives of the Company and over two years for all remaining employees. The options granted in connection with the Offerings have an exercise price of $26.00 per share (equal to the price of the Offerings). The options expire 10 years after the date of grant. Additionally, on June 9, 1997, the Company adopted the 1997 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors. During the nine months ended December 27, 1997, the Board of Directors of Polo granted options to purchase 22,500 shares of Polo's Class A Common Stock to non-employee directors participating in the plan. The options vest in equal installments over two years and have an exercise price equal to the market value of Polo's stock on the date of grant. The options expire 10 years after the date of grant. At December 27, 1997, the Company had 477,500 options reserved for issuance under this plan. 7 COMMON STOCK Polo's Class B Common Stock is owned by Mr. Lauren and related entities and its Class C Common Stock is owned by the GS Group. Shares of Class B Common Stock are convertible at any time into shares of Class A Common Stock on a one-for-one basis and may not be transferred to anyone other than the related entities of Mr. Lauren. Shares of Class C Common Stock are convertible at any time into shares of Class A Common Stock on a one-for-one basis and may not be transferred to anyone other than among members of the GS Group or any successor of a member of the GS Group. The holders of Class A Common Stock generally have rights identical to holders of Class B Common Stock and Class C Common Stock, except that holders of Class A Common Stock and Class C Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share and holders of Class B Common Stock are entitled to ten votes per share. Holders of all classes of Common Stock (as hereinafter defined) entitled to vote will vote together as a single class on all matters presented to the stockholders for their vote or approval except for the election and the removal of directors and as otherwise required by applicable law. Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock and Class C Common Stock are collectively referred to herein as "Common Stock." 11 POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION ITEM 2 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE COMPANY'S CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND RELATED NOTES THERETO WHICH ARE INCLUDED HEREIN. THE COMPANY UTILIZES A 52-53 WEEK FISCAL YEAR ENDING ON THE SATURDAY NEAREST MARCH 31. ACCORDINGLY, FISCAL YEARS 1997 AND 1998 END ON MARCH 29, 1997 AND MARCH 28, 1998, RESPECTIVELY. DUE TO THE COLLABORATIVE AND ONGOING NATURE OF THE COMPANY'S RELATIONSHIPS WITH ITS LICENSEES, SUCH LICENSEES ARE REFERRED TO HEREIN AS "LICENSING PARTNERS" AND THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND SUCH LICENSEES ARE REFERRED TO HEREIN AS "LICENSING ALLIANCES." NOTWITHSTANDING THESE REFERENCES, HOWEVER, THE LEGAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND ITS LICENSEES IS ONE OF LICENSOR AND LICENSEE, AND NOT ONE OF PARTNERSHIP. CERTAIN STATEMENTS CONTAINED IN THIS REPORT CONSTITUTE "FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS" WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995 (THE "REFORM ACT"). SEE PART II. OTHER INFORMATION. ITEM 5. -"STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING DISCLOSURE." OVERVIEW The Company began operations in 1968 as a designer and marketer of premium quality men's clothing and sportswear. Since inception, the Company, through internal operations and in conjunction with its licensing partners, has grown through increased sales of existing product lines, the introduction of new brands and products, expansion into international markets and development of its retail operations. The Company's net revenues are generated from its four integrated operations: wholesale, Home Collection, direct retail and licensing alliances. Licensing revenue includes royalties received from Home Collection licensing partners. Prior to the Reorganization, the Company's operations were conducted predominantly through a partnership structure. Accordingly, the earnings of the Company (other than earnings of certain retail operations) were included in the taxable income of the Company's partners for Federal and certain state income tax purposes, and the Company has generally not been subject to income tax on such earnings, other than certain state and local franchise and similar taxes. In connection with the Reorganization on June 9, 1997, the Company became fully subject to such taxes. As a result, the Company recorded a deferred tax asset and a corresponding tax benefit in the amount of $32.1 million in its consolidated financial statements during the first quarter of fiscal 1998 in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 109, ACCOUNTING FOR INCOME TAXES. The Company's pro forma effective tax rate, excluding the non-recurring tax benefit discussed above, for fiscal 1997 and fiscal 1998 was 42% and 41%, respectively. See Part II. Other Information. Item 5. - "Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Disclosure." The effect of taxes in Results of Operations is not discussed below because the historic taxation of the operations of the Company is not meaningful with respect to periods following the Reorganization. 12 PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENTS OF INCOME FOR THE THREE MONTHS AND NINE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 28, 1996 (UNAUDITED) The following tables set forth for the three month and nine month periods ended December 28, 1996: (i) actual combined statement of income; (ii) pro forma adjustments to reflect the PRC Acquisition, the Offerings and the Reorganization as if they had occurred on March 31, 1996; and (iii) pro forma combined statement of income. PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 28, 1996 (IN THOUSANDS) (UNAUDITED) ACTUAL PRO FORMA PRO FORMA COMBINED ADJUSTMENTS COMBINED Net sales $ 268,634 $ 25,580 (1) $ 294,214 Licensing revenue 37,825 37,825 --------- --------- Net revenues 306,459 332,039 Cost of goods sold 168,605 12,603 (1) 181,208 --------- --------- Gross profit 137,854 150,831 Selling, general and administrative expenses 102,882 13,252 (1) 125 (1) 116,259 --------- Income from operations 34,972 34,572 Interest expense (income) 2,882 (3,357) (1)(2) (475) Equity in net loss of affiliate 52 (52) (1) -- --------- --------- Income before income taxes 32,038 35,047 Provision for income taxes 7,253 7,471 (3) 14,724 --------- --------- Net income $ 24,785 $ 20,323 ========= ========= 13 PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 28, 1996 (IN THOUSANDS) (UNAUDITED) ACTUAL PRO FORMA PRO FORMA COMBINED ADJUSTMENTS COMBINED Net sales $ 764,374 $ 63,380 (1) $ 827,754 Licensing revenue 98,132 98,132 --------- --------- Net revenues 862,506 925,886 Cost of goods sold 473,629 26,901 (1) 500,530 --------- --------- Gross profit 388,877 425,356 Selling, general and administrative expenses 274,450 38,290 (1) 559 (1) 313,299 --------- --------- Income from operations 114,427 112,057 Interest expense (income) 10,725 (11,754)(1)(2) (1,029) Equity in net loss of affiliate 1,654 (1,654)(1) -- --------- --------- Income before income taxes 102,048 113,086 Provision for income taxes 20,688 26,808 (3) 47,496 --------- --------- Net income $ 81,360 $ 65,590 ========= ========= (1) Effective April 3, 1997, the Company acquired the remaining 50% interest in PRC. The adjustments above reflect the PRC Acquisition which is accounted for under the purchase method. As a result of this transaction, the Company's combined statement of income has been adjusted to reflect the consolidation of PRC's operations from March 31, 1996, the amortization of goodwill over 25 years and the elimination of the Company's equity in net loss of PRC. (2) Adjustment to reduce interest expense, assuming the application of the proceeds from the Offerings were used to repay outstanding indebtedness of the Company as of March 31, 1996. (3) Adjustment to reflect income taxes based upon pro forma pre-tax income as if the Company had been subject to additional Federal, state and local income taxes, calculated using a pro forma effective tax rate of 42%. 14 RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following discussion of the Company's results of operations is presented on a pro forma basis, assuming the PRC Acquisition had occurred as of March 31, 1996. Additionally, as a result of the Offerings and the use of proceeds thereon to reduce outstanding indebtedness of the Company, interest expense incurred on a historical basis is not comparable to the prior period. Therefore, interest expense is not discussed below. The table below sets forth the percentage relationship to net revenues of certain items in the Company's statements of income for the three months and nine months ended December 27, 1997 (historical) and December 28, 1996 (pro forma):
HISTORICAL PRO FORMA DEC. 27, 1997 DEC. 28, 1996 THREE NINE THREE NINE MONTHS MONTHS MONTHS MONTHS Net sales.......................................... 89.0% 88.7% 88.6% 89.4% Licensing revenue.................................. 11.0 11.3 11.4 10.6 ---- ---- ---- ---- Net revenues....................................... 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 ----- ----- ----- ----- Gross profit....................................... 47.2 48.8 45.4 45.9 Selling, general and administrative expenses....... 35.1 35.0 35.0 33.8 ----- ----- ----- ---- Income from operations............................. 12.1% 13.8% 10.4% 12.1% ===== ==== ==== ====
THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 27, 1997 COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 28, 1996 NET SALES. Net sales increased 22.8% to $361.2 million in the three months ended December 27, 1997 from $294.2 million in the three months ended December 28, 1996. Wholesale net sales increased 29.3% to $185.1 million in the three months ended December 27, 1997 from $143.1 million in the corresponding period of fiscal 1997. Wholesale growth primarily reflects increased menswear sales resulting from improved sales in existing brands, a shift in the sales mix to higher priced wholesale products, growth in the Company's basic stock replenishment program and sales from the Company's third party wholesale trading business which began operations in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1997. Wholesale growth also reflects increased womenswear sales due to the introduction of Polo Sport in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1997. Retail sales increased 16.6% to $176.1 million in the three months ended December 27, 1997 from $151.1 million in the corresponding period in fiscal 1997. Of this increase, $19.4 million is attributable to the opening of two new Polo stores and nine new outlet stores (net of one store closing) in fiscal 1998 and the benefit of a full three months of operations for three new Polo stores and ten new outlet stores opened during fiscal 1997. Comparable store sales for the three months ended December 27, 1997 increased by 3.8% or $5.6 million. Comparable store sales represent net sales of stores open in both reporting periods for the full portion of such periods. At December 27, 1997, the Company operated 29 Polo stores and 74 outlet stores. 15 LICENSING REVENUE. Licensing revenue increased 17.5% to $44.5 million in the three months ended December 27, 1997 from $37.8 million in the corresponding period of fiscal 1997. This increase reflects the benefit of a full three months of licensing revenue in the three months ended December 27, 1997 from the launch of the Lauren women's line in fiscal 1997. Additionally, licensing revenue improved due to an overall increase in sales of existing licensed products, particularly Chaps and Home Collection, due to the introduction of new product categories. GROSS PROFIT. Gross profit as a percentage of net revenues increased to 47.2% in the three months ended December 27, 1997 from 45.4% in the corresponding period of fiscal 1997. This increase was primarily attributable to improvements in wholesale and retail gross margins. Wholesale gross margins increased significantly in the three months ended December 27, 1997 over the comparable period in fiscal 1997 as a direct result of increased fulfillment of customer orders and improved supply chain management. Retail gross margins also increased significantly in the three months ended December 27, 1997 as compared to the corresponding period in fiscal 1997 primarily due to the opening of five new Polo stores during fiscal 1997 and fiscal 1998 and an improved initial markup. SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses increased to $142.4 million or 35.1% of net revenues in the three months ended December 27, 1997 from $116.3 million or 35.0% of net revenues in the corresponding period of fiscal 1997. This increase as a percentage of net revenues was primarily attributable to increased advertising, marketing and public relations expenditures to support the Company's brands and increased depreciation expense associated with the Company's shop-within-shops development program. NINE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 27, 1997 COMPARED TO NINE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 28, 1996 NET SALES. Net sales increased 19.5% to $989.3 million in the nine months ended December 27, 1997 from $827.8 million in the nine months ended December 28, 1996. Wholesale net sales increased 21.8% to $520.5 million in the nine months ended December 27, 1997 from $427.4 million in the corresponding period of fiscal 1997. Wholesale growth primarily reflects increased menswear sales resulting from growth in the Company's basic stock replenishment program, improved sales in existing brands, a shift in the sales mix to higher priced wholesale products and sales from the Company's third party wholesale trading business which began operations in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1997. Wholesale growth also reflects increased womenswear sales due to the introduction of Polo Sport in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1997. Retail sales increased 17.1% to $468.8 million in the nine months ended December 27, 1997 from $400.4 million in the corresponding period in fiscal 1997. Of this increase, $50.9 million is attributable to the opening of two new Polo stores and nine new outlet stores (net of one store closing) in fiscal 1998 and the benefit of a full nine months of operations for three new Polo stores and ten new outlet stores opened during fiscal 1997. Comparable store sales for the nine months ended December 27, 1997 increased by 4.4% or $17.5 million. LICENSING REVENUE. Licensing revenue increased 27.9% to $125.5 million in the nine months ended December 27, 1997 from $98.1 million in the corresponding period of fiscal 1997. This increase reflects the benefit of a full nine months of licensing revenue in the nine months ended December 27, 1997 from the launch of the Lauren women's line in the second quarter of fiscal 1997. Additionally, licensing revenue improved due to an overall increase in sales of existing licensed products, particularly Chaps and Home Collection, due to the introduction of new product categories. 16 GROSS PROFIT. Gross profit as a percentage of net revenues increased to 48.8% in the nine months ended December 27, 1997 from 45.9% in the corresponding period of fiscal 1997. This increase was attributable to improvements in each of the Company's integrated operations. Wholesale gross margins increased significantly in the nine months ended December 27, 1997 over the comparable period in fiscal 1997 as a direct result of increased fulfillment of customer orders, improved supply chain management and a planned reduction in off-price sales. Retail gross margins increased slightly in the nine months ended December 27, 1997 as compared to the corresponding period in fiscal 1997 primarily due to the opening of five new Polo stores in fiscal 1997 and fiscal 1998 and an improved initial markup. Licensing revenue, which has no associated cost of goods sold, increased as a percentage of net revenues to 11.3% in the nine months ended December 27, 1997 from 10.6% in the corresponding period in fiscal 1997. SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses increased to $390.2 million or 35.0% of net revenues in the nine months ended December 27, 1997 from $313.3 million or 33.8% of net revenues in the corresponding period of fiscal 1997. This increase as a percentage of net revenues was attributable to a one time charge under terms of a long-term contract with a former executive, increased advertising, marketing and public relations expenditures to support the Company's brands and increased depreciation expense associated with the Company's shop-within-shops development program. Excluding the one-time charge, SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenues would have been 34.7% in the nine months ended December 27, 1997. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES The Company's main sources of liquidity historically have been cash flows from operations, credit facilities and, prior to the Reorganization, partners' financing. The Company's capital requirements primarily result from working capital needs, investing activities including construction and renovation of shop-within-shops, retail expansion and other corporate activities. Net cash provided by operating activities decreased to $128.8 million during the nine months ended December 27, 1997 from $157.6 million during the comparable period in fiscal 1997. This decrease is primarily a result of increases in inventory levels during fiscal 1998 due to the timing of wholesale shipments and the overall growth of the business and a planned reduction in wholesale inventory levels during the comparable period in fiscal 1997 offset by improved operating results. Net cash used in investing activities increased to $55.3 million during the nine months ended December 27, 1997 from $26.4 million during the comparable period in fiscal 1997. This increase principally reflects an increase in capital expenditures, the use of $8.6 million in cash to acquire the operations of PRC and investments in joint ventures with nonaffiliated partners totaling $5.9 million during the nine months ended December 27, 1997. Net cash provided by financing activities increased to $13.4 million during the nine months ended December 27, 1997 from net cash used in financing activities of $125.9 million during the comparable period in fiscal 1997. This improvement primarily reflects the net proceeds received from the Offerings, offset by the application of the net proceeds to repay outstanding indebtedness, an increase in scheduled debt repayments and an increase in partner distributions. As a result of the Offerings, the Company's cash flow needs reflect the elimination of ongoing distributions to the partners. Partially offsetting these changes will be the application of funds for the payment of additional Federal, state and local income taxes. 17 Simultaneous with the closing of the Reorganization, the Company entered into the New Credit Facility and borrowed funds to refinance the amounts outstanding under the Polo Partnership's credit facility of $104.5 million and to repay in full $56.7 million of aggregate borrowings outstanding under the Womenswear credit facility and the PRC credit facility, thereby terminating such credit facilities. The New Credit Facility consists of a $375.0 million revolving line of credit available for the issuance of letters of credit, acceptances and direct borrowings and matures on December 31, 2002. Upon completion of the Offerings, the amount available under the revolving line of credit was reduced to $225.0 million. Borrowings under the New Credit Facility bear interest, as determined by the Company, at either the lender's Base Rate (as defined) or at the London Interbank Offered Rate plus an interest margin. The agreement contains customary representations, warranties, covenants and events of default for bank financings for borrowers similar to the Company, including covenants regarding maintenance of net worth and leverage ratios, limitations on indebtedness and incurrences of liens, and restrictions on sales of assets and transactions with affiliates. Additionally, the agreement provides that an event of default will occur if Mr. Lauren and related entities fail to maintain a specified minimum percentage of the voting power of Polo's Common Stock. As of December 27, 1997, the Company had no direct borrowings and $27.2 million in outstanding letters of credit under the New Credit Facility. Capital expenditures were $39.6 million and $24.2 million in the nine months ended December 27, 1997 and December 28, 1996, respectively. The increase in capital expenditures represents primarily expenditures associated with the Company's shop-within-shops development program which includes new shops, renovations and expansions as well as expenditures incurred in connection with the expansion of the Company's retail operations. The Company plans to invest approximately $150.0 million over fiscal years 1998 and 1999, for its retail stores including flagship stores, the shop- within-shops development program and other capital projects. See Part II. Other Information. Item 5. - "Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Disclosure." On June 17, 1997, the Company completed the sale of 11,170,000 shares of its Class A Common Stock at $26.00 per share in its Offerings. The net proceeds from the Offerings, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses, aggregated $268.8 million. The net proceeds from the Offerings increased liquidity of the Company by reducing indebtedness as follows: (i) to repay borrowings outstanding under the Company's New Credit Facility in the amount of $163.5 million; (ii) to pay the Dividend and Reorganization Notes in the amount of $43.0 million to Mr. Lauren and related entities and the GS Group; and (iii) to repay subordinated notes and interest thereon in the amount of $24.3 million to Mr. Lauren and the GS Group. The remaining $38.0 million has been used for other general corporate purposes. Management believes that cash remaining from the Offerings, cash from ongoing operations and funds available under the New Credit Facility will be sufficient to satisfy the Company's current level of operations and capital requirements for the next 12 months. See Part II. Other Information. Item 5. - "Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Disclosure." 18 SEASONALITY OF BUSINESS The Company's business is affected by seasonal trends, with higher levels of wholesale sales in its second and fourth quarters and higher retail sales in its 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 PRC Acquisition and growth in the Company's retail operations and licensing revenue, historical quarterly operating trends and working capital requirements may not accurately reflect 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. EXCHANGE RATES Inventory purchases from contract manufacturers in the Far East are primarily denominated in United States dollars; however, purchase prices for the Company's products may be affected by fluctuations in the exchange rate between the United States dollar and the local currencies of the contract manufacturers, which may have the effect of increasing the Company's cost of goods sold in the future. During the last two years, exchange rate fluctuations have not had a material impact on the Company's inventory cost. Additionally, certain international licensing revenue could be materially affected by currency fluctuations. From time to time, the Company hedges certain exposures to foreign currency exchange rate changes arising in the ordinary course of business. NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS In June 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 130, REPORTING COMPREHENSIVE INCOME. This Statement establishes standards for reporting of comprehensive income and its components (revenues, expenses, gains and losses) in the financial statements. SFAS No. 130 requires an enterprise to: (i) reconcile net income to comprehensive income; (ii) classify items of other comprehensive income (e.g., foreign currency translation adjustments, unearned compensation, etc.) by their nature in a financial statement; and (iii) display the accumulated balance of other comprehensive income separately from retained earnings and additional paid-in-capital in the equity section of a statement of financial position. SFAS No.130 is effective for the Company's fiscal year ending March 27, 1999. In June 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 131, DISCLOSURES ABOUT SEGMENTS OF AN ENTERPRISE AND RELATED INFORMATION. This Statement establishes standards for reporting selected financial data and descriptive information about an enterprises' reportable operating segments (as defined). This Statement also requires the reconciliation of total segment information presented to the corresponding amounts in the general purpose financial statements. Additionally, SFAS No. 131 establishes standards for related disclosures about products and services, geographic areas and major customers. SFAS No. 131 is effective for the Company's fiscal year ending March 27, 1999. The Company has not yet determined what additional disclosures, if any, may be required in connection with adopting this Statement. 19 PART II. OTHER INFORMATION ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION. STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING DISCLOSURE Certain statements in this Form 10-Q and in future filings by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in the Company's press releases, and in oral statements made by or with the approval of an authorized executive office constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Reform Act. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company 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 changes in the competitive marketplace, including the introduction of new products or pricing changes by the Company's competitors; changes in global economic conditions; risks associated with the Company's dependence on sales to a limited number of large department store customers and risks related to extending credit to customers; risked associated with the Company's dependence on its licensing partners for a substantial portion of its net income and risks associated with a lack of operational and financial control over licensed businesses; risks associated with consolidations, restructurings and other ownership changes in the retail industry; uncertainties relating to the Company's ability to implement its growth strategy; risks associated with the possible adverse impact of the Company's unaffiliated manufacturers inability to manufacture in a timely manner, to meet quality standards or to use acceptable labor practices; risks associated with changes in social, political, economic and other conditions affecting foreign operations and sourcing; and, the possible adverse impact of changes in import restrictions. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K. (a) Exhibits-- 27.1 Financial Data Schedule (b) Reports on Form 8-K-- No reports on Form 8-K were filed by the Company during the quarter ended December 27, 1997. 20 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION Date: February 6, 1998 By: /s/ Nancy A. Platoni Poli ----------------------------------------------- Nancy A. Platoni Poli Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) 21
 

5 0001037038 POLO RALPH LAUREN 1,000 9-MOS MAR-28-1998 MAR-30-1997 DEC-27-1997 116,504 0 126,263 11,144 280,042 543,961 239,249 107,322 773,257 195,223 0 0 0 1,003 554,483 773,257 989,294 1,114,762 570,680 570,680 390,208 0 2,056 151,818 32,936 118,882 0 0 0 118,882 0.91 0.91 EPS is presented on a pro forma basis. See Notes 2.a. and 2.b. to the consolidated financial statements for the nine months ended December 27, 1997 on Form 10-Q for basis of presentation.