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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
(Mark One)
þ
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended December 29, 2018
or
o

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File Number: 001-13057
Ralph Lauren Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
 
13-2622036
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
650 Madison Avenue,
New York, New York
 
10022
(Zip Code)
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
 
(212) 318-7000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
þ
Accelerated filer
o
Non-accelerated filer
o
Smaller reporting company
o
 
 
Emerging growth company
o
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.      o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
At February 1, 2019, 52,740,676 shares of the registrant's Class A common stock, $.01 par value, and 25,881,276 shares of the registrant's Class B common stock, $.01 par value, were outstanding.




 
 

RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
INDEX
 
 
Page
 
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)
Item 1.
Financial Statements:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
 
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.
Item 1A.    
Item 2.
Item 6.
 
 
 
EX-10.1
 
 
EX-10.2
 
 
EX-10.3
 
 
EX-31.1
 
 
EX-31.2
 
 
EX-32.1
 
 
EX-32.2
 
 
EX-101
INSTANCE DOCUMENT
 
EX-101
SCHEMA DOCUMENT
 
EX-101
CALCULATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 
EX-101
LABELS LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 
EX-101
PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 
EX-101
DEFINITION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 
 
 
 


 
1
 

RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
 
December 29,
2018
 
March 31,
2018
 
 
(millions)
(unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
680.5

 
$
1,304.6

Short-term investments
 
1,382.5

 
699.4

Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $212.9 million and $222.2 million
 
304.0

 
421.4

Inventories
 
914.5

 
761.3

Income tax receivable
 
34.4

 
38.0

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
380.5

 
323.7

Total current assets
 
3,696.4

 
3,548.4

Property and equipment, net
 
1,079.3

 
1,186.3

Deferred tax assets
 
76.5

 
86.6

Goodwill
 
924.8

 
950.5

Intangible assets, net
 
169.5

 
188.0

Other non-current assets
 
145.5

 
183.5

Total assets
 
$
6,092.0

 
$
6,143.3

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Short-term debt
 
$
—

 
$
10.1

Current portion of long-term debt
 
—

 
298.1

Accounts payable
 
169.1

 
165.6

Income tax payable
 
67.6

 
30.0

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
 
1,037.0

 
1,083.4

Total current liabilities
 
1,273.7

 
1,587.2

Long-term debt
 
686.8

 
288.0

Income tax payable
 
152.2

 
124.8

Non-current liability for unrecognized tax benefits
 
88.5

 
79.2

Other non-current liabilities
 
536.9

 
606.7

Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
 

 

Total liabilities
 
2,738.1

 
2,685.9

Equity:
 
 
 
 
Class A common stock, par value $.01 per share; 102.8 million and 102.0 million shares issued; 52.7 million and 55.4 million shares outstanding
 
1.0

 
1.0

Class B common stock, par value $.01 per share; 25.9 million shares issued and outstanding
 
0.3

 
0.3

Additional paid-in-capital
 
2,470.5

 
2,383.4

Retained earnings
 
5,996.3

 
5,752.2

Treasury stock, Class A, at cost; 50.1 million and 46.6 million shares
 
(5,012.9
)
 
(4,581.0
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(101.3
)
 
(98.5
)
Total equity
 
3,353.9

 
3,457.4

Total liabilities and equity
 
$
6,092.0

 
$
6,143.3

See accompanying notes.

 
2
 

RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
 
(millions, except per share data)
(unaudited)
Net revenues
 
$
1,725.8

 
$
1,641.8

 
$
4,807.3

 
$
4,653.1

Cost of goods sold
 
(666.3
)
 
(645.6
)
 
(1,822.8
)
 
(1,809.9
)
Gross profit
 
1,059.5

 
996.2

 
2,984.5

 
2,843.2

Selling, general, and administrative expenses
 
(823.4
)
 
(779.8
)
 
(2,358.9
)
 
(2,266.9
)
Impairment of assets
 
(2.2
)
 
(3.9
)
 
(13.3
)
 
(24.8
)
Restructuring and other charges
 
(40.1
)
 
(23.3
)
 
(78.4
)
 
(78.7
)
Total other operating expenses, net
 
(865.7
)
 
(807.0
)
 
(2,450.6
)
 
(2,370.4
)
Operating income
 
193.8

 
189.2

 
533.9

 
472.8

Interest expense
 
(5.2
)
 
(4.8
)
 
(15.6
)
 
(14.4
)
Interest income
 
9.9

 
3.3

 
29.5

 
7.6

Other income (expense), net
 
1.0

 
(1.4
)
 
(0.6
)
 
(1.7
)
Income before income taxes
 
199.5

 
186.3

 
547.2

 
464.3

Income tax provision
 
(79.5
)
 
(268.1
)
 
(147.9
)
 
(342.8
)
Net income (loss)
 
$
120.0

 
$
(81.8
)
 
$
399.3

 
$
121.5

Net income (loss) per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
1.50

 
$
(1.00
)
 
$
4.92

 
$
1.49

Diluted
 
$
1.48

 
$
(1.00
)
 
$
4.85

 
$
1.47

Weighted average common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
80.2

 
81.7

 
81.1

 
81.7

Diluted
 
81.2

 
81.7

 
82.3

 
82.5

Dividends declared per share
 
$
0.625

 
$
0.50

 
$
1.875

 
$
1.50

See accompanying notes.


 
3
 

RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
 
(millions)
(unaudited)
Net income (loss)
 
$
120.0

 
$
(81.8
)
 
$
399.3

 
$
121.5

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation gains (losses)
 
(0.3
)
 
3.0

 
(37.2
)
 
90.7

Net gains (losses) on cash flow hedges
 
6.8

 
2.3

 
34.3

 
(22.0
)
Net gains (losses) on defined benefit plans
 
—

 
(0.5
)
 
0.1

 
(0.9
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 
6.5

 
4.8

 
(2.8
)
 
67.8

Total comprehensive income (loss)
 
$
126.5

 
$
(77.0
)
 
$
396.5

 
$
189.3

See accompanying notes.

 
4
 

RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
 
(millions)
(unaudited)
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
399.3

 
$
121.5

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization expense
 
212.0

 
219.4

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
 
13.7

 
(8.0
)
Loss on sale of property
 
11.6

 
—

Non-cash stock-based compensation expense
 
65.3

 
56.3

Non-cash impairment of assets
 
13.3

 
24.8

Non-cash restructuring-related inventory charges
 
3.1

 
1.3

Other non-cash charges
 
7.6

 
10.3

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
 
105.9

 
158.9

Inventories
 
(179.3
)
 
(11.6
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
(75.7
)
 
(4.2
)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
24.9

 
105.0

Income tax receivables and payables
 
82.7

 
279.7

Deferred income
 
(10.6
)
 
3.8

Other balance sheet changes
 
9.3

 
(6.1
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
683.1

 
951.1

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
 
(149.2
)
 
(123.0
)
Purchases of investments
 
(2,627.8
)
 
(985.5
)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments
 
1,975.2

 
795.3

Acquisitions and ventures
 
(4.5
)
 
(4.6
)
Proceeds from sale of property
 
20.0

 
—

Settlement of net investment hedges
 
(23.8
)
 
—

Net cash used in investing activities
 
(810.1
)
 
(317.8
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
Repayments of short-term debt
 
(9.9
)
 
—

Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt
 
398.1

 
—

Repayments of long-term debt
 
(300.0
)
 
—

Payments of capital lease obligations
 
(14.8
)
 
(21.2
)
Payments of dividends
 
(141.6
)
 
(121.7
)
Repurchases of common stock, including shares surrendered for tax withholdings
 
(431.9
)
 
(15.9
)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
 
21.8

 
0.1

Other financing activities
 
(2.8
)
 
—

Net cash used in financing activities
 
(481.1
)
 
(158.7
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
 
(23.9
)
 
36.8

Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
 
(632.0
)
 
511.4

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period
 
1,355.5

 
711.8

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period
 
$
723.5

 
$
1,223.2

See accompanying notes.

 
5
 

RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except per share data and where otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)
1.
Description of Business
Ralph Lauren Corporation ("RLC") is a global leader in the design, marketing, and distribution of premium lifestyle products, including apparel, accessories, home furnishings, and other licensed product categories. RLC's long-standing reputation and distinctive image have been developed across an expanding number of products, brands, sales channels, and international markets. RLC's brand names include Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Collection, Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Polo Ralph Lauren, Double RL, Lauren Ralph Lauren, Polo Ralph Lauren Children, Chaps, and Club Monaco, among others. RLC and its subsidiaries are collectively referred to herein as the "Company," "we," "us," "our," and "ourselves," unless the context indicates otherwise.
The Company diversifies its business by geography (North America, Europe, and Asia, among other regions) and channel of distribution (wholesale, retail, and licensing). This allows the Company to maintain a dynamic balance as its operating results do not depend solely on the performance of any single geographic area or channel of distribution. The Company's wholesale sales are made principally to major department stores and specialty stores around the world, as well as to certain unrelated third party-owned stores to which the Company has licensed the right to operate in defined geographic territories using its trademarks. The Company also sells directly to consumers through its integrated retail channel, which includes its retail stores, concession-based shop-within-shops, and digital commerce operations around the world. In addition, the Company licenses to unrelated third parties for specified periods the right to access its various trademarks in connection with the licensees' manufacture and sale of designated products, such as certain apparel, eyewear, fragrances, and home furnishings.
The Company organizes its business into the following three reportable segments: North America, Europe, and Asia. In addition to these reportable segments, the Company also has other non-reportable segments. See Note 17 for further discussion of the Company's segment reporting structure.
2.
Basis of Presentation
Interim Financial Statements
These interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and are unaudited. In the opinion of management, these consolidated financial statements contain all normal and recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position, income (loss), comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows of the Company for the interim periods presented. In addition, certain information and disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. ("U.S. GAAP") and the notes thereto have been condensed or omitted from this report as is permitted by the SEC's rules and regulations. However, the Company believes that the disclosures provided herein are adequate to prevent the information presented from being misleading.
This report should be read in conjunction with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018 (the "Fiscal 2018 10-K").
Basis of Consolidation
These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements present the consolidated financial position, income (loss), comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows of the Company, including all entities in which the Company has a controlling financial interest and is determined to be the primary beneficiary. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Fiscal Periods
The Company utilizes a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to March 31. As such, fiscal year 2019 will end on March 30, 2019 and will be a 52-week period ("Fiscal 2019"). Fiscal year 2018 ended on March 31, 2018 and was also a

 
6
 

RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

52-week period ("Fiscal 2018"). The third quarter of Fiscal 2019 ended on December 29, 2018 and was a 13-week period. The third quarter of Fiscal 2018 ended on December 30, 2017 and was also a 13-week period.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and notes thereto. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
Significant estimates inherent in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements include reserves for bad debt, customer returns, discounts, end-of-season markdowns, operational chargebacks, and certain cooperative advertising allowances; the realizability of inventory; reserves for litigation and other contingencies; useful lives and impairments of long-lived tangible and intangible assets; fair value measurements; accounting for income taxes and related uncertain tax positions; valuation of stock-based compensation awards and related estimated forfeiture rates; reserves for restructuring activity; and accounting for business combinations, among others.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior period's financial information in order to conform to the current period's presentation.
Seasonality of Business
The Company's business is typically affected by seasonal trends, with higher levels of wholesale sales in its second and fourth fiscal quarters and higher retail sales in its second and third fiscal quarters. These trends result primarily from the timing of seasonal wholesale shipments and key vacation travel, back-to-school, and holiday shopping periods impacting our retail business. As a result of changes in our business, consumer spending patterns, and the macroeconomic environment, historical quarterly operating trends and working capital requirements may not be indicative of our future performance. In addition, fluctuations in sales, operating income, and cash flows in any fiscal quarter may be affected by other events affecting retail sales, such as changes in weather patterns. Accordingly, the Company's operating results and cash flows for the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results and cash flows that may be expected for the full Fiscal 2019.
3.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue across all segments of the business when it satisfies its performance obligations by transferring control of promised products or services to its customers, which occurs either at a point in time or over time, depending on when the customer obtains the ability to direct the use of and obtain substantially all of the remaining benefits from the products or services. The amount of revenue recognized considers terms of sale that create variability in the amount of consideration that the Company ultimately expects to be entitled to in exchange for the products or services, and is subject to an overall constraint that a significant revenue reversal will not occur in future periods. Sales and other related taxes collected from customers and remitted to government authorities are excluded from revenue.
Revenue within the Company's wholesale business is generally recognized upon shipment of products, at which point title passes and risk of loss is transferred to the customer. In certain arrangements where the Company retains the risk of loss during shipment, revenue is recognized upon receipt of products by the customer. Wholesale revenue is recorded net of estimates of returns, discounts, end-of-season markdowns, operational chargebacks, and certain cooperative advertising allowances. Returns and allowances require pre-approval from management and discounts are based on trade terms. Estimates for end-of-season markdown reserves are based on historical trends, actual and forecasted seasonal results, an evaluation of current economic and market conditions, retailer performance, and, in certain cases, contractual terms. Estimates for operational chargebacks are based on actual customer notifications of order fulfillment discrepancies and historical trends. The Company reviews and refines these estimates on at least a quarterly basis. The Company's historical estimates of these amounts have not differed materially from actual results.

 
7
 

RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Revenue within the Company's retail business is recognized when the customer takes physical possession of the products, which occurs either at the point of sale for merchandise purchased at the Company's retail stores and concession-based shop-within-shops, or upon receipt of shipment for merchandise ordered through direct-to-consumer digital commerce sites. Such revenues are recorded net of estimated returns based on historical trends. Payment is due at the point of sale.
Gift cards issued to customers by the Company are recorded as a liability until they are redeemed, at which point revenue is recognized. The Company also estimates and recognizes revenue for gift card balances not expected to ever be redeemed (referred to as "breakage") to the extent that it does not have a legal obligation to remit the value of such unredeemed gift cards to the relevant jurisdiction as unclaimed or abandoned property. Such estimates are based upon historical redemption trends, with breakage income recognized in proportion to the pattern of actual customer redemptions.
Revenue from the Company's licensing arrangements is recognized over time during the period that licensees are provided access to the Company's trademarks (i.e., symbolic intellectual property) and benefit from such access through their sales of licensed products. These arrangements require licensees to pay a sales-based royalty, which for certain arrangements may be subject to a contractually-guaranteed minimum royalty amount. Payments are generally due quarterly and, depending on time of receipt, may be recorded as a liability until recognized as revenue. The Company recognizes revenue for its sales-based royalty arrangements (including those for which the royalty exceeds any contractually-guaranteed minimum royalty amount) as licensed products are sold by the licensee. If a sales-based royalty is not ultimately expected to exceed a contractually-guaranteed minimum royalty amount, the minimum is recognized as revenue ratably over the contractual period. This sales-based output measure of progress and pattern of recognition best represents the value transferred to the licensee over the term of the arrangement, as well as the consideration that the Company is entitled to in exchange for providing access to its trademarks. As of December 29, 2018, contractually-guaranteed minimum royalty amounts expected to be recognized as revenue during future periods were as follows:
 
 
Contractually-Guaranteed
Minimum Royalties(a)
 
 
(millions)
Remainder of Fiscal 2019
 
$
19.5

Fiscal 2020
 
91.1

Fiscal 2021
 
83.7

Fiscal 2022 and thereafter
 
70.3

Total
 
$
264.6

 
(a) 
Amounts presented do not contemplate anticipated contract renewals or royalties earned in excess of the contractually guaranteed minimums.
See Note 4 for discussion of the Company's adoption of the new revenue recognition accounting standard as of the beginning of the first quarter of Fiscal 2019 and the resulting impact to its consolidated financial statements.
Disaggregated Net Revenues
The following tables disaggregate the Company's net revenues into categories that depict how the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenues and cash flows are affected by economic factors for the periods presented:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
December 29, 2018
 
December 30, 2017
 
 
North America
 
Europe
 
Asia
 
Other
 
Total
 
North America
 
Europe
 
Asia
 
Other
 
Total
 
 
(millions)
Sales Channel(a):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wholesale
 
$
365.5

 
$
166.5

 
$
13.4

 
$
11.1

 
$
556.5

 
$
377.1

 
$
143.7

 
$
13.6

 
$
8.4

 
$
542.8

Retail
 
543.2

 
248.7

 
261.4

 
68.3

 
1,121.6

 
509.3

 
234.8

 
237.4

 
73.2

 
1,054.7

Licensing
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
47.7

 
47.7

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
44.3

 
44.3

Total
 
$
908.7

 
$
415.2

 
$
274.8

 
$
127.1

 
$
1,725.8

 
$
886.4

 
$
378.5

 
$
251.0

 
$
125.9

 
$
1,641.8


 
8
 

RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
December 29, 2018
 
December 30, 2017
 
 
North America
 
Europe
 
Asia
 
Other
 
Total
 
North America
 
Europe
 
Asia
 
Other
 
Total
 
 
(millions)
Sales Channel(a):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wholesale
 
$
1,128.4

 
$
536.1

 
$
48.2

 
$
23.6

 
$
1,736.3

 
$
1,141.7

 
$
492.8

 
$
39.4

 
$
21.7

 
$
1,695.6

Retail
 
1,366.1

 
688.9

 
719.3

 
165.6

 
2,939.9

 
1,330.0

 
672.2

 
637.5

 
184.8

 
2,824.5

Licensing
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
131.1

 
131.1

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
133.0

 
133.0

Total
 
$
2,494.5

 
$
1,225.0

 
$
767.5

 
$
320.3

 
$
4,807.3

 
$
2,471.7

 
$
1,165.0

 
$
676.9

 
$
339.5

 
$
4,653.1

 
(a) 
Net revenues from the Company's wholesale and retail businesses are recognized at a point in time. Net revenues from the Company's licensing business are recognized over time.
Deferred Income
Deferred income represents cash payments received in advance of the Company's transfer of control of products or services to its customers and is generally comprised of unredeemed gift cards, net of breakage, and advance royalty payments from licensees. The Company's deferred income balances were $20.9 million and $31.7 million as of December 29, 2018 and March 31, 2018, respectively, and were primarily recorded within accrued expenses and other current liabilities within the consolidated balance sheets. During the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018, the Company recognized $1.8 million and $16.7 million, respectively, of net revenues from amounts recorded as deferred income as of March 31, 2018. The change in deferred income during the nine months ended December 29, 2018 also reflected a reduction of $6.1 million related to the Company's initial adoption of ASU 2014-09 (see Note 4). The majority of the deferred income balance as of December 29, 2018 is expected to be recognized as revenue within the next twelve months.
Shipping and Handling Costs
The costs associated with shipping goods to customers are accounted for as fulfillment activities and reflected as a component of selling, general, and administrative ("SG&A") expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. The costs of preparing merchandise for sale, such as picking, packing, warehousing, and order charges ("handling costs") are also included in SG&A expenses. Shipping and handling costs billed to customers are included in revenue.
A summary of shipping and handling costs is as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
 
(millions)
Shipping costs
 
$
16.6

 
$
11.7

 
$
36.2

 
$
28.4

Handling costs
 
41.6

 
39.7

 
116.3

 
115.3

Net Income (Loss) per Common Share
Basic net income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common shares by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Weighted-average common shares include shares of the Company's Class A and Class B common stock. Diluted net income (loss) per common share adjusts basic net income (loss) per common share for the dilutive effects of outstanding stock options, restricted stock units ("RSUs"), and any other potentially dilutive instruments, only in the periods in which such effects are dilutive.

 
9
 

RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The weighted-average number of common shares outstanding used to calculate basic net income (loss) per common share is reconciled to shares used to calculate diluted net income (loss) per common share as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
 
(millions)
Basic shares
 
80.2

 
81.7

 
81.1

 
81.7

Dilutive effect of stock options and RSUs
 
1.0

 
—

(a) 
1.2

 
0.8

Diluted shares
 
81.2

 
81.7

 
82.3

 
82.5

 
(a) 
Incremental shares of 0.9 million attributable to outstanding stock options and RSUs were excluded from the computation of diluted shares for the three months ended December 30, 2017, as such shares would not be dilutive as a result of the net loss incurred during the period.
All earnings per share amounts have been calculated using unrounded numbers. Options to purchase shares of the Company's Class A common stock at an exercise price greater than the average market price of the common stock during the reporting period are anti-dilutive and therefore not included in the computation of diluted net income (loss) per common share. In addition, the Company has outstanding performance-based and market-based RSUs, which are included in the computation of diluted shares only to the extent that the underlying performance or market conditions (i) have been satisfied as of the end of the reporting period or (ii) would be considered satisfied if the end of the reporting period were the end of the related contingency period and the result would be dilutive. As of December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017, there were 1.5 million and 2.0 million, respectively, of additional shares issuable upon exercise of anti-dilutive options and contingent vesting of performance-based RSUs that were excluded from the diluted shares calculations.
Accounts Receivable
In the normal course of business, the Company extends credit to wholesale customers that satisfy defined credit criteria. Payment is generally due within 30 to 120 days and does not include a significant financing component. Accounts receivable is recorded at carrying value, which approximates fair value, and is presented in the Company's consolidated balance sheets net of certain reserves and allowances. These reserves and allowances consist of (i) reserves for returns, discounts, end-of-season markdowns, operational chargebacks, and certain cooperative advertising allowances (see the "Revenue Recognition" section above for further discussion of related accounting policies) and (ii) allowances for doubtful accounts.
A rollforward of the activity in the Company's reserves for returns, discounts, end-of-season markdowns, operational chargebacks, and certain cooperative advertising allowances is presented below:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
 
(millions)
Beginning reserve balance
 
$
198.7

 
$
231.5

 
$
202.5

 
$
202.8

Amount charged against revenue to increase reserve
 
146.1

 
125.3

 
396.3

 
418.6

Amount credited against customer accounts to decrease reserve
 
(149.1
)
 
(155.6
)
 
(398.4
)
 
(427.8
)
Foreign currency translation
 
(1.1
)
 
0.4

 
(5.8
)
 
8.0

Ending reserve balance
 
$
194.6

 
$
201.6

 
$
194.6

 
$
201.6

An allowance for doubtful accounts is determined through an analysis of accounts receivable aging, assessments of collectability based on an evaluation of historical and anticipated trends, the financial condition of the Company's customers, and an evaluation of the impact of economic conditions, among other factors.

 
10
 

RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

A rollforward of the activity in the Company's allowance for doubtful accounts is presented below:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
 
(millions)
Beginning reserve balance
 
$
17.2

 
$
17.3

 
$
19.7

 
$
11.6

Amount recorded to expense to increase reserve(a)
 
1.7

 
0.1

 
1.2

 
6.4

Amount written-off against customer accounts to decrease reserve
 
(0.4
)
 
(0.4
)
 
(1.8
)
 
(1.8
)
Foreign currency translation
 
(0.2
)
 
—

 
(0.8
)
 
0.8

Ending reserve balance
 
$
18.3

 
$
17.0

 
$
18.3

 
$
17.0

 
(a) 
Amounts recorded to bad debt expense are included within SG&A expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
Concentration of Credit Risk
The Company sells its wholesale merchandise primarily to major department and specialty stores around the world, and extends credit based on an evaluation of each customer's financial capacity and condition, usually without requiring collateral. In the Company's wholesale business, concentration of credit risk is relatively limited due to the large number of customers and their dispersion across many geographic areas. However, the Company has three key wholesale customers that generate significant sales volume. During Fiscal 2018, the Company's sales to its largest wholesale customer, Macy's, Inc. ("Macy's"), accounted for approximately 8% of total net revenues, and the Company's sales to its three largest wholesale customers, including Macy's, accounted for approximately 19% of total net revenues. Substantially all of the Company's sales to its three largest wholesale customers related to its North America segment. As of December 29, 2018, these three key wholesale customers constituted approximately 29% of total gross accounts receivable.
Inventories
The Company holds inventory that is sold through wholesale distribution channels to major department stores and specialty retail stores. The Company also holds retail inventory that is sold in its own stores and digital commerce sites directly to consumers. Substantially all of the Company's inventories are comprised of finished goods, which are stated at the lower of cost or estimated realizable value, with cost determined on a weighted-average cost basis. Inventory held by the Company totaled $914.5 million, $761.3 million, and $825.4 million as of December 29, 2018, March 31, 2018, and December 30, 2017, respectively.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company records all derivative financial instruments on its consolidated balance sheets at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments that qualify for hedge accounting are either (i) offset against the changes in fair value of the related hedged assets, liabilities, or firm commitments through earnings or (ii) recognized in equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI") until the hedged item is recognized in earnings, depending on whether the derivative is being used to hedge against changes in fair value or cash flows and net investments, respectively.
Each derivative instrument that qualifies for hedge accounting is expected to be highly effective at reducing the risk associated with the exposure being hedged. For each derivative instrument that is designated as a hedge, the Company formally documents the related risk management objective and strategy, including identification of the hedging instrument, the hedged item, and the risk exposure, as well as how hedge effectiveness will be assessed prospectively and retrospectively over the instrument's term. To assess hedge effectiveness, the Company generally uses regression analysis, a statistical method, to compare the change in the fair value of the derivative instrument to the change in fair value or cash flows of the related hedged item. The extent to which a hedging instrument has been and is expected to remain highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows is assessed and documented by the Company on at least a quarterly basis.
As a result of its use of derivative instruments, the Company is exposed to the risk that counterparties to such contracts will fail to meet their contractual obligations. To mitigate this counterparty credit risk, the Company has a policy of only entering into contracts with carefully selected financial institutions based upon an evaluation of their credit ratings and certain other factors,

 
11
 

RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

adhering to established limits for credit exposure. The Company's established policies and procedures for mitigating credit risk from derivative transactions include ongoing review and assessment of its counterparties' creditworthiness. The Company also enters into master netting arrangements with counterparties, when possible, to mitigate credit risk associated with its derivative instruments. In the event of default or termination (as such terms are defined within the respective master netting arrangement), these arrangements allow the Company to net-settle amounts payable and receivable related to multiple derivative transactions with the same counterparty. The master netting arrangements specify a number of events of default and termination, including, among others, the failure to make timely payments.
The fair values of the Company's derivative instruments are recorded on its consolidated balance sheets on a gross basis. For cash flow reporting purposes, proceeds received or amounts paid upon the settlement of a derivative instrument are classified in the same manner as the related item being hedged, primarily within cash flows from operating activities.
Cash Flow Hedges
The Company uses forward foreign currency exchange contracts to reduce its risk related to exchange rate fluctuations on inventory transactions made in an entity's non-functional currency, intercompany royalty payments made by certain of its international operations, and the settlement of foreign currency-denominated balances. To the extent forward foreign currency exchange contracts are designated as qualifying cash flow hedges, the related gains or losses are initially deferred in equity as a component of AOCI and are subsequently recognized in the consolidated statements of operations as follows:
•
Forecasted Inventory Transactions — recognized as part of the cost of the inventory being hedged within cost of goods sold when the related inventory is sold to a third party.
•
Intercompany Royalties/Settlement of Foreign Currency Balances — recognized within other income (expense), net during the period that the hedged balance is remeasured through earnings, generally through its settlement when the related payment occurs.
If it is determined that a derivative instrument has not been highly effective, and will continue not to be highly effective in hedging the designated exposure, hedge accounting is discontinued and further gains (losses) are immediately recognized in earnings within other income (expense), net. Upon discontinuance of hedge accounting, the cumulative change in fair value of the derivative instrument previously recorded in AOCI is recognized in earnings when the related hedged item affects earnings, consistent with the originally-documented hedging strategy, unless the forecasted transaction is no longer probable of occurring, in which case the accumulated amount is immediately recognized in earnings within other income (expense), net.
Hedges of Net Investments in Foreign Operations
The Company periodically uses cross-currency swap contracts and forward foreign currency exchange contracts to reduce risk associated with exchange rate fluctuations on certain of its net investments in foreign subsidiaries. Changes in the fair values of such derivative instruments that are designated as qualifying hedges of net investments in foreign operations are recorded in equity as a component of AOCI in the same manner as foreign currency translation adjustments. In assessing the effectiveness of such hedges, the Company uses a method based on changes in spot rates to measure the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations on both its foreign subsidiary net investment and the related derivative hedging instrument. Under this method, changes in the fair value of the hedging instrument other than those due to changes in the spot rate are initially recorded in AOCI as a translation adjustment, and are amortized into earnings as interest expense using a systematic and rational method over the instrument's term. Changes in fair value associated with the effective portion (i.e., those due to changes in the spot rate) are recorded in AOCI as a translation adjustment and are released and recognized in earnings only upon the sale or liquidation of the hedged net investment.
Fair Value Hedges
Changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument that is designated as a fair value hedge, along with offsetting changes in the fair value of the related hedged item attributable to the hedged risk, are recorded in earnings. To the extent that the change in the fair value of the hedged item does not fully offset the change in the fair value of the hedging instrument, the resulting net impact is reflected in earnings within the income statement line item associated with the hedged item.

 
12
 

RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Undesignated Hedges
All of the Company's undesignated hedges are entered into to hedge specific economic risks, particularly foreign currency exchange rate risk related to foreign currency-denominated balances. Changes in the fair value of undesignated derivative instruments are immediately recognized in earnings within other income (expense), net.
See Note 12 for further discussion of the Company's derivative financial instruments.
Refer to Note 3 of the Fiscal 2018 10-K for a summary of all of the Company's significant accounting policies.
4.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
Implementation Costs in Cloud Computing Arrangements
In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2018-15, "Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract" ("ASU 2018-15"). ASU 2018-15 addresses diversity in practice surrounding the accounting for costs incurred to implement a cloud computing hosting arrangement that is a service contract by establishing a model for capitalizing or expensing such costs, depending on their nature and the stage of the implementation project during which they are incurred. Any capitalized costs are to be amortized over the reasonably certain term of the hosting arrangement and presented in the same line as the service arrangement's fees within the statement of operations. ASU 2018-15 also requires enhanced qualitative and quantitative disclosures surrounding hosting arrangements that are service contracts. ASU 2018-15 is effective for the Company beginning in its fiscal year ending March 27, 2021, with early adoption permitted, and may be adopted on either a retrospective or prospective basis. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact that ASU 2018-15 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities
In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, "Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities" ("ASU 2017-12"). ASU 2017-12 amends existing hedge accounting guidance by better aligning an entity's financial reporting with its risk management activities and by simplifying its application. Among its provisions, ASU 2017-12 eliminates the requirement to separately measure and report ineffectiveness for instruments that qualify for hedge accounting, and generally requires that the entire change in fair value of such instruments ultimately be presented in the same income statement line as the respective hedged item. Additionally, the updated guidance reduces the overall complexity of the hedge accounting model, including easing documentation and effectiveness assessment requirements and modifying the treatment of components excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. The new guidance also broadens the scope of risks eligible to qualify for hedge accounting and enhances the understandability of hedge results through amended disclosure requirements. ASU 2017-12 is to be applied using a modified retrospective transition approach, except for the amended presentation and disclosure requirements, which are to be applied prospectively.
The Company early-adopted ASU 2017-12 as of the beginning of the first quarter of Fiscal 2019, which resulted in a cumulative adjustment of $0.7 million, net of tax, to increase its opening retained earnings balance. Overall, the adoption of ASU 2017-12 did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory
In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, "Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory" ("ASU 2016-16"). ASU 2016-16 requires recognition of income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs, rather than when the asset has been sold to a third party. The Company adopted ASU 2016-16 as of the beginning of the first quarter of Fiscal 2019 using the modified retrospective method, which resulted in a cumulative adjustment of $0.6 million to reduce its opening retained earnings balance. Overall, the adoption of ASU 2016-16 did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

 
13
 

RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Leases
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, "Leases" ("ASU 2016-02"). ASU 2016-02 requires that a lessee's rights and fixed payment obligations under most leases be recognized as right-of-use ("ROU") assets and lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. ASU 2016-02 retains a dual model for classifying leases as either finance or operating, which governs the pattern of expense recognition to be reflected in the consolidated statement of operations. Variable lease payments based on performance, such as percentage-of-sales-based payments, will not be included in the measurement of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities. Rather, consistent with current practice, such amounts will be recognized as an expense in the period incurred. After its original issuance, the FASB issued several additional related ASUs to address implementation concerns and further amend and clarify certain guidance within ASU 2016-02.
The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact that ASU 2016-02 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company's assessment efforts to date have included reviewing the standard's provisions and gathering information to evaluate the landscape of its real estate, personal property, and other arrangements that may meet the definition of a lease. Based on these efforts, the Company currently anticipates that the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will result in a significant increase to its long-term assets and liabilities as, at a minimum, most of its current operating lease commitments will be subject to balance sheet recognition. The standard also requires enhanced quantitative and qualitative lease-related disclosures. Recognition of lease expense in the consolidated statement of operations is not anticipated to significantly change.
The Company is also assessing the impact that transitioning to ASU 2016-02 will have on a certain lease arrangement for which it is currently deemed the owner of the related leased asset for accounting purposes (commonly referred to as a "build-to-suit" lease arrangement), but no longer actively uses the related space. Although the Company no longer generates revenue from the leased asset, it is not currently considered impaired under existing lease accounting guidance as the related asset's fair value from an ownership perspective exceeds its carrying value. However, if the Company is unsuccessful in its ongoing attempts to legally assign this lease agreement to a third party (see Note 8), then upon transition to ASU 2016-02, it would derecognize the remaining lease asset and liability balances that had been recognized solely as a result of the arrangement's build-to-suit designation, as the related construction activities that gave rise to such designation have ended, and establish a ROU asset and related lease liability based upon the Company's related remaining minimum lease commitments. The ROU asset would then be assessed for impairment considering the estimated cash flows to be generated during the remaining term of the lease, most notably sublease income, which may be lower than the aggregate remaining minimum lease payments used to establish the initial ROU asset. In this case, an impairment to write down the ROU asset to fair value would be recorded as an adjustment to reduce the Company's opening retained earnings upon adoption, which could be material.
The Company will adopt ASU 2016-02 in the first quarter of its fiscal year ending March 28, 2020 ("Fiscal 2020") using a modified retrospective approach under which the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard will be recognized as an adjustment to opening Fiscal 2020 retained earnings, with no restatement of prior year amounts. In connection therewith, the Company anticipates it will apply an optional package of practical expedients intended to ease transition to the standard by, among its provisions, allowing the Company to carryforward its original lease classification conclusions (i.e., finance or operating) without reassessment. The Company is also evaluating which, if any, of certain other expedients it will elect upon adoption, including the use of hindsight in assessing factors that impact determination of the lease term, such as the likelihood that any renewal or purchase options are exercised.
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" ("ASU 2014-09"). ASU 2014-09 provides a single, comprehensive accounting model for revenues arising from contracts with customers that supersedes most previously existing revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. Under this model, revenue, representing the amount that an entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for providing promised goods or services (i.e., performance obligations), is recognized upon control of promised goods or services transferring to a customer. ASU 2014-09 also requires enhanced qualitative and quantitative revenue-related disclosures. After its original issuance, the FASB issued several additional related ASUs to address implementation concerns and further amend and clarify certain guidance within ASU 2014-09.
The Company adopted ASU 2014-09 as of the beginning of the first quarter of Fiscal 2019 using the modified retrospective method and applied the standard to all contracts as of the adoption date. The adoption of ASU 2014-09 did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements, as the performance obligations underlying its core revenue streams (i.e., its retail and wholesale businesses) and the timing of recognition thereof, remain substantially unchanged. Revenues for these

 
14
 

RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

businesses are generated through the sale of finished products, and continue to be recognized at the point in time when merchandise is transferred to the customer and in an amount that considers the impacts of estimated returns, end-of-season markdowns, and other allowances that are variable in nature. For its licensing business, the Company continues to recognize revenue, including any contractually-guaranteed minimum royalty amounts, over time consistent with historical practice.
The Company's adoption of ASU 2014-09 did have an impact on its accounting for certain ancillary items. Specifically, certain costs associated with the marketing of merchandise to wholesale customers for a particular selling season are now expensed as incurred, rather than deferred and expensed over the course of the season. Additionally, revenue related to gift card breakage is now recognized in proportion to the pattern of actual customer redemptions, rather than when the likelihood of redemption becomes remote. As a result of applying these changes and in order to transition to ASU 2014-09, the Company reduced (i) prepaid expenses and other current assets by $12.1 million related to certain previously deferred wholesale marketing costs and (ii) accrued expenses and other current liabilities by $6.1 million related to outstanding gift cards, which together resulted in a net cumulative adjustment to reduce opening retained earnings by $5.2 million, net of tax, as of the beginning of the first quarter of Fiscal 2019. In addition to these changes, inventory amounts associated with estimated sales returns, which were $23.7 million as of December 29, 2018, are now presented within prepaid expenses and other current assets in the consolidated balance sheet, rather than within inventories. Other than these changes, the Company's adoption of ASU 2014-09 did not have a material impact on its consolidated balance sheet as of December 29, 2018 or its consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for the nine months ended December 29, 2018. Prior periods have not been restated and continue to be reported under the accounting standards in effect during those periods.
See Note 3 for a detailed discussion regarding the Company's revenue recognition accounting policy.
5.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, net consists of the following:
 
 
December 29,
2018
 
March 31,
2018
 
 
(millions)
Land and improvements
 
$
15.3

 
$
16.8

Buildings and improvements
 
390.3

 
460.5

Furniture and fixtures
 
665.9

 
671.0

Machinery and equipment
 
412.1

 
430.4

Capitalized software
 
580.6

 
578.4

Leasehold improvements
 
1,224.6

 
1,181.2

Construction in progress
 
37.3

 
41.5

 
 
3,326.1

 
3,379.8

Less: accumulated depreciation
 
(2,246.8
)
 
(2,193.5
)
Property and equipment, net
 
$
1,079.3

 
$
1,186.3

Depreciation expense was $66.0 million and $194.3 million during the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018, respectively, and $66.7 million and $201.4 million during the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 30, 2017, respectively, and is recorded primarily within SG&A expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

 
15
 

RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

6.
Other Assets and Liabilities
Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist of the following:
 
 
December 29,
2018
 
March 31,
2018
 
 
(millions)
Other taxes receivable
 
$
176.7

 
$
171.4

Prepaid rent expense
 
40.0

 
37.0

Non-trade receivables
 
35.8

 
16.6

Inventory return asset (see Note 4)
 
23.7

 
—

Derivative financial instruments
 
16.0

 
12.3

Prepaid advertising and marketing
 
16.0

 
6.8

Restricted cash
 
12.6

 
15.5

Prepaid software maintenance
 
11.5

 
8.7

Tenant allowances receivable
 
6.6

 
4.3

Other prepaid expenses and current assets
 
41.6

 
51.1

Total prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
$
380.5

 
$
323.7

Other non-current assets consist of the following:
 
 
December 29,
2018
 
March 31,
2018
 
 
(millions)
Non-current investments
 
$
45.7

 
$
86.2

Restricted cash
 
30.4

 
35.4

Security deposits
 
24.8

 
27.3

Derivative financial instruments
 
5.2

 
—

Other non-current assets
 
39.4

 
34.6

Total other non-current assets
 
$
145.5

 
$
183.5

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following:
 
 
December 29,
2018
 
March 31,
2018
 
 
(millions)
Accrued operating expenses
 
$
253.1

 
$
225.8

Other taxes payable
 
219.9

 
194.2

Accrued payroll and benefits
 
214.3

 
227.8

Accrued inventory
 
152.5

 
174.0

Restructuring reserve
 
53.3

 
69.6

Dividends payable
 
49.1

 
40.6

Accrued capital expenditures
 
35.9

 
37.0

Capital lease obligations
 
21.9

 
19.5

Deferred income
 
20.1

 
30.4

Derivative financial instruments
 
4.3

 
60.8

Other accrued expenses and current liabilities
 
12.6

 
3.7

Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities
 
$
1,037.0

 
$
1,083.4


 
16
 

RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Other non-current liabilities consist of the following:
 
 
December 29,
2018
 
March 31,
2018
 
 
(millions)
Capital lease obligations
 
$
217.9

 
$
236.4

Deferred rent obligations
 
199.4

 
212.2

Deferred tax liabilities
 
47.9

 
36.5

Derivative financial instruments
 
20.2

 
49.2

Restructuring reserve
 
13.4

 
27.9

Other non-current liabilities
 
38.1

 
44.5

Total other non-current liabilities
 
$
536.9

 
$
606.7

7.
Impairment of Assets
The Company recorded non-cash impairment charges of $1.7 million and $7.5 million during the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018, respectively, and $2.2 million and $14.0 million during the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 30, 2017, respectively, to write off certain fixed assets related to its domestic and international stores, shop-within-shops, and corporate offices in connection with its restructuring plans (see Note 8).
Additionally, the Company recorded non-cash impairment charges of $0.5 million and $5.8 million during the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018, respectively, and $1.7 million and $10.8 million during the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 30, 2017, respectively, to write off certain fixed assets related to underperforming stores as a result of its on-going store portfolio evaluation.
See Note 11 for further discussion of the non-cash impairment charges recorded by the Company during the fiscal periods presented.
8.
Restructuring and Other Charges
A description of significant restructuring and other activities and related costs is included below.
Fiscal 2019 Restructuring Plan
On June 4, 2018, the Company's Board of Directors approved a restructuring plan associated with the Company's strategic objective of operating with discipline to drive sustainable growth (the "Fiscal 2019 Restructuring Plan"). The Fiscal 2019 Restructuring Plan includes the following restructuring-related activities: (i) the rightsizing and consolidation of the Company's global distribution network and corporate offices; (ii) targeted severance-related actions; and (iii) closure of certain of its stores and shop-within-shops. The majority of the actions associated with the Fiscal 2019 Restructuring Plan are expected to be completed by the end of Fiscal 2019, with certain activities shifting into Fiscal 2020.
In connection with the Fiscal 2019 Restructuring Plan, the Company expects to incur total estimated charges of approximately $100 million to $150 million, comprised of cash-related charges of approximately $70 million to $110 million and non-cash charges of approximately $30 million to $40 million.

 
17
 

RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

A summary of the charges recorded in connection with the Fiscal 2019 Restructuring Plan during the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018 is as follows:
 
 
December 29, 2018
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
(millions)
Cash-related restructuring charges:
 
 
 
 
Severance and benefit costs
 
$
17.1

 
$
34.3

Lease termination and store closure costs
 
1.2

 
1.2

Other cash charges
 
1.9

 
3.5

Total cash-related restructuring charges
 
20.2

 
39.0

Non-cash charges:
 
 
 
 
Impairment of assets (see Note 7)
 
1.3

 
7.1

Inventory-related charges(a)
 
1.9

 
1.9

Loss on sale of property(b)
 
11.6

 
11.6

Total non-cash charges
 
14.8

 
20.6

Total charges
 
$
35.0

 
$
59.6

 
 
(a) 
Inventory-related charges are recorded within cost of goods sold in the consolidated statements of operations.
(b) 
Loss on sale of property, which is recorded within restructuring and other charges in the consolidated statements of operations, was recorded in connection with the sale of one of the Company's distribution centers in North America. Total cash proceeds from the sale were $20 million.
A summary of current period activity in the restructuring reserve related to the Fiscal 2019 Restructuring Plan is as follows:
 
 
Severance and Benefit Costs
 
Lease Termination
and Store
Closure Costs
 
Other Cash Charges
 
Total
 
 
(millions)
Balance at March 31, 2018
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

Additions charged to expense
 
34.3

 
1.2

 
3.5

 
39.0

Cash payments charged against reserve
 
(11.4
)
 
(0.4
)
 
(3.5
)
 
(15.3
)
Non-cash adjustments
 
(0.2
)
 
0.1

 
—

 
(0.1
)
Balance at December 29, 2018
 
$
22.7

 
$
0.9

 
$
—

 
$
23.6

Way Forward Plan
On June 2, 2016, the Company's Board of Directors approved a restructuring plan with the objective of delivering sustainable, profitable sales growth and long-term value creation for shareholders (the "Way Forward Plan"). The Company is refocusing on its core brands and evolving its product, marketing, and shopping experience to increase desirability and relevance. It is also evolving its operating model to enable sustainable, profitable sales growth by significantly improving quality of sales, reducing supply chain lead times, improving its sourcing, and executing a disciplined multi-channel distribution and expansion strategy. As part of the Way Forward Plan, the Company is rightsizing its cost structure and implementing a return on investment-driven financial model to free up resources to invest in the brand and drive high-quality sales. The Way Forward Plan included strengthening the Company's leadership team and creating a more nimble organization by moving from an average of nine to six layers of management. The Way Forward Plan also included the discontinuance of the Company's Denim & Supply brand and the integration of its denim product offerings into its Polo Ralph Lauren brand. Collectively, these actions, which were substantially completed during the Company's fiscal year ended April 1, 2017 ("Fiscal 2017"), resulted in a reduction in workforce and the closure of certain stores and shop-within-shops.

 
18
 

RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

On March 30, 2017, the Company's Board of Directors approved the following additional restructuring-related activities associated with the Way Forward Plan: (i) the restructuring of its in-house global digital commerce platform which was in development and shifting to a more cost-effective, flexible platform through a new agreement with Salesforce's Commerce Cloud, formerly known as Demandware; (ii) the closure of its Polo store at 711 Fifth Avenue in New York City; and (iii) the further streamlining of the organization and the execution of other key corporate actions in line with the Company's Way Forward Plan. These actions are an important part of the Company's efforts to achieve its stated objective to return to sustainable, profitable growth and invest in the future. These additional restructuring-related activities were largely completed during Fiscal 2018 and resulted in a further reduction in workforce and the closure of certain corporate office and store locations. The remaining activities are primarily lease-related, as discussed below.
In connection with the Way Forward Plan, the Company currently expects to incur total estimated charges of approximately $790 million, comprised of cash-related restructuring charges of approximately $485 million and non-cash charges of approximately $305 million. Cumulative charges incurred since inception were $683.9 million. If the Company is successful in its ongoing attempts to legally assign a certain lease agreement for which it is the deemed owner of the leased asset for accounting purposes prior to the end of Fiscal 2019, it will incur the remaining estimated charges of approximately $105 million during the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2019. However, to the extent that a lease assignment is not executed prior to the end of Fiscal 2019, an impairment may instead be recorded as an adjustment to reduce the Company's opening retained earnings as of the beginning of Fiscal 2020 in connection with its adoption of ASU 2016-02, which could be material (see Note 4). In addition to these charges, the Company also incurred an additional non-cash charge of $155.2 million during Fiscal 2017 associated with the destruction of inventory out of current liquidation channels in line with its Way Forward Plan.
A summary of the charges recorded in connection with the Way Forward Plan during the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017, as well as the cumulative charges recorded since its inception, is as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
Cumulative Charges
 
 
(millions)
Cash-related restructuring charges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Severance and benefit costs
 
$
0.1

 
$
7.4

 
$
6.6

 
$
25.3

 
$
228.3

Lease termination and store closure costs
 
2.1

 
10.9

 
3.7

 
28.5

 
124.2

Other cash charges
 
0.6

 
0.8

 
0.8

 
9.2

 
26.2

Total cash-related restructuring charges
 
2.8

 
19.1

 
11.1

 
63.0

 
378.7

Non-cash charges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impairment of assets (see Note 7)
 
0.4

 
2.2

 
0.4

 
14.0

 
251.0

Inventory-related charges(a)
 
1.2

 
—

 
1.2

 
1.3

 
206.7

Accelerated stock-based compensation expense(b)
 
—

 
0.7

 
—

 
0.7

 
0.7

Other non-cash charges
 
2.0

 
—

 
2.0

 
—

 
2.0

Total non-cash charges
 
3.6

 
2.9

 
3.6

 
16.0

 
460.4

Total charges
 
$
6.4

 
$
22.0

 
$
14.7

 
$
79.0

 
$
839.1

 
 
(a) 
Cumulative inventory-related charges include $155.2 million associated with the destruction of inventory out of current liquidation channels. Inventory-related charges are recorded within cost of goods sold in the consolidated statements of operations.
(b) 
Accelerated stock-based compensation expense, which is recorded within restructuring and other charges in the consolidated statements of operations, was recorded in connection with vesting provisions associated with certain separation agreements.

 
19
 

RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

A summary of current period activity in the restructuring reserve related to the Way Forward Plan is as follows:
 
 
Severance and Benefit Costs
 
Lease Termination
and Store
Closure Costs
 
Other Cash Charges
 
Total
 
 
(millions)
Balance at March 31, 2018
 
$
37.6

 
$
53.5

 
$
1.8

 
$
92.9

Additions charged to expense
 
6.6

 
3.7

 
0.8

 
11.1

Cash payments charged against reserve
 
(32.2
)
 
(28.6
)
 
(1.8
)
 
(62.6
)
Non-cash adjustments
 
(0.3
)
 
0.6

 
—

 
0.3

Balance at December 29, 2018
 
$
11.7

 
$
29.2

 
$
0.8

 
$
41.7

Other Restructuring Plans
As of December 29, 2018, the remaining restructuring reserve related to the Company's restructuring plan initiated during its fiscal year ended April 2, 2016 ("Fiscal 2016") was $1.4 million, reflecting $3.2 million of cash payments made during the nine months ended December 29, 2018. No other activity occurred in connection with this restructuring plan during the nine months ended December 29, 2018. Refer to Note 9 of the Fiscal 2018 10-K for additional discussion regarding this restructuring plan.
Other Charges
The Company recorded other charges of $3.5 million during each of the three-month periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017 and $10.5 million during each of the nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017 related to depreciation expense associated with the Company's former Polo store at 711 Fifth Avenue in New York City, recorded after the store closed during the first quarter of Fiscal 2018 in connection with the Way Forward Plan. Although the Company is no longer generating revenue or has any other economic activity associated with its former Polo store, it continues to incur depreciation expense due to its involvement at the time of construction.
During the nine months ended December 29, 2018, the Company also recorded other charges of $4.2 million, primarily related to its customs audit (see Note 13).
Additionally, during the nine months ended December 30, 2017, the Company recorded other charges of $6.7 million (inclusive of accelerated stock-based compensation expense of $2.1 million), primarily related to the departure of Mr. Stefan Larsson as the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer and as a member of its Board of Directors, effective as of May 1, 2017. Refer to the Form 8-K filed on February 2, 2017 for additional discussion regarding the departure of Mr. Larsson.
These other charges were partially offset by the favorable impact of $2.2 million related to the reversal of reserves associated with the settlement of certain non-income tax issues during the second quarter of Fiscal 2018.
9.
Income Taxes
U.S. Tax Reform
On December 22, 2017, President Trump signed into law new tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "TCJA"), which became effective January 1, 2018. The TCJA significantly revised U.S. tax law by, among other provisions, lowering the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate from 35% to 21%, creating a territorial tax system that includes a one-time mandatory transition tax on previously deferred foreign earnings, and eliminating or reducing certain income tax deductions.
ASC Topic 740, "Income Taxes," requires the effects of changes in tax laws to be recognized in the period in which the legislation is enacted. However, due to the complexity and significance of the TCJA's provisions, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 ("SAB 118") on December 22, 2017, which allowed companies to record the tax effects of the TCJA on a provisional basis based on a reasonable estimate, and then, if necessary, subsequently adjust such amounts during a limited

 
20
 

RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

measurement period as additional information became available and further analyses were completed. The measurement period ends when a company has obtained, prepared, and analyzed the information necessary to finalize its accounting, not to extend beyond one year from enactment.
During the third quarter of Fiscal 2018, the Company recorded charges of $231.3 million within its income tax provision in connection with the TCJA, of which $215.5 million related to the mandatory transition tax and $15.8 million related to the revaluation of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities. These charges, which were recorded on a provisional basis, increased the Company's effective tax rate by 12,410 basis points and 4,980 basis points during the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 30, 2017, respectively. Subsequently, as a result of finalizing its full Fiscal 2018 operating results, the issuance of new interpretive guidance, and other analyses performed, the Company recorded measurement period adjustments during the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2018, whereby it reversed $6.2 million of the charges related to the mandatory transition tax and $5.5 million related to the revaluation of its deferred taxes. These reversals were partially offset by an incremental charge of $1.8 million related to the expected future remittance of certain previously deferred foreign earnings.
During the second quarter of Fiscal 2019, the Company recorded an additional measurement period adjustment as a result of the issuance of new interpretive guidance related to stock-based compensation for certain executives, whereby it recorded an income tax benefit and corresponding deferred tax asset of $4.7 million. Subsequently, during the third quarter of Fiscal 2019, the Company completed its analyses and recorded its final measurement period adjustments, whereby it recorded incremental charges of $32.3 million within its income tax provision, substantially all of which related to the mandatory transition tax. These measurement period adjustments increased the Company's effective tax rate by 1,610 basis points and 500 basis points during the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018, respectively.
Additionally, the Company has decided to account for the minimum tax on global intangible low-taxed income ("GILTI") in the period in which it is incurred and therefore has not provided any deferred tax impacts of GILTI in its consolidated financial statements for the nine months ended December 29, 2018.
Effective Tax Rate
The Company's effective tax rate, which is calculated by dividing each fiscal period's income tax provision by pretax income, was 39.8% and 27.0% during the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018, respectively, and 143.9% and 73.8% during the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 30, 2017, respectively.

The effective tax rates for the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018 were higher than the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 21% primarily due to the SAB 118 measurement period adjustments recorded, as previously discussed. The effective tax rates for the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 30, 2017 were higher than the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 35% primarily due to the TCJA enactment-related charges recorded, as previously discussed, partially offset by the favorable impact of the proportion of earnings generated in lower taxed foreign jurisdictions versus the U.S. Additionally, the effective tax rate for the nine months ended December 30, 2017 reflected the negative impact of the Company's adoption of ASU No. 2016-09, "Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting" ("ASU 2016-09"), as well as the unfavorable impact of additional income tax reserves associated with certain income tax audits. Refer to Note 4 of the Fiscal 2018 10-K for further discussion of the Company's adoption of ASU 2016-09.
Uncertain Income Tax Benefits
The Company classifies interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as part of its income tax provision. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, was $88.5 million and $79.2 million as of December 29, 2018 and March 31, 2018, respectively, and is included within non-current liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the consolidated balance sheets.
The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the Company's effective tax rate was $79.2 million and $68.4 million as of December 29, 2018 and March 31, 2018, respectively.

 
21
 

RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Future Changes in Unrecognized Tax Benefits
The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits relating to the Company's tax positions is subject to change based on future events including, but not limited to, settlements of ongoing tax audits and assessments and the expiration of applicable statutes of limitations. Although the outcomes and timing of such events are highly uncertain, the Company does not anticipate that the balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, will change significantly during the next twelve months. However, changes in the occurrence, expected outcomes, and timing of such events could cause the Company's current estimate to change materially in the future.
The Company files a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return, as well as tax returns in various state, local, and foreign jurisdictions. The Company is generally no longer subject to examinations by the relevant tax authorities for years prior to its fiscal year ended April 3, 2010.
10.
Debt
Debt consists of the following:
 
 
December 29,
2018
 
March 31,
2018
 
 
(millions)
$300 million 2.125% Senior Notes(a)
 
$
—

 
$
298.1

$300 million 2.625% Senior Notes(b)
 
291.2

 
288.0

$400 million 3.750% Senior Notes(c)
 
395.6

 
—

Borrowings outstanding under credit facilities
 
—

 
10.1

Total debt
 
686.8

 
596.2

Less: short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt
 
—

 
308.2

Long-term debt
 
$
686.8

 
$
288.0

 
 
(a) 
The carrying value of the 2.125% Senior Notes as of March 31, 2018 reflects adjustments of $1.6 million associated with the Company's related interest rate swap contract (see Note 12), and is also presented net of unamortized debt issuance costs and discount of $0.3 million.
(b) 
The carrying value of the 2.625% Senior Notes as of December 29, 2018 and March 31, 2018 reflects adjustments of $8.0 million and $10.8 million, respectively, associated with the Company's related interest rate swap contract (see Note 12). The carrying value of the 2.625% Senior Notes is also presented net of unamortized debt issuance costs and discount of $0.8 million and $1.2 million as of December 29, 2018 and March 31, 2018, respectively.
(c) 
The carrying value of the 3.750% Senior Notes is presented net of unamortized debt issuance costs and discount of $4.4 million as of December 29, 2018.
Senior Notes
In August 2015, the Company completed a registered public debt offering and issued $300 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior notes due August 18, 2020, which bear interest at a fixed rate of 2.625%, payable semi-annually (the "2.625% Senior Notes"). The 2.625% Senior Notes were issued at a price equal to 99.795% of their principal amount. The proceeds from this offering were used for general corporate purposes.
In August 2018, the Company completed another registered public debt offering and issued an additional $400 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior notes due September 15, 2025, which bear interest at a fixed rate of 3.750%, payable semi-annually (the "3.750% Senior Notes"). The 3.750% Senior Notes were issued at a price equal to 99.521% of their principal amount. The proceeds from this offering were used for general corporate purposes, including repayment of the Company's previously outstanding $300 million principal amount of unsecured 2.125% senior notes that matured September 26, 2018 (the "2.125% Senior Notes").

 
22
 

RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The Company has the option to redeem the 2.625% Senior Notes and 3.750% Senior Notes (collectively, the "Senior Notes"), in whole or in part, at any time at a price equal to accrued and unpaid interest on the redemption date, plus the greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount of the series of Senior Notes to be redeemed or (ii) the sum of the present value of Remaining Scheduled Payments, as defined in the supplemental indentures governing such Senior Notes (together with the indenture governing the Senior Notes, the "Indenture"). The Indenture contains certain covenants that restrict the Company's ability, subject to specified exceptions, to incur certain liens; enter into sale and leaseback transactions; consolidate or merge with another party; or sell, lease, or convey all or substantially all of the Company's property or assets to another party. However, the Indenture does not contain any financial covenants.
Commercial Paper
In May 2014, the Company initiated a commercial paper borrowing program (the "Commercial Paper Program") that allowed it to issue up to $300 million of unsecured commercial paper notes through private placement using third-party broker-dealers. In May 2015, the Company expanded its Commercial Paper Program to allow for a total issuance of up to $500 million of unsecured commercial paper notes.
Borrowings under the Commercial Paper Program are supported by the Global Credit Facility, as defined below. Accordingly, the Company does not expect combined borrowings outstanding under the Commercial Paper Program and Global Credit Facility to exceed $500 million. Commercial Paper Program borrowings may be used to support the Company's general working capital and corporate needs. Maturities of commercial paper notes vary, but cannot exceed 397 days from the date of issuance. Commercial paper notes issued under the Commercial Paper Program rank equally with the Company's other forms of unsecured indebtedness. As of December 29, 2018, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Commercial Paper Program.
Revolving Credit Facilities
Global Credit Facility
In February 2015, the Company entered into an amended and restated credit facility (which was further amended in March 2016) that provides for a $500 million senior unsecured revolving line of credit through February 11, 2020 (the "Global Credit Facility") under terms and conditions substantially similar to those previously in effect. The Global Credit Facility is also used to support the issuance of letters of credit and the maintenance of the Commercial Paper Program. Borrowings under the Global Credit Facility may be denominated in U.S. Dollars and other currencies, including Euros, Hong Kong Dollars, and Japanese Yen. The Company has the ability to expand its borrowing availability under the Global Credit Facility to $750 million, subject to the agreement of one or more new or existing lenders under the facility to increase their commitments. There are no mandatory reductions in borrowing ability throughout the term of the Global Credit Facility. As of December 29, 2018, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Global Credit Facility and the Company was contingently liable for $10.2 million of outstanding letters of credit.
The Global Credit Facility contains a number of covenants that, among other things, restrict the Company's ability, subject to specified exceptions, to incur additional debt; incur liens; sell or dispose of assets; merge with or acquire other companies; liquidate or dissolve itself; engage in businesses that are not in a related line of business; make loans, advances, or guarantees; engage in transactions with affiliates; and make certain investments. The Global Credit Facility also requires the Company to maintain a maximum ratio of Adjusted Debt to Consolidated EBITDAR (the "leverage ratio") of no greater than 3.75 as of the date of measurement for the four most recent consecutive fiscal quarters. Adjusted Debt is defined generally as consolidated debt outstanding plus four times consolidated rent expense for the four most recent consecutive fiscal quarters. Consolidated EBITDAR is defined generally as consolidated net income plus (i) income tax expense, (ii) net interest expense, (iii) depreciation and amortization expense, (iv) consolidated rent expense, (v) restructuring and other non-recurring expenses, and (vi) acquisition-related costs. As of December 29, 2018, no Event of Default (as such term is defined pursuant to the Global Credit Facility) has occurred under the Company's Global Credit Facility.
Pan-Asia Credit Facilities
Certain of the Company's subsidiaries in Asia have uncommitted credit facilities with regional branches of JPMorgan Chase (the "Banks") in China and South Korea (the "Pan-Asia Credit Facilities"). These credit facilities are subject to annual renewal and may be used to fund general working capital and corporate needs of the Company's operations in the respective countries. Borrowings under the Pan-Asia Credit Facilities are guaranteed by the parent company and are granted at the sole discretion of

 
23
 

RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

the Banks, subject to availability of the Banks' funds and satisfaction of certain regulatory requirements. The Pan-Asia Credit Facilities do not contain any financial covenants. The Company's Pan-Asia Credit Facilities by country are as follows:
•
China Credit Facility — provides Ralph Lauren Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. with a revolving line of credit of up to 50 million Chinese Renminbi (approximately $7 million) through April 3, 2019, which is also able to be used to support bank guarantees.
•
South Korea Credit Facility — provides Ralph Lauren (Korea) Ltd. with a revolving line of credit of up to 30 billion South Korean Won (approximately $27 million) through October 31, 2019.
During the first quarter of Fiscal 2019, the Company repaid approximately $10 million in borrowings that were previously outstanding under its Pan-Asia Credit Facilities. As of December 29, 2018, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Pan-Asia Credit Facilities.
Refer to Note 11 of the Fiscal 2018 10-K for additional discussion of the terms and conditions of the Company's debt and credit facilities.
11.
Fair Value Measurements
U.S. GAAP establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The determination of the applicable level within the hierarchy for a particular asset or liability depends on the inputs used in its valuation as of the measurement date, notably the extent to which the inputs are market-based (observable) or internally-derived (unobservable). A financial instrument's categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels are defined as follows:
•
Level 1 — inputs to the valuation methodology based on quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
•
Level 2 — inputs to the valuation methodology based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets for substantially the full term of the financial instrument; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active for substantially the full term of the financial instrument; and model-derived valuations whose inputs or significant value drivers are observable.
•
Level 3 — inputs to the valuation methodology based on unobservable prices or valuation techniques that are significant to the fair value measurement.
The following table summarizes the Company's financial assets and liabilities that are measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, excluding accrued interest components:
 
 
December 29,
2018
 
March 31,
2018
 
 
(millions)
Investments in commercial paper(a)(b)
 
$
262.1

 
$
234.2

Derivative assets(a)
 
21.2

 
12.3

Derivative liabilities(a)
 
24.5

 
110.0

 
(a) 
Based on Level 2 measurements.
(b) 
As of December 29, 2018, $64.7 million was included within cash and cash equivalents and $197.4 million was included within short-term investments in the consolidated balance sheet. As of March 31, 2018, $15.0 million was included within cash and cash equivalents and $219.2 million was included within short-term investments in the consolidated balance sheet.

 
24
 

RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The Company's investments in commercial paper are classified as available-for-sale and recorded at fair value in its consolidated balance sheets using external pricing data, based on interest rates and credit ratings for similar issuances with the same remaining term as the Company's investments. To the extent the Company invests in bonds, such investments are also classified as available-for-sale and recorded at fair value in its consolidated balance sheets based on quoted prices in active markets.
The Company's derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value in its consolidated balance sheets and are valued using pricing models that are primarily based on market observable external inputs, including spot and forward currency exchange rates, benchmark interest rates, and discount rates consistent with the instrument's tenor, and consider the impact of the Company's own credit risk, if any. Changes in counterparty credit risk are also considered in the valuation of derivative financial instruments.
The Company's cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, and time deposits are recorded at carrying value, which generally approximates fair value based on Level 1 measurements.
The Company's debt instruments are recorded at their carrying values in its consolidated balance sheets, which may differ from their respective fair values. The fair values of the senior notes are estimated based on external pricing data, including available quoted market prices, and with reference to comparable debt instruments with similar interest rates, credit ratings, and trading frequency, among other factors. The fair values of the Company's commercial paper notes and borrowings outstanding under its credit facilities, if any, are estimated using external pricing data, based on interest rates and credit ratings for similar issuances with the same remaining term as the Company's outstanding borrowings. Due to their short-term nature, the fair values of the Company's commercial paper notes and borrowings outstanding under its credit facilities, if any, generally approximate their carrying values.
The following table summarizes the carrying values and the estimated fair values of the Company's debt instruments:
 
 
December 29, 2018
 
March 31, 2018
 
 
Carrying Value(a)
 
Fair Value(b)
 
Carrying Value(a)
 
Fair Value(b)
 
 
(millions)
$300 million 2.125% Senior Notes
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
298.1

 
$
299.4

$300 million 2.625% Senior Notes
 
291.2

 
296.8

 
288.0

 
298.7

$400 million 3.750% Senior Notes
 
395.6

 
395.7

 
—

 
—

Borrowings outstanding under credit facilities
 
—

 
—

 
10.1

 
10.1

 
 
(a) 
See Note 10 for discussion of the carrying values of the Company's senior notes.
(b) 
Based on Level 2 measurements.
Unrealized gains or losses resulting from changes in the fair value of the Company's debt do not result in the realization or expenditure of cash, unless the debt is retired prior to its maturity.
Non-financial Assets and Liabilities
The Company's non-financial assets, which primarily consist of goodwill, other intangible assets, and property and equipment, are not required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis and are reported at carrying value. However, on a periodic basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be fully recoverable (and at least annually for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets), non-financial assets are assessed for impairment and, if applicable, written down to and recorded at fair value, considering external market participant assumptions.
During the nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017, the Company recorded non-cash impairment charges of $13.3 million and $24.8 million, respectively, to fully write off the carrying values of certain long-lived assets based upon their assumed fair values of zero. The fair values of these assets were determined based on Level 3 measurements. Inputs to these fair value measurements included estimates of the amount and timing of the assets' net future discounted cash flows based on historical experience, current trends, and market conditions. See Note 7 for further discussion of the non-cash impairment charges recorded by the Company during the fiscal periods presented.

 
25
 

RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

No goodwill impairment charges were recorded during either of the nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018 or December 30, 2017. The Company performed its annual goodwill impairment assessment using a qualitative approach as of the beginning of the second quarter of Fiscal 2019. In performing the assessment, the Company identified and considered the significance of relevant key factors, events, and circumstances that affected the fair values and/or carrying amounts of its reporting units with allocated goodwill. These factors included external factors such as macroeconomic, industry, and market conditions, as well as entity-specific factors, such as the Company's actual and expected financial performance. Additionally, the results of the Company's most recent quantitative goodwill impairment test indicated that the fair values of these reporting units significantly exceeded their respective carrying values. Based on the results of its qualitative goodwill impairment assessment, the Company concluded that it is not more likely than not that the fair values of its reporting units are less than their respective carrying values, and there were no reporting units at risk of impairment.
12.
Financial Instruments
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company is exposed to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, primarily relating to certain anticipated cash flows and the value of the reported net assets of its international operations, as well as changes in the fair value of its fixed-rate debt obligations attributed to changes in a benchmark interest rate. Consequently, the Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage and mitigate such risks. The Company does not enter into derivative transactions for speculative or trading purposes.
The following table summarizes the Company's outstanding derivative instruments on a gross basis as recorded in its consolidated balance sheets as of December 29, 2018 and March 31, 2018:
 
 
Notional Amounts
 
Derivative Assets
 
Derivative Liabilities
Derivative Instrument(a)
 
December 29,
2018
 
March 31,
2018
 
December 29,
2018
 
March 31,
2018
 
December 29,
2018
 
March 31,
2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance
Sheet
Line(b)
 
Fair
Value
 
Balance
Sheet
Line(b)
 
Fair
Value
 
Balance
Sheet
Line(b)
 
Fair
Value
 
Balance
Sheet
Line(b)
 
Fair
Value
 
 
(millions)
Designated Hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FC — Cash flow hedges
 
$
637.6

 
$
514.5

 
(e) 
 
$
17.8

 
PP
 
$
1.1

 
AE
 
$
2.7

 
(f) 
 
$
13.5

IRS — Fixed-rate debt
 
300.0

 
600.0

 
 
 
—

 
 
 
—

 
ONCL
 
8.0

 
(g) 
 
12.4

Net investment hedges(c)
 
708.4

 
1,081.2

 
ONCA
 
3.1

 
PP
 
0.1

 
ONCL
 
12.2

 
(h) 
 
82.6

Total Designated Hedges
 
1,646.0

 
2,195.7

 
 
 
20.9

 
 
 
1.2

 
 
 
22.9

 
 
 
108.5

Undesignated Hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FC — Undesignated hedges(d)
 
168.2

 
459.2

 
PP
 
0.3

 
PP
 
11.1

 
AE
 
1.6

 
AE
 
1.5

Total Hedges
 
$
1,814.2

 
$
2,654.9

 
 
 
$
21.2

 
 
 
$
12.3

 
 
 
$
24.5

 
 
 
$
110.0

 
(a) 
FC = Forward foreign currency exchange contracts; IRS = Interest rate swap contracts
(b) 
PP = Prepaid expenses and other current assets; AE = Accrued expenses and other current liabilities; ONCA = Other non-current assets; ONCL = Other non-current liabilities.
(c) 
Includes cross-currency swaps and forward foreign currency exchange contracts designated as hedges of the Company's net investment in certain foreign operations.
(d) 
Primarily includes undesignated hedges of foreign currency-denominated intercompany loans and other intercompany balances.
(e) 
$15.7 million included within prepaid expenses and other current assets and $2.1 million included within other non-current assets.
(f) 
$12.9 million included within accrued expenses and other current liabilities and $0.6 million included within other non-current liabilities.
(g) 
$1.6 million included within accrued expenses and other current liabilities and $10.8 million included within other non-current liabilities.

 
26
 

RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(h) 
$44.8 million included within accrued expenses and other current liabilities and $37.8 million included within other non-current liabilities.
The Company records and presents the fair values of all of its derivative assets and liabilities in its consolidated balance sheets on a gross basis, even when they are subject to master netting arrangements. However, if the Company were to offset and record the asset and liability balances of all of its derivative instruments on a net basis in accordance with the terms of each of its master netting arrangements, spread across eight separate counterparties, the amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 29, 2018 and March 31, 2018 would be adjusted from the current gross presentation as detailed in the following table:
 
 
December 29, 2018
 
March 31, 2018
 
 
Gross Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheet
 
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Balance Sheet that are Subject to Master Netting Agreements
 
Net
Amount
 
Gross Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheet
 
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Balance Sheet that are Subject to Master Netting Agreements
 
Net
Amount
 
 
(millions)
Derivative assets
 
$
21.2

 
$
(3.6
)
 
$
17.6

 
$
12.3

 
$
(10.7
)
 
$
1.6

Derivative liabilities
 
24.5

 
(3.6
)
 
20.9

 
110.0

 
(10.7
)
 
99.3

The Company's master netting arrangements do not require cash collateral to be pledged by the Company or its counterparties. See Note 3 for further discussion of the Company's master netting arrangements.
The following tables summarize the pretax impact of gains and losses from the Company's designated derivative instruments on its consolidated financial statements for the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017:
 
 
Gains (Losses)
Recognized in OCI
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
 
(millions)
Designated Hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FC — Cash flow hedges
 
$
11.1

 
$
(2.9
)
 
$
38.5

 
$
(28.8
)
Net investment hedges — effective portion
 
10.6

 
(10.4
)
 
50.8

 
(73.1
)
Net investment hedges — portion excluded from assessment of hedge effectiveness
 
6.8

 
—

 
0.1

 
—

Total Designated Hedges
 
$
28.5

 
$
(13.3
)
 
$
89.4

 
$
(101.9
)
 
 
Location and Amount of Gains (Losses)
from Cash Flow Hedges Reclassified from AOCI to Earnings
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
 
Cost of goods sold
 
Other income (expense), net
 
Cost of goods sold
 
Other income (expense), net
 
Cost of goods sold
 
Other income (expense), net
 
Cost of goods sold
 
Other income (expense), net
 
 
(millions)
Total amounts presented in the consolidated statements of operations in which the effects of related cash flow hedges are recorded
 
$
(666.3
)
 
$
1.0

 
$
(645.6
)
 
$
(1.4
)
 
$
(1,822.8
)
 
$
(0.6
)
 
$
(1,809.9
)
 
$
(1.7
)
Effects of cash flow hedging:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FC — Cash flow hedges
 
4.3

 
(0.4
)
 
(5.9
)
 
0.6

 
(1.2
)
 
1.7

 
(4.3
)
 
(0.4
)

 
27
 

RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 
 
Gains (Losses) from Net Investment Hedges
Recognized in Earnings
 
Location of Gains (Losses)
Recognized in Earnings
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
 
 
(millions)
 
 
Net Investment Hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment hedges — portion excluded from assessment of hedge effectiveness(a)
 
$
4.8

 
$
3.2

 
$
13.9

 
$
7.0

 
Interest expense
Total Net Investment Hedges
 
$
4.8

 
$
3.2

 
$
13.9

 
$
7.0

 
 
 
(a) 
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) ("OCI") related to the effective portion of the Company's net investment hedges would be recognized in earnings only upon the sale or liquidation of the hedged net investment.
As of December 29, 2018, it is estimated that $17.9 million of pretax net gains on both outstanding and matured derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges deferred in AOCI will be recognized in earnings over the next twelve months. The amounts ultimately recognized in earnings will depend on exchange rates in effect when outstanding derivative instruments are settled.
The following table summarizes the pretax impact of gains and losses from the Company's undesignated derivative instruments on its consolidated financial statements for the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017:
 
 
Gains (Losses)
Recognized in Earnings
 
Location of Gains (Losses)
Recognized in Earnings
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
 
 
(millions)
 
 
Undesignated Hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FC — Undesignated hedges
 
$
(1.0
)
 
$
(1.9
)
 
$
4.7

 
$
0.2

 
Other income (expense), net
Total Undesignated Hedges
 
$
(1.0
)
 
$
(1.9
)
 
$
4.7

 
$
0.2

 
 
Risk Management Strategies
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts
The Company uses forward foreign currency exchange contracts to reduce its risk related to exchange rate fluctuations on inventory transactions made in an entity's non-functional currency, intercompany royalty payments made by certain of its international operations, the settlement of foreign currency-denominated balances, and the translation of certain foreign operations' net assets into U.S. dollars. As part of its overall strategy to manage the level of exposure to the risk of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, primarily to changes in the value of the Euro, the Japanese Yen, the South Korean Won, the Australian Dollar, the Canadian Dollar, the British Pound Sterling, the Swiss Franc, the Swedish Krona, the Chinese Renminbi, the New Taiwan Dollar, and the Hong Kong Dollar, the Company hedges a portion of its foreign currency exposures anticipated over a two-year period. In doing so, the Company uses forward foreign currency exchange contracts that generally have maturities of two months to two years to provide continuing coverage throughout the hedging period of the respective exposure.
Interest Rate Swap Contracts
During Fiscal 2016, the Company entered into two pay-floating rate, receive-fixed rate interest rate swap contracts which it designated as hedges against changes in the respective fair values of its fixed-rate 2.125% Senior Notes and its fixed-rate 2.625% Senior Notes, attributed to changes in a benchmark interest rate (the "Interest Rate Swaps"). The interest rate swap related to the 2.125% Senior Notes (the "2.125% Interest Rate Swap"), which matured on September 26, 2018 in conjunction with the maturity of the related debt, had a notional amount of $300 million and swapped the fixed interest rate on the 2.125% Senior Notes for a variable interest rate based on the 3-month London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus a fixed spread. The interest rate swap

 
28
 

RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

related to the 2.625% Senior Notes (the "2.625% Interest Rate Swap"), which matures on August 18, 2020 and also has a notional amount of $300 million, swaps the fixed interest rate on the 2.625% Senior Notes for a variable interest rate based on 3-month LIBOR plus a fixed spread. Changes in the fair values of the Interest Rate Swaps were offset by changes in the fair values of the 2.125% Senior Notes and 2.625% Senior Notes attributed to changes in the benchmark interest rate, with no resulting net impact reflected in earnings during any of the fiscal periods presented. The following table summarizes the carrying values of the 2.125% and 2.625% Senior Notes and the impacts of the related fair value hedging adjustments as of December 29, 2018 and March 31, 2018, as applicable:
 
 
 
 
Carrying Value of
the Hedged Item
 
Cumulative Amount of Fair Value Hedging Adjustment Included in the Carrying Value of the Hedged Item
Hedged Item
 
Balance Sheet Line in which the Hedged Item is Included
 
December 29,
2018
 
March 31,
2018
 
December 29,
2018
 
March 31,
2018
 
 
 
 
(millions)
$300 million 2.125% Senior Notes
 
Current portion of long-term debt
 
N/A

 
$
298.1

 
N/A

 
$
(1.6
)
$300 million 2.625% Senior Notes
 
Long-term debt
 
$
291.2

 
288.0

 
$
(8.0
)
 
(10.8
)
Cross-Currency Swap Contracts
During Fiscal 2016, the Company entered into two pay-floating rate, receive-floating rate cross-currency swap contracts, with notional amounts of €280 million and €274 million, that were designated as hedges of its net investment in certain of its European subsidiaries. The €280 million notional cross-currency swap, which was settled during the second quarter of Fiscal 2019, swapped the U.S. Dollar-denominated variable interest rate payments based on 3-month LIBOR plus a fixed spread (as paid under the 2.125% Interest Rate Swap discussed above) for Euro-denominated variable interest rate payments based on the 3-month Euro Interbank Offered Rate ("EURIBOR") plus a fixed spread, which, in conjunction with the 2.125% Interest Rate Swap, economically converted the Company's previously-outstanding $300 million fixed-rate 2.125% Senior Notes obligation to a €280 million floating-rate Euro-denominated obligation. Similarly, the €274 million notional cross-currency swap, which matures on August 18, 2020, swaps the U.S. Dollar-denominated variable interest rate payments based on 3-month LIBOR plus a fixed spread (as paid under the 2.625% Interest Rate Swap discussed above) for Euro-denominated variable interest rate payments based on 3-month EURIBOR plus a fixed spread, which, in conjunction with the 2.625% Interest Rate Swap, economically converts the Company's $300 million fixed-rate 2.625% Senior Notes obligation to a €274 million floating-rate Euro-denominated obligation.
Additionally, in August 2018, the Company entered into pay-fixed rate, receive-fixed rate cross-currency swap contracts with an aggregate notional amount of €346 million that were designated as hedges of its net investment in certain of its European subsidiaries. These contracts, which mature on September 15, 2025, swap the U.S. Dollar-denominated fixed interest rate payments on the Company's 3.750% Senior Notes for Euro-denominated 1.29% fixed interest rate payments, thereby economically converting the Company's $400 million fixed-rate 3.750% Senior Notes obligation to a €346 million fixed-rate 1.29% Euro-denominated obligation.
See Note 3 for further discussion of the Company's accounting policies relating to its derivative financial instruments.
Investments
As of December 29, 2018, the Company's short-term investments consisted of $1.185 billion of time deposits and $197.4 million of commercial paper, and its non-current investments consisted of $45.7 million of time deposits. As of March 31, 2018, the Company's short-term investment consisted of $480.2 million of time deposits and $219.2 million of commercial paper, and its non-current investments consisted of $86.2 million of time deposits.
No significant realized or unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale investments or other-than-temporary impairment charges were recorded during any of the fiscal periods presented.
Refer to Note 3 of the Fiscal 2018 10-K for further discussion of the Company's accounting policies relating to its investments.

 
29
 

RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

13.
Commitments and Contingencies
Lease Obligations
During the first quarter of Fiscal 2019, the Company entered into a 16-year lease with optional renewal periods for a new corporate office in New Jersey, which it expects to take possession of during its fiscal year 2020. Additionally, during the third quarter of Fiscal 2019, the Company amended an existing lease agreement for a corporate office in New York City, whereby it expanded the square footage to be leased and extended the lease term through December 31, 2029, with optional renewal periods. The following table summarizes the Company's future minimum rental payments relating to these lease agreements:
 
 
Minimum
Lease Payments(a)
 
 
(millions)
Remainder of Fiscal 2019
 
$
—

Fiscal 2020
 
10.2

Fiscal 2021
 
19.4

Fiscal 2022
 
27.5

Fiscal 2023
 
27.7

Fiscal 2024 and thereafter
 
261.8

Total minimum rental payments
 
$
346.6

 
(a) 
Excludes future minimum commitments related to the original lease term and space for the corporate office in New York City, which were previously included in the minimum lease payments table in Note 14 of the Fiscal 2018 10-K.
Customs Audit
In September 2014, one of the Company's international subsidiaries received a pre-assessment notice from the relevant customs officials concerning the method used to determine the dutiable value of imported inventory. The notice communicated the customs officials' assertion that the Company should have applied an alternative duty method, which could have resulted in up to $46 million in incremental duty and non-creditable value-added tax, including $11 million in interest and penalties. The Company believed that the alternative duty method claimed by the customs officials was not applicable to the Company's facts and circumstances and contested their asserted methodology.
In October 2014, the Company filed an appeal of the pre-assessment notice in accordance with the standard procedures established by the relevant customs authorities. In response to the filing of the Company's appeal of the pre-assessment notice, the review committee instructed the customs officials to reconsider their assertion of the alternative duty method and conduct a re-audit to evaluate the facts and circumstances noted in the pre-assessment notice. In December 2015, the Company received the results of the re-audit conducted and a customs audit assessment notice in the amount of $34.1 million, which the Company recorded within restructuring and other charges in its consolidated statements of operations during the third quarter of Fiscal 2016. Although the Company disagreed with the assessment notice, in order to secure the Company's rights, the Company was required to pay the assessment amount and then subsequently file an appeal with the customs authorities.
In October 2017, the tax tribunal presiding over the Company's appeal instructed the customs officials to reconsider their assertions under the alternative duty method and conduct a second re-audit to evaluate the facts and circumstances noted in the pre-assessment notice. In March 2018, the Company received the results of the second re-audit conducted and a related net refund in the amount of $15.6 million. Additionally, in March 2018 and May 2018, the Company filed voluntary disclosure requests to the relevant customs authorities for certain post-audit periods and made related payments of $40.6 million and $7.1 million, respectively, in order to secure its rights to recover value-added tax of $14.8 million and $3.3 million, respectively. In connection with the re-audit refund received and the non-tax portion of the voluntary disclosure payment made, the Company recorded net charges of $10.2 million and $3.8 million, respectively, within restructuring and other charges in its consolidated statements of operations during the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2018 and first quarter of Fiscal 2019, respectively.

 
30
 

RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Although the Company believes its original filing position was appropriate, in June 2018, the Company decided to resolve the dispute and not further appeal the re-audit decision within the courts for the periods covered by the re-audit in order to avoid incurring additional management time, costs, and uncertainty associated with litigation, as the customs officials' revised methodology results in an incremental annual duty charge that is not material to the Company.
Other Matters
The Company is involved, from time to time, in litigation, other legal claims, and proceedings involving matters associated with or incidental to its business, including, among other things, matters involving credit card fraud, trademark and other intellectual property, licensing, importation and exportation of its products, taxation, unclaimed property, and employee relations. The Company believes at present that the resolution of currently pending matters will not individually or in the aggregate have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial statements. However, the Company's assessment of any current litigation or other legal claims could potentially change in light of the discovery of facts not presently known or determinations by judges, juries, or other finders of fact which are not in accord with management's evaluation of the possible liability or outcome of such litigation or claims.
In the normal course of business, the Company enters into agreements that provide general indemnifications. The Company has not made any significant indemnification payments under such agreements in the past, and does not currently anticipate incurring any material indemnification payments.
14.
Equity
Summary of Changes in Equity
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of equity is presented below:
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
 
(millions)
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
3,457.4

 
$
3,299.6

Comprehensive income
 
396.5

 
189.3

Dividends declared
 
(150.1
)
 
(121.9
)
Repurchases of common stock, including shares surrendered for tax withholdings
 
(431.9
)
 
(15.9
)
Stock-based compensation
 
65.3

 
56.3

Shares issued pursuant to stock-based compensation arrangements
 
21.8

 
0.1

Cumulative adjustment from adoption of new accounting standards (see Note 4)
 
(5.1
)
 
—

Balance at end of period
 
$
3,353.9

 
$
3,407.5

Common Stock Repurchase Program
A summary of the Company's repurchases of Class A common stock under its common stock repurchase program is as follows:
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
 
(millions)
Cost of shares repurchased
 
$
400.0

 
$
—

Number of shares repurchased
 
3.2

 
—


 
31
 

RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

On June 4, 2018, the Company's Board of Directors approved an expansion of the Company's existing common stock repurchase program that allows it to repurchase up to an additional $1.000 billion of Class A Common stock. As of December 29, 2018, the remaining availability under the Company's Class A common stock repurchase program was approximately $700 million. Repurchases of shares of Class A common stock are subject to overall business and market conditions.
In addition, during the nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017, 0.3 million and 0.2 million shares of Class A common stock, respectively, at a cost of $31.9 million and $15.9 million, respectively, were 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 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended (the "1997 Incentive Plan"), and its Amended and Restated 2010 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (the "2010 Incentive Plan").
Repurchased and surrendered shares are accounted for as treasury stock at cost and held in treasury for future use.
Dividends
Since 2003, the Company has maintained a regular quarterly cash dividend program on its common stock. On June 4, 2018, the Company's Board of Directors approved an increase to the Company's quarterly cash dividend on its common stock from $0.50 to $0.625 per share. The third quarter Fiscal 2019 dividend of $0.625 per share was declared on December 14, 2018, was payable to stockholders of record at the close of business on December 28, 2018, and was paid on January 11, 2019. Dividends paid amounted to $141.6 million and $121.7 million during the nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017, respectively.
15.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The following table presents OCI activity, net of tax, which is accumulated in equity:
 
 
Foreign Currency Translation Gains (Losses)(a)
 
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges(b)
 
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Defined
Benefit Plans(c)
 
Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
 
(millions)
Balance at April 1, 2017
 
$
(206.2
)
 
$
14.6

 
$
(6.8
)
 
$
(198.4
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OCI before reclassifications
 
90.7

 
(26.4
)
 
(1.0
)
 
63.3

Amounts reclassified from AOCI to earnings
 
—

 
4.4

 
0.1

 
4.5

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 
90.7

 
(22.0
)
 
(0.9
)
 
67.8

Balance at December 30, 2017
 
$
(115.5
)
 
$
(7.4
)
 
$
(7.7
)
 
$
(130.6
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at March 31, 2018
 
$
(79.3
)
 
$
(16.0
)
 
$
(3.2
)
 
$
(98.5
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OCI before reclassifications
 
(37.2
)
 
34.8

 
0.3

 
(2.1
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI to earnings
 
—

 
(0.5
)
 
(0.2
)
 
(0.7
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 
(37.2
)
 
34.3

 
0.1

 
(2.8
)
Balance at December 29, 2018
 
$
(116.5
)
 
$
18.3

 
$
(3.1
)
 
$
(101.3
)
 
(a)
OCI before reclassifications to earnings related to foreign currency translation gains (losses) includes an income tax provision of $7.3 million for the nine months ended December 29, 2018, and includes an income tax benefit of $23.4 million for the nine months ended December 30, 2017. OCI before reclassifications to earnings for the nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017 includes a gain of $38.7 million (net of a $12.2 million income tax provision) and a loss of $45.5 million (net of a $27.6 million income tax benefit), respectively, related to changes in the fair values of instruments designated as hedges of the Company's net investment in certain foreign operations (see Note 12).

 
32
 

RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(b) 
OCI before reclassifications to earnings related to net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges are presented net of an income tax provision of $3.7 million and an income tax benefit of $2.4 million for the nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017, respectively. The tax effects on amounts reclassified from AOCI to earnings are presented in a table below.
(c) 
Activity is presented net of taxes, which were immaterial for both periods presented.
The following table presents reclassifications from AOCI to earnings for cash flow hedges, by component:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
Location of
Gains (Losses)
Reclassified from AOCI
to Earnings
 
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
 
 
(millions)
 
 
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges(a):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    FC — Cash flow hedges
 
$
4.3

 
$
(5.9
)
 
$
(1.2
)
 
$
(4.3
)
 
Cost of goods sold
    FC — Cash flow hedges
 
(0.4
)
 
0.6

 
1.7

 
(0.4
)
 
Other income (expense), net
    Tax effect
 
(0.3
)
 
0.5

 
—

 
0.3

 
Income tax provision
        Net of tax
 
$
3.6

 
$
(4.8
)
 
$
0.5

 
$
(4.4
)
 
 
 
(a) 
FC = Forward foreign currency exchange contracts.
16.
Stock-based Compensation
The Company's stock-based compensation awards are currently issued under the 2010 Incentive Plan, which was approved by its stockholders on August 5, 2010. However, any prior awards granted under the 1997 Incentive Plan remain subject to the terms of that plan. Any awards that expire, are forfeited, or are surrendered to the Company in satisfaction of taxes are available for issuance under the 2010 Incentive Plan.
Refer to Note 17 of the Fiscal 2018 10-K for a detailed description of the Company's stock-based compensation awards, including information related to vesting terms, service and performance conditions, and payout percentages (also refer to "Performance-based RSUs" below for information related to payout percentages for certain performance-based RSUs granted during the second quarter of Fiscal 2019). Additionally, during the second quarter of Fiscal 2019, in lieu of granting certain performance-based RSUs to its senior executives and other key employees, the Company granted a new type of award for which vesting is dependent on a market condition based on total shareholder return ("TSR"). Refer to "Market-based RSUs" below for a detailed description.
Impact on Results
A summary of total stock-based compensation expense and the related income tax benefits recognized during the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017 is as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
 
 
(millions)
 
Compensation expense
 
$
22.5

 
$
16.9

(a) 
$
65.3

 
$
56.3

(a) 
Income tax benefit
 
(3.4
)
 
(6.3
)
 
(9.9
)
 
(20.9
)
 
 
(a) 
The three-month and nine-month periods ended December 30, 2017 include $0.7 million and $2.8 million, respectively, of accelerated stock-based compensation expense recorded within restructuring and other charges in the consolidated statements of operations (see Note 8). All other stock-based compensation expense was recorded within SG&A expenses.

 
33
 

RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The Company issues its annual grants of stock-based compensation awards in the first half of each fiscal year. Due to the timing of the annual grants and other factors, including the timing and magnitude of forfeiture and performance goal achievement adjustments, as well as changes to the size and composition of the eligible employee population, stock-based compensation expense recognized during any given fiscal period is not indicative of the level of compensation expense expected to be incurred in future periods.
Stock Options
A summary of stock option activity under all plans during the nine months ended December 29, 2018 is as follows:
 
 
Number of Options
 
 
(thousands)
Options outstanding at March 31, 2018
 
1,151

Granted
 
—

Exercised
 
(162
)
Cancelled/Forfeited
 
(150
)
Options outstanding at December 29, 2018
 
839

Restricted Stock Awards and Service-based RSUs
The fair values of restricted stock awards granted to non-employee directors are determined based on the fair value of the Company's Class A common stock on the date of grant. No such awards were granted during the nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017. Effective beginning Fiscal 2019, non-employee directors are granted service-based RSUs.
The fair values of service-based RSUs granted to certain of the Company's senior executives and other employees, as well as non-employee directors, are based on the fair value of the Company's Class A common stock on the date of grant, adjusted to reflect the absence of dividends for any awards not entitled to accrue dividend equivalents while outstanding. The weighted-average grant date fair values of service-based RSU awards granted were $113.30 and $73.32 per share during the nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017, respectively.
A summary of restricted stock and service-based RSU activity during the nine months ended December 29, 2018 is as follows:
 
 
Number of Shares
 
 
Restricted Stock
 
Service-based RSUs
 
 
(thousands)
Nonvested at March 31, 2018
 
19

 
1,072

Granted
 
—

 
585

Vested
 
(9
)
 
(420
)
Forfeited
 
—

 
(110
)
Nonvested at December 29, 2018
 
10

 
1,127

Performance-based RSUs
The fair values of the Company's performance-based RSUs granted to its senior executives and other key employees are based on the fair value of the Company's Class A common stock on the date of grant, adjusted to reflect the absence of dividends for any awards not entitled to accrue dividend equivalents while outstanding. The weighted-average grant date fair values of performance-based RSUs granted were $129.78 and $69.40 per share during the nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017, respectively.

 
34
 

RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Additionally, beginning with awards granted in the second quarter of Fiscal 2019, the number of shares that may be earned for performance-based RSUs subject to cliff vesting ranges between 0% (if the specified threshold performance level is not attained) and 200% (if performance meets or exceeds the maximum achievement level) of the awards originally granted. For such awards granted in recent years prior to Fiscal 2019, the payout percentages range from 0% to 150%.
A summary of performance-based RSU activity during the nine months ended December 29, 2018 is as follows:
 
 
Number of
Performance-based
RSUs
 
 
(thousands)
Nonvested at March 31, 2018
 
1,157

Granted
 
154

Change due to performance condition achievement
 
(29
)
Vested
 
(232
)
Forfeited
 
(20
)
Nonvested at December 29, 2018
 
1,030

Market-based RSUs
During the second quarter of Fiscal 2019, the Company granted cliff vesting RSU awards to its senior executives and other key employees, which, in addition to being subject to continuing employment requirements, are also subject to a market condition based on TSR performance. The number of shares that vest upon the completion of a three-year period of time is determined by comparing the Company's TSR relative to that of a pre-established peer group over the related three-year performance period. Depending on the Company's level of achievement, the number of shares that ultimately vest may range from 0% to 200% of the awards originally granted.
The weighted-average grant date fair value of TSR awards granted during the nine months ended December 29, 2018 was $177.13 per share. The Company estimates the fair value of its TSR awards on the date of grant using a Monte Carlo simulation valuation model. This pricing model uses multiple simulations to evaluate the probability of the Company achieving various stock price levels to determine its expected TSR performance ranking relative to the peer group. Compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, is recorded regardless of whether the market condition is ultimately satisfied. The assumptions used to estimate the fair value of TSR awards granted during the nine months ended December 29, 2018 were as follows:
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
December 29,
2018
Expected term (years)
 
2.6

Expected volatility
 
33.5
%
Expected dividend yield
 
1.9
%
Risk-free interest rate
 
2.6
%
A summary of market-based RSU activity during the nine months ended December 29, 2018 is as follows:
 
 
Number of
Market-based RSUs
 
 
(thousands)
Nonvested at March 31, 2018
 
—

Granted
 
80

Change due to market condition achievement
 
—

Vested
 
—

Forfeited
 
—

Nonvested at December 29, 2018
 
80


 
35
 

RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

17.
Segment Information
The Company has three reportable segments based on its business activities and organization:
•
North America — The North America segment primarily consists of sales of Ralph Lauren branded apparel, accessories, home furnishings, and related products made through the Company's wholesale and retail businesses in the U.S. and Canada, excluding Club Monaco. In North America, the Company's wholesale business is comprised primarily of sales to department stores, and to a lesser extent, specialty stores. The Company's retail business in North America is comprised of its Ralph Lauren stores, its factory stores, and its digital commerce site, www.RalphLauren.com.
•
Europe — The Europe segment primarily consists of sales of Ralph Lauren branded apparel, accessories, home furnishings, and related products made through the Company's wholesale and retail businesses in Europe and the Middle East, excluding Club Monaco. In Europe, the Company's wholesale business is comprised of a varying mix of sales to both department stores and specialty stores, depending on the country. The Company's retail business in Europe is comprised of its Ralph Lauren stores, its factory stores, its concession-based shop-within-shops, and its various digital commerce sites.
•
Asia — The Asia segment primarily consists of sales of Ralph Lauren branded apparel, accessories, home furnishings, and related products made through the Company's wholesale and retail businesses in Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. The Company's retail business in Asia is comprised of its Ralph Lauren stores, its factory stores, its concession-based shop-within-shops, and its digital commerce site, www.RalphLauren.cn, which launched in September 2018. In addition, the Company sells its products online through various third-party digital partner commerce sites. In Asia, the Company's wholesale business is comprised primarily of sales to department stores, with related products distributed through shop-within-shops.
No operating segments were aggregated to form the Company's reportable segments. In addition to these reportable segments, the Company also has other non-reportable segments, which primarily consist of (i) sales of Club Monaco branded products made through its retail businesses in the U.S., Canada, and Europe, and its licensing alliances in Europe and Asia, (ii) sales of Ralph Lauren branded products made through its wholesale business in Latin America, and (iii) royalty revenues earned through its global licensing alliances, excluding Club Monaco.
The Company's segment reporting structure is consistent with how it establishes its overall business strategy, allocates resources, and assesses performance of its business. The accounting policies of the Company's segments are consistent with those described in Notes 2 and 3 of the Fiscal 2018 10-K. Sales and transfers between segments are generally recorded at cost and treated as transfers of inventory. All intercompany revenues are eliminated in consolidation and are not reviewed when evaluating segment performance. Each segment's performance is evaluated based upon net revenues and operating income before restructuring-related charges, impairment of assets, and certain other one-time items, if any. Certain corporate overhead expenses related to global functions, most notably the Company's executive office, information technology, finance and accounting, human resources, and legal departments, largely remain at corporate. Additionally, other costs that cannot be allocated to the segments based on specific usage are also maintained at corporate, including corporate advertising and marketing expenses, depreciation and amortization of corporate assets, and other general and administrative expenses resulting from corporate-level activities and projects.
Net revenues and operating income for each of the Company's segments are as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
 
(millions)
Net revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
North America
 
$
908.7

 
$
886.4

 
$
2,494.5

 
$
2,471.7

Europe
 
415.2

 
378.5

 
1,225.0

 
1,165.0

Asia
 
274.8

 
251.0

 
767.5

 
676.9

Other non-reportable segments
 
127.1

 
125.9

 
320.3

 
339.5

Total net revenues
 
$
1,725.8

 
$
1,641.8

 
$
4,807.3

 
$
4,653.1


 
36
 

RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)


 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
 
(millions)
Operating income(a):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
North America
 
$
204.3

 
$
196.6

 
$
574.0

 
$
549.3

Europe
 
91.4

 
81.0

 
291.9

 
273.6

Asia
 
47.9

 
44.3

 
123.3

 
101.0

Other non-reportable segments
 
42.6

 
37.1

 
97.9

 
96.9

 
 
386.2

 
359.0

 
1,087.1

 
1,020.8

Unallocated corporate expenses
 
(152.3
)
 
(146.5
)
 
(474.8
)
 
(469.3
)
Unallocated restructuring and other charges(b)
 
(40.1
)
 
(23.3
)
 
(78.4
)
 
(78.7
)
Total operating income
 
$
193.8

 
$
189.2

 
$
533.9

 
$
472.8

 
(a) 
Segment operating income and unallocated corporate expenses during the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017 included certain restructuring-related inventory charges (see Note 8) and asset impairment charges (see Note 7), which are detailed below:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
 
 
(millions)
 
Restructuring-related inventory charges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
North America
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
(0.8
)
 
Europe
 
(1.2
)
 
—

 
(1.2
)
 
(0.1
)
 
Other non-reportable segments
 
(1.9
)
 
—

 
(1.9
)
 
(0.4
)
 
Total restructuring-related inventory charges
 
$
(3.1
)
 
$
—

 
$
(3.1
)
 
$
(1.3
)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
 
 
(millions)
 
Asset impairment charges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
North America
 
$
(1.1
)
 
$
(1.7
)
 
$
(1.4
)
 
$
(2.6
)
 
Europe
 
(0.4
)
 
—

 
(0.6
)
 
(1.2
)
 
Asia
 
—

 
(0.2
)
 
(3.7
)
 
(1.1
)
 
Other non-reportable segments
 
(0.4
)
 
(0.1
)
 
(7.0
)
 
(8.7
)
 
Unallocated corporate expenses
 
(0.3
)
 
(1.9
)
 
(0.6
)
 
(11.2
)
 
Total asset impairment charges
 
$
(2.2
)
 
$
(3.9
)
 
$
(13.3
)
 
$
(24.8
)


 
37
 

RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(b) 
The three-month and nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017 included certain unallocated restructuring and other charges (see Note 8), which are detailed below:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
 
 
(millions)
 
Unallocated restructuring and other charges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
North America-related
 
$
(14.1
)
 
$
(1.3
)
 
$
(17.6
)
 
$
(14.5
)
 
Europe-related
 
(2.6
)
 
(0.5
)
 
(10.0
)
 
(5.6
)
 
Asia-related
 
(0.4
)
 
0.1

 
(0.2
)
 
1.0

 
Other non-reportable segment-related
 
(2.6
)
 
—

 
(5.4
)
 
(6.8
)
 
Corporate-related
 
(16.9
)
 
(18.1
)
 
(30.5
)
 
(37.8
)
 
Unallocated restructuring charges
 
(36.6
)
 
(19.8
)
 
(63.7
)
 
(63.7
)
 
Other charges (see Note 8)
 
(3.5
)
 
(3.5
)
 
(14.7
)
 
(15.0
)
 
Total unallocated restructuring and other charges
 
$
(40.1
)
 
$
(23.3
)
 
$
(78.4
)
 
$
(78.7
)
Depreciation and amortization expense for the Company's segments is as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
 
(millions)
Depreciation and amortization:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
North America
 
$
21.7

 
$
19.5

 
$
61.8

 
$
61.1

Europe
 
8.7

 
9.1

 
25.1

 
25.7

Asia
 
12.2

 
12.1

 
36.8

 
35.7

Other non-reportable segments
 
1.7

 
2.6

 
5.6

 
8.2

Unallocated corporate expenses
 
24.2

 
25.9

 
72.2

 
78.2

Unallocated restructuring and other charges (see Note 8)
 
3.5

 
3.5

 
10.5

 
10.5

Total depreciation and amortization
 
$
72.0

 
$
72.7

 
$
212.0

 
$
219.4

Net revenues by geographic location of the reporting subsidiary are as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
 
(millions)
Net revenues(a):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Americas(b)
 
$
1,033.4

 
$
1,009.5

 
$
2,807.0

 
$
2,801.8

Europe(c)
 
417.4

 
381.0

 
1,231.8

 
1,173.3

  Asia(d)
 
275.0

 
251.3

 
768.5

 
678.0

Total net revenues
 
$
1,725.8

 
$
1,641.8

 
$
4,807.3

 
$
4,653.1

 
(a) 
Net revenues for certain of the Company's licensed operations are included within the geographic location of the reporting subsidiary which holds the respective license.

 
38
 

RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(b) 
Includes the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. Net revenues earned in the U.S. during the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018 were $968.9 million and $2.631 billion, respectively, and $946.3 million and $2.629 billion during the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 30, 2017, respectively.
(c) 
Includes the Middle East.
(d) 
Includes Australia and New Zealand.
18.
Additional Financial Information
Reconciliation of Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash
A reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash as of December 29, 2018 and March 31, 2018 from the consolidated balance sheets to the consolidated statements of cash flows is as follows:
 
 
December 29,
2018
 
March 31,
2018
 
 
(millions)
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
680.5

 
$
1,304.6

Restricted cash included within prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
12.6

 
15.5

Restricted cash included within other non-current assets
 
30.4

 
35.4

Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
 
$
723.5

 
$
1,355.5

Amounts included in restricted cash relate to cash placed in escrow with certain banks as collateral, primarily to secure guarantees in connection with certain international tax matters and real estate leases.
Cash Interest and Taxes
Cash paid for interest and income taxes is as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
 
(millions)
Cash paid for interest
 
$
2.8

 
$
3.6

 
$
10.9

 
$
9.2

Cash paid for income taxes
 
26.3

 
19.4

 
56.9

 
47.7

Non-cash Transactions
Non-cash investing activities included capital expenditures incurred but not yet paid of $35.9 million and $33.9 million for the nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017, respectively. Additionally, the Company recorded capital lease assets and corresponding capital lease obligations of $3.3 million within its consolidated balance sheet during the nine months ended December 30, 2017.
There were no other significant non-cash investing or financing activities for any of the fiscal periods presented.

 
39
 

Item 2. 
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Various statements in this Form 10-Q, or incorporated by reference into this Form 10-Q, in future filings by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), in our press releases, and in oral statements made from time to time by us or on our behalf constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and are indicated by words or phrases such as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project," "we believe," "is or remains optimistic," "currently envisions," and similar words or phrases and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the future results, performance, or achievements expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties, and other factors include, among others:
•
the loss of key personnel, including Mr. Ralph Lauren, or other changes in our executive and senior management team or to our operating structure, and our ability to effectively transfer knowledge during periods of transition;
•
our ability to successfully implement our long-term growth strategy and achieve anticipated operating enhancements and cost reductions from our restructuring plans;
•
the impact to our business resulting from investments and other costs incurred in connection with the execution of our long-term growth strategy, including restructuring-related charges, which may be dilutive to our earnings in the short term;
•
our ability to continue to expand or grow our business internationally and the impact of related changes in our customer, channel, and geographic sales mix as a result;
•
our ability to open new retail stores, concession shops, and digital commerce sites in an effort to expand our direct-to-consumer presence;
•
the impact to our business resulting from changes in consumers' ability, willingness, or preferences to purchase premium lifestyle products that we offer for sale and our ability to forecast consumer demand, which could result in either a build-up or shortage of inventory;
•
our ability to continue to maintain our brand image and reputation and protect our trademarks;
•
our ability to effectively manage inventory levels and the increasing pressure on our margins in a highly promotional retail environment;
•
the impact to our business resulting from potential costs and obligations related to the early closure of our stores or termination of our long-term, non-cancellable leases;
•
the impact of economic, political, and other conditions on us, our customers, suppliers, vendors, and lenders;
•
our ability to secure our facilities and systems and those of our third-party service providers from, among other things, cybersecurity breaches, acts of vandalism, computer viruses, or similar Internet or email events;
•
our efforts to successfully enhance, upgrade, and/or transition our global information technology systems and digital commerce platform;
•
the potential impact to our business resulting from the imposition of additional duties, tariffs, taxes, and other charges or barriers to trade, including those resulting from current trade developments with China;
•
a variety of legal, regulatory, tax, political, and economic risks, including risks related to the importation and exportation of products which our operations are currently subject to, or may become subject to as a result of potential changes in legislation, and other risks associated with our international operations, such as compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act or violations of other anti-bribery and corruption laws prohibiting improper payments, and the burdens of complying with a variety of foreign laws and regulations, including tax laws, trade and labor restrictions, and related laws that may reduce the flexibility of our business;
•
changes in our tax obligations and effective tax rate due to a variety of other factors, including potential additional changes in U.S. or foreign tax laws and regulations, accounting rules, or the mix and level of earnings by jurisdiction in future periods that are not currently known or anticipated;

 
40
 

•
the impact to our business resulting from the United Kingdom's decision to exit the European Union and the uncertainty surrounding the terms and conditions of such a withdrawal, as well as the related impact to global stock markets and currency exchange rates;
•
the impact to our business resulting from increases in the costs of raw materials, transportation, and labor, including healthcare-related costs;
•
our exposure to currency exchange rate fluctuations from both a transactional and translational perspective;
•
the potential impact to our business resulting from the financial difficulties of certain of our large wholesale customers, which may result in consolidations, liquidations, restructurings, and other ownership changes in the retail industry, as well as other changes in the competitive marketplace, including the introduction of new products or pricing changes by our competitors;
•
the potential impact on our operations and on our suppliers and customers resulting from natural or man-made disasters;
•
the impact to our business of events of unrest and instability that are currently taking place in certain parts of the world, as well as from any terrorist action, retaliation, and the threat of further action or retaliation;
•
our ability to maintain our credit profile and ratings within the financial community;
•
our ability to access sources of liquidity to provide for our cash needs, including our debt obligations, tax obligations, payment of dividends, capital expenditures, and potential repurchases of our Class A common stock, as well as the ability of our customers, suppliers, vendors, and lenders to access sources of liquidity to provide for their own cash needs;
•
the potential impact to the trading prices of our securities if our Class A common stock share repurchase activity and/or cash dividend payments differ from investors' expectations;
•
our intention to introduce new products or enter into or renew alliances;
•
changes in the business of, and our relationships with, major department store customers and licensing partners; and
•
our ability to make certain strategic acquisitions and successfully integrate the acquired businesses into our existing operations.
These forward-looking statements are based largely on our expectations and judgments and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are unforeseeable and beyond our control. A detailed discussion of significant risk factors that have the potential to cause our actual results to differ materially from our expectations is included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018 (the "Fiscal 2018 10-K"). There are no material changes to such risk factors, nor have we identified any previously undisclosed risks that could materially adversely affect our business, operating results, and/or financial condition, as set forth in Part II, Item 1A — "Risk Factors" of this Form 10-Q. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
In this Form 10-Q, references to "Ralph Lauren," "ourselves," "we," "our," "us," and the "Company" refer to Ralph Lauren Corporation and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise. We utilize a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to March 31. As such, fiscal year 2019 will end on March 30, 2019 and will be a 52-week period ("Fiscal 2019"). Fiscal year 2018 ended on March 31, 2018 and was also a 52-week period ("Fiscal 2018"). The third quarter of Fiscal 2019 ended on December 29, 2018 and was a 13-week period. The third quarter of Fiscal 2018 ended on December 30, 2017 and was also a 13-week period.

 
41
 

INTRODUCTION
Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations ("MD&A") is provided as a supplement to the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes thereto to help provide an understanding of our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity. MD&A is organized as follows:
•
Overview.    This section provides a general description of our business, global economic conditions and industry trends, and a summary of our financial performance for the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018. In addition, this section includes a discussion of recent developments and transactions affecting comparability that we believe are important in understanding our results of operations and financial condition, and in anticipating future trends.
•
Results of operations.    This section provides an analysis of our results of operations for the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018 as compared to the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 30, 2017.
•
Financial condition and liquidity.    This section provides a discussion of our financial condition and liquidity as of December 29, 2018, which includes (i) an analysis of our financial condition as compared to the prior fiscal year-end; (ii) an analysis of changes in our cash flows for the nine months ended December 29, 2018 as compared to the nine months ended December 30, 2017; (iii) an analysis of our liquidity, including the availability under our commercial paper borrowing program and credit facilities, common stock repurchases, payments of dividends, and our outstanding debt and covenant compliance; and (iv) a description of any material changes in our contractual and other obligations since March 31, 2018.
•
Market risk management.    This section discusses any significant changes in our risk exposures related to foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, and our investments since March 31, 2018.
•
Critical accounting policies.    This section discusses any significant changes in our critical accounting policies since March 31, 2018. Critical accounting policies typically require significant judgment and estimation on the part of management in their application. In addition, all of our significant accounting policies, including our critical accounting policies, are summarized in Note 3 of the Fiscal 2018 10-K.
•
Recently issued accounting standards.    This section discusses the potential impact on our reported results of operations and financial condition of certain accounting standards that have been recently issued or proposed.
OVERVIEW
Our Business
Our Company is a global leader in the design, marketing, and distribution of premium lifestyle products, including apparel, accessories, home furnishings, and other licensed product categories. Our long-standing reputation and distinctive image have been developed across an expanding number of products, brands, sales channels, and international markets. Our brand names include Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Collection, Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Polo Ralph Lauren, Double RL, Lauren Ralph Lauren, Polo Ralph Lauren Children, Chaps, and Club Monaco, among others.
We diversify our business by geography (North America, Europe, and Asia, among other regions) and channel of distribution (wholesale, retail, and licensing). This allows us to maintain a dynamic balance as our operating results do not depend solely on the performance of any single geographic area or channel of distribution. Our wholesale sales are made principally to major department stores and specialty stores around the world, as well as to certain unrelated third party-owned stores to which we have licensed the right to operate in defined geographic territories using our trademarks. We also sell directly to consumers through our integrated retail channel, which includes our retail stores, concession-based shop-within-shops, and digital commerce operations around the world. In addition, we license to unrelated third parties for specified periods the right to access our various trademarks in connection with the licensees' manufacture and sale of designated products, such as certain apparel, eyewear, fragrances, and home furnishings.

 
42
 

We organize our business into the following three reportable segments:
•
North America — Our North America segment, representing approximately 52% of our Fiscal 2018 net revenues, primarily consists of sales of our Ralph Lauren branded products made through our wholesale and retail businesses in the U.S. and Canada, excluding Club Monaco. In North America, our wholesale business is comprised primarily of sales to department stores, and to a lesser extent, specialty stores. Our retail business in North America is comprised of our Ralph Lauren stores, our factory stores, and our digital commerce site, www.RalphLauren.com.
•
Europe — Our Europe segment, representing approximately 26% of our Fiscal 2018 net revenues, primarily consists of sales of our Ralph Lauren branded products made through our wholesale and retail businesses in Europe and the Middle East, excluding Club Monaco. In Europe, our wholesale business is comprised of a varying mix of sales to both department stores and specialty stores, depending on the country. Our retail business in Europe is comprised of our Ralph Lauren stores, our factory stores, our concession-based shop-within-shops, and our various digital commerce sites.
•
Asia — Our Asia segment, representing approximately 15% of our Fiscal 2018 net revenues, primarily consists of sales of our Ralph Lauren branded products made through our wholesale and retail businesses in Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Our retail business in Asia is comprised of our Ralph Lauren stores, our factory stores, our concession-based shop-within-shops, and our digital commerce site, www.RalphLauren.cn, which launched in September 2018. In addition, we sell our products through various third-party digital partner commerce sites. In Asia, our wholesale business is comprised primarily of sales to department stores, with related products distributed through shop-within-shops.
In addition to these reportable segments, we also have other non-reportable segments, representing approximately 7% of our Fiscal 2018 net revenues, which primarily consist of (i) sales of Club Monaco branded products made through our retail businesses in the U.S., Canada, and Europe, and our licensing alliances in Europe and Asia, (ii) sales of Ralph Lauren branded products made through our wholesale business in Latin America, and (iii) royalty revenues earned through our global licensing alliances, excluding Club Monaco.
Approximately 45% of our Fiscal 2018 net revenues were earned outside of the U.S. See Note 17 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for a summary of net revenues and operating income by segment, as well as net revenues by geographic location.
Our business is typically affected by seasonal trends, with higher levels of wholesale sales in our second and fourth fiscal quarters and higher retail sales in our second and third fiscal quarters. These trends result primarily from the timing of seasonal wholesale shipments and key vacation travel, back-to-school, and holiday shopping periods impacting our retail business. In addition, fluctuations in net sales, operating income, and cash flows in any fiscal quarter may be affected by other events impacting retail sales, such as changes in weather patterns. Accordingly, our operating results and cash flows for the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results and cash flows that may be expected for the full Fiscal 2019.
Global Economic Conditions and Industry Trends
The global economy and our industry are impacted by many different influences. The current domestic and international political environment has resulted in uncertainty surrounding the future state of the global economy, including international trade relations. Most recently, the U.S. and China have imposed significant new tariffs on each other related to the importation of certain product categories, and additional tariffs have been proposed. There are also growing concerns regarding the terms and conditions of the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union, commonly referred to as "Brexit." Negotiations to determine the United Kingdom's future relationship with the European Union, including terms of trade and movement of people, have been complex. In January 2019, British Parliament rejected Prime Minister Theresa May's proposed withdrawal agreement, and it is not clear at this time what, if any, agreements will be reached by the current March 29, 2019 deadline. As our international business continues to grow and because the majority of our products are produced outside of the U.S., major changes in global trade relations could have a material adverse effect on our business or operating results. Certain other worldwide events, including political unrest, acts of terrorism, taxation or monetary policy changes, fluctuations in commodity prices, and rising healthcare costs, also increase volatility in the global economy. For example, the U.S. recently enacted new tax legislation known as the TCJA (as defined in "Recent Developments" below), which is intended to stimulate economic growth and capital investment in the U.S. In addition, our results have been and are expected to continue to be impacted by foreign exchange rate fluctuations.

 
43
 

The retail landscape in which we operate is also evolving, with consumers continuing to diversify the channels in which they transact and shifting their shopping preference from physical stores to online. This along with other factors has resulted in many retailers, including certain of our large wholesale customers, becoming highly promotional and aggressively marking down their merchandise in an attempt to offset declines in physical store traffic. The retail industry, particularly in the U.S., has also experienced numerous bankruptcies, restructurings, and ownership changes in recent years. Certain of our operations, including our North America wholesale business, have been negatively impacted by these dynamics. The continuation of these industry trends could further impact consumer spending and consumption behavior in our industry, which could have a material adverse effect on our business or operating results. Additionally, changes in economic conditions may further impact consumer discretionary income levels and spending.
We have implemented various operating strategies globally to help address many of these current challenges, and continue to build a foundation for long-term profitable growth centered around strengthening our consumer-facing areas of product, stores, and marketing across channels and driving a more efficient operating model. In connection with these strategies, we are taking deliberate actions to ensure promotional consistency across channels and enhance the overall brand and shopping experience, including better aligning shipments and inventory levels with underlying demand. Investing in our digital ecosystem remains a primary focus and is a key component of our integrated global omni-channel strategy. In June 2018, we shifted our European digital commerce operations to the third-party cloud-based platform used by our North America operations, which is delivering a more brand-enhancing and consistent customer experience across our global digital ecosystem. In addition, in September 2018, we launched our digital flagship in China, featuring our signature online shopping experience. We also remain committed to optimizing our wholesale distribution channel and enhancing our department store consumer experience. Although the investments that we are making in our business and our quality of sales initiatives may create operating profit pressure in the near-term, we expect that these initiatives will create longer-term shareholder value. Further, in response to the recent trade developments between the U.S. and China, we are actively reviewing options to mitigate our exposure in the event any resulting tariffs impact our product categories, including diverting production to and sourcing from other countries, driving productivity within our existing supplier base, and taking pricing actions. We are also closely monitoring the latest developments regarding Brexit and are assessing risks and opportunities and developing strategies to mitigate our exposure in the event of a "hard" Brexit (e.g., if the United Kingdom exits the European Union without having a final withdrawal agreement in place).
We will continue to monitor these conditions and trends and evaluate and adjust our operating strategies and foreign currency and cost management opportunities to help mitigate the related impact on our results of operations, while remaining focused on the long-term growth of our business and protecting and elevating the value of our brand.
For a detailed discussion of significant risk factors that have the potential to cause our actual results to differ materially from our expectations, see Part I, Item 1A — "Risk Factors" in our Fiscal 2018 10-K.
Summary of Financial Performance
Operating Results
During the three months ended December 29, 2018, we reported net revenues of $1.726 billion, net income of $120.0 million, and net income per diluted share of $1.48, as compared to net revenues of $1.642 billion, a net loss of $81.8 million, and a net loss per diluted share of $1.00 during the three months ended December 30, 2017. During the nine months ended December 29, 2018, we reported net revenues of $4.807 billion, net income of $399.3 million, and net income per diluted share of $4.85, as compared to net revenues of $4.653 billion, net income of $121.5 million, and net income per diluted share of $1.47 during the nine months ended December 30, 2017. The comparability of our operating results has been affected by TCJA enactment-related charges, as well as restructuring-related charges, impairment of assets, and certain other charges, as discussed further below.
Our operating performance for the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018 reflected revenue growth of 5.1% and 3.3%, respectively, on a reported basis, and 6.3% and 3.3%, respectively, on a constant currency basis, as defined within "Transactions and Trends Affecting Comparability of Results of Operations and Financial Condition" below. The increase in reported net revenues during the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 29, 2019 reflected higher sales across all of our reportable segments, led by international businesses.
Our gross profit as a percentage of net revenues increased by 70 basis points to 61.4% during the three months ended December 29, 2018, and by 100 basis points to 62.1% during the nine months ended December 29, 2018. These increases were primarily driven by improved pricing and lower levels of promotional activity in connection with our long-term growth strategy, as well as favorable product and geographic mix.

 
44
 

Selling, general, and administrative ("SG&A") expenses as a percentage of net revenues increased slightly by 20 basis points to 47.7% during the three months ended December 29, 2018, and by 40 basis points to 49.1% during the nine months ended December 29, 2018. These increases were primarily due to our increased marketing investment, new store expansion, and the unfavorable impact attributable to geographic and channel mix, partially offset by our operational discipline.
Net income increased by $201.8 million to $120.0 million during the three months ended December 29, 2018 as compared to the three months ended December 30, 2017, primarily due to a $188.6 million decline in our income tax provision primarily driven by lower TCJA enactment-related charges. Net income per diluted share increased by $2.48 to $1.48 per share during the three months ended December 29, 2018 due to the higher level of net income and lower weighted-average diluted shares outstanding. Net income (loss) during the three-month periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017 reflected TCJA enactment-related charges of $32.3 million, or $0.40 per diluted share, and $231.3 million, or $2.80 per diluted share, respectively. Our operating results during the three-month periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017 were also negatively impacted by restructuring-related charges, impairment of assets, and certain other charges totaling $45.4 million and $27.2 million, respectively, which had an after-tax effect of reducing net income by $35.7 million, or $0.44 per diluted share, and $17.9 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, respectively.
Net income increased by $277.8 million to $399.3 million during the nine months ended December 29, 2018 as compared to the nine months ended December 30, 2017, primarily due to a $194.9 million decline in our income tax provision largely driven by lower TCJA enactment-related charges and a $61.1 million increase in operating income. Net income per diluted share increased by $3.38 to $4.85 per share during the nine months ended December 29, 2018 due to the higher level of net income and lower weighted-average diluted shares outstanding. Net income during the nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017 reflected TCJA enactment-related charges of $27.6 million, or $0.34 per diluted share, and $231.3 million, or $2.80 per diluted share, respectively. Our operating results during the nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017 were also negatively impacted by restructuring-related charges, impairment of assets, and certain other charges totaling $94.8 million and $104.8 million, respectively, which had an after-tax effect of reducing net income by $75.2 million, or $0.91 per diluted share, and $69.8 million, or $0.85 per diluted share, respectively.
Financial Condition and Liquidity
We ended the third quarter of Fiscal 2019 in a net cash and investments position (cash and cash equivalents plus short-term and non-current investments, less total debt) of $1.422 billion, as compared to $1.494 billion as of the end of Fiscal 2018. The decline in our net cash and investments position at December 29, 2018 as compared to March 31, 2018 was primarily due to our use of cash to support Class A common stock repurchases of $431.9 million, including withholdings in satisfaction of tax obligations for stock-based compensation awards, to invest in our business through $149.2 million in capital expenditures, and to make dividend payments of $141.6 million, as well as the unfavorable effect of exchange rate changes on our cash and cash equivalents of $20.6 million, partially offset by our operating cash flows of $683.1 million.
We generated $683.1 million of cash from operations during the nine months ended December 29, 2018, compared to $951.1 million during the nine months ended December 30, 2017. The decline in cash provided by operating activities was due to a net unfavorable change related to our operating assets and liabilities, including our working capital, as compared to the prior fiscal year period, partially offset by an increase in net income before non-cash charges.
Our equity decreased to $3.354 billion as of December 29, 2018 compared to $3.457 billion as of March 31, 2018, primarily due to our share repurchase activity and dividends declared, partially offset by our comprehensive income and the impact of stock-based compensation arrangements during the nine months ended December 29, 2018.

 
45
 

Recent Developments
Fiscal 2019 Restructuring Plan
On June 4, 2018, our Board of Directors approved a restructuring plan associated with our strategic objective of operating with discipline to drive sustainable growth (the "Fiscal 2019 Restructuring Plan"). The Fiscal 2019 Restructuring Plan includes the following restructuring-related activities: (i) the rightsizing and consolidation of our global distribution network and corporate offices; (ii) targeted severance-related actions; and (iii) closure of certain of our stores and shop-within-shops. The majority of the actions associated with the Fiscal 2019 Restructuring Plan are expected to be completed by the end of Fiscal 2019, with certain activities shifting into Fiscal 2020. Once completed, actions associated with the Fiscal 2019 Restructuring Plan are expected to result in gross annualized expense savings of approximately $60 million to $80 million.
In connection with the Fiscal 2019 Restructuring Plan, we expect to incur total estimated charges of approximately $100 million to $150 million, comprised of cash-related charges of approximately $70 million to $110 million and non-cash charges of approximately $30 million to $40 million. Cumulative charges incurred since inception were $59.6 million. See Note 8 to our accompanying consolidated financial statements for detailed discussions of the charges recorded in connection with the Fiscal 2019 Restructuring Plan.
U.S. Tax Reform
On December 22, 2017, President Trump signed into law new tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "TCJA"), which became effective January 1, 2018. The TCJA significantly revised U.S. tax law by, among other provisions, lowering the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate from 35% to 21%, creating a territorial tax system that includes a one-time mandatory transition tax on previously deferred foreign earnings, and eliminating or reducing certain income tax deductions.
During the second half of Fiscal 2018, we recorded net charges of $221.4 million within our income tax provision in connection with the TCJA. Subsequently, during the second and third quarters of Fiscal 2019, we recorded total measurement period adjustments of $27.6 million as permitted by SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 ("SAB 118"). These measurement period adjustments increased our effective tax rate by 1,610 basis points and 500 basis points during the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018, respectively. Approximately $241 million of the cumulative TCJA enactment-related charges recorded related to the mandatory transition tax.
Additionally, we reevaluated our permanent reinvestment assertion and determined that undistributed foreign earnings that were subject to the one-time mandatory transition tax were no longer considered to be permanently reinvested, effective December 31, 2017. In connection with this decision, we repatriated $252 million of cash to the U.S. from certain of our foreign subsidiaries during the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2018, and we repatriated an additional $672 million during the nine months ended December 29, 2018, all of which relate to earnings previously taxed under the TCJA.
See Note 9 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for additional discussion.
Way Forward Plan
On June 2, 2016, our Board of Directors approved a restructuring plan with the objective of delivering sustainable, profitable sales growth and long-term value creation for shareholders (the "Way Forward Plan"). We are refocusing on our core brands and evolving our product, marketing, and shopping experience to increase desirability and relevance. We are also evolving our operating model to enable sustainable, profitable sales growth by significantly improving quality of sales, reducing supply chain lead times, improving our sourcing, and executing a disciplined multi-channel distribution and expansion strategy. As part of the Way Forward Plan, we are rightsizing our cost structure and implementing a return on investment-driven financial model to free up resources to invest in the brand and drive high-quality sales. The Way Forward Plan included strengthening our leadership team and creating a more nimble organization by moving from an average of nine to six layers of management. The Way Forward Plan also included the discontinuance of our Denim & Supply brand and the integration of our denim product offerings into our Polo Ralph Lauren brand. Collectively, these actions, which were substantially completed during our fiscal year ended April 1, 2017 ("Fiscal 2017"), resulted in a reduction in workforce and the closure of certain stores and shop-within-shops, as well as gross annualized expense savings of approximately $200 million.

 
46
 

On March 30, 2017, our Board of Directors approved the following additional restructuring-related activities associated with the Way Forward Plan: (i) the restructuring of our in-house global digital commerce platform which was in development and shifting to a more cost-effective, flexible platform through a new agreement with Salesforce's Commerce Cloud, formerly known as Demandware; (ii) the closure of our Polo store at 711 Fifth Avenue in New York City; and (iii) the further streamlining of the organization and the execution of other key corporate actions in line with the Way Forward Plan. These actions, which are expected to result in additional gross annualized expense savings of approximately $140 million, are an important part of our efforts to achieve our stated objective to return to sustainable, profitable growth and invest in the future. These additional restructuring-related activities were largely completed during Fiscal 2018 and resulted in a further reduction in workforce and the closure of certain corporate office and store locations. The remaining activities are primarily lease-related, as discussed below.
In connection with the Way Forward Plan, we currently expect to incur total estimated charges of approximately $790 million, comprised of cash-related restructuring charges of approximately $485 million and non-cash charges of approximately $305 million. Cumulative charges incurred since inception were $683.9 million. If we are successful in our ongoing attempts to legally assign a certain lease agreement for which the Company is the deemed owner of the leased asset for accounting purposes prior to the end of Fiscal 2019, we will incur the remaining estimated charges of approximately $105 million during the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2019. However, to the extent that a lease assignment is not executed prior to the end of Fiscal 2019, an impairment may instead be recorded as an adjustment to reduce our opening retained earnings as of the beginning of Fiscal 2020 in connection with our adoption of Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, "Leases" (see Note 4), which could be material. In addition to these charges, we also incurred an additional non-cash charge of $155.2 million during Fiscal 2017 associated with the destruction of inventory out of current liquidation channels in line with our Way Forward Plan. See Note 8 to our accompanying consolidated financial statements for detailed discussions of the charges recorded in connection with the Way Forward Plan.
Transactions and Trends Affecting Comparability of Results of Operations and Financial Condition
The comparability of our operating results for the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017 has been affected by certain events, including restructuring-related charges, impairment of assets, and certain other charges, as summarized below (references to "Notes" are to the notes to the accompanying consolidated financial statements):
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
 
(millions)
Impairment of assets (see Note 7)
 
$
(2.2
)
 
$
(3.9
)
 
$
(13.3
)
 
$
(24.8
)
Restructuring and other charges (see Note 8)
 
(40.1
)
 
(23.3
)
 
(78.4
)
 
(78.7
)
Restructuring-related inventory charges (see Note 8)(a)
 
(3.1
)
 
—

 
(3.1
)
 
(1.3
)
Total charges
 
$
(45.4
)
 
$
(27.2
)
 
$
(94.8
)
 
$
(104.8
)
 
 
(a) 
Non-cash restructuring-related inventory charges are recorded within cost of goods sold in the consolidated statements of operations.
Additionally, during the three-month periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017, we recorded TCJA enactment-related charges of $32.3 million and $231.3 million, respectively, which increased our effective tax rate by 1,610 basis points and 12,410 basis points, respectively. During the nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017, we recorded TCJA enactment-related charges of $27.6 million and $231.3 million, respectively, which increased our effective tax rate by 500 basis points and 4,980 basis points, respectively. See Note 9 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for further discussion regarding the TCJA.

 
47
 

Since we are a global company, the comparability of our operating results reported in U.S. Dollars is also affected by foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations because the underlying currencies in which we transact change in value over time compared to the U.S. Dollar. These rate fluctuations can have a significant effect on our reported results. As such, in addition to financial measures prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. ("U.S. GAAP"), our discussions often contain references to constant currency measures, which are calculated by translating the current-year and prior-year reported amounts into comparable amounts using a single foreign exchange rate for each currency. We present constant currency financial information, which is a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure, as a supplement to our reported operating results. We use constant currency information to provide a framework for assessing how our businesses performed excluding the effects of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. We believe this information is useful to investors for facilitating comparisons of operating results and better identifying trends in our businesses. The constant currency performance measures should be viewed in addition to, and not in lieu of or superior to, our operating performance measures calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Reconciliations between this non-U.S. GAAP financial measure and the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure are included in the "Results of Operations" section where applicable.
Our discussion also includes reference to comparable store sales. Effective beginning the first quarter of our Fiscal 2019, we changed our definition of comparable store sales to provide a more relevant measure of performance and align with general retail industry practice. Under the new definition, comparable store sales refer to the change in sales of our stores that have been open for at least 13 full fiscal months. Sales from our digital commerce sites are also included within comparable sales for those geographies that have been serviced by the related site for at least 13 full fiscal months. Sales for stores or digital commerce sites that are closed or shut down during the year are excluded from the calculation of comparable store sales. Sales for stores that are either relocated, enlarged (as defined by gross square footage expansion of 25% or greater), or generally closed for 30 or more consecutive days for renovation are also excluded from the calculation of comparable store sales until such stores have been operating in their new location or in their newly renovated state for at least 13 full fiscal months. All comparable store sales metrics are calculated on a constant currency basis. Our previous definition of comparable store sales required a store or digital commerce site to be operational for one full fiscal year to be considered comparable and included in the calculation.
Our "Results of Operations" discussion that follows includes the significant changes in operating results arising from these items affecting comparability. However, unusual items or transactions may occur in any period. Accordingly, investors and other financial statement users should consider the types of events and transactions that have affected operating trends.

 
48
 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Three Months Ended December 29, 2018 Compared to Three Months Ended December 30, 2017
The following table summarizes our results of operations and expresses the percentage relationship to net revenues of certain financial statement captions. All percentages shown in the below table and the discussion that follows have been calculated using unrounded numbers.
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
$
Change
 
% / bps
Change
 
 
(millions, except per share data)
 
 
Net revenues
 
$
1,725.8

 
$
1,641.8

 
$
84.0

 
5.1
%
Cost of goods sold
 
(666.3
)
 
(645.6
)
 
(20.7
)
 
3.2
%
Gross profit
 
1,059.5

 
996.2

 
63.3

 
6.4
%
Gross profit as % of net revenues
 
61.4
%
 
60.7
%
 
 
 
70 bps

Selling, general, and administrative expenses
 
(823.4
)
 
(779.8
)
 
(43.6
)
 
5.6
%
SG&A expenses as % of net revenues
 
47.7
%
 
47.5
%
 
 
 
20 bps

Impairment of assets
 
(2.2
)
 
(3.9
)
 
1.7

 
(42.3
%)
Restructuring and other charges
 
(40.1
)
 
(23.3
)
 
(16.8
)
 
71.9
%
Operating income
 
193.8

 
189.2

 
4.6

 
2.4
%
Operating income as % of net revenues
 
11.2
%
 
11.5
%
 
 
 
(30 bps)

Interest expense
 
(5.2
)
 
(4.8
)
 
(0.4
)
 
8.7
%
Interest income
 
9.9

 
3.3

 
6.6

 
199.5
%
Other income (expense), net
 
1.0

 
(1.4
)
 
2.4

 
NM

Income before income taxes
 
199.5

 
186.3

 
13.2

 
7.1
%
Income tax provision
 
(79.5
)
 
(268.1
)
 
188.6

 
(70.4
%)
Effective tax rate(a)
 
39.8
%
 
143.9
%
 
 
 
(10,410 bps)

Net income (loss)
 
$
120.0

 
$
(81.8
)
 
$
201.8

 
NM

Net income (loss) per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
1.50

 
$
(1.00
)
 
$
2.50

 
NM

Diluted
 
$
1.48

 
$
(1.00
)
 
$
2.48

 
NM

 
(a) 
Effective tax rate is calculated by dividing the income tax provision by income before income taxes.
NM Not meaningful.
Net Revenues.    Net revenues increased by $84.0 million, or 5.1%, to $1.726 billion during the three months ended December 29, 2018 as compared to the three months ended December 30, 2017, including net unfavorable foreign currency effects of $19.8 million. On a constant currency basis, net revenues increased by $103.8 million, or 6.3%.
The following table summarizes the percentage change in our consolidated comparable store sales for the three months ended December 29, 2018 as compared to the prior fiscal year period:
 
 
% Change
Digital commerce comparable store sales
 
18
%
Comparable store sales excluding digital commerce
 
1
%
Total comparable store sales
 
4
%

 
49
 

Our global average store count increased by 39 stores and concession shops during the three months ended December 29, 2018 compared with the three months ended December 30, 2017, largely driven by new openings in Asia. The following table details our retail store presence by segment as of the periods presented:
 
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
Freestanding Stores:
 
 
 
 
North America
 
227

 
218

Europe
 
87

 
82

Asia
 
111

 
103

Other non-reportable segments
 
76

 
78

Total freestanding stores
 
501

 
481

 
 
 
 
 
Concession Shops:
 
 
 
 
North America
 
2

 
2

Europe
 
25

 
25

Asia
 
619

 
599

Other non-reportable segments
 
5

 
2

Total concession shops
 
651

 
628

Total stores
 
1,152

 
1,109

In addition to our stores, we sell products online in North America and Europe through our various digital commerce sites, which include www.RalphLauren.com and www.ClubMonaco.com, among others. In Asia, we sell products online through our digital commerce site, www.RalphLauren.cn, which launched in September 2018, as well as through various third-party digital partner commerce sites.
Net revenues for our segments, as well as a discussion of the changes in each reportable segment's net revenues from the comparable prior fiscal year period, are provided below:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
$ Change
 
Foreign Exchange Impact
 
$ Change
 
% Change
 
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
As
Reported
 
 
Constant
Currency
 
As
Reported
 
Constant
Currency
 
 
(millions)
 
 
 
 
Net Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
North America
 
$
908.7

 
$
886.4

 
$
22.3

 
$
(1.1
)
 
$
23.4

 
2.5
%
 
2.6
%
Europe
 
415.2

 
378.5

 
36.7

 
(13.7
)
 
50.4

 
9.7
%
 
13.3
%
Asia
 
274.8

 
251.0

 
23.8

 
(4.9
)
 
28.7

 
9.5
%
 
11.4
%
Other non-reportable segments
 
127.1

 
125.9

 
1.2

 
(0.1
)
 
1.3

 
0.9
%
 
1.0
%
Total net revenues
 
$
1,725.8

 
$
1,641.8

 
$
84.0

 
$
(19.8
)
 
$
103.8

 
5.1
%
 
6.3
%
North America net revenues — Net revenues increased by $22.3 million, or 2.5%, during the three months ended December 29, 2018 as compared to the three months ended December 30, 2017, including net unfavorable foreign currency effects of $1.1 million. On a constant currency basis, net revenues increased by $23.4 million, or 2.6%.
The $22.3 million net increase in North America net revenues was driven by:
•
a $33.9 million net increase related to our North America retail business, inclusive of net unfavorable foreign currency effects of $0.8 million. On a constant currency basis, net revenues increased by $34.7 million driven by increases of $20.5 million in comparable store sales and $14.2 million in non-comparable store sales. The following table summarizes the percentage change in comparable store sales related to our North America retail business:

 
50
 

 
 
% Change
Digital commerce comparable store sales
 
21
%
Comparable store sales excluding digital commerce
 
—
%
Total comparable store sales
 
4
%
This increase was partially offset by an $11.6 million net decrease related to our North America wholesale business, largely driven by a strategic reduction of shipments within the off-price channel in connection with our long-term growth strategy.
Europe net revenues — Net revenues increased by $36.7 million, or 9.7%, during the three months ended December 29, 2018 as compared to the three months ended December 30, 2017, including net unfavorable foreign currency effects of $13.7 million. On a constant currency basis, net revenues increased by $50.4 million, or 13.3%.
The $36.7 million net increase in Europe net revenues was driven by:
•
a $22.9 million net increase related to our Europe wholesale business, primarily driven by a shift in the timing of certain shipments and stronger demand, partially offset by net unfavorable foreign currency effects of $5.1 million; and
•
a $13.8 million net increase related to our Europe retail business, inclusive of net unfavorable foreign currency effects of $8.6 million. On a constant currency basis, net revenues increased by $22.4 million driven by increases of $13.4 million in non-comparable store sales and $9.0 million in comparable store sales. The following table summarizes the percentage change in comparable store sales related to our Europe retail business:
 
 
% Change
Digital commerce comparable store sales
 
13
%
Comparable store sales excluding digital commerce
 
3
%
Total comparable store sales
 
4
%
Asia net revenues — Net revenues increased by $23.8 million, or 9.5%, during the three months ended December 29, 2018 as compared to the three months ended December 30, 2017, including net unfavorable foreign currency effects of $4.9 million. On a constant currency basis, net revenues increased by $28.7 million, or 11.4%.
The $23.8 million net increase in Asia net revenues was driven by:
•
a $24.0 million net increase related to our Asia retail business, inclusive of net unfavorable foreign currency effects of $4.6 million. On a constant currency basis, net revenues increased by $28.6 million, reflecting increases of $18.9 million in non-comparable store sales driven by new store openings and $9.7 million in comparable store sales. The following table summarizes the percentage change in comparable store sales related to our Asia retail business:
 
 
% Change
Digital commerce comparable store sales
 
62
%
Comparable store sales excluding digital commerce
 
4
%
Total comparable store sales
 
4
%
Gross Profit.    Gross profit increased by $63.3 million, or 6.4%, to $1.060 billion for the three months ended December 29, 2018. The increase in gross profit included a net unfavorable foreign currency effect of $7.9 million. Gross profit as a percentage of net revenues increased to 61.4% for the three months ended December 29, 2018 from 60.7% for the three months ended December 30, 2017. The 70 basis point increase was primarily driven by improved pricing and lower levels of promotional activity in connection with our long-term growth strategy, as well as favorable product and geographic mix.
Gross profit as a percentage of net revenues is dependent upon a variety of factors, including changes in the relative sales mix among distribution channels, changes in the mix of products sold, the timing and level of promotional activities, foreign currency exchange rates, and fluctuations in material costs. These factors, among others, may cause gross profit as a percentage of net revenues to fluctuate from period to period.

 
51
 

Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses.    SG&A expenses include compensation and benefits, advertising and marketing, rent and occupancy, distribution, information technology, legal, depreciation and amortization, bad debt, and other selling and administrative costs. SG&A expenses increased by $43.6 million, or 5.6%, to $823.4 million for the three months ended December 29, 2018. This increase included a net favorable foreign currency effect of $8.8 million. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenues increased slightly to 47.7% for the three months ended December 29, 2018 from 47.5% for the three months ended December 30, 2017. The 20 basis point increase was primarily due to our increased marketing investment, new store expansion, and the unfavorable impact attributable to geographic and channel mix, as a greater portion of our revenue was generated by our retail businesses (which typically carry higher operating expense margins). These increases were partially offset by our operational discipline.
The $43.6 million net increase in SG&A expenses was driven by:
 
 
Three Months Ended December 29, 2018
Compared to
Three Months Ended December 30, 2017
 
 
(millions)
SG&A expense category:
 
 
Marketing and advertising expenses
 
$
10.9

Selling-related expenses
 
9.4

Compensation-related expenses
 
8.6

Shipping and handling costs
 
6.8

Other
 
7.9

Total change in SG&A expenses
 
$
43.6

During the remainder of Fiscal 2019, we continue to expect to spend on key strategic initiatives including marketing, digital, expanding and renovating our global retail stores and concession shops, and investing in productivity-enhancing infrastructure. We expect to make these investments while continuing to manage our cost base with discipline.
Impairment of Assets. During the three-month periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017, we recorded non-cash impairment charges of $2.2 million and $3.9 million, respectively, to write off certain fixed assets related to our domestic and international stores, shop-within-shops, and corporate offices. See Note 7 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Restructuring and Other Charges. During the three-month periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017, we recorded restructuring charges of $36.6 million and $19.8 million, respectively, in connection with our restructuring plans, primarily consisting of severance and benefit costs, and lease termination and store closure costs. Additionally, during each of the three-month periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017, we recorded other charges of $3.5 million related to depreciation expense associated with our former Polo store at 711 Fifth Avenue in New York City. See Note 8 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Operating Income.    Operating income increased by $4.6 million, or 2.4%, to $193.8 million for the three months ended December 29, 2018. Our operating results during the three-month periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017 were negatively impacted by restructuring-related charges, impairment of assets, and certain other charges totaling $45.4 million and $27.2 million, respectively, as previously discussed. The increase in operating income also included a net favorable foreign currency effect of $0.9 million. Operating income as a percentage of net revenues decreased to 11.2% for the three months ended December 29, 2018 from 11.5% for the three months ended December 30, 2017. The 30 basis point decrease was primarily driven by the net increase in restructuring-related charges, impairment of assets, and certain other charges, and the increase in SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenues, partially offset by the increase in our gross profit margin, all as previously discussed.

 
52
 

Operating income and margin for our segments, as well as a discussion of the changes in each reportable segment's operating margin from the comparable prior fiscal year period, are provided below:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
 
 
December 29, 2018
 
December 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
Operating
Income
 
Operating
Margin
 
Operating
Income
 
Operating
Margin
 
$
Change
 
Margin
Change
 
(millions)
 
 
 
(millions)
 
 
 
(millions)
 
 
Segment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
North America
 
$
204.3

 
22.5%
 
$
196.6

 
22.2%
 
$
7.7

 
30 bps
Europe
 
91.4

 
22.0%
 
81.0

 
21.4%
 
10.4

 
60 bps
Asia
 
47.9

 
17.4%
 
44.3

 
17.6%
 
3.6

 
(20 bps)
Other non-reportable segments
 
42.6

 
33.5%
 
37.1

 
29.5%
 
5.5

 
400 bps
 
 
386.2

 
 
 
359.0

 
 
 
27.2

 
 
Unallocated corporate expenses
 
(152.3
)
 
 
 
(146.5
)
 
 
 
(5.8
)
 
 
Unallocated restructuring and other charges
 
(40.1
)
 
 
 
(23.3
)
 
 
 
(16.8
)
 
 
Total operating income
 
$
193.8

 
11.2%
 
$
189.2

 
11.5%
 
$
4.6

 
(30 bps)
North America operating margin improved by 30 basis points, primarily due to the favorable impact of 70 basis points related to our retail business, largely driven by an increase in our gross profit margin. Partially offsetting this increase in our operating margin was a 40 basis point decline related to our wholesale business, largely driven by a decrease in our gross profit margin.
Europe operating margin improved by 60 basis points, primarily due to the favorable impact of 210 basis points related to our retail business, largely driven by an increase in our gross profit margin and a decline in SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenues. The overall increase in operating margin also reflected the favorable impact of 140 basis points related to foreign currency effects. These increases in operating margin were partially offset by a 230 basis point decline related to our wholesale business, largely driven by a decrease in our gross profit margin and an increase in SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenues. The remaining 60 basis point decline in operating margin primarily related to higher non-cash charges recorded in connection with our restructuring plans during the three months ended December 29, 2018 as compared to the prior fiscal year period.
Asia operating margin declined slightly by 20 basis points, primarily due to the unfavorable impacts of 20 basis points related to foreign currency effects and 20 basis points related to our retail business, primarily driven by an increase in SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenues, partially offset by an increase in our gross profit margin. These decreases in operating margin were partially offset by the favorable impact of 20 basis points attributable to other factors, including lower non-cash charges recorded in connection with our restructuring plans during the three months ended December 29, 2018 as compared to the prior fiscal year period.
Unallocated corporate expenses increased by $5.8 million to $152.3 million during the three months ended December 29, 2018, with no significant increases or decreases for any individual expense category.
Unallocated restructuring and other charges increased by $16.8 million to $40.1 million during the three months ended December 29, 2018, as previously discussed above and in Note 8 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Non-operating Income (Expense), Net. Non-operating income (expense), net is comprised of interest expense, interest income, and other income (expense), net, which includes foreign currency gains (losses), equity in income (losses) from our equity-method investees, and other non-operating expenses. During the three months ended December 29, 2018, we reported non-operating income, net, of $5.7 million, as compared to non-operating expense, net, of $2.9 million during the three months ended December 30, 2017. The $8.6 million improvement was primarily driven by higher interest income of $6.6 million due to the increased balance of our investment portfolio, as well as a favorable shift to higher interest rate environments attributable to recent cash repatriations from our foreign subsidiaries.

 
53
 

Income Tax Provision.    The income tax provision represents federal, foreign, state and local income taxes. The income tax provision and effective tax rate for the three months ended December 29, 2018 were $79.5 million and 39.8%, respectively, as compared to $268.1 million and 143.9%, respectively, for the three months ended December 30, 2017. The $188.6 million decrease in the income tax provision was primarily due to lower TCJA enactment-related charges recorded during the three months ended December 29, 2018 as compared to the prior fiscal year period, partially offset by the increase in pretax income. During the three-month periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017, we recorded TCJA enactment-related charges of $32.3 million and $231.3 million, respectively, which increased our effective tax rates by 1,610 basis points and 12,410 basis points, respectively. This 10,800 basis point decline in our effective tax rate attributable to lower TCJA enactment-related charges recorded was partially offset by the net unfavorable impact of 390 basis points largely related to incremental income tax reserves associated with certain income tax audits. Our effective tax rate will change from period to period based on various factors including, but not limited to, the geographic mix of earnings, the timing and amount of foreign dividends, enacted tax legislation, state and local taxes, tax audit findings and settlements, and the interaction of various global tax strategies.
Net Income (Loss).    We reported net income of $120.0 million for the three months ended December 29, 2018, as compared to a net loss of $81.8 million for the three months ended December 30, 2017. The $201.8 million increase in net income was primarily due to the decrease in our income tax provision, as previously discussed. Net income (loss) for the three-month periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017 reflected TCJA enactment-related charges of $32.3 million and $231.3 million, respectively, as previously discussed. Our operating results during the three-month periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017 were also negatively impacted by restructuring-related charges, impairment of assets, and certain other charges totaling $45.4 million and $27.2 million, respectively, which had an after-tax effect of reducing net income by $35.7 million and $17.9 million, respectively.
Net Income (loss) per Diluted Share.    We reported net income per diluted share of $1.48 for the three months ended December 29, 2018, as compared to a net loss per diluted share of $1.00 for the three months ended December 30, 2017. The $2.48 per share increase was due to the higher level of net income, as previously discussed, and lower weighted-average diluted shares outstanding during the three months ended December 29, 2018 driven by our share repurchases during the last twelve months. Net income (loss) per diluted share for the three-month periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017 were negatively impacted by $0.40 per share and $2.80 per share, respectively, as a result of TCJA enactment-related charges. Net income per diluted share for the three-month periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017 were also negatively impacted by $0.44 per share and $0.23 per share, respectively, as a result of restructuring-related charges, impairment of assets, and certain other charges, as previously discussed.

 
54
 

Nine Months Ended December 29, 2018 Compared to Nine Months Ended December 30, 2017
The following table summarizes our results of operations and expresses the percentage relationship to net revenues of certain financial statement captions. All percentages shown in the below table and the discussion that follows have been calculated using unrounded numbers.
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
$
Change
 
% / bps
Change
 
 
(millions, except per share data)
 
 
Net revenues
 
$
4,807.3

 
$
4,653.1

 
$
154.2

 
3.3
%
Cost of goods sold
 
(1,822.8
)
 
(1,809.9
)
 
(12.9
)
 
0.7
%
Gross profit
 
2,984.5

 
2,843.2

 
141.3

 
5.0
%
Gross profit as % of net revenues
 
62.1
%
 
61.1
%
 
 
 
100 bps

Selling, general, and administrative expenses
 
(2,358.9
)
 
(2,266.9
)
 
(92.0
)
 
4.1
%
SG&A expenses as % of net revenues
 
49.1
%
 
48.7
%
 
 
 
40 bps

Impairment of assets
 
(13.3
)
 
(24.8
)
 
11.5

 
(46.4
%)
Restructuring and other charges
 
(78.4
)
 
(78.7
)
 
0.3

 
(0.3
%)
Operating income
 
533.9

 
472.8

 
61.1

 
12.9
%
Operating income as % of net revenues
 
11.1
%
 
10.2
%
 
 
 
90 bps

Interest expense
 
(15.6
)
 
(14.4
)
 
(1.2
)
 
8.5
%
Interest income
 
29.5

 
7.6

 
21.9

 
291.2
%
Other expense, net
 
(0.6
)
 
(1.7
)
 
1.1

 
(66.2
%)
Income before income taxes
 
547.2

 
464.3

 
82.9

 
17.9
%
Income tax provision
 
(147.9
)
 
(342.8
)
 
194.9

 
(56.8
%)
Effective tax rate(a) 
 
27.0
%
 
73.8
%
 
 
 
(4,680 bps)

Net income
 
$
399.3

 
$
121.5

 
$
277.8

 
228.7
%
Net income per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
4.92

 
$
1.49

 
$
3.43

 
230.2
%
Diluted
 
$
4.85

 
$
1.47

 
$
3.38

 
229.9
%
 
(a) 
Effective tax rate is calculated by dividing the income tax provision by income before income taxes.
Net Revenues.    Net revenues increased by approximately $154 million, or 3.3%, to $4.807 billion during the nine months ended December 29, 2018 as compared to the nine months ended December 30, 2017 on both a reported and constant currency basis.
The following table summarizes the percentage change in our consolidated comparable store sales for the nine months ended December 29, 2018 as compared to the prior fiscal year period:
 
 
% Change
Digital commerce comparable store sales
 
10
%
Comparable store sales excluding digital commerce
 
(1
%)
Total comparable store sales
 
1
%
Our global average store count increased by 30 stores and concession shops during the nine months ended December 29, 2018 compared with the nine months ended December 30, 2017, largely driven by new openings in Asia.

 
55
 

Net revenues for our segments, as well as a discussion of the changes in each reportable segment's net revenues from the comparable prior year period, are provided below:
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
$ Change
 
Foreign Exchange Impact
 
$ Change
 
% Change
 
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
As
Reported
 
 
Constant
Currency
 
As
Reported
 
Constant
Currency
 
 
(millions)
 
 
 
 
Net Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
North America
 
$
2,494.5

 
$
2,471.7

 
$
22.8

 
$
(1.9
)
 
$
24.7

 
0.9
%
 
1.0
%
Europe
 
1,225.0

 
1,165.0

 
60.0

 
4.1

 
55.9

 
5.2
%
 
4.8
%
Asia
 
767.5

 
676.9

 
90.6

 
(2.3
)
 
92.9

 
13.4
%
 
13.7
%
Other non-reportable segments
 
320.3

 
339.5

 
(19.2
)
 
—

 
(19.2
)
 
(5.7
%)
 
(5.7
%)
Total net revenues
 
$
4,807.3

 
$
4,653.1

 
$
154.2

 
$
(0.1
)
 
$
154.3

 
3.3
%
 
3.3
%
North America net revenues — Net revenues increased by $22.8 million during the nine months ended December 29, 2018 as compared to the nine months ended December 30, 2017, including net unfavorable foreign currency effects of $1.9 million. On a constant currency basis, net revenues increased by $24.7 million, or 1.0%.
The $22.8 million net increase in North America net revenues was driven by:
•
a $36.1 million net increase related to our North America retail business, inclusive of net unfavorable foreign currency effects of $1.3 million. On a constant currency basis, net revenues increased by $37.4 million driven by increases of $24.7 million in non-comparable store sales and $12.7 million in comparable store sales. The following table summarizes the percentage change in comparable store sales related to our North America retail business:
 
 
% Change
Digital commerce comparable store sales
 
11
%
Comparable store sales excluding digital commerce
 
(1
%)
Total comparable store sales
 
1
%
This increase was partially offset by a $13.3 million net decrease related to our North America wholesale business, largely driven by a strategic reduction of shipments (including within the off-price channel) and points of distribution in connection with our long-term growth strategy, partially offset by a shift in timing of certain shipments.
Europe net revenues — Net revenues increased by $60.0 million, or 5.2%, during the nine months ended December 29, 2018 as compared to the nine months ended December 30, 2017, including net favorable foreign currency effects of $4.1 million. On a constant currency basis, net revenues increased by $55.9 million, or 4.8%.
The $60.0 million net increase in Europe net revenues was driven by:
•
a $43.4 million net increase related to our Europe wholesale business, primarily driven by a shift in the timing of certain shipments and stronger demand; and
•
a $16.6 million net increase related to our Europe retail business, inclusive of net favorable foreign currency effects of $4.5 million. On a constant currency basis, net revenues increased by $12.1 million driven by an increase of $26.6 million in non-comparable store sales, partially offset by a decrease of $14.5 million in comparable store sales. The following table summarizes the percentage change in comparable store sales related to our Europe retail business:
 
 
% Change
Digital commerce comparable store sales
 
6
%
Comparable store sales excluding digital commerce
 
(3
%)
Total comparable store sales
 
(2
%)

 
56
 

Asia net revenues — Net revenues increased by $90.6 million, or 13.4%, during the nine months ended December 29, 2018 as compared to the nine months ended December 30, 2017, including net unfavorable foreign currency effects of $2.3 million. On a constant currency basis, net revenues increased by $92.9 million, or 13.7%.
The $90.6 million net increase in Asia net revenues was driven by:
•
an $81.7 million net increase related to our Asia retail business, inclusive of net unfavorable foreign currency effects of $1.6 million. On a constant currency basis, net revenues increased by $83.3 million, reflecting increases of $52.3 million in non-comparable store sales driven by new store openings and $31.0 million in comparable store sales. The following table summarizes the percentage change in comparable store sales related to our Asia retail business:
 
 
% Change
Digital commerce comparable store sales
 
60
%
Comparable store sales excluding digital commerce
 
5
%
Total comparable store sales
 
5
%
•
an $8.9 million net increase related to our Asia wholesale business, primarily driven by our expansion in Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia.
Gross Profit.    Gross profit increased by $141.3 million, or 5.0%, to $2.985 billion for the nine months ended December 29, 2018. The increase in gross profit included a net favorable foreign currency effect of $12.6 million. Gross profit as a percentage of net revenues increased to 62.1% for the nine months ended December 29, 2018 from 61.1% for the nine months ended December 30, 2017. The 100 basis point increase was primarily driven by improved pricing and lower levels of promotional activity in connection with our long-term growth strategy, as well as favorable product and geographic mix.
Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses.    SG&A expenses increased by $92.0 million, or 4.1%, to $2.359 billion for the nine months ended December 29, 2018. This increase included a net unfavorable foreign currency effect of $2.1 million. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenues increased to 49.1% for the nine months ended December 29, 2018 from 48.7% for the nine months ended December 30, 2017. The 40 basis point increase was primarily due to our increased marketing investment, new store expansion, and the unfavorable impact attributable to geographic and channel mix, as a greater portion of our revenue was generated by our retail businesses (which typically carry higher operating expense margins). These increases were partially offset by our operational discipline.
The $92.0 million net increase in SG&A expenses was driven by:
 
 
Nine Months Ended December 29, 2018
Compared to
Nine Months Ended December 30, 2017
 
 
(millions)
SG&A expense category:
 
 
Marketing and advertising expenses
 
$
38.5

Selling-related expenses
 
24.7

Compensation-related expenses
 
16.6

Rent and occupancy expenses
 
10.1

Shipping and handling costs
 
8.8

Other
 
(6.7
)
Total change in SG&A expenses
 
$
92.0

Impairment of Assets. During the nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017, we recorded non-cash impairment charges of $13.3 million and $24.8 million, respectively, to write off certain fixed assets related to our domestic and international stores, shop-within-shops, and corporate offices. See Note 7 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 
57
 

Restructuring and Other Charges. During each of the nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017, we recorded restructuring charges of $63.7 million in connection with our restructuring plans, primarily consisting of severance and benefit costs, and lease termination and store closure costs. In addition, during the nine months ended December 29, 2018, we recorded other charges of $14.7 million primarily related to depreciation expense associated with our former Polo store at 711 Fifth Avenue in New York City and our customs audit. During the nine months ended December 30, 2017, we recorded net other charges of $15.0 million primarily related to depreciation expense associated with our former Polo store at 711 Fifth Avenue, the departure of Mr. Stefan Larsson, and the reversal of reserves associated with the settlement of certain non-income tax issues. See Note 8 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Operating Income.    Operating income increased by $61.1 million, or 12.9%, to $533.9 million for the nine months ended December 29, 2018. Our operating results during the nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017 were negatively impacted by restructuring-related charges, impairment of assets, and certain other charges totaling $94.8 million and $104.8 million, respectively, as previously discussed. The increase in operating income also included a net favorable foreign currency effect of $10.5 million. Operating income as a percentage of net revenues increased to 11.1% for the nine months ended December 29, 2018 from 10.2% for the nine months ended December 30, 2017. The 90 basis point increase was primarily driven by the increase in our gross profit margin, partially offset by the increase in SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenues, all as previously discussed.
Operating income and margin for our segments, as well as a discussion of the changes in each reportable segment's operating margin from the comparable prior year period, are provided below:
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
 
 
December 29, 2018
 
December 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
Operating
Income
 
Operating
Margin
 
Operating
Income
 
Operating
Margin
 
$
Change
 
Margin
Change
 
(millions)
 
 
 
(millions)
 
 
 
(millions)
 
 
Segment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
North America
 
$
574.0

 
23.0%
 
$
549.3

 
22.2%
 
$
24.7

 
80 bps
Europe
 
291.9

 
23.8%
 
273.6

 
23.5%
 
18.3

 
30 bps
Asia
 
123.3

 
16.1%
 
101.0

 
14.9%
 
22.3

 
120 bps
Other non-reportable segments
 
97.9

 
30.6%
 
96.9

 
28.6%
 
1.0

 
200 bps
 
 
1,087.1

 
 
 
1,020.8

 
 
 
66.3

 
 
Unallocated corporate expenses
 
(474.8
)
 
 
 
(469.3
)
 
 
 
(5.5
)
 
 
Unallocated restructuring and other charges
 
(78.4
)
 
 
 
(78.7
)
 
 
 
0.3

 
 
Total operating income
 
$
533.9

 
11.1%
 
$
472.8

 
10.2%
 
$
61.1

 
90 bps
North America operating margin improved by 80 basis points, primarily due to the favorable impact of 60 basis points related to our wholesale business, largely driven by a decline in SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenues and an increase in our gross profit margin. The remaining 20 basis point increase in operating margin related to our retail business, largely driven by an increase in our gross margin, partially offset by an increase in SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenues.
Europe operating margin improved by 30 basis points, primarily due to the favorable impacts of 110 basis points related to foreign currency effects and 20 basis points related to our retail business, largely driven by an increase in our gross profit margin. Partially offsetting these increases in our operating margin was a 100 basis point decline related to our wholesale business, largely driven by a decrease in our gross profit margin.
Asia operating margin improved by 120 basis points, primarily due to the favorable impacts of 100 basis points related to our retail business and 50 basis points related to our wholesale business, both largely driven by a decline in SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenues. These increases in operating margin were partially offset by unfavorable foreign currency effects of 30 basis points.
Unallocated corporate expenses increased slightly by $5.5 million to $474.8 million during the nine months ended December 29, 2018. The increase in unallocated corporate expenses was primarily due to higher consulting fees of $13.1 million and higher marketing and advertising expenses of $12.8 million, partially offset by lower impairment of asset charges of $10.6 million and lower compensation-related expenses of $9.8 million.

 
58
 

Unallocated restructuring and other charges decreased slightly by $0.3 million to $78.4 million during the nine months ended December 29, 2018, as previously discussed above and in Note 8 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Non-operating Income (Expense), Net. During the nine months ended December 29, 2018, we reported non-operating income, net, of $13.3 million, as compared to non-operating expense, net, of $8.5 million during the nine months ended December 30, 2017. The $21.8 million improvement was primarily driven by higher interest income of $21.9 million due to the increased balance of our investment portfolio, as well as a favorable shift to higher interest rate environments attributable to recent cash repatriations from our foreign subsidiaries.
Income Tax Provision.    The income tax provision and effective tax rate for the nine months ended December 29, 2018 were $147.9 million and 27.0%, respectively, as compared to $342.8 million and 73.8%, respectively, for the nine months ended December 30, 2017. The $194.9 million decrease in the income tax provision was primarily due to lower TCJA enactment-related charges recorded during the nine months ended December 29, 2018 as compared to the prior fiscal year period, partially offset by the increase in pretax income. During the nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017, we recorded TCJA enactment-related charges of $27.6 million and $231.3 million, respectively, which increased our effective tax rates by 500 basis points and 4,980 basis points, respectively. In addition to this 4,480 basis point improvement attributable to lower TCJA enactment-related charges recorded, the decline in our effective tax rate also reflected the net favorable impact of 200 basis points primarily due to a net favorable change related to tax effects of stock-based compensation award settlements.
Net Income.    Net income increased to $399.3 million for the nine months ended December 29, 2018, from $121.5 million for the nine months ended December 30, 2017. The $277.8 million increase in net income was primarily due to the decrease in our income tax provision and the increase in operating income, both as previously discussed. Net income during the nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017 reflected TCJA enactment-related charges of $27.6 million and $231.3 million, respectively, as previously discussed. Our operating results during the nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017 were also negatively impacted by restructuring-related charges, impairment of assets, and certain other charges totaling $94.8 million and $104.8 million, respectively, which had an after-tax effect of reducing net income by $75.2 million and $69.8 million, respectively.
Net Income per Diluted Share.    Net income per diluted share increased to $4.85 for the nine months ended December 29, 2018, from $1.47 for the nine months ended December 30, 2017. The $3.38 per share increase was due to the higher level of net income, as previously discussed, and lower weighted-average diluted shares outstanding during the nine months ended December 29, 2018 driven by our share repurchases during the last twelve months. Net income per diluted share for the nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017 were negatively impacted by $0.34 per share and $2.80 per share, respectively, as a result of TCJA enactment-related charges. Net income per diluted share for the nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017 were also negatively impacted by $0.91 per share and $0.85 per share, respectively, as a result of restructuring-related charges, impairment of assets, and certain other charges, as previously discussed.

 
59
 

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY
Financial Condition 
The following table presents our financial condition as of December 29, 2018 and March 31, 2018:
 
 
December 29,
2018
 
March 31,
2018
 
$
Change
 
 
(millions)
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
680.5

 
$
1,304.6

 
$
(624.1
)
Short-term investments
 
1,382.5

 
699.4

 
683.1

Non-current investments(a)
 
45.7

 
86.2

 
(40.5
)
Short-term debt(b)
 
—

 
(10.1
)
 
10.1

Current portion of long-term debt(b)
 
—

 
(298.1
)
 
298.1

Long-term debt(b)
 
(686.8
)
 
(288.0
)
 
(398.8
)
Net cash and investments(c) 
 
$
1,421.9

 
$
1,494.0

 
$
(72.1
)
Equity
 
$
3,353.9

 
$
3,457.4

 
$
(103.5
)
 
(a) 
Recorded within other non-current assets in our consolidated balance sheets.
(b) 
See Note 10 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for discussion of the carrying values of our debt.
(c) 
"Net cash and investments" is defined as cash and cash equivalents, plus short-term and non-current investments, less total debt.
The decrease in our net cash and investments position at December 29, 2018 as compared to March 31, 2018 was primarily due to our use of cash to support Class A common stock repurchases of $431.9 million, including withholdings in satisfaction of tax obligations for stock-based compensation awards, to invest in our business through $149.2 million in capital expenditures, and to make dividend payments of $141.6 million, as well as the unfavorable effect of exchange rate changes on our cash and cash equivalents of $20.6 million, partially offset by our operating cash flows of $683.1 million.
The decrease in equity was primarily attributable to our share repurchase activity and dividends declared, partially offset by our comprehensive income and the impact of stock-based compensation arrangements during the nine months ended December 29, 2018.
Cash Flows
The following table details our cash flows for the nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017:
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
 
December 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
 
$
Change
 
 
(millions)
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
$
683.1

 
$
951.1

 
$
(268.0
)
Net cash used in investing activities
 
(810.1
)
 
(317.8
)
 
(492.3
)
Net cash used in financing activities
 
(481.1
)
 
(158.7
)
 
(322.4
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
 
(23.9
)
 
36.8

 
(60.7
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
 
$
(632.0
)
 
$
511.4

 
$
(1,143.4
)

 
60
 

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities.    Net cash provided by operating activities decreased to $683.1 million during the nine months ended December 29, 2018, as compared to $951.1 million during the nine months ended December 30, 2017. The $268.0 million net decline in cash provided by operating activities was due to a net unfavorable change related to our operating assets and liabilities, including our working capital, as compared to the prior fiscal year period, partially offset by an increase in net income before non-cash charges. The net unfavorable change related to our operating assets and liabilities, including our working capital, was primarily driven by:
•
an unfavorable change related to our income tax payable, largely a result of the decrease in charges recorded in connection with the TCJA's mandatory transition tax as compared to the prior year period;
•
a year-over-year increase in our inventory levels largely due to the timing of certain inventory receipts, as well as to support our revenue growth;
•
an unfavorable change related to accrued expenses and other current liabilities largely driven by fluctuations associated with our derivative instruments; and
•
unfavorable changes related to our accounts receivable and prepaid expenses and other current assets, largely driven by the timing of cash receipts and payments, respectively.
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities.    Net cash used in investing activities was $810.1 million during the nine months ended December 29, 2018, as compared to $317.8 million during the nine months ended December 30, 2017. The $492.3 million net increase in cash used in investing activities was primarily driven by:
•
a $462.4 million increase in purchases of investments, less proceeds from sales and maturities of investments. During the nine months ended December 29, 2018, we made net investment purchases of $652.6 million, as compared to $190.2 million during the nine months ended December 30, 2017;
•
a $26.2 million increase in capital expenditures. During the nine months ended December 29, 2018, we spent $149.2 million on capital expenditures, as compared to $123.0 million during the nine months ended December 30, 2017. Our capital expenditures during the nine months ended December 29, 2018 primarily related to new store openings, retail and department store renovations, and enhancements to our information technology systems; and
•
a $23.8 million increase in payments to settle net investment hedges.
These increases in cash used in investing activities were partially offset by cash proceeds of $20.0 million from the sale of one of our distribution centers in North America during the nine months ended December 29, 2018.
We currently expect to spend approximately $250 million in capital expenditures during Fiscal 2019, lower than our previous estimate of $275 million as we shift certain capital investments into Fiscal 2020.
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities.    Net cash used in financing activities was $481.1 million during the nine months ended December 29, 2018, as compared to $158.7 million during the nine months ended December 30, 2017. The $322.4 million net increase in cash used in financing activities was primarily driven by:
•
a $416.0 million increase in cash used to repurchase shares of our Class A common stock. During the nine months ended December 29, 2018, we used $400.0 million to repurchase shares of Class A common stock pursuant to our common stock repurchase program, and an additional $31.9 million in shares of Class A common stock were surrendered or withheld in satisfaction of withholding taxes in connection with the vesting of awards under our long-term stock incentive plans. On a comparative basis, during the nine months ended December 30, 2017, $15.9 million in shares of Class A common stock were surrendered or withheld for taxes; and
•
a $19.9 million increase in payments of dividends, driven by an increase to the quarterly cash dividend per share (as discussed within "Dividends" below). Dividends paid amounted to $141.6 million and $121.7 million during the nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017, respectively.

 
61
 

These increases in cash used in financing activities were partially offset by:
•
an $88.2 million increase in cash proceeds from the issuance of debt, less debt repayments. During the nine months ended December 29, 2018, we received $398.1 million in proceeds from our issuance of 3.750% unsecured senior notes in August 2018, a portion of which was used to repay $300.0 million of our 2.125% unsecured senior notes that matured in September 2018. Additionally, during the nine months ended December 29, 2018, we repaid $9.9 million of borrowings previously outstanding under our credit facilities. On a comparative basis, during the nine months ended December 30, 2017, we did not issue or repay any debt; and
•
a $21.7 million increase in proceeds from exercise of stock options.
Sources of Liquidity
Our primary sources of liquidity are the cash flows generated from our operations, our available cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments, availability under our credit facilities and commercial paper program, and other available financing options.
During the nine months ended December 29, 2018, we generated $683.1 million of net cash flows from our operations. As of December 29, 2018, we had $2.063 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments, of which $699.5 million were held by our subsidiaries domiciled outside the U.S. We are not dependent on foreign cash to fund our domestic operations. Given recent changes to the taxation of undistributed foreign earnings in connection with the TCJA (as discussed within "Recent Developments"), we have reevaluated our permanent reinvestment assertion and determined that undistributed foreign earnings that were subject to the TCJA's one-time mandatory transition tax were no longer considered to be permanently reinvested, effective December 31, 2017. In connection with this decision, we repatriated $252 million of cash to the U.S. from certain of our foreign subsidiaries during the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2018, and we repatriated an additional $672 million during the nine months ended December 29, 2018, all of which relate to earnings previously taxed under the TCJA. The mandatory transition tax does not apply to undistributed foreign earnings generated after December 31, 2017, and therefore we intend to permanently reinvest any such earnings. However, if our plans change and we choose to repatriate post-2017 earnings to the U.S. in the future, we would be subject to applicable U.S. and foreign taxes.
The following table presents our total availability, borrowings outstanding, and remaining availability under our credit facilities and Commercial Paper Program as of December 29, 2018:
 
 
December 29, 2018
Description(a)
 
Total
Availability
 
Borrowings
Outstanding
 
Remaining
Availability
 
 
(millions)
Global Credit Facility and Commercial Paper Program(b)
 
$
500

 
$
10

(c) 
$
490

Pan-Asia Credit Facilities
 
34

 
—

 
34

 
(a) 
As defined in Note 10 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
(b) 
Borrowings under the Commercial Paper Program are supported by the Global Credit Facility. Accordingly, we do not expect combined borrowings outstanding under the Commercial Paper Program and the Global Credit Facility to exceed $500 million.
(c) 
Represents outstanding letters of credit for which we were contingently liable under the Global Credit Facility as of December 29, 2018.
We believe that our Global Credit Facility is adequately diversified with no undue concentration in any one financial institution. In particular, as of December 29, 2018, there were nine financial institutions participating in the Global Credit Facility, with no one participant maintaining a maximum commitment percentage in excess of 20%. Borrowings under the Pan-Asia Credit Facilities are guaranteed by the parent company and are granted at the sole discretion of the participating regional branches of JPMorgan Chase (the "Banks"), subject to availability of the Banks' funds and satisfaction of certain regulatory requirements. We have no reason to believe that the participating institutions will be unable to fulfill their obligations to provide financing in accordance with the terms of the Global Credit Facility and the Pan-Asia Credit Facilities in the event of our election to draw funds in the foreseeable future.

 
62
 

Our sources of liquidity are used to fund our ongoing cash requirements, including working capital requirements, global retail store and digital commerce expansion, construction and renovation of shop-within-shops, investment in infrastructure, including technology, acquisitions, joint ventures, payment of dividends, debt repayments, Class A common stock repurchases, settlement of contingent liabilities (including uncertain tax positions), and other corporate activities, including our restructuring actions. We believe that our existing sources of cash, the availability under our credit facilities, and our ability to access capital markets will be sufficient to support our operating, capital, and debt service requirements for the foreseeable future, the ongoing development of our businesses, and our plans for further business expansion.
See Note 10 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements and Note 11 of the Fiscal 2018 10-K for detailed disclosure of the terms and conditions of our credit facilities.
Common Stock Repurchase Program
On June 4, 2018, our Board of Directors approved an expansion of our existing common stock repurchase program that allows us to repurchase up to an additional $1.000 billion of Class A Common stock. As of December 29, 2018, the remaining availability under our Class A common stock repurchase program was approximately $700 million. Repurchases of shares of Class A common stock are subject to overall business and market conditions.
See Note 14 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for additional information relating to our Class A common stock repurchase program.
Dividends
Since 2003, we have maintained a regular quarterly cash dividend program on our common stock. On June 4, 2018 our Board of Directors approved an increase to the quarterly cash dividend on our common stock from $0.50 to $0.625 per share.
We intend to continue to pay regular quarterly dividends on our outstanding common stock. However, any decision to declare and pay dividends in the future will be made at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on our results of operations, cash requirements, financial condition, and other factors that the Board of Directors may deem relevant.
See Note 14 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for additional information relating to our quarterly cash dividend program.
Debt and Covenant Compliance
In August 2015, we completed a registered public debt offering and issued $300 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior notes due August 18, 2020, which bear interest at a fixed rate of 2.625%, payable semi-annually (the "2.625% Senior Notes"). In August 2018, we completed another registered public debt offering and issued an additional $400 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior notes due September 15, 2025, which bear interest at a fixed rate of 3.750%, payable semi-annually (the "3.750% Senior Notes").
The indenture and supplemental indentures governing the 2.625% Senior Notes and 3.750% Senior Notes (as supplemented, the "Indenture") contain certain covenants that restrict our ability, subject to specified exceptions, to incur certain liens; enter into sale and leaseback transactions; consolidate or merge with another party; or sell, lease, or convey all or substantially all of our property or assets to another party. However, the Indenture does not contain any financial covenants.
The Global Credit Facility contains a number of covenants, as described in Note 10 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements. As of December 29, 2018, no Event of Default (as such term is defined pursuant to the Global Credit Facility) has occurred under our Global Credit Facility. The Pan-Asia Credit Facilities do not contain any financial covenants.
See Note 10 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements and Note 11 of the Fiscal 2018 10-K for additional information relating to our debt and covenant compliance.

 
63
 

Contractual and Other Obligations
During the first quarter of Fiscal 2019, we entered into a 16-year lease with optional renewal periods for a new corporate office in New Jersey, which we expect to take possession of during our fiscal year 2020. Additionally, during the third quarter of Fiscal 2019, we amended an existing lease agreement for a corporate office in New York City, whereby we expanded the square footage to be leased and extended the lease term through December 31, 2029, with optional renewal periods. The following table summarizes our future minimum rental payments relating to these lease agreements:
 
 
Remainder of
Fiscal 2019
 
Fiscal
2020-2021
 
Fiscal
2022-2023
 
Fiscal 2024
and Thereafter
 
Total
 
 
(millions)
Minimum lease payments(a)
 
$
—

 
$
29.6

 
$
55.2

 
$
261.8

 
$
346.6

 
(a) 
Excludes future minimum rental payments related to the original lease term and space for the corporate office in New York City, which were included in the minimum lease payments disclosed in the Fiscal 2018 10-K, as referenced below.
Refer to the "Financial Condition and Liquidity — Contractual and Other Obligations" section of the MD&A in our Fiscal 2018 10-K for detailed disclosure of our other commitments and contractual obligations as of March 31, 2018.
MARKET RISK MANAGEMENT
As discussed in Note 13 of the Fiscal 2018 10-K and Note 12 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements, we are exposed to a variety of risks, including changes in foreign currency exchange rates relating to foreign currency-denominated balances, certain anticipated cash flows from our international operations, and possible declines in the value of reported net assets of our foreign operations, as well as changes in the fair value of our fixed-rate debt obligations relating to changes in interest rates. Consequently, at times, in the normal course of business, we employ established policies and procedures, including the use of derivative financial instruments, to manage such risks. We do not enter into derivative transactions for speculative or trading purposes.
As a result of the use of derivative instruments, we are exposed to the risk that counterparties to our contracts will fail to meet their contractual obligations. To mitigate this counterparty credit risk, we have a policy of only entering into contracts with carefully selected financial institutions based upon an evaluation of their credit ratings and certain other factors, adhering to established limits for credit exposure. Our established policies and procedures for mitigating credit risk from derivative transactions include ongoing review and assessment of the creditworthiness of our counterparties. We also enter into master netting arrangements with counterparties, when possible, to mitigate credit risk associated with our derivative instruments. As a result of the above considerations, we do not believe that we are exposed to any undue concentration of counterparty risk with respect to our derivative contracts as of December 29, 2018. However, we do have in aggregate $21.5 million of derivative instruments in net asset positions with seven creditworthy financial institutions.
Foreign Currency Risk Management
We manage our exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates through the use of forward foreign currency exchange and cross-currency swap contracts. See Note 12 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for a summary of the notional amounts and fair values of our forward foreign currency exchange and cross-currency swap contracts outstanding as of December 29, 2018.
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts
We enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts as hedges to reduce our risk related to exchange rate fluctuations on inventory transactions made in an entity's non-functional currency, intercompany royalty payments made by certain of our international operations, the settlement of foreign currency-denominated balances, and the translation of certain foreign operations' net assets into U.S. Dollars. As part of our overall strategy to manage the level of exposure to the risk of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, primarily to changes in the value of the Euro, the Japanese Yen, the South Korean Won, the Australian Dollar, the Canadian Dollar, the British Pound Sterling, the Swiss Franc, the Swedish Krona, the Chinese Renminbi, the New Taiwan Dollar, and the Hong Kong Dollar, we hedge a portion of our foreign currency exposures anticipated over a two-year period. In

 
64
 

doing so, we use forward foreign currency exchange contracts that generally have maturities of two months to two years to provide continuing coverage throughout the hedging period of the respective exposure.
Our foreign exchange risk management activities are governed by our Company's established policies and procedures. These policies and procedures provide a framework that allows for the management of currency exposures while ensuring the activities are conducted within our established guidelines. Our policies include guidelines for the organizational structure of our risk management function and for internal controls over foreign exchange risk management activities, including, but not limited to, authorization levels, transaction limits, and credit quality controls, as well as various measurements for monitoring compliance. We monitor foreign exchange risk using different techniques, including a periodic review of market values and sensitivity analyses.
Cross-Currency Swap Contracts
During our fiscal year ended April 2, 2016 ("Fiscal 2016"), we entered into two pay-floating rate, receive-floating rate cross-currency swaps, with notional amounts of €280 million and €274 million, which we designated as hedges of our net investment in certain of our European subsidiaries. The €280 million notional cross-currency swap, which was settled during the second quarter of Fiscal 2019, swapped the U.S. Dollar-denominated variable interest rate payments based on the 3-month London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus a fixed spread (as paid under the 2.125% Interest Rate Swap discussed below) for Euro-denominated variable interest rate payments based on the 3-month Euro Interbank Offered Rate ("EURIBOR") plus a fixed spread, which, in conjunction with the 2.125% Interest Rate Swap, economically converted our previously-outstanding $300 million fixed-rate 2.125% Senior Notes obligation to a €280 million floating-rate Euro-denominated obligation. Similarly, the €274 million notional cross-currency swap, which matures on August 18, 2020, swaps the U.S. Dollar-denominated variable interest rate payments based on 3-month LIBOR plus a fixed spread (as paid under the 2.625% Interest Rate Swap discussed below) for Euro-denominated variable interest rate payments based on 3-month EURIBOR plus a fixed spread, which, in conjunction with the 2.625% Interest Rate Swap, economically converts our $300 million fixed-rate 2.625% Senior Notes obligation to a €274 million floating-rate Euro-denominated obligation.
Additionally, in August 2018, we entered into pay-fixed rate, receive-fixed rate cross-currency swap contracts with an aggregate notional amount of €346 million which we designated as hedges of our net investment in certain of our European subsidiaries. These contracts, which mature on September 15, 2025, swap the U.S. Dollar-denominated fixed interest rate payments on our 3.750% Senior Notes for Euro-denominated 1.29% fixed interest rate payments, thereby economically converting our $400 million fixed-rate 3.750% Senior Notes obligation to a €346 million fixed-rate 1.29% Euro-denominated obligation.
See Note 3 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for further discussion of our foreign currency exposures, and the types of derivative instruments used to hedge those exposures.
Interest Rate Risk Management
During Fiscal 2016, we entered into two pay-floating rate, receive-fixed rate interest rate swap contracts which we designated as hedges against changes in the respective fair values of our previously-outstanding fixed-rate 2.125% Senior Notes and our fixed-rate 2.625% Senior Notes attributed to changes in the benchmark interest rate. The interest rate swap related to the 2.125% Senior Notes (the "2.125% Interest Rate Swap"), which matured on September 26, 2018 in conjunction with the maturity of the related debt, had a notional amount of $300 million and swapped the fixed interest rate on the 2.125% Senior Notes for a variable interest rate based on 3-month LIBOR plus a fixed spread. The interest rate swap related to the 2.625% Senior Notes (the "2.625% Interest Rate Swap"), which matures on August 18, 2020 and also has a notional amount of $300 million, swaps the fixed interest rate on the 2.625% Senior Notes for a variable interest rate based on 3-month LIBOR plus a fixed spread.
Investment Risk Management
As of December 29, 2018, we had cash and cash equivalents on-hand of $680.5 million, consisting of deposits in interest bearing accounts, investments in money market deposit accounts, and investments in time deposits and commercial paper with original maturities of 90 days or less. Our other significant investments included $1.383 billion of short-term investments, consisting of investments in time deposits and commercial paper with original maturities greater than 90 days; $43.0 million of restricted cash placed in escrow with certain banks as collateral, primarily to secure guarantees in connection with certain international tax matters and real estate leases; and $45.7 million of investments with maturities greater than one year, consisting of time deposits.

 
65
 

We actively monitor our exposure to changes in the fair value of our global investment portfolio in accordance with our established policies and procedures, which include monitoring both general and issuer-specific economic conditions, as discussed further below. Our investment objectives include capital preservation, maintaining adequate liquidity, diversification to minimize liquidity and credit risk, and achievement of maximum returns within the guidelines set forth in our investment policy. See Note 12 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for further detail of the composition of our investment portfolio as of December 29, 2018.
We evaluate investments held in unrealized loss positions, if any, for other-than-temporary impairment on a quarterly basis. This evaluation involves a variety of considerations, including assessments of risks and uncertainties associated with general economic conditions and distinct conditions affecting specific issuers. We consider the following factors: (i) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been below cost, (ii) the financial condition, credit worthiness, and near-term prospects of the issuer, (iii) the length of time to maturity, (iv) anticipated future economic conditions and market forecasts, (v) our intent and ability to retain our investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for recovery of market value, and (vi) an assessment of whether it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell our investment before recovery of market value. No material realized or unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale investments or other-than-temporary impairment charges were recorded in any of the fiscal periods presented.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 3 of the Fiscal 2018 10-K. Our estimates are often based on complex judgments, assessments of probability, and assumptions that management believes to be reasonable, but that are inherently uncertain and unpredictable. It is also possible that other professionals, applying reasonable judgment to the same set of facts and circumstances, could develop and support a range of alternative estimated amounts. For a complete discussion of our critical accounting policies, see the "Critical Accounting Policies" section of the MD&A in our Fiscal 2018 10-K.
There have been no significant changes in the application of our critical accounting policies since March 31, 2018.
Goodwill Impairment Assessment
We performed our annual goodwill impairment assessment using a qualitative approach as of the beginning of the second quarter of Fiscal 2019. In performing the assessment, we identified and considered the significance of relevant key factors, events, and circumstances that affected the fair values and/or carrying amounts of our reporting units with allocated goodwill. These factors included external factors such as macroeconomic, industry, and market conditions, as well as entity-specific factors, such as our actual and expected financial performance. Additionally, the results of our most recent quantitative goodwill impairment test indicated that the fair values of these reporting units significantly exceeded their respective carrying values. Based on the results of our qualitative goodwill impairment assessment, we concluded that it is not more likely than not that the fair values of our reporting units are less than their respective carrying values, and there were no reporting units at risk of impairment.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
See Note 4 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for a description of certain recently issued or proposed accounting standards which have impacted our consolidated financial statements, or may impact our consolidated financial statements in future reporting periods.

 
66
 

Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
For a discussion of the Company's exposure to market risk, see "Market Risk Management" presented in Part I, Item 2 — MD&A of this Form 10-Q and incorporated herein by reference.
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures.
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
We carried out an evaluation based on criteria established in the Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 Framework) under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Based on that evaluation, our principal executive and principal financial officers have concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level as of December 29, 2018.
There has been no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter ended December 29, 2018 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings.
Reference is made to the information disclosed under Item 3 — "Legal Proceedings" in the Fiscal 2018 10-K.
Item 1A.
Risk Factors.
Reference is made to the information disclosed under Part I, Item 1A — "Risk Factors" in the Fiscal 2018 10-K, which contains a detailed discussion of certain risk factors that could materially adversely affect the Company's business, operating results, and/or financial condition. There are no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed, nor has the Company identified any previously undisclosed risks that could materially adversely affect the Company's business, operating results, and/or financial condition.
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
(a)
Sales of Unregistered Securities
Shares of the Company's Class B Common Stock may be converted immediately into Class A Common Stock on a one-for-one basis by the holder. There is no cash or other consideration paid by the holder converting the shares and, accordingly, there is no cash or other consideration received by the Company. The shares of Class A Common Stock issued by the Company in such conversions are exempt from registration pursuant to Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
No shares of the Company's Class B common stock were converted into Class A common stock during the three months ended December 29, 2018.
(b)
Not Applicable

 
67
 

(c)
Stock Repurchases
The following table sets forth the repurchases of shares of the Company's Class A common stock during the three months ended December 29, 2018:
 
Total  Number of Shares Purchased
 
Average Price Paid per Share
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
 
Approximate Dollar  Value of Shares That May Yet be Purchased Under the  Plans or Programs(a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(millions)
September 30, 2018 to October 27, 2018
—

 
$
—

 
—

 
$
907

October 28, 2018 to December 1, 2018
1,044,425

 
119.23

 
1,044,425

 
783

December 2, 2018 to December 29, 2018
780,613

(b) 
106.95

 
777,281

 
700

 
1,825,038

 
 
 
1,821,706

 
 
 
(a) 
Repurchases of shares of Class A common stock are subject to overall business and market conditions.
(b) 
Includes 3,332 shares surrendered to or withheld by the Company in satisfaction of withholding taxes in connection with the vesting of awards issued under its long-term stock incentive plans.
Item 6.
Exhibits.
3.1
3.2
3.3
10.1*
10.2*
10.3*
31.1*
31.2*
32.1*
32.2*
101*
Interactive data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 29, 2018 and March 31, 2018, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine-month periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017, and (v) the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
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.
 
 
*
Filed herewith.
†
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

 
68
 

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.
 
  
RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
 
 
 
 
By:
/S/    JANE HAMILTON NIELSEN        
 
 
Jane Hamilton Nielsen
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
 
 
Date: February 7, 2019
 
 


 
69
 
Exhibit

EXHIBIT 10.1















https://cdn.kscope.io/63bc708c562f68c71496af51249713c6-rllogoa03.jpg
Performance Share Unit Awards
Fiscal 2019 - Overview


























[DATE]

 
 
 

This Overview is qualified in its entirety by reference to the On-Line Grant Agreements that were distributed to eligible participants on [DATE] (the “On-Line Grant Agreements”), the Memorandum to Participants in the Ralph Lauren Corporation 2010 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan and to the Plan itself. Copies of the Memorandum and the Plan are available from your People and Development Department.
OVERVIEW
The Ralph Lauren Corporation (the “Company”) 2010 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) authorizes the Compensation & Organizational Development Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Compensation Committee”) to grant equity awards to officers and other employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates.
As determined by the Compensation Committee, the Company may grant one or more types of stock awards. This Overview describes one type of stock award - Performance Share Units (PSU).
A PSU award provides the participant with the opportunity to receive shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock (traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol RL) at a later date contingent upon continued service with the Company.
AWARD OBJECTIVES
Objectives of PSUs are to:
1.
Attract and retain exceptional individuals of superior talent
2.
Motivate such individuals to achieve longer-range performance
3.
Enable such individuals to participate in the long-term growth and financial success of the Company
PLAN ADMINISTRATION
The Company’s People and Development Department administers the program and Merrill Lynch Wealth Management (“Merrill Lynch”) is the recordkeeper. Participants must have an open brokerage account at Merrill Lynch in order to facilitate distribution of shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock upon the vesting of PSUs. To open a brokerage account, or for questions regarding your account and account transactions, contact Merrill Lynch at (212) 236-5574 or (877) 765-7656.
The Company’s Board of Directors reserves the right to amend, modify or terminate the Plan at any time, subject to stockholder approval, if required. No such amendment to the Plan would adversely affect any PSU awards then outstanding.
Nothing contained herein may be construed as creating a promise of future benefits or a binding contract with the Company. Further, an individual’s employment continues to be at will, subject to any applicable employment agreement.
For questions regarding the Plan and its provisions, contact People and Development.
ELIGIBILITY FOR GRANT
Equity awards, including PSU awards, may be granted annually to designated, key executives who have a significant impact on the strategic direction and business results of the Company, and who are actively employed on April 1 of the year when the grant is made.
Guidelines have been established for the number and type of equity awards that eligible participants may receive. The guidelines reflect a position’s scope, accountability and impact on the organization, and may also reflect changes in the value of the Company’s Class A Common Stock.

 
 
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Fiscal 2019 PSU Overview
 
 
 

Please note that the guidelines do not constitute a guarantee that any specific individual will receive an equity award in any given or subsequent year, or guarantee the type or the size of any grant, if a grant is made.
An eligible employee who receives an Unsatisfactory (U) rating
on their annual performance appraisal is not eligible for an equity award
in the fiscal year following that performance appraisal period. An employee who receives a Below
 Expectations (B) performance rating will be eligible for an equity award based on manager discretion.
PERFORMANCE MEASURES FOR PSU VESTING
The Company’s performance measure(s) are set by the Compensation Committee at the time of grant from a list of performance criteria set forth in the Plan. Such measure(s) may include, for example, one or more of the following:
▪
Net Earnings or Net Income (before or after taxes)
▪
Basic or Diluted Earnings Per Share (before or after taxes)
▪
Net Operating Profit (before or after taxes)
▪
Net Revenue or Net Revenue Growth
▪
Gross Profit or Gross Profit Growth
▪
Return Measures (including but not limited to Return on Assets, Investments, Capital)
▪
Other measures of economic value added or other value creation metrics
FISCAL 2019 GRANT PERFORMANCE MEASURES, PERFORMANCE LEVELS AND VESTING
The Company performance measures for fiscal 2019 PSU awards are Cumulative Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) for fiscal years 2019-2021 and Relative Total Shareholder Return (TSR) for fiscal years 2019-2021. Half of your PSU award value will be in the form of PSUs with the ROIC measure and half of your PSU award value will be in the form of PSUs with the Relative TSR measure. Vesting of PSUs, and the distribution of the Company’s Class A Common Stock, will occur after the end of Fiscal 2021, as soon as administratively practical following certification of achievement of the performance goals by the Compensation Committee. The vesting date typically occurs in June of each year, but may be earlier or later.
Below is the three-year cumulative ROIC target and payout range.                 
Performance
Level
% of Goal
Achieved
Goal
% of Target
PSUs Vested
Threshold
90%
[ ]%
50%
Target
100%
[ ]%
100%
Maximum
110%
[ ]%
200%
Note: PSU vesting is interpolated for performance between 90% - 110% of target
No payout will be earned for performance below Threshold




 
 
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Fiscal 2019 PSU Overview
 
 
 

The Relative TSR comparator group and payout range are outlined below.
Comparator Group for TSR
Dillard's, Inc.
Nordstrom, Inc.
Tiffany & Co.
The Gap, Inc.
PVH Corp.
Under Armour, Inc.
L Brands, Inc.
RH (Restoration Hardware, Inc.)
Urban Outfitters, Inc.
Macy's, Inc.
Tapestry, Inc. (Coach/Kate Spade)
V.F. Corporation
Michael Kors Holdings Limited
The TJX Companies, Inc.
Williams-Sonoma, Inc.
Nike, Inc.
 
 
Performance
Level
Relative TSR
Performance
% of Target
PSUs Vested
Below Threshold
<30th Percentile
0%
Threshold
30th Percentile
50%
Target
50th Percentile
100%
Stretch
70th Percentile
150%
Maximum
90th Percentile
200%
Note: The number of PSUs earned are interpolated on a linear basis for performance between Threshold and Target, between Target and Stretch, and between Target and Maximum
If Threshold or better performance is achieved, and the participant has had continuous service with the Company through the vesting date, shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock will be distributed to participants upon the vesting of PSUs. Upon vesting, the participant will own the shares and as a shareholder of the Company’s Class A Common Stock, will have voting rights and will receive dividends, if applicable, on such shares. Prior to the vesting date, dividends are not earned on PSUs and the participant does not have voting rights. If performance is below Threshold at the end of the performance period, all PSUs granted for that award will be forfeited.
PSUs granted in fiscal 2019 are scheduled to vest after fiscal 2021, subject to the Company’s achievement of the cumulative performance goals specified, and the participant’s continuous service with the Company.
A participant is awarded a target number of PSUs on grant date. Applicable Threshold, Target and Maximum levels of Company financial performance are established at the beginning of the performance period for each PSU award.
Once a PSU award is granted, the performance measure(s), performance goals, vesting and payout schedule will not be modified during the term for that particular award. However, in determining performance against the goals, the Company’s results may be adjusted to exclude the effects of certain events and transactions as specified by the Compensation Committee at the time of grant. For any future awards, the Compensation Committee may change the performance measure(s), goals, vesting, and payout schedule(s).

 
 
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Fiscal 2019 PSU Overview
 
 
 

EXAMPLE OF PERFORMANCE LEVEL, VESTING AND PAYOUT FOR PSU WITH ROIC MEASURE
Grant Date
# PSUs
Granted
Performance
Period
Vesting
Date1
Performance
Level 2
Vested
Percentage 2
# Shares
Vested
FY19 (August 2018)
1,500
FY19 - FY21
FY21 (June 2021)
110%
200%
3,000
100%
100%
1,500
90%
50%
750
1Vesting typically occurs in June, but may be earlier or later
2 Example is hypothetical and is not a forecast of future performance and payout percentages

EXAMPLE OF PERFORMANCE LEVEL, VESTING AND PAYOUT FOR PSU WITH RELATIVE TSR MEASURE
Grant Date
# PSUs
Granted
Performance
Period
Vesting
Date1
Performance
Level 2
Vested
Percentage 2
# Shares
Vested
FY19 (August 2018)
1,000
FY19 - FY21
FY21 (June 2021)
90th Percentile
200%
2,000
50th Percentile
100%
1,000
30th Percentile
50%
500
1Vesting typically occurs in June, but may be earlier or later
2 Example is hypothetical and is not a forecast of future performance and payout percentages
In the U.S. and in many other jurisdictions, vesting of PSUs and the delivery of shares of Class A Common Stock is a taxable event. When shares are distributed, a portion of the shares are withheld to satisfy withholding requirements, and the net shares are delivered to participants in their Merrill Lynch account.
VALUE OF PERFORMANCE SHARE UNITS
If Threshold or better performance against the applicable goal is achieved, PSUs can provide participants with ownership of the Company’s Class A Common Stock and offer the opportunity to recognize value in several ways:
▪
Receive shares of RL Class A Common Stock without paying any exercise price
▪
The number of PSUs vesting can range from 50% (Threshold) to 200% (Maximum) of the target shares granted
▪
Any increases in the Company’s Class A Common Stock price above the price on the grant date increases the value of the award

 
 
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Fiscal 2019 PSU Overview
 
 
 

The example below illustrates the opportunity for gains in the value of the award at various Company Class A Common Stock prices.
EXAMPLE: Potential Value
Award of 2,500 PSUs (includes both PSU awards)
 
 
If Stock Price Reaches:
Value At:
# of Shares
$120
$130
$140
$150
Threshold Performance
1,250
$150,000
$162,500
$175,000
$187,500
Target Performance
2,500
$300,000
$325,000
$350,000
$375,000
Maximum Performance
5,000
$600,000
$650,000
$700,000
$750,000
Note: Value is before tax and a portion of the shares will be withheld to satisfy required tax withholding.
Example is hypothetical and is not a forecast of growth in the Company’s Class A Common Stock price.
If the performance calculation results in fractional shares, the fractional shares will be paid in cash.
SALE OF SHARES SUBSEQUENT TO DISTRIBUTION
Shares received from the vesting of a PSU award may be sold subject to the Company’s trading restrictions as set forth in the Company’s Securities Trading policy beginning on page 9. In certain circumstances, certain Executive Officers may sell shares pursuant to Rule 144 or another applicable exemption under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
In the U.S. and in many other jurisdictions, the sale of such shares after vesting has tax implications. Contact your financial advisor for important information about how a subsequent sale of shares impacts you. Once PSUs have vested and you receive shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock from the vesting of a particular PSU award, you retain all rights to those shares, regardless of employment status with the Company.
ON-LINE GRANT AGREEMENT
All recipients are required to accept their grants on-line by electronically signing the On-Line Grant Agreements to ensure recipients understand the terms of their grants. Recipients must electronically accept the terms of the On-Line Grant Agreements for each PSU award by [DATE]. Awards not accepted by [DATE] will be forfeited. The stock agreements include post-employment obligation terms, including confidentiality, non-compete and non-solicitation provisions.

 
 
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Fiscal 2019 PSU Overview
 
 
 

IF YOU LEAVE THE COMPANY
Termination as a result of:
Status of PSU Awards

Retirement 1  

Long-Term Disability (LTD) 2                                     

Death
Ÿ If retirement date is more than one year from the date of grant, participant is entitled to full award on the scheduled vesting date. Payout is based on performance achievement.
Ÿ If retirement date is within the first year following the grant date, participant is entitled to one-third of award on the scheduled vesting date. Payout is based on performance achievement. All remaining PSUs are forfeited.
Ÿ The above is subject to the terms and conditions in the On-Line Grant Agreement.
Voluntary Resignation

Involuntary Termination
    Ÿ All unvested PSUs are forfeited.
1 Normal retirement (age 65 with no service requirement) and early retirement (age 55 with 7 years of service) are treated the same.
2 For purposes hereof, “disability” shall, unless otherwise determined by the Committee, have the same meaning as such term or a similar term has under the long-term disability plan or policy maintained by the Company or a Subsidiary under which the Participant has coverage and which is in effect on the date of the onset of the Participant’s disability.
                                                     

 
 
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SECURITIES TRADING POLICY
INSIDER TRADING
As provided in the Company Employee Handbook, employees are prohibited by law from buying or selling securities if an employee has or is aware of any material, non-public information about the Company and its subsidiaries. This is commonly referred to as “insider information.” Material, non-public information is any information that has not been disclosed to the public that could affect the price of Company Common Stock -- either positively or negatively -- or affect a person’s decision to buy, hold or sell securities.
Examples of what might be considered “insider information” include, but are not limited to, the following:
▪
Earnings or other financial information
▪
Changes in dividend policy
▪
Stock splits
▪
Mergers and acquisitions
▪
Major new contracts or product-line introductions
▪
Litigation involving substantial amounts of money
▪
Changes in management
These insider-trading rules are applicable to employees of Ralph Lauren and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates, worldwide.
COMPANY BLACKOUT PERIODS
To avoid even the appearance of “insider trading,” our Company’s Securities Trading policy prohibits members of the Board of Directors, all employees and their “Related Parties” (as such term is defined in the Company’s Securities Trading Policy) from making trades involving stock of the Company during certain “blackout periods.” This prohibition covers all transactions in the Company’s securities, including buying or selling shares, including shares of Class A Common Stock received upon the vesting of PSUs. These blackout periods generally begin two weeks before the end of each of our fiscal quarters and continue through one trading day after the Company issues its earnings release for the fiscal quarter or year just ended. If the earnings release is issued before the opening of the market on a trading day, trading may begin the next day. The blackout periods are announced at the start of each year. The Company may prohibit trading of the Company’s stock at any time it deems such trading to be inappropriate, even outside the regular blackout periods. Individuals who receive a specific notification prohibiting them from trading the Company’s stock should note that such notification takes precedence over pre-announced blackout periods. In addition, members of the Board of Directors, Officers (any employee who is a Senior Vice President or above), and all employees in the Finance, Legal and People and Development departments must clear all trades with the Corporate Counsel, or their designee, at all times.
ADDITIONAL PROHIBITED TRANSACTIONS
Because we believe it is inappropriate for any Company personnel to engage in short-term or speculative transactions involving the Company’s Common Stock, it is Company policy that employees do not engage in any of the following activities with respect to the securities of the Company:
▪
“In and out” trading in securities of the Company. Any Company stock purchased in the market must be held for a minimum of six months and ideally longer. Note that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has a “short-swing profit recapture” rule that effectively prohibits Executive Officers and members of the Board of Directors from selling any Company stock within six months of a purchase. The Company has extended this prohibition to all employees. The receipt of shares pursuant to the vesting of PSU awards is not considered a purchase under the SEC’s rule.

 
 
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Fiscal 2019 PSU Overview
 
 
 

▪
Purchases of stock of the Company on margin.
▪
Short sales (i.e., selling stock one does not own and then borrowing the shares to make delivery).
▪
“Hedging” and Pledging of Company Stock. No insider, including any director, officer or employee of the Company, shall purchase or sell, or make any offer to purchase or offer to sell derivative securities relating to the Company’s securities, whether or not issued by the Company, such as exchange traded options to purchase or sell the Company’s securities (so called “puts” and “calls”) or financial instruments that are designed to hedge or offset any decrease in the market value of the Company’s securities. In addition, no director or Section 16 Officer of the Company shall hold the Company’s securities in a margin account, or maintain or enter into any arrangement that, directly or indirectly, involves pledging the Company’s securities as collateral for a loan.
CLEARANCE OF ALL TRADES BY DIRECTORS, OFFICERS AND OTHER KEY PERSONNEL
For employees at the Senior Vice President level or above (“Officers”) and for all employees in the Finance,
 Legal and People and Development departments, all transactions in the Company’s securities (including,
but not limited to purchases, sales, transfers, etc.) must be conducted during an open trading window and
pre-cleared with the Corporate Counsel, or their designee. If contemplating a transaction, please provide a
written request via e-mail to RLTrading@ralphlauren.com, specifying the number of shares you wish to
sell before contacting Merrill Lynch or any other broker, or taking any other step to initiate a transaction.

 
 
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Fiscal 2019 PSU Overview
 
 
 

COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 409A 
To the extent applicable, the Plan shall be interpreted in accordance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and the Department of Treasury Regulations and other interpretive guidance issued hereunder (“Section 409A”).  Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, it is intended that this Plan comply with Section 409A, and all provision of this Plan shall be construed and interpreted in a manner consistent with the requirements for avoiding taxes or penalties under Section 409A. Each Participant is solely responsible and liable for the satisfaction of all taxes and penalties that may be imposed on or in respect of such Participant in connection with this Plan or any other plan maintained by the Company (including any taxes and penalties under Section 409A), and neither the Company nor any Affiliate shall have any obligation to indemnify or otherwise hold such Participant (or any beneficiary) harmless from any or all of such taxes or penalties.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
By participating in the Plan, the Participant understands and agrees that:
(a)
the Plan is established voluntarily by the Company, is discretionary in nature and may be modified, amended, suspended or terminated by the Company at any time, to the extent permitted by the Plan;
(b)
the grant of PSU awards is voluntary and occasional and does not create any contractual or other right to receive future PSU awards, or benefits in lieu of these awards, even if PSU awards have been granted in the past;
(c)
all decisions with respect to future PSU awards, if any, will be at the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee;
(d)
the Participant's participation in the Plan shall not create a right to further employment or service with the Company or, if different, the employing Subsidiary and shall not interfere with the ability of the Company or employing Subsidiary to terminate the Participant's employment or service relationship at any time with or without cause;
(e)
the Participant is voluntarily participating in the Plan;
(f)
any PSU awards and the Company's Class A Common Stock subject to awards, and the income and value of same, are not part of the Participant's normal or expected compensation for purposes of calculating any severance, resignation, termination, redundancy, dismissal, end-of-service payments, bonuses, holiday pay, long-service awards, pension or retirement or welfare benefits or similar payments; and
(g)
no claim or entitlement to compensation or damages shall arise from the forfeiture of a PSU award resulting from the Participant's termination of employment or service (for any reason whatsoever and whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where the Participant is employed or rendering services or the terms of the Participant's employment or service agreement, if any), and in consideration of the grant of a PSU award to which the Participant is otherwise not entitled, the Participant irrevocably agrees never to institute any claim against the Company or any Subsidiary.

 
 
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Fiscal 2019 PSU Overview
 
 
 

NON-U.S. GRANT PARTICIPANTS
Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, to comply with securities, exchange control, labor, tax, or other applicable laws, rules or regulations in countries outside of the United States in which the Company and its Subsidiaries operate or have Employees, Consultants, or directors, and/or for the purpose of taking advantage of tax favorable treatment for PSU Awards granted to Participants in such countries, the Committee, in its sole discretion, shall have the power and authority to (i) amend or modify the terms and conditions of any PSU awards granted to a Participant; (ii) establish, adopt, interpret, or revise any rules and procedures to the extent such actions may be necessary or advisable, including adoption of rules or procedures applicable to particular Subsidiaries or Participants residing in particular locations; and (iii) take any action, before or after a PSU award is made, that it deems advisable to obtain approval or comply with any necessary local governmental regulatory exemptions or approvals. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Committee is specifically authorized to adopt rules or procedures with provisions that limit or modify rights on eligibility to receive PSU awards under the Plan or on termination of service, available methods of vesting or settlement of a PSUs award, payment of tax-related items, the shifting of employer tax liability to the Participant, tax withholding procedures, restrictions on the sale of shares of Class A Common Stock of the Company, and the handling of stock certificates or other indicia of ownership. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may not take actions hereunder, and no PSU awards shall be granted, that would violate the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Exchange Act, the Code, any securities law or governing statute.
EXCHANGE RATES
Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary shall be liable to a Participant for any foreign exchange rate fluctuation between the Participant’s local currency and the U.S. Dollar that may affect the value of the Participant’s PSU award or of any amounts due to the Participant pursuant to the vesting or other settlement of the PSU award or, if applicable, the subsequent sale of Class A Common Stock acquired upon vesting.
______________________________________________________
In the event of any discrepancy between this PSU Overview and either the on-line Grant Agreement, the Plan or the provision under which the Plan is administered and governed by the Compensation Committee, the on-line Grant Agreement, the Plan and the determination of the Compensation Committee will govern, as applicable. This Overview is qualified in its entirety based on the determinations, interpretations and other decisions made within the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee.


 
 
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Fiscal 2019 PSU Overview
Exhibit


EXHIBIT 10.2

[NAME] - Equity Award Notification
[DATE] Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit (PRSU) Award
Target Grant Value: $[_____]
Number of Shares: Based on [DATE]
Award Type
Number of Shares
PRSUs
[_____]
Note: The terms of the [DATE] Annual Equity Award are in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Ralph Lauren Corporation 2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan as well as with the terms and conditions of executive’s employment agreement date [DATE]. These awards are contingent upon signing the PRSU Equity Agreement which will be presented for execution on [DATE].
Information concerning goals is strictly confidential
PRSUs:
•
Vest over a three‐year period in one‐third annual installments (tranches) beginning FY20 if the FY19 performance goal (ROIC of [__]%) is achieved and certified by the Compensation and Organizational Development Committee, and employment is continuous.



1
Exhibit

EXHIBIT 10.3















https://cdn.kscope.io/63bc708c562f68c71496af51249713c6-rllogoa03.jpg
Restricted Stock Unit Award
Fiscal 2019 - Overview




























[DATE]

 
 
 

This Overview is qualified in its entirety by reference to the On-Line Grant Agreement that was distributed to eligible participants on [DATE] (the “On-Line Grant Agreement”), the Memorandum to Participants in the Ralph Lauren Corporation 2010 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan and to the Plan itself. Copies of the Memorandum and the Plan are available from your People and Development Department.
OVERVIEW
The Ralph Lauren Corporation (the “Company”) 2010 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) authorizes the Compensation & Organizational Development Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Compensation Committee”) to grant equity awards to officers and other employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates.
As determined by the Compensation Committee, the Company may grant one or more types of stock awards. This Overview describes one type of stock award - Restricted Stock Units (RSU).
A RSU award provides the participant with the opportunity to receive shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock (traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol RL) at a later date contingent upon continued service with the Company.
AWARD OBJECTIVES
Objectives of RSUs, are to:
1.
Attract and retain exceptional individuals of superior talent
2.
Motivate such individuals to achieve longer-range performance
3.
Enable such individuals to participate in the long-term growth and financial success of the Company
PLAN ADMINISTRATION
The Company’s People and Development Department administers the program and Merrill Lynch Wealth Management (“Merrill Lynch”) is the recordkeeper. Participants must have an open brokerage account at Merrill Lynch in order to facilitate distribution of shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock upon the vesting of RSUs. To open a brokerage account, or for questions regarding your account and account transactions, contact Merrill Lynch at 877-765-7656 in the U.S. or Canada, or 609-818-8908 if calling from an international location.
The Company’s Board of Directors reserves the right to amend, modify or terminate the Plan at any time, subject to stockholder approval, if required. No such amendment to the Plan would adversely affect any RSU awards then outstanding.
Nothing contained herein may be construed as creating a promise of future benefits or a binding contract with the Company. Further, an individual’s employment continues to be at will, subject to any applicable employment agreement.
For questions regarding the Plan and its provisions, contact People and Development.
ELIGIBILITY FOR GRANT
Equity awards, including RSU awards, may be granted annually to designated, key executives who have a significant impact on the strategic direction and business results of the Company, and who are actively employed on April 1 of the year when the grant is made.
Guidelines have been established for the number and type of equity awards that eligible participants may receive. The guidelines reflect a position’s scope, accountability and impact on the organization, and may also reflect changes in the value of the Company’s Class A Common Stock.

 
 
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Fiscal 2019 RSU Overview
 
 
 

Please note that the guidelines do not constitute a guarantee that any specific individual will receive an equity award in any given or subsequent year, or guarantee the type or the size of any grant, if a grant is made.
  An eligible employee who receives an Unsatisfactory (U) rating on their annual performance
 appraisal is not eligible for an equity award in the fiscal year following that performance appraisal period.
An eligible employee who receives a Below Expectations (B) performance rating will be eligible for an
equity award based on manager discretion.
GRANT AMOUNT AND AWARD VESTING
The number of units in a RSU award is set on the grant date. The award will vest in equal, annual installments (tranches) over a three-year period. One-third of RSUs granted in fiscal 2019 will vest and be paid out on the first three anniversaries of the grant date based on the participant having continuous service through each vesting date - for awards granted on May 15, 2018, the first third vests on May 15, 2019, the second third vests on May 15, 2020, and the last third vests on May 15, 2021.
Once the RSUs are vested and distributed as Company Class A Common Stock, the participant owns the shares and as a shareholder, will have voting rights and will receive dividends, if applicable, on such shares. Prior to the vesting date, dividends are not earned on RSUs and the participant does not have voting rights.
VESTING EXAMPLES
These examples illustrate how a RSU award granted in fiscal 2019 would vest, in equal installments, over three fiscal years. Vesting is subject to the participant’s continuous service with the Company from the grant date to each vesting date.
EXAMPLE 1: Granted 210 RSUs on May 15, 2018
Grant Date
RSUs
Eligible to Vest
Vesting
Date
May 15, 2018
70
May 15, 2019
May 15, 2018
70
May 15, 2020
May 15, 2018
70
May 15, 2021
Total
210
  
Additionally, depending on any previous grants received, more than one RSU award may be eligible to vest each year, as shown below:
EXAMPLE 2: MULTIPLE PRIOR GRANTS WITH SHARES ELIGIBLE TO VEST
Year Granted
RSUs Granted
1/3 of RSUs Eligible to Vest
May 2018
May 2019
May 2020
May 2017
300
100
100
100
May 2018
210
-
  70
70
May 2019
270
-
-
90
Total RSUs
780
100
170
260

 
 
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Fiscal 2019 RSU Overview
 
 
 

In the U.S. and in many other jurisdictions, vesting of RSUs and delivery of shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock is a taxable event. When shares are distributed, a portion of the shares are withheld to satisfy withholding requirements, and the net shares are delivered to participants in their Merrill Lynch account.
Shares received from the vesting of a RSU award may be sold subject to the Company’s trading restrictions as set forth in the Company’s Securities Trading policy beginning on page 7. In certain circumstances, certain Executive Officers may sell shares pursuant to Rule 144 or another applicable exemption under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
In the U.S. and in many other jurisdictions, sale of such shares after vesting has tax implications. Contact your financial advisor for important information about how a subsequent sale of shares impacts you.
Once RSUs have vested and you receive shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock from the vesting of a particular RSU award, you retain all rights to those shares, regardless of employment status with the Company.
VALUE OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS
RSUs can provide participants with ownership of the Company’s Class A Common Stock and the opportunity to benefit from any appreciation in price above the price on grant date.
This example illustrates the opportunity for gains in the value of the award at various Company Class A Common Stock prices.
EXAMPLE: POTENTIAL VALUE
Award of 210 RSUs
 
 
If Stock Price Reaches:
 
# of Shares
$110
$120
$130
$140
Value (assumes shares vest)
210
 $23,100
$25,200
$27,300
$29,400
Note: Value is before tax and a portion of the shares awarded would be withheld to satisfy required tax withholding.
Example is hypothetical and is not a forecast of growth in the Company’s Class A Common Stock price.
On-Line Grant Agreement
All recipients are required to accept their grant on-line by electronically signing the On-Line Grant Agreement to ensure recipients understand the terms of their grant. Recipients must electronically accept the terms of the On-Line Grant Agreement by [DATE]. Awards not accepted by [DATE] will be forfeited. For employees with the title Vice President and above, the Fiscal 2019 stock agreements include post-employment obligation terms, including confidentiality, non-compete and non-solicitation provisions.

 
 
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Fiscal 2019 RSU Overview
 
 
 

IF YOU LEAVE THE COMPANY
Termination as a result of:
Status of RSU Awards

Retirement 1  

Long-Term Disability (LTD) 2                                     

Death
Ÿ If retirement date is more than one year from the date of grant, participant is entitled to full award on scheduled vesting dates.
Ÿ If retirement date is within the first year following the Grant date, participant is entitled to one-third of award on the first scheduled vesting date. All remaining RSUs are forfeited.
Ÿ The above is subject to the terms and conditions in the On-Line Grant Agreement.
Voluntary Resignation

Involuntary Termination
Ÿ All unvested RSUs are forfeited.
1 Normal retirement (age 65 with no service requirement) and early retirement (age 55 with 7 years of service) are treated the same.
2 For purposes hereof, “disability” shall, unless otherwise determined by the Committee, have the same meaning as such term or a similar term has under the long-term disability plan or policy maintained by the Company or a Subsidiary under which the Participant has coverage and which is in effect on the date of the onset of the Participant’s disability.

 
 
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Fiscal 2019 RSU Overview
 
 
 

SECURITIES TRADING POLICY
INSIDER TRADING
As provided in the Company Employee Handbook, employees are prohibited by law from buying or selling securities if an employee has or is aware of any material, non-public information about the Company and its subsidiaries. This is commonly referred to as “insider information.” Material, non-public information is any information that has not been disclosed to the public that could affect the price of Company Common Stock -- either positively or negatively -- or affect a person’s decision to buy, hold or sell securities.
Examples of what might be considered “insider information” include, but are not limited to, the following:
▪
Earnings or other financial information
▪
Changes in dividend policy
▪
Stock splits
▪
Mergers and acquisitions
▪
Major new contracts or product-line introductions
▪
Litigation involving substantial amounts of money
▪
Changes in management
These insider-trading rules are applicable to employees of Ralph Lauren and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates, worldwide.
COMPANY BLACKOUT PERIODS
To avoid even the appearance of “insider trading,” our Company’s Securities Trading policy prohibits members of the Board of Directors, all employees and their “Related Parties” (as such term is defined in the Company’s Securities Trading Policy) from making trades involving stock of the Company during certain “blackout periods.” This prohibition covers all transactions in the Company’s securities, including buying or selling shares, including shares of Class A Common Stock received upon the vesting of RSUs. These blackout periods generally begin two weeks before the end of each of our fiscal quarters and continue through one trading day after the Company issues its earnings release for the fiscal quarter or year just ended. If the earnings release is issued before the opening of the market on a trading day, trading may begin the next day. The blackout periods are announced at the start of each year. The Company may prohibit trading of the Company’s stock at any time it deems such trading to be inappropriate, even outside the regular blackout periods. Individuals who receive a specific notification prohibiting them from trading the Company’s stock should note that such notification takes precedence over pre-announced blackout periods. In addition, members of the Board of Directors, Officers (any employee who is a Senior Vice President or above), and all employees in the Finance, Legal and People and Development departments must clear all trades with the Corporate and Securities Counsel, or their designee, at all times.
ADDITIONAL PROHIBITED TRANSACTIONS
Because we believe it is inappropriate for any Company personnel to engage in short-term or speculative transactions involving the Company’s Common Stock, it is Company policy that employees do not engage in any of the following activities with respect to the securities of the Company:
▪
“In and out” trading in securities of the Company. Any Company stock purchased in the market must be held for a minimum of six months and ideally longer. Note that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has a “short-swing profit recapture” rule that effectively prohibits Executive Officers and members of the Board of Directors from selling any Company stock within six months of a purchase. The Company has extended this prohibition to all employees. The receipt of shares pursuant to the vesting of RSU awards is not considered a purchase under the SEC’s rule.

 
 
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▪
Purchases of stock of the Company on margin.
▪
Short sales (i.e., selling stock one does not own and then borrowing the shares to make delivery).
▪
“Hedging” and Pledging of Company Stock. No insider, including any director, officer or employee of the Company, shall purchase or sell, or make any offer to purchase or offer to sell derivative securities relating to the Company’s securities, whether or not issued by the Company, such as exchange traded options to purchase or sell the Company’s securities (so called “puts” and “calls”) or financial instruments that are designed to hedge or offset any decrease in the market value of the Company’s securities.
CLEARANCE OF ALL TRADES BY DIRECTORS, OFFICERS AND OTHER KEY PERSONNEL
For employees at the Senior Vice President level or above (“Officers”) and for all employees in the Finance,
 Legal and People and Development departments, all transactions in the Company’s securities (including,
but not limited to purchases, sales, transfers, etc.) must be conducted during an open trading window and
pre-cleared with the Corporate and Securities Counsel, or their designee. If contemplating a transaction,
please provide a written request via e-mail to RLTrading@ralphlauren.com, specifying the number of
shares you wish to sell before contacting Merrill Lynch or any other broker, or taking any other step to
initiate a transaction.

 
 
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Fiscal 2019 RSU Overview
 
 
 

COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 409A 
To the extent applicable, the Plan shall be interpreted in accordance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and the Department of Treasury Regulations and other interpretive guidance issued hereunder (“Section 409A”).  Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, it is intended that this Plan comply with Section 409A, and all provision of this Plan shall be construed and interpreted in a manner consistent with the requirements for avoiding taxes or penalties under Section 409A. Each Participant is solely responsible and liable for the satisfaction of all taxes and penalties that may be imposed on or in respect of such Participant in connection with this Plan or any other plan maintained by the Company (including any taxes and penalties under Section 409A), and neither the Company nor any Affiliate shall have any obligation to indemnify or otherwise hold such Participant (or any beneficiary) harmless from any or all of such taxes or penalties.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
By participating in the Plan, the Participant understands and agrees that:
(a)
the Plan is established voluntarily by the Company, is discretionary in nature and may be modified, amended, suspended or terminated by the Company at any time, to the extent permitted by the Plan;
(b)
the grant of RSU awards is voluntary and occasional and does not create any contractual or other right to receive future RSU awards, or benefits in lieu of these awards, even if RSU awards have been granted in the past;
(c)
all decisions with respect to future RSU awards, if any, will be at the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee;
(d)
the Participant's participation in the Plan shall not create a right to further employment or service with the Company or, if different, the employing Subsidiary and shall not interfere with the ability of the Company or employing Subsidiary to terminate the Participant's employment or service relationship at any time with or without cause;
(e)
the Participant is voluntarily participating in the Plan;
(f)
any RSU awards and the Company's Class A Common Stock subject to awards, and the income and value of same, are not part of the Participant's normal or expected compensation for purposes of calculating any severance, resignation, termination, redundancy, dismissal, end-of-service payments, bonuses, holiday pay, long-service awards, pension or retirement or welfare benefits or similar payments; and
(g)
no claim or entitlement to compensation or damages shall arise from the forfeiture of a RSU award resulting from the Participant's termination of employment or service (for any reason whatsoever and whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where the Participant is employed or rendering services or the terms of the Participant's employment or service agreement, if any), and in consideration of the grant of a RSU award to which the Participant is otherwise not entitled, the Participant irrevocably agrees never to institute any claim against the Company or any Subsidiary.

 
 
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NON-U.S. GRANT PARTICIPANTS
Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, to comply with securities, exchange control, labor, tax, or other applicable laws, rules or regulations in countries outside of the United States in which the Company and its Subsidiaries operate or have Employees, Consultants, or directors, and/or for the purpose of taking advantage of tax favorable treatment for RSU Awards granted to Participants in such countries, the Committee, in its sole discretion, shall have the power and authority to (i) amend or modify the terms and conditions of any RSU awards granted to a Participant; (ii) establish, adopt, interpret, or revise any rules and procedures to the extent such actions may be necessary or advisable, including adoption of rules or procedures applicable to particular Subsidiaries or Participants residing in particular locations; and (iii) take any action, before or after a RSU award is made, that it deems advisable to obtain approval or comply with any necessary local governmental regulatory exemptions or approvals. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Committee is specifically authorized to adopt rules or procedures with provisions that limit or modify rights on eligibility to receive RSU awards under the Plan or on termination of service, available methods of vesting or settlement of a RSUs award, payment of tax-related items, the shifting of employer tax liability to the Participant, tax withholding procedures, restrictions on the sale of shares of Class A Common Stock of the Company, and the handling of stock certificates or other indicia of ownership. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may not take actions hereunder, and no RSU awards shall be granted, that would violate the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Exchange Act, the Code, any securities law or governing statute.
EXCHANGE RATES
Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary shall be liable to a Participant for any foreign exchange rate fluctuation between the Participant’s local currency and the U.S. Dollar that may affect the value of the Participant’s RSU award or of any amounts due to the Participant pursuant to the vesting or other settlement of the RSU award or, if applicable, the subsequent sale of Class A Common Stock acquired upon vesting.
_____________________________________________________________
In the event of any discrepancy between this RSU Overview and either the on-line Grant Agreement, the Plan or the provision under which the Plan is administered and governed by the Compensation Committee, the on-line Grant Agreement, the Plan and the determination of the Compensation Committee will govern, as applicable. This Overview is qualified in its entirety based on the determinations, interpretations and other decisions made within the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee.


 
 
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Exhibit


EXHIBIT 31.1
CERTIFICATION
I, Patrice Louvet, certify that:
1.I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Ralph Lauren Corporation;
2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a)designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b)designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c)evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d)disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
5.The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):
a)all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b)any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

 
/s/ PATRICE LOUVET
 
Patrice Louvet
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
Date: February 7, 2019
 



Exhibit


EXHIBIT 31.2
CERTIFICATION
I, Jane Hamilton Nielsen, certify that:
1.I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Ralph Lauren Corporation;
2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a)designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b)designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c)evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d)disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
5.The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):
a)all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b)any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

 
/s/ JANE HAMILTON NIELSEN
 
Jane Hamilton Nielsen
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
 
Date: February 7, 2019
 





Exhibit


EXHIBIT 32.1
Certification of Patrice Louvet Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
In connection with the Quarterly Report of Ralph Lauren Corporation (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ended December 29, 2018, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Patrice Louvet, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
1.The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2.The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company.
 
/s/ PATRICE LOUVET
 
Patrice Louvet
 
 
February 7, 2019
 
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to Ralph Lauren Corporation and will be retained by Ralph Lauren Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.





Exhibit


EXHIBIT 32.2
Certification of Jane Hamilton Nielsen Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
In connection with the Quarterly Report of Ralph Lauren Corporation (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ended December 29, 2018, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Jane Hamilton Nielsen, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
1.The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2.The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company.
 
/s/ JANE HAMILTON NIELSEN
 
Jane Hamilton Nielsen
 
 
February 7, 2019
 
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to Ralph Lauren Corporation and will be retained by Ralph Lauren Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.