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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549-1004

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FORM 10-K

(MARK ONE)

/X/ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT
OF 1934

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1998 COMMISSION FILE NUMBER
1-14064

OR

/ / TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934

THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



DELAWARE 11-2408943
(State or other jurisdiction of (IRS Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)




767 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10153
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)


REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE 212-572-4200
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SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:



NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE
TITLE OF EACH CLASS ON WHICH REGISTERED
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Class A Common Stock, $.01 par New York Stock Exchange
value


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SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT:
NONE

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

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. / /

The aggregate market value of the registrant's voting common equity held by
nonaffiliates of the registrant was approximately $1.77 billion at September 4,
1998.*

At September 4, 1998, 61,482,177 shares of the registrant's Class A Common
Stock, $.01 par value, and 56,839,667 shares of the registrant's Class B Common
Stock, $.01 par value, were outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE




DOCUMENT WHERE INCORPORATED
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Proxy Statement for Annual Meeting of Part III
Stockholders to be held November 5, 1998


* Calculated by excluding all shares held by executive officers and directors of
registrant and certain trusts without conceding that all such persons are
"affiliates" of registrant for purposes of the Federal securities laws.

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

THIS ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K INCLUDES "FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS"
WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995. SUCH
STATEMENTS INCLUDE, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE COMPANY'S EXPECTATIONS REGARDING
SALES, EARNINGS OR OTHER FUTURE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE AND LIQUIDITY, PRODUCT
INTRODUCTIONS, ENTRY INTO NEW GEOGRAPHIC REGIONS AND GENERAL OPTIMISM ABOUT
FUTURE OPERATIONS OR OPERATING RESULTS. CERTAIN FACTORS THAT COULD CAUSE ACTUAL
RESULTS TO DIFFER FROM EXPECTATIONS ARE DESCRIBED HEREIN AND, IN PARTICULAR, SEE
"MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS -- FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION."

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS.

The Estee Lauder Companies Inc., founded in 1946 by Estee and Joseph
Lauder, is one of the world's leading manufacturers and marketers of quality
skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products. The Company's products are
sold in over 100 countries and territories under the following well-recognized
brand names: Estee Lauder, Clinique, Aramis, Prescriptives, Origins, M.A.C,
Bobbi Brown essentials, jane and Aveda. The Company is also the global licensee
for fragrances and cosmetics for the Tommy Hilfiger and Donna Karan brands. Each
brand is distinctly positioned.

The Company has been a pioneer in the cosmetics industry and believes it is
a leader in the industry due to the global recognition of its brand names, its
leadership in product innovation, its strong market position in key geographic
markets and the consistently high quality of its products. The Company sells its
products principally through limited distribution channels to complement the
images associated with its brands. These channels, encompassing over 9,000
points of sale, consist primarily of upscale department stores, specialty
retailers, upscale perfumeries and pharmacies and, to a lesser extent,
free-standing company stores, stores on cruise ships, in-flight and duty free
shops in airports and cities. The Company believes that its strategy of pursuing
limited distribution strengthens its relationships with retailers, enables its
brands to be among the best selling product lines at the stores and heightens
the aspirational quality of the Company's brands. With the acquisitions of jane
and Aveda in fiscal 1998, the Company has broadened its distribution to include
new channels, namely self-select outlets and salons.

The Company has been controlled by the Lauder family since its founding.
Members of the Lauder family, some of whom are directors, executive officers,
and/or employees, beneficially own, directly or indirectly, as of September 4,
1998, shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock having
approximately 94.4% of the outstanding voting power of the Company's Common
Stock.

Unless the context requires otherwise, references to the Company are to The
Estee Lauder Companies Inc. and its subsidiaries.

PRODUCTS

The Company manufactures, markets and sells a wide variety of skin care,
makeup, fragrance and hair care products.

SKIN CARE -- The Company's broad range of skin care products address
various skin care needs for women and men. These products include moisturizers,
creams, lotions, cleansers, sun screens and self tanning products, a number of
which are developed for use in particular areas of the body, such as the face,
the hands or areas around the eyes. Net sales of skin care products accounted
for approximately 35% of the Company's net sales in fiscal 1998.

MAKEUP -- The Company manufactures, markets and sells a full array of
makeup products including lipsticks, mascaras, foundations, eyeshadows, nail
polishes and powders. Many of the products are offered in an extensive array of
shades and colors. The Company also sells related items such as compacts,
brushes and other makeup tools. In fiscal 1998, makeup products accounted for
approximately 36% of the Company's net sales.

FRAGRANCE -- The Company offers a variety of fragrance products for women
and men. The fragrances are sold in various forms, including eau de parfum
sprays and colognes. Fragrance also includes lotions, powders,

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creams and soaps that are based on a particular fragrance. They also include
bath and aromatherapy products. Approximately 27% of the Company's net sales in
fiscal 1998 were attributable to fragrance sales.

HAIR CARE -- The Company increased the range and depth of its hair care
product offerings with the acquisition of the Aveda business in December 1997.
Hair care products include shampoo, conditioner, styling gel and hairspray. In
fiscal 1998, hair care products accounted for approximately 2% of net sales.

Given the generally personal nature of the Company's products and the wide
array of consumer preferences and tastes, as well as competition for the
attention of the end consumer, the Company's strategy has been to market and
promote its products through distinctive brands seeking to address broad, but
distinct, preferences and tastes. Each brand has a single global image that is
promoted with consistent logos, packaging and advertising designed to enhance
its image and differentiate it from other brands.

ESTEE LAUDER -- Estee Lauder brand products, which have been sold since
1946, are positioned as luxurious, classic and aspirational. The Company
believes that Estee Lauder brand products are technologically advanced and
innovative and have a worldwide reputation for excellence. The broad product
line principally consists of skin care, makeup and fragrance products which are
presented in high quality packaging.

CLINIQUE -- First introduced by the Company in 1968, Clinique skin care and
makeup products are all allergy tested and 100% fragrance free and have been
designed to address individual skin types and needs. The products are based on
the research and related expertise of leading dermatologists. Clinique skin care
products are marketed as part of the Three-Step System: Cleanse, Exfoliate,
Moisturize.

ARAMIS -- The Company pioneered the marketing of prestige men's grooming
and skin care products and fragrances with the introduction of Aramis products
in 1964. Aramis continues to offer one of the broadest lines of prestige men's
products and has extended the line to include fragrances for women.

PRESCRIPTIVES -- The Company developed and introduced Prescriptives in
1979. Prescriptives is positioned as a color authority with an advanced
collection of highly individualized products primarily addressing the makeup and
skin care needs of contemporary women with active lifestyles. The products are
characterized by simple concepts, minimalist design and an innovative image and,
through a system of color application and extensive range of makeup shades,
accommodate a diverse group of consumers.

ORIGINS -- Origins, the Company's most recent internally-developed brand,
was introduced in 1990. It is positioned as a plant-based line of skin care,
makeup and aromatherapy products that combine time-tested botanical ingredients
with modern science to promote total well-being. Origins sells its products
through stand-alone Origins stores, stores-within-stores, (which are designed to
replicate the Origins store environment within a department store) and at
traditional retail counters.

TOMMY HILFIGER -- The Company has an exclusive global license arrangement
to develop and market a line of men's and women's fragrances and cosmetics under
the Tommy Hilfiger brand. In 1995, the Company launched a men's fragrance,
"tommy", with cologne and aftershave products, and in the fall of 1996, launched
a women's fragrance, "tommy girl." In March 1998, the Company introduced the
Hilfiger Athletics men's fragrance.

M.A.C -- The Company acquired a majority equity interest in Make-up Art
Cosmetics Limited ("M.A.C") and was appointed the exclusive distributor of M.A.C
products outside the United States and Canada in December 1994. The Company
completed its acquisition of the remaining interests in March 1997 and February
1998. M.A.C products comprise a broad line of color-oriented, professional
cosmetics and professional makeup tools targeting make-up artists and
fashion-conscious consumers. The products are sold through a limited number of
department and specialty stores and through stand-alone M.A.C stores.

BOBBI BROWN ESSENTIALS -- In October 1995, the Company acquired the Bobbi
Brown essentials ("Bobbi Brown") line of color cosmetics, professional makeup
brushes and skin care products. Bobbi Brown products are manufactured to the
Company's specifications by third parties and sold through a limited number of
department and specialty stores. In March 1998, the Company introduced the
brand's first fragrance, "bobbi."

JANE -- In October 1997, the Company acquired Sassaby, Inc., the owner of
the jane brand of color cosmetics targeted to the young consumer market. jane
products are currently distributed in the United States through self-select
outlets, such as mass merchandise stores, drug stores and specialty stores.

2

DONNA KARAN -- In November 1997, the Company obtained the exclusive global
license to develop and market a line of fragrances and other cosmetics under the
Donna Karan New York and DKNY trademarks. The Company is continuing to market
and sell certain products that were originally sold by The Donna Karan Company
and has started to develop concepts for future introductions.

AVEDA -- The Company acquired the business of Aveda and certain of its
affiliates ("Aveda") in December 1997. Aveda, a prestige hair care leader, is a
manufacturer and marketer of premium plant-based hair, skin, makeup and body
care products. The products are principally sold through third-party
distributors and are available in salons and stand-alone Aveda Environmental
Lifestyle stores.

In addition to the foregoing brands, the Company also manufactures and
sells Creme de la Mer, a brand of skin care products, and fragrances under a
licensing agreement using the Kiton name. These products are marketed separately
from the Company's other brands.

DISTRIBUTION

The Company sells its products principally through limited distribution
channels to complement the images associated with its core brands. These
channels include more than 9,000 points of sale in over 100 countries and
territories and consist primarily of upscale department stores, specialty
retailers, upscale perfumeries and pharmacies and, to a lesser extent,
free-standing company stores and spas, stores on cruise ships, in-flight and
duty-free shops in airports and cities.

The Company maintains a dedicated sales force who sell to the Company's
retail accounts in North America and in the Company's major overseas markets,
such as Western Europe and Japan. The Company has wholly-owned operations in
over 30 countries through which it markets, sells and distributes its products.
In certain markets, the Company sells its products through selected local
distributors under contractual arrangements designed to protect the image and
position of the Company's brands. In addition, the Company sells certain
products in selected domestic and international military locations.

There are risks inherent in foreign operations, including changes in
social, political and economic conditions. The Company is also exposed to risks
associated with changes in the laws and policies that govern foreign investment
in countries where it has operations as well as, to a lesser extent, changes in
United States laws and regulations relating to foreign trade and investment. In
addition, the Company's results of operations and the value of its foreign
assets are affected by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Changes
in such rates also may affect the relative prices at which the Company and
foreign competitors sell their products in the same market. Similarly, the cost
of certain items required in the Company's operations may be affected by changes
in the value of the relevant currencies.

With the acquisitions of jane and Aveda in fiscal 1998, the Company has
broadened its distribution to include new channels, namely self-select outlets
and salons. jane products are currently sold only in the U.S. in approximately
12,000 points of sale, including mass merchandise stores, drug stores and
specialty stores. Aveda principally sells its products to third-party
distributors, that resell such products to independent salons, and Aveda
Environmental Lifestyle stores for sale to consumers. There are currently about
25,000 salons, primarily in the United States, that sell Aveda products.

CUSTOMERS

The Company's strategy has been to build strong strategic relationships
with selected retailers globally. The Company's senior management works with
executives of its major retail accounts on a regular basis, and the Company
believes it is viewed as an important supplier to these customers.

Customers affiliated with Federated Department Stores, Inc. (e.g.,
Bloomingdale's, Burdines, Macy's and Rich's/Lazarus) and The May Department
Stores Company (e.g., Foley's, Lord & Taylor and Robinsons-May) accounted for
12% and 10%, respectively, of the Company's net sales in fiscal 1998 and 1997
and 13% and 10%, respectively, of the Company's net sales in fiscal 1996.

MARKETING

The Company's marketing strategy is built around its "vision" statement:
"Bringing the Best to Everyone We Touch." Estee Lauder formulated this marketing
philosophy to provide high quality service and products as the foundation for a
solid and loyal consumer base.

3

The Company principally focuses its marketing efforts on promoting the
quality and benefits of its products. Each of the Company's brands is
distinctively positioned, has a single global image, and is promoted with
consistent logos, packaging and advertising designed to enhance its image and
differentiate it from other brands. In recent years, the Company has increased
its emphasis on media advertising while decreasing the level of promotional
spending as a percentage of sales. The Company regularly advertises its products
on television and radio, in upscale magazines and prestigious newspapers and
through direct mail and photo displays at international airports. Promotional
activities and in-store displays are designed to introduce existing consumers to
different products in the line and to attract new consumers. The Company's
marketing efforts also benefit from cooperative advertising programs with
retailers, some of which are supported by coordinated promotions, such as "gift
with purchase" and "purchase with purchase." At in-store counters, sales
representatives offer personal demonstrations to market individual products as
well as to provide education on basic skin care and makeup application. The
Company conducts extensive sampling programs, and pioneered "gift with purchase"
as a sampling program. Management believes that the quality and perceived
benefits of sample products have been effective inducements in selling products
to existing and new consumers.

Nearly all of the creative marketing work is done by in-house creative
teams. The creative staff designs and produces the sales materials,
advertisements and packaging for all products in the brand. The Company's total
advertising and promotional expenditures were $1,027.8 million, $976.2 million
and $921.2 million for fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. In addition,
the Company's products receive extensive editorial coverage in prestige
publications and other media worldwide.

The marketing and sales executives of the Company spend considerable time
in the field meeting with consumers and key retailers, checking activities of
competitors and consulting with sales representatives at the points of sale.
These include Estee Lauder Beauty Advisors, Clinique Consultants, Aramis Selling
Specialists, Prescriptives Analysts and Origins Guides.

As is customary in the cosmetics industry, the Company's practice is to
accept returns of its products from retailers. In accepting returns, the Company
typically provides a credit to the retailer with respect to accounts receivable
from that retailer on a dollar-for-dollar basis. In recognition of this
practice, and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, the
Company reports its sales levels on a net sales basis, which is computed by
deducting from gross sales the amount of actual returns received and an amount
established for anticipated returns. As a percentage of gross sales, returns
were approximately 4.4% in fiscal 1998 and 4.9% in fiscal 1997 and 1996.

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS

The Company's management information systems provide order processing,
production and financial support for the Company's business. The Company has
implemented a sales analysis system to track weekly sales by stock keeping unit
at retail sales locations (i.e., sell-through data). The system is currently
tracking sell-through data with respect to almost all units of Estee Lauder,
Clinique, Aramis, Prescriptives and Origins products shipped to customers in the
United States and Canada. The increased understanding of consumer preferences
gained from sell-through data enables the Company to coordinate more effectively
its product development, manufacturing and marketing strategies. The Company is
also implementing similar systems in certain international markets.

In addition, the Company has entered into automated replenishment
arrangements with a number of its key customers in the United States and Canada.
These arrangements enable the Company to replenish inventories for individual
points of sale automatically, with minimal paperwork. Customer orders in respect
of a substantial majority of sales of Estee Lauder, Clinique, Aramis,
Prescriptives and Origins products in the United States are placed through
automated replenishment systems.

The Company has implemented a proprietary inventory management system which
tracks inventory at the stock keeping unit level in all of its locations. This
system results in improved inventory control and disposition for both existing
products and new product launches. The Company has also designed and implemented
a data warehouse for its domestic business which captures essentially all
shipping, sell-through and inventory data. This system has resulted in
streamlined and standardized reporting as well as timely and accurate retail
sales and marketing information.

4

The use of sell-through data combined with the implementation of automated
replenishment systems, inventory management systems and data warehousing has
resulted in increased sales, fewer "out-of-stocks" and reduced retail
inventories and returns. The Company's management expects that these systems
will continue to provide inventory and sales efficiencies.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

The Company believes that it is an industry leader in the development of
new products. The Company's marketing, product development and packaging groups
work with its research and development group to identify shifts in consumer
preferences, develop new products and redesign or reformulate existing products.
In addition, research and development personnel work closely with quality
assurance and manufacturing personnel on a worldwide basis to ensure a
consistent global standard for the Company's products and to deliver such
products with attributes that fulfill consumer expectations.

The Company maintains ongoing research and development programs at its
facilities in Melville, New York; Oevel, Belgium; Tokyo, Japan; Markham,
Ontario; and Blaine, Minnesota. As of June 30, 1998, the Company had
approximately 370 employees engaged in research and development. Its research
and development expenditures totaled $43.5 million, $37.7 million and
$34.7 million for fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The Company's
research and development group makes significant contributions toward improving
existing products and developing new products and provides on-going technical
assistance and know-how to the Company's manufacturing activities. The Company's
research and development group has had long-standing working relationships with
several U.S. and international medical and educational facilities which
supplement the Company's internal capabilities. The Company does not conduct
animal-testing of its products or their ingredients.

MANUFACTURING AND RAW MATERIALS

The Company manufactures skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care
products in the United States, Belgium, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and
Canada and, to a lesser extent, in Australia and South Africa. The Company
continues to streamline its manufacturing process and identify sourcing
opportunities to increase efficiencies and reduce costs. The Company has
converted its major manufacturing facilities into "focus" plants that primarily
manufacture one type of product (e.g., powders) for all the Company's principal
brands. The Company's plants are modern and its manufacturing processes are
substantially automated. Management believes that the Company's manufacturing
facilities are sufficient to meet its current and reasonably anticipated
manufacturing and related requirements. A limited number of finished products
are manufactured to the Company's specifications by third parties.

The principal raw materials used by the Company in the manufacture of its
products are essential oils, alcohol and specialty chemicals. The Company also
purchases packaging components, which are manufactured to its design
specifications. Procurement of materials for all manufacturing facilities is
generally made on a global basis through the Company's centralized supplier
relations department, and the use of "focus" plants has contributed to greater
efficiencies in sourcing and manufacturing. As a result of its sourcing
initiatives, there is increased dependency on certain suppliers, but the Company
believes that such suppliers have adequate resources and multiple facilities to
overcome any unforeseen event at any single facility. The Company has, in the
past, been able to obtain an adequate supply of essential raw materials and
currently believes it has adequate sources of supply for virtually all
components of its products.

COMPETITION

The skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care businesses are characterized
by vigorous competition throughout the world. Product recognition, quality,
performance and price have a significant influence on consumers' choices among
competing products and brands. Advertising, promotion, merchandising, the pace
and timing of new product introductions, line extensions and the quality of
in-store sales staff also have a significant impact on consumer buying
decisions. The Company competes against a number of manufacturers and marketers
of skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products, some of which have
substantially greater resources than the Company.

The Company's principal competitors among manufacturers and marketers of
skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products include L'Oreal S.A.(which
markets Lancome, Ralph Lauren, L'Oreal,

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Maybelline, Plenitude and other products), Unilever N.V. (which markets Calvin
Klein, Elizabeth Arden and other products), The Procter & Gamble Company (which
markets Cover Girl, Giorgio fragrances, Max Factor, Vidal Sassoon and other
products), LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton (which markets Christian Dior,
Givenchy, Guerlain and other products), Shiseido Company, Ltd. (which markets
Shiseido and other products), Avon Products, Inc., Wella Group (which markets
Wella, Gucci, Sebastian and other products), Sanofi S.A. (which markets Yves
Rocher, Yves St. Laurent and other products), Revlon, Inc. (which markets
Revlon, Almay and Moon Drops products), Joh. A. Benckiser GmbH (which markets
Coty, Lancaster, Davidoff, Joop!, Jil Sander and other products), Bristol-Myers
Squibb Co. (which markets Clairol and Matrix Essentials products), Chanel, Inc.
(which markets Chanel and Bourjois products) and Clarins (which markets Clarins
products).

TRADEMARKS, PATENTS AND COPYRIGHTS

The Company owns all of the material trademark rights used in connection
with the manufacturing, marketing and distribution of its major products both in
the United States and in the other countries in which such products are
principally sold, except for the trademark rights relating to Tommy Hilfiger
(such as "tommy" and "tommy girl") and Donna Karan New York and DKNY, as to
which the Company is the exclusive worldwide licensee for fragrances, cosmetics
and related products. The Company's trademarks for its principal (or major)
products are registered in the United States and in each of the countries in
which such products are sold. The major trademarks used by the Company in its
business include the brand names Estee Lauder, Clinique, Aramis, Prescriptives,
Origins, Tommy Hilfiger, Donna Karan New York, M.A.C, Bobbi Brown essentials,
jane, Aveda and the names of many of the products sold under each of these
brands. The Company considers the protection of its trademarks to be important
to its business.

A number of the Company's products incorporate patented or patent-pending
formulations. In addition, several of the Company's products are covered by
design patents, patent applications or copyrights. While management considers
these patents and copyrights, and the protection thereof, to be important, no
single patent or copyright is considered material to the conduct of the
Company's business.

EMPLOYEES

At June 30, 1998, the Company had approximately 15,300 full-time employees
worldwide (inclusive of sales representatives at points of sale who are employed
by the Company), of whom approximately 7,700 are employed in the United States
and Canada. None of the Company's U.S. employees is covered by a collective
bargaining agreement. In Belgium, some employees are covered by a Works Council
agreement and in South Africa some employees are covered by a collective
bargining agreement. Management believes that the Company's relations with its
employees are good. The Company has never encountered a material strike or work
stoppage in the United States or in any other country in which it has a
significant number of employees.

GOVERNMENT REGULATION

The Company and its products are subject to regulation by the Food and Drug
Administration and the Federal Trade Commission in the United States, as well as
various other federal, state and local and foreign regulatory authorities. Such
regulations relate principally to the ingredients, labeling, packaging and
marketing of the Company's products. The Company believes that it is in
substantial compliance with such regulations, as well as applicable federal,
state, local and foreign rules and regulations governing the discharge of
materials hazardous to the environment. There are no significant capital
expenditures for environmental control matters either planned in the current
year or expected in the near future.

SEASONALITY

The Company's results of operations are subject to seasonal fluctuations,
with net sales in the first and second fiscal quarters typically being slightly
higher than in the third and fourth fiscal quarters. The higher net sales in the
first two fiscal quarters are attributable to the increased levels of purchasing
by retailers for the Christmas selling season and for fall fashion makeup
introductions. Greater variation exists in quarterly operating income and
margin, which typically are lower in the second half of the fiscal year than in
the first half. In addition to the effect of lower net sales on operating income
in the third and fourth fiscal quarters as compared to the first and second
fiscal quarters, operating income and operating margin in the third and fourth
fiscal quarters are negatively affected by the relatively consistent dollar
amount of advertising and promotional spending by the

6

Company in each fiscal quarter. In addition, fluctuations in net sales and
operating income in any fiscal quarter may be attributable to the level and
scope of new product introductions.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.

The following table sets forth the Company's principal owned and leased
manufacturing and research and development facilities as of September 4, 1998.
The leases expire at various times through 2011, subject to certain renewal
options.



APPROXIMATE
LOCATION USE SQUARE FOOTAGE
- ------------------------------------------- --------------------- --------------

THE AMERICAS
Melville, New York (owned)................. Manufacturing 300,000
Melville, New York (owned)................. R&D 78,000
Blaine, Minnesota (owned).................. Manufacturing and R&D 275,000
Oakland, New Jersey (leased)............... Manufacturing 148,000
Bristol, Pennsylvania (leased)............. Manufacturing 67,000
Agincourt, Ontario, Canada (owned)......... Manufacturing 96,000
Markham, Ontario, Canada (leased).......... Manufacturing 58,000
Markham, Ontario, Canada (leased).......... R&D 26,000

EUROPE, THE MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA
Oevel, Belgium (owned)..................... Manufacturing 113,000
Oevel, Belgium (owned)..................... R&D 2,000
Petersfield, England (owned)............... Manufacturing 225,000
Lachen, Switzerland (owned)................ Manufacturing 53,000
Sandton, Transvaal, South Africa
(leased)................................... Manufacturing 72,000

ASIA/PACIFIC
Rosebery, NSW, Australia (leased).......... Manufacturing 71,000
Tokyo, Japan (leased)...................... R&D 4,000


The Company also occupies numerous offices, assembly and distribution
facilities and warehouses in the United States and abroad. The Company considers
its properties to be generally in good condition and believes that its
facilities are adequate for its operations and provide sufficient capacity to
meet its anticipated requirements. In addition, the Company leases approximately
250,000 square feet of space for its principal offices in New York, New York and
owns an office building of approximately 57,000 square feet in Melville, New
York. The Company also operates free-standing retail stores, including 2 for the
Estee Lauder brand, 1 for Clinique, 28 for Origins, 34 for M.A.C and 6 for
Aveda.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

The Company is involved in various routine legal proceedings incident to
the ordinary course of business. The Company believes that the outcome of all
pending legal proceedings in the aggregate will not have a material adverse
effect on its business or financial condition.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the quarter
ended June 30, 1998.

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PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

The Company's Class A Common Stock is publicly traded on the New York Stock
Exchange. The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices as
reported on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape and the cash dividends
per share declared in each quarter of fiscal 1998 and fiscal 1997.

FISCAL 1998 FISCAL 1997
------------------------------ ----------------------------
CASH CASH
HIGH LOW DIVIDENDS HIGH LOW DIVIDENDS
---- --- --------- ---- --- ---------
First Quarter.... $50 15/16 $44 3/4 $.085 $ 47 1/2 $34 3/4 $.085
Second Quarter... 56 3/8 39 .085 53 1/2 42 3/8 .085
Third Quarter.... 69 48 1/2 .085 52 1/4 44 7/8 .085
Fourth Quarter... 73 15/16 60 7/8 .085 52 1/2 39 3/8 .085

The Company expects to continue the payment of cash dividends in the
future, but there can be no assurance that such payment of cash dividends will
continue.

As of September 4, 1998, there were approximately 2,400 record holders of
Class A Common Stock and 12 record holders of Class B Common Stock.

8

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

The table below summarizes selected financial information for the Company.
For further information, refer to the audited financial statements and the notes
thereto contained elsewhere herein.



YEAR ENDED OR AT JUNE 30
------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

STATEMENT OF EARNINGS DATA:
Net sales.................. $3,618.0 $3,381.6 $3,194.5 $2,899.1 $2,576.4
Gross profit............... 2,798.5 2,616.5 2,463.5 2,224.3 1,956.1
Operating income........... 409.1 359.1 310.3 230.9 175.8
Earnings before income
taxes and minority
interest................. 402.8 362.9 313.0 233.0 173.2
Net earnings............... 236.8 197.6 160.4 121.2 93.0
Preferred stock
dividends................ 23.4 23.4 57.5 25.3 23.0
Net earnings attributable
to common stock.......... 213.4 174.2 102.9 95.9 70.0

OTHER DATA:
Earnings before interest,
taxes, depreciation and
amortization (EBITDA).... $ 506.6 $ 435.1 $ 369.1 $ 272.9 $ 215.9

PER SHARE DATA:
Net earnings per common
share (a):
Basic.................... $ 1.80 $ 1.48 $ 1.18(b) -- --
Diluted.................. $ 1.78 $ 1.47 $ 1.17(b) -- --
Weighted average common
shares outstanding (a):
Basic.................... 118.4 117.7 116.3(b) -- --
Diluted.................. 119.7 118.6 116.6(b) -- --

Cash dividends declared per
common share............. $ .34 $ .34 $ .17 -- --

BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital............ $ 617.2 $ 551.6 $ 467.5 $ 469.6 $ 422.7
Total assets............... 2,512.8 1,873.1 1,779.4 1,701.4 1,453.2
Total debt................. 436.5 31.1 127.5 194.0 170.4
Redeemable preferred
stock.................... 360.0 360.0 360.0 360.0 --
Stockholders' equity....... 696.4 547.7 394.2 335.1 577.7


- ------------------
(a) In December 1997, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards ("SFAS") No. 128, "Earnings per Share." Consistent with the
requirements of SFAS No. 128, net earnings per common share and weighted
average common shares outstanding for all prior years presented have been
restated for purposes of comparability.

(b) Reflects recapitalization as of July 1, 1996. See Note 1 to the consolidated
financial statements.

9

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The Company manufactures skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care
products which are distributed in over 100 countries and territories. The
following is a comparative summary of operating results for fiscal 1998, 1997
and 1996 and reflects the basis of presentation described in Note 1 to the
consolidated financial statements for all periods presented:

YEAR ENDED JUNE 30
------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
-------- -------- --------
(IN MILLIONS)
NET SALES
BY REGION:
The Americas:
United States............... $2,075.7 $1,814.7 $1,683.0
Other Americas.............. 129.0 124.7 116.4
-------- -------- --------
Total Americas........... 2,204.7 1,939.4 1,799.4
Europe, the Middle East &
Africa...................... 960.8 909.3 855.9
Asia/Pacific.................. 452.5 532.9 539.2
-------- -------- --------
$3,618.0 $3,381.6 $3,194.5
-------- -------- --------
-------- -------- --------

BY PRODUCT CATEGORY:
Skin Care..................... $1,252.9 $1,293.6 $1,274.0
Makeup........................ 1,320.2 1,253.4 1,131.6
Fragrance..................... 988.4 817.9 769.7
Hair Care..................... 56.5 16.7 19.2
-------- -------- --------
$3,618.0 $3,381.6 $3,194.5
-------- -------- --------
-------- -------- --------

OPERATING INCOME
The Americas:
United States................. $ 219.0 $ 159.1 $ 114.4
Other Americas................ 29.0 30.8 18.6
-------- -------- --------
Total Americas.............. 248.0 189.9 133.0
Europe, the Middle East &
Africa........................ 131.3 122.7 115.5
Asia/Pacific..................... 29.8 46.5 61.8
-------- -------- --------
$ 409.1 $ 359.1 $ 310.3
-------- -------- --------
-------- -------- --------

10

The following table sets forth certain earnings data as a percentage of net
sales:

YEAR ENDED JUNE 30
-----------------------------
1998 1997 1996
----- ----- -----
Net sales.................................... 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Cost of sales................................ 22.7 22.6 22.9
----- ----- -----
Gross profit................................. 77.3 77.4 77.1
----- ----- -----
Selling, general and administrative expenses:
Selling, general and administrative........ 62.4 63.5 64.4
Related party royalties.................... 0.9 1.0 1.2
----- ----- -----
63.3 64.5 65.6
----- ----- -----
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation
and amortization (EBITDA).................. 14.0 12.9 11.5
Depreciation and amortization................ 2.7 2.3 1.8
----- ----- -----
Operating income............................. 11.3 10.6 9.7
Interest income (expense), net............... (0.2) 0.1 0.1
----- ----- -----
Earnings before income taxes and minority
interest..................................... 11.1 10.7 9.8
Provision for income taxes................... 4.5 4.5 4.3
Minority interest............................ (0.1) (0.4) (0.5)
----- ----- -----
Net earnings................................. 6.5% 5.8% 5.0%
----- ----- -----
----- ----- -----

NET SALES

Net sales in fiscal 1998 increased 7% to $3,618.0 million as compared to
fiscal 1997 and 6% to $3,381.6 million for fiscal 1997 as compared to fiscal
1996. Fiscal 1998 net sales increased as a result of new product introductions,
the continued success of the Company's core products, and the international
rollout of recent product launches. Additionally, net sales in fiscal 1998
benefited from the inclusion of Aveda Corporation ("Aveda") and Sassaby, Inc.
("Sassaby"), from the date of acquisition in December and October 1997,
respectively, through the fiscal year end. In fiscal 1997, net sales increased
as a result of new product introductions across all categories, the global
rollout of certain fragrance introductions, and the continued solid performance
of existing products. Fiscal 1997 included a full year of sales of Bobbi Brown
essentials as compared to eight months of sales in fiscal 1996. The continued
strengthening of the U.S. dollar has negatively impacted net sales by
approximately $135 million and $87 million for fiscal 1998 and fiscal 1997,
respectively. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, net sales
increased 11% and 9% for fiscal 1998 and fiscal 1997, respectively. The
introduction of new products may have some cannibalization effect on existing
products in all categories, which is taken into account by the Company in its
business planning.

Net sales of skin care products in fiscal 1998 decreased 3% to $1,252.9
million as compared to fiscal 1997 and, in fiscal 1997, increased 2% to
$1,293.6 million as compared to fiscal 1996. The decrease is primarily due to
reduced sales in the Asia/Pacific region and the strengthening of the U.S.
dollar against foreign currencies. Accordingly, net sales of skin care products
increased 2% on a constant exchange rate basis. Additionally, fiscal 1998
decreases were due in part to the successful fiscal 1997 launch of Fruition
Extra and lower year to year sales of Advanced Night Repair. Partially
offsetting these decreases, were sales related to the introduction of Diminish,
Uncircle and All About Eyes, the international introduction of Nutritious and
the continued success of DayWear. In fiscal 1997, the increase was attributable
to the introduction of Fruition Extra, Advanced Suncare products, Moisture
On-Line, and Nutritious, along with the continued growth of existing products
such as LipZone, All About Lips and Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion.
Fiscal 1997 increases were partially offset by lower sales of Turnaround Cream
and ThighZone.

Net sales of makeup products increased 5% to $1,320.2 million in fiscal
1998 and 11% to $1,253.4 million in fiscal 1997. Fiscal 1998 increases are
attributable to the introduction of new products such as Superbalanced Makeup,
Superlast Cream Lipstick, Two-In-One Eyeshadow and Blush All Day. In addition to
new product introductions, existing products such as Doublewear and Futurist
recorded a full year's sales and were introduced

11

internationally, while sales of True Lipstick improved for the third straight
year. Net sales of makeup also reflect sales generated by Sassaby and Aveda
subsequent to the dates of acquisition and the continued success of Bobbi Brown
essentials. The foregoing increases were partially offset by the successful
fiscal 1997 introduction and full year's sales of City Base, and the decline in
net sales of Long Last Lipstick. In fiscal 1997, the sales growth was primarily
due to the introduction of City Base, Long Last Soft Shine Lipstick, Virtual
Skin, Futurist, and Indelible, as well as increased sales of existing M.A.C and
Bobbi Brown essentials products. These increases were partially offset by lower
sales of Long Last Lipstick and More Than Mascara.

Net sales of fragrance products increased 21% to $988.4 million in fiscal
1998 and 6% to $817.9 million in fiscal 1997. The fiscal 1998 increase is
primarily attributable to the introduction of Clinique Happy and Lauder
pleasures for Men, the domestic introduction of Hilfiger Athletics, and the
on-going success of "tommy" and "tommy girl." Sales of Estee Lauder pleasures
and Beautiful, were relatively consistent with prior years, although they
continue to generate significant sales. Offsetting these improvements were
declines in existing products such as White Linen Breeze, Aramis Classic, and
Havana Pour Elle. In fiscal 1997, the sales growth was led by the successful
United States introduction of "tommy girl," the European/Asian launch of
"tommy," along with the European introduction of Kiton. The fiscal 1997 domestic
success of "tommy" and Estee Lauder pleasures also contributed to the increased
net sales. New fragrance introductions cannibalized some existing fragrance
sales.

Net sales of hair care products increased significantly in fiscal 1998 as
compared with the prior year due to the inclusion of sales from the Aveda hair
care product lines beginning in December 1997.

Net sales in the Americas rose 14% to $2,204.7 million in fiscal 1998, as
compared to an 8% increase to $1,939.4 million in fiscal 1997. Increases in
fiscal 1998 were recognized across all product categories, with the most
significant increases being attributable to fragrances and hair care as a result
of new product introductions and the integration of Aveda, respectively. Growth
in all product categories is supported by the continued success of existing
products. In fiscal 1997, the increase was attributable to the sales of new
products across all categories, particularly those in the fragrance category.
Solid double digit increases were also achieved in M.A.C and Bobbi Brown
essentials. A generally lackluster retail environment for most of fiscal 1997
impacted core product sales.

In Europe, the Middle East & Africa, net sales increased 6% to
$960.8 million in fiscal 1998, as compared to a 6% increase to $909.3 in fiscal
1997. Net sales increased 13% and 11% for fiscal 1998 and fiscal 1997,
respectively, excluding the impact of foreign currency translation. In fiscal
1998, higher net sales were recorded in the United Kingdom and Spain.
Significant sales improvements in the United Kingdom were favorably impacted as
the dollar weakened against the British pound. Excluding the effect of a
strengthening U.S. dollar against local currencies, double digit increases were
achieved in Spain, Italy and Germany. In fiscal 1997, higher net sales were
achieved in the United Kingdom, the distributor and travel retail businesses,
Italy, and from the introduction of Kiton. These increases were partially offset
by lower sales in Germany and France resulting from the impact of foreign
currency translation and the difficult retail environments.

In Asia/Pacific, net sales decreased 15% to $452.5 million in fiscal 1998,
as compared to a 1% decrease to $532.9 million in fiscal 1997. On a local
currency basis, Asia/Pacific sales decreased 3% for fiscal 1998 and increased 6%
in fiscal 1997. The volatile economic climate in Japan and the surrounding Asian
marketplace has contributed to a difficult retail environment. Sales in Japan,
Hong Kong and Taiwan have decreased on both a local currency and a translated
basis. Although not significant enough to offset those decreases, net sales
increased in all other Asia/Pacific markets on a local currency basis,
particularly Thailand and Malaysia. In fiscal 1997, all markets reported local
currency sales increases with strong performances in Thailand, Korea, Taiwan,
Singapore, New Zealand, and Malaysia. Continued strengthening of the dollar
against the yen and continued economic uncertainty will most likely have an
adverse effect on the future financial performance of the Company in this
region.

The Company strategically staggers its new product launches by geographic
markets, which may account for differences in regional sales growth.

12

COST OF SALES

Cost of sales in fiscal 1998 was 22.7% of net sales compared with 22.6% of
net sales in fiscal 1997 and 22.9% of net sales in fiscal 1996. Increased cost
of sales in fiscal 1998 related to the inclusion of Aveda and Sassaby, both of
which have product cost structures higher than the Company's other brands, as
well as a shift in product mix. This increase was partially offset by continued
improvements in operating efficiency. The fiscal 1997 decrease primarily
reflects the efficiencies achieved as a result of the Company's global sourcing
and manufacturing activities, as well as shifts in product mix.

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to 66.0% of net
sales in fiscal 1998, compared with 66.8% and 67.4% of net sales in fiscal 1997
and fiscal 1996, respectively. Fiscal 1998 decreases reflect operating expenses
growing at a slower rate than net sales primarily due to efficiencies achieved
in the selling area and lower advertising and promotional spending (as a percent
of sales) and the effect of integrating the Aveda and Sassaby cost structures.
The fiscal 1997 decrease reflected operating expenses growing slower than net
sales primarily as a result of efficiencies in the selling, general and
administrative areas.

OPERATING INCOME

Operating income rose 14% to $409.1 million in fiscal 1998 and 16% to
$359.1 million in fiscal 1997. Operating margins were 11.3% in 1998, compared
with 10.6% and 9.7% in fiscal 1997 and fiscal 1996, respectively. These
increases were due to higher net sales and total operating expenses growing at a
slower rate than net sales.

Operating income in the Americas increased by 31% to $248.0 million in
fiscal 1998, as compared to a 43% increase to $189.9 million in fiscal 1997. In
fiscal 1998, the increase related to continued net sales improvements in the
United States due to strong performances from the core brands and the inclusion
of Aveda and Sassaby. In fiscal 1997, the increase was primarily due to net
sales increases in the United States, Canada, and the inclusion of twelve months
of operating results for Bobbi Brown, as compared to eight months in fiscal
1996.

In Europe, the Middle East & Africa, operating income increased 7% to
$131.3 million in fiscal 1998, as compared to a 6% increase to $122.7 million in
fiscal 1997. In fiscal 1998, increased net sales in the United Kingdom resulted
in the most significant improvement in operating income for the region. On a
constant exchange rate basis, Spain, France and Italy would have made greater
operating income contributions. These increases were partially offset by lower
operating income in the travel retail business. In fiscal 1997, the increase was
primarily due to increased operating income in the United Kingdom, Italy, South
Africa, Eastern Europe, the distributor and travel retail businesses, and the
inclusion of twelve months of operating results from Bobbi Brown as compared to
eight months in fiscal 1996, offset by lower results in Belgium, Austria,
Germany and France.

In Asia/Pacific, operating income decreased 36% to $29.8 million in fiscal
1998, as compared to a decrease of 25% to $46.5 million in fiscal 1997. The
fiscal 1998 decrease is principally due to operating income declines in Japan
due to lower net sales, compounded by the strengthening of the U.S. dollar
against the yen. A difficult retail market adversely affected Japan and the
surrounding areas. As a result, operating expenses grew at a faster rate than
net sales for most of the Asian markets, partially offset by strong results in
Korea. In fiscal 1997, the decrease was due to the continuing unfavorable
translation impact of the strength of the U.S. dollar versus the yen, lower
operating income in Japan reflecting the difficult retail environment, and
incremental promotional spending, partially offset by strong results in
Australia, Thailand, Korea, Singapore and Malaysia.

EBITDA

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA")
is an additional measure of operating performance used by management. EBITDA,
like operating income, does not include the effects of interest and taxes and
additionally excludes the "non-cash" effects of depreciation and amortization on
current earnings. While the components of EBITDA may vary from company to
company, the Company excludes its minority interest adjustment, all depreciation
charges related to property, plant and equipment and all amortization charges
including amortization of goodwill, purchased royalty rights, leasehold
improvements and

13

other intangible assets. These components of operating income do not necessarily
result in a capital requirement in the current period, and, in the opinion of
management, many of the underlying assets, both tangible and intangible, create
value for the Company by supporting the global recognition of brand names and
product innovation and by consistently producing quality products for the
Company's customers and consumers. The Company considers this measure useful in
analyzing its results; however, it is not intended to replace, or act as a
substitute for any presentation included in the consolidated financial
statements prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

EBITDA increased to 14.0% of net sales in fiscal 1998 as compared to 12.9%
and 11.5% in fiscal 1997 and 1996, respectively. The improvements in EBITDA in
fiscal 1998 are attributable primarily to operating expense efficiencies. In
fiscal 1997, the improvement is attributable to both cost of goods and operating
expense efficiencies.

INTEREST INCOME (EXPENSE), NET

Net interest expense was $6.3 million for the fiscal year ended June 30,
1998 as compared to net interest income of $3.8 million in fiscal 1997 and $2.7
million in fiscal 1996. Net interest expense in fiscal 1998 is primarily due to
higher borrowings associated with the Company's acquisitions. The net interest
income in fiscal 1997 and fiscal 1996 was principally due to higher average
domestic and overseas net cash positions which were partially offset by the
elimination of interest income from stockholders and lower interest expense as a
result of lower debt levels.

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

The provision for income taxes represents federal, foreign, state and local
taxes. The effective rate for income taxes in fiscal 1998 was 40.0% as compared
to 42.0% in fiscal 1997 and 44.2% in fiscal 1996. These rates principally
reflect the effect of state and local taxes, tax rates in foreign jurisdictions
and certain nondeductible expenses. The decrease in the effective tax rate for
fiscal 1998 was attributable to tax planning initiatives, a relative change in
the mix of earnings from higher tax countries such as Japan to lower tax
countries, the effect of a reduction in the statutory rate in the United Kingdom
and the effect of United States federal tax regulations. The decrease in the
effective income tax rate in fiscal 1997 and fiscal 1996 was principally
attributable to an increase in profits in lower taxed countries, the lessened
impact of a relatively higher Japanese rate and the reduced relative negative
impact of a stockholder's rights to receive certain U.S. royalty payments by
reason of the Company's purchase of those rights in November 1995.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company's principal sources of funds have historically been cash flow
from operations and borrowings under uncommitted and committed credit lines
provided by banks in the United States and abroad. At June 30, 1998, the Company
had cash equivalents of $277.5 million compared with $255.6 million at June 30,
1997.

Uncommitted lines of credit amounted to $293.4 million at June 30, 1998, of
which $6.4 million were used. In July 1996, the Company entered into a five year
$400.0 million committed revolving credit facility. Unused committed lines of
credit available to the Company at June 30, 1998 amounted to $400.0 million.
Total debt as a percentage of total capitalization (including short-term debt)
was 29% at June 30, 1998 and 3% at June 30, 1997. This increase is due to a
higher level of borrowings as a result of the Company's recent acquisitions. In
February 1998, the Company refinanced $300.0 million outstanding under its
revolving credit facility with a $405.0 million long-term note. See Note 7
"Long-Term Debt" of the consolidated financial statements.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $258.2 million in fiscal 1998
as compared to $253.1 million in fiscal 1997 and $172.0 million in fiscal 1996.
The fiscal 1998 increase relates to increased earnings, particularly before
depreciation and amortization, partially offset by operating assets increasing
more than operating liabilities. Operating asset increases are attributable
primarily to increased inventories and accounts receivable, due in part to the
acquisitions of Aveda and Sassaby. Operating liability increases primarily
relate to trade accounts payable and accrued taxes. For fiscal 1997, the
increase in cash from operating activities was primarily attributable to the
Company's increased profitability, reduced inventory levels, and an increase in
other accrued liabilities. This was partially offset by higher accounts
receivable (as a result of greater net sales) and the

14

inclusion in fiscal 1996 of the Company's purchase of a stockholder's rights to
receive certain U.S. royalty payments and the repayment of stockholder loans
receivable for $103.4 million. Net cash used for investing activities in fiscal
1998 was $577.2 million, compared with $130.7 million in fiscal 1997 and
$74.5 million in fiscal 1996. Increased investment spending during fiscal 1998
related primarily to the acquisitions of Aveda, Sassaby and the remaining
interest in M.A.C. The fiscal 1997 change principally reflected capital
expenditures and the cost of acquiring an additional interest in M.A.C during
the year. Net cash used for fiscal 1996 principally reflected capital
expenditures and the cash portion of the acquisition of a 100% interest in Bobbi
Brown. Financing activities provided cash of $345.2 million in fiscal 1998
primarily from long-term borrowings, partially offset by dividend payments. Net
cash used for financing activities in each of the years ended June 30, 1997 and
1996 reflects dividends paid, borrowings and repayments of debt and proceeds
from the issuance of common stock in the Company's secondary and initial public
offerings. The current ratio of the Company was 1.7 for fiscal 1998 and 1997.

The Company expects to commence payments of a contingent earn-out relating
to the acquisition of Bobbi Brown in March 1999, the amount of which will be
dependent upon certain results of operations of Bobbi Brown during the 1998 and
1997 calendar years.

The Company is completing construction of a state-of-the-art warehouse and
distribution center in Lachen, Switzerland, which has been designed to
accommodate the Company's projected growth. Although the distribution center is
operational, additional costs to complete are anticipated. These costs are not
expected to be material.

Capital expenditures amounted to $120.6 million, $82.9 million and $63.4
million in fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Spending in all three years
primarily reflects the continued upgrade of manufacturing equipment, dies and
molds, store and counter construction and information technology advancements,
as well as incremental capital spending by acquired companies. Fiscal 1998
spending included costs related to the construction of the Lachen distribution
center and the purchase of a facility in Blaine, Minnesota.

Dividends declared were $63.6 million in fiscal 1998, including
$10.0 million paid July 2, 1998, compared with $63.4 million in fiscal 1997 and
$107.3 million in fiscal 1996. The decrease in fiscal 1997 as compared to fiscal
1996 reflects the inclusion in fiscal 1996 of a special cash dividend in the
aggregate amount of $20.0 million payable to the then holders of certain shares
in a subsidiary, a dividend payable to the then holders of the Company's common
stock, consisting of interests in corporations and partnerships holding certain
assets of the Company, which were unrelated to the Company's core business, and
$29.6 million in cash. The aggregate fair value of the assets in such
corporations and partnerships was $19.6 million. These fiscal 1996 dividends
were declared and paid immediately prior to the recapitalization described in
Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements. In fiscal 1996, dividends also
include amounts paid on the Company's Participating Class I Preferred Stock,
which stock ceased to be outstanding after the Company completed the
recapitalization. Commencing with the quarter ended March 31, 1996, the Company
has declared quarterly dividends at the rate of $.085 per share on its Class A
Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. In fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996, dividends
declared on such common stock totaled approximately $40.2 million,
$40.0 million and $20.0 million, respectively.

The Company enters into forward exchange contracts to hedge purchases,
receivables and payables denominated in foreign currencies for periods
consistent with its identified exposures. The purpose of the hedging activities
is to minimize the effect of foreign exchange rate movements on the Company's
costs and on the cash flows which it receives from its foreign subsidiaries.
Almost all foreign currency contracts are denominated in currencies of major
industrial countries and are with large financial institutions rated as strong
investment grade by a major rating agency. Gains and losses related to
qualifying hedges of these exposures are deferred and recognized in operating
income when the underlying hedged transaction occurs. The Company also enters
into purchased foreign currency options to hedge anticipated transactions where
there is a high probability that anticipated exposures will materialize. Any
gains realized on such options that qualify as hedges are deferred and
recognized in operating income when the underlying hedged transaction occurs.
Premiums on foreign currency options are amortized over the period being hedged.
Foreign currency transactions which do not qualify as hedges are marked to
market on a current basis with gains and losses recognized through income and
reflected in operating expenses. In addition, any previously deferred gains and
losses on hedges which are terminated prior to the transaction date are
recognized in current income when the hedge is terminated.

15

As a matter of policy, the Company only enters into contracts with
counterparties that have at least an "A" (or equivalent) credit rating. The
counterparties to these contracts are major financial institutions and the
Company does not have significant exposure to any one counterparty. The
Company's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by any of the
counterparties is limited to only the recognized, but not realized, gains
attributable to the contracts. Management believes risk of loss is remote and in
any event would be immaterial. The contracts have varying maturities with none
exceeding 24 months and costs associated with entering into such contracts have
not been material to the Company's financial results. The Company does not
utilize derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. At
June 30, 1998, the Company had foreign currency contracts in the form of
purchased currency options and forward exchange contracts in the amount of
$77.1 million and $237.1 million, respectively. The foreign currencies included
in these contracts are principally the Belgian franc, Japanese yen, German mark,
Swiss franc, U.K. pound, Spanish peseta and Italian lira.

The Company has entered into interest rate swaps to convert floating
interest rate debt to fixed rate debt. These swap agreements are contracts to
exchange floating rate for fixed rate interest payments periodically over the
life of the agreements. Amounts currently due to or from interest swap
counterparties are recorded in interest expense in the period in which they
accrue. The related amounts payable to, or receivable from, the counterparties
are included in other accrued liabilities. At June 30, 1998 the Company had
interest rate swap agreements outstanding with a notional principal amount of
$405.0 million.

The effects of inflation have not been significant to the overall operating
results of the Company in recent years. Generally, the Company has been able to
increase selling prices sufficiently to offset cost increases which have been
moderate.

The Company believes that cash on hand, internally generated cash flow,
available credit lines and access to credit markets will be adequate to support
currently planned business operations and capital expenditures both on a
near-term and long-term basis.

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Company conducts business in many foreign currencies. As a result, it
is subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk due to the effects that
foreign exchange rate movements of these currencies have on the Company's costs
and on the cash flows which it receives from its foreign subsidiaries. The
Company believes that currently it has no other material market risk exposures.
The Company addresses its risks through a controlled program of risk management
that includes the use of derivative financial instruments. The Company primarily
enters into foreign currency forward exchange contracts and purchases foreign
currency options to reduce the effects of fluctuating foreign currency exchange
rates, and accordingly categorizes these instruments as entered into for
purposes other than trading. See Note 8 "Financial Instruments" in the
consolidated financial statements.

The Company uses a value-at-risk model to assess the market risk of its
derivative financial instruments. Value-at-risk represents the potential losses
for an instrument or portfolio from adverse changes in market factors, for a
specified time period and confidence level. The Company estimates value-at-risk
across all of its derivative financial instruments using a model with historical
volatilities and correlations calculated over the past 250 day period. The
Company's measured value-at-risk from holding such derivative instruments, using
a variance/co-variance model with a 95 percent confidence level, assuming normal
market conditions at June 30, 1998 was immaterial.

The Company's calculated value-at-risk exposure represents an estimate of
reasonably possible net losses that would be recognized on its portfolio of
derivative financial instruments assuming hypothetical movements in future
market rates and is not necessarily indicative of actual results which may or
may not occur. It does not represent the maximum possible loss nor any expected
loss that may occur, since actual future gains and losses will differ from those
estimated, based upon actual fluctuations in market rates, operating exposures,
and the timing thereof, and changes in the Company's portfolio of derivative
financial instruments during the year.

The Company believes however, that any loss incurred would be offset by the
effects of currency movements on the respective underlying transactions for
which the hedge is intended. In addition, the maximum

16

exposure associated with the purchase of options is limited to the premiums
paid, which are recognized against income over the period being hedged.

YEAR 2000

The Company has developed a comprehensive plan to address Year 2000 issues.
The plan addresses three main areas: (a) information systems; (b) embedded
chips; and (c) supply chain readiness (including customers as well as inventory
and non-inventory suppliers). To oversee the process, the Company has
established a Steering Committee comprised of senior executives from its various
business units around the world and chaired by the Company's President and Chief
Operating Officer. The Committee reports regularly to the Board of Directors and
the Audit Committee.

The Company has identified potential deficiencies related to Year 2000 in
its information systems, both hardware and software, and is in the process of
addressing them through upgrades and other remediation. The Company expects to
complete remediation and testing of its internal systems in the summer of 1999.
In respect of other equipment with date sensitive operating controls such as
manufacturing equipment, elevators, HVAC, security and other similar systems,
the Company is in the process of identifying those items which may require
remediation or replacement. The Company expects to complete remediation or
replacement and testing of these in the summer of 1999. As for third parties,
the Company is in the process of identifying and contacting suppliers, both
inventory and non-inventory, as well as customers. This process includes the
solicitation of written responses to questionnaires and/or meetings with certain
of such third parties. The Company expects to have a better understanding of the
Year 2000 readiness of these third parties over the next several months.

Based upon the Company's current estimates, incremental out-of-pocket costs
of its Year 2000 program are expected to be immaterial. These costs are expected
to be incurred primarily in fiscal 1999 and include third party consultants,
remediation of existing computer software and replacement and remediation of
embedded chips. Such costs do not include internal management time and the
deferral of other projects, the effects of which are not expected to be material
to the Company's results of operations or financial condition.

At this stage of the process, the Company believes that it is difficult to
specifically identify the cause of the most reasonable worst case Year 2000
scenario. As with all manufacturers and distributors of products such as those
sold by the Company, a reasonable worst case scenario would be the result of
failures of third parties (including, without limitation, governmental entities
and entities with which the Company has no direct involvement) that continue for
more than several days in various geographic areas where the Company's products
are produced or sold at retail or in areas from which the Company's raw
materials and components are sourced. In connection with the production of
products and supplies of raw materials and components, the Company is
considering various contingency plans. Continuing failures in key geographic
areas in the United States and in certain European and Asian countries that
limit consumers' ability to shop, would most likely have a material adverse
effect on the Company's results of operations. The extent of such lost revenue
cannot be estimated at this time; however, the Company is considering
contingency plans to limit, to the extent possible, the effect of such lost
revenue on the Company's result of operations. Any such plans would necessarily
be limited to matters over which the Company can reasonably control.

The Company's Year 2000 efforts are ongoing and its overall plan, as well
as the consideration of contingency plans, will continue to evolve as new
information becomes available. While the Company anticipates continuity of its
business activities, that continuity will be dependent upon its ability, and the
ability of third parties with whom the Company relies on directly, or
indirectly, to be Year 2000 compliant.

EURO CONVERSION

As part of the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), a single
currency (the "Euro") will replace the national currencies of most of the
European countries in which the Company conducts business. The conversion rates
between the Euro and the participating nations' currencies will be fixed
irrevocably as of January 1, 1999, with the participating national currencies
being removed from circulation between January 1, and June 30, 2002 and replaced
by Euro notes and coinage. During the "transition period" from January 1, 1999
through December 31, 2001, public and private entities as well as individuals
may pay for goods and services using either checks, drafts, or wire transfers
denominated in Euro or the participating country's national currency.

17

Under the regulations governing the transition to a single currency, there
is a "no compulsion, no prohibition" rule which states that no one is obliged to
use the Euro until the notes and coinage have been introduced on January 1,
2002. In keeping with this rule, the Company expects to be Euro "compliant"
(able to receive Euro denominated payments and able to invoice in Euro as
requested by vendors and suppliers, respectively) by January 1, 1999 in the
affected countries. Full conversion of all affected country operations to Euro
is expected to be completed by the time national currencies are removed from
circulation. Phased conversion to the Euro is currently underway and the effects
on revenues, costs and various business strategies are being assessed. The cost
of software and business process conversion is not expected to be material.

ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS
No. 133 "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." This
statement establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative
instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other
contracts, and for hedging activities. SFAS No. 133 is effective for all fiscal
quarters of fiscal years beginning after June 15, 1999 and will not require
retroactive restatement of prior period financial statements. This statement
requires the recognition of all derivative instruments as either assets or
liabilities in the statement of financial position measured at fair value.
Generally, increases or decreases in the fair value of derivative instruments
will be recognized as gains or losses in earnings in the period of change. If
certain conditions are met where the derivative instrument has been designated
as a fair value hedge, the hedged item may also be marked to market through
earnings thus creating an offset. If the derivative is designated and qualifies
as a cash flow hedge, the changes in fair value of the derivative instrument may
be recorded in comprehensive income. The Company has not yet quantified the
impact on the consolidated financial statements of adopting SFAS No. 133,
however, the statement will likely result in a change in reported assets and
liabilities and may affect earnings and comprehensive income, as defined by SFAS
No. 130 "Reporting Comprehensive Income."

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

The Company and its representatives from time to time make written or
verbal forward looking statements, including statements contained in this and
other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and in the Company's
reports to stockholders. The words and phrases "will likely result," "expects,"
"believes," "will continue," "is anticipated," "estimates," "projects" or
similar expressions are intended to identify "forward-looking statements" within
the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such
statements include, without limitation, the Company's expectations regarding
sales, earnings or other future financial performance and liquidity, product
introductions, entry into new geographic regions and general optimism about
future operations or operating results. Although the Company believes that its
expectations are based on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of its
knowledge of its business and operations, there can be no assurance that actual
results will not differ materially from its expectations. Factors that could
cause actual results to differ from expectations include, without limitation:
(i) increased competitive activity from companies in the skin care, makeup,
fragrance and hair care businesses, some of which have greater resources than
the Company; (ii) consolidations and restructurings in the retail industry
causing a decrease in the number of stores that sell the Company's products, an
increase in the ownership concentration within the retail industry or ownership
of retailers by the Company's competitors; (iii) social, political and economic
risks to the Company's foreign manufacturing and retail operations, including
changes in foreign investment and trade policies and regulations of the host
countries and of the United States; (iv) changes in the laws, regulations and
policies, including changes in accounting standards, that affect, or will
affect, the Company in the United States and abroad; (v) foreign currency
fluctuations affecting the Company's results of operations and value of its
foreign assets, the relative prices at which the Company and foreign competitors
sell their products in the same market and the Company's operating and
manufacturing costs outside of the United States; (vi) shipment delays,
depletion of inventory and increased production costs resulting from disruptions
of operations at any of the facilities which, due to consolidations in the
Company's manufacturing operations, now manufacture nearly all of the Company's
supply of a particular type of product (i.e., focus factories); (vii) changes in
product mix to ones which are less profitable; and (viii) the ability of the
Company and third parties, including customers or suppliers, to adequately
address Year 2000 issues. The Company assumes no responsibility to update
forward looking statements made herein or otherwise.

18

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

The information required by this item is set forth in Item 7 under the
caption "Derivative Financial Instruments" and in Note 8 to the Company's
consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K
and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

The information required by this item appears beginning on page F-1 of this
Annual Report on Form 10-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

Not applicable.

19

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.

The other information required by Item 10 will be included in the Company's
Proxy Statement for the 1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders which will be filed
within 120 days after the close of the Company's fiscal year ended June 30, 1998
and such information is incorporated herein by reference to such Proxy
Statement.

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the
executive officers of the Company.

NAME AGE POSITION(S) HELD
- ---------------------------- --- -----------------------------------------------
Leonard A. Lauder........... 65 Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief
Executive Officer
Ronald S. Lauder............ 54 Chairman of Clinique Laboratories, Inc. and
Estee Lauder International, Inc. and a
Director
Fred H. Langhammer.......... 54 President and Chief Operating Officer and a
Director
Robert J. Bigler............ 50 Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer
Patrick Bousquet-Chavanne... 40 President of Estee Lauder International, Inc.
Daniel J. Brestle........... 53 President of Estee Lauder (U.S.A. & Canada)
Andrew J. Cavanaugh......... 51 Senior Vice President -- Corporate Human
Resources
John B. Chilton............. 66 Senior Vice President -- Global Operations
John M. Corrigan............ 56 Senior Vice President -- Global Information
Services
Joseph Gubernick............ 64 Senior Vice President -- Research and
Development
Evelyn H. Lauder............ 62 Senior Corporate Vice President
William P. Lauder........... 38 President of Clinique Laboratories, Inc.
Mary Carroll Linder......... 51 Senior Vice President -- Global Communications
Saul H. Magram.............. 67 Senior Vice President, General Counsel and
Secretary
Robert A. Nielsen........... 68 President of Aramis Inc. and Prescriptives Inc.
Jeanette S. Wagner.......... 69 Vice Chairman

LEONARD A. LAUDER has served as Chief Executive Officer of the Company
since 1982 and as President from 1972 until 1995. He has been a director of the
Company since 1958. He became Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company
in 1995. Mr. Lauder formally joined the Company in 1958 after serving as an
officer in the United States Navy. Since joining the Company, he has served in
various positions, including executive officer positions other than those
described above. He is Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Whitney Museum
of American Art, a Charter Trustee of the University of Pennsylvania, a Trustee
of The Aspen Institute and a Director of RSL Communications, Ltd. He also served
as a member of the White House Advisory Committee on Trade Policy and
Negotiations under President Reagan.

RONALD S. LAUDER has served as Chairman of Clinique Laboratories, Inc.,
Chairman of Estee Lauder International, Inc. and as a director of the Company
since returning from government service in 1987. Mr. Lauder joined the Company
in 1964 and has served in various capacities, including those described above,
since then. From 1983 to 1986, Mr. Lauder served as Deputy Assistant Secretary
of Defense for European and NATO Affairs. From 1986 to 1987, he served as U.S.
Ambassador to Austria. He is non-executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of
Central European Media Enterprises Ltd. and is the co-founder, controlling
investor and Chairman of the Board of Directors of RSL Communications, Ltd. He
is Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Museum of Modern Art.

FRED H. LANGHAMMER has been President of the Company since 1995 and Chief
Operating Officer of the Company since 1985. He was elected to the Board of
Directors in January 1996. He was Executive Vice President from 1985 until 1995.
Mr. Langhammer joined the Company in 1975 as President of its operations in
Japan and, in 1982, he was appointed Managing Director of the Company's
operations in Germany. He is a member of the Board of Directors of RJR Nabisco
Holdings Corp.; RSL Communications, Ltd.; the Cosmetics, Toiletries and
Fragrance Association; the German American Chamber of Commerce, Inc.; and the
American Institute for Contemporary German Studies at Johns Hopkins University.
He is also a Senior Fellow of the Foreign Policy Association.

20

ROBERT J. BIGLER is Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of
the Company, a position he assumed in 1992. Before that, he had served as Senior
Vice President -- Controller of Estee Lauder International, Inc. from 1986. He
is a certified public accountant.

PATRICK BOUSQUET-CHAVANNE rejoined the Company in September 1998 as
President of Estee Lauder International, Inc. ("ELII"). From June 1992 through
December 1996, Mr. Bousquet-Chavanne was Senior Vice President -- General
Manager/Travel Retailing of ELII. When he first joined the Company in September
1989 through June 1992, he was Vice President and General Manager of Aramis
International, a division of ELII. From December 1996 through March 1998, he was
Executive Vice President/General Manager International Operations of Parfums
Christian Dior S.A., based in Paris.

DANIEL J. BRESTLE is President of Estee Lauder (U.S.A. & Canada). Prior to
July 1998, he was President of Clinique Laboratories, Inc. and the senior
officer of that division since 1992. Prior thereto, he was President of
Prescriptives U.S.A. since 1988. Mr. Brestle joined the Company in 1978.

ANDREW J. CAVANAUGH has been Senior Vice President -- Corporate Human
Resources since 1994. Mr. Cavanaugh joined the Company in 1988 as Executive
Director -- Human Resources. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of
Galoob Toys, Inc.

JOHN B. CHILTON is Senior Vice President -- Global Operations and has been
in charge of the Company's global manufacturing operations since 1993. Before
that, Mr. Chilton managed the Company's United States manufacturing operations
since 1978. He joined the Company in 1973 as Managing Director of the Company's
manufacturing unit in the United Kingdom, and managed international operations
from 1974 to 1978.

JOHN M. CORRIGAN is Senior Vice President -- Global Information Systems and
has been the senior officer in charge of information systems and technology
since joining the Company in 1990.

JOSEPH GUBERNICK is Senior Vice President -- Research and Development of
the Company. Mr. Gubernick joined the Company in 1972 as Vice
President -- Research and Development.

EVELYN H. LAUDER has been Senior Corporate Vice President of the Company
since 1989, and previously served as Vice President and in other executive
capacities since first joining the Company in 1959 as Education Director. She is
a member of the Board of Overseers, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, a
member of the Board of Trustees of Central Park Conservancy, Inc. and The
Trinity School in New York City, a member of the Board of Directors of The Parks
Council and the Founder and President of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

WILLIAM P. LAUDER is President of Clinique Laboratories, Inc. He has been a
director of the Company since January 1996. Prior to July 1998, he was President
of Origins Natural Resources Inc., and the senior officer of such division since
its inception in 1990. Prior thereto, he served in various positions since
joining the Company in 1986. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of The
Trinity School in New York City and the Board of Directors of the Educational
Foundation for the Fashion Industries.

MARY CARROLL LINDER has been Senior Vice President -- Global Communications
since 1996. From 1992 until she joined the Company, Ms. Linder headed the public
relations area of Grand Metropolitan, PLC, a broadly based consumer products
company, as Group Corporate Communications Director.

SAUL H. MAGRAM is Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of
the Company. Mr. Magram has been the senior legal officer of the Company since
he joined in 1968.

ROBERT A. NIELSEN is President of Aramis Inc. and President of
Prescriptives Inc. and has been the senior officer of those divisions since 1992
and 1995, respectively. In July 1998, he was appointed President of the Donna
Karan Cosmetics Company, a unit of the Company. Mr. Nielsen first joined the
Company in 1960 and has been associated with it on three occasions since that
date. From 1990 to 1992, Mr. Nielsen was a management development consultant in
the fashion industry.

JEANETTE S. WAGNER is Vice Chairman of the Company. Prior to July 1998, she
was President of Estee Lauder International, Inc., a position she held since
1985. Mrs. Wagner joined the Company in 1975 to head the activity of the Estee
Lauder brand in international markets. Prior to assuming her current
responsibilities, Mrs. Wagner served as Senior Vice President -- Corporate
Development from 1982 to 1985. Mrs. Wagner is a

21

Director of Tricon Global Restaurants, Inc. In 1994, Mrs. Wagner was appointed
by President Clinton to serve on the White House Advisory Committee on Trade
Policy and Negotiations, and she is Chairman Emeritus and a director of the
Fragrance Foundation, an industry group.

Each executive officer serves for a one-year term ending at the next annual
meeting of the Company's Board of Directors, subject to his or her applicable
employment agreement and his or her earlier death, resignation or removal.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.

The information required to be included by Items 11 through 13 of
Form 10-K will be included in the Company's Proxy Statement for the 1998 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders, which will be filed within 120 days after the close of
the Company's fiscal year ended June 30, 1998 and such information is
incorporated herein by reference to such Proxy Statement.

22

PART IV

ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS OF FORM 8-K.

(a) 1, 2. Financial Statements and Schedules -- See index on Page F-1.

3. Exhibits --

EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
- ------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
3.1 Form of Restated Certificate of Incorporation (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to
Amendment No. 3 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1
(No. 33-97180) on November 13, 1995 (the "S-1")).*

3.2 Form of Amended and Restated By-laws (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the
S-1).*

10.1 Form of Stockholders' Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the S-1).*

10.1a Amendment No. 1 to Stockholders' Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to
the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
September 30, 1996).*

10.1b Amendment No. 2 to Stockholders' Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to
the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
December 31, 1996 (the "FY 1997 Q2 10-Q")).*

10.1c Amendment No. 3 to Stockholder's Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to
the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
March 31, 1997 (the "FY 1997 Q3 10-Q")).*

10.2 Form of Registration Rights Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the
S-1).*

10.2a First Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement (filed as Exhibit
10.3 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended June 30, 1996).*

10.2b Second Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement (filed as Exhibit
10.1 to the FY 1997 Q3 10-Q).*

10.3 Fiscal 1996 Share Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the S-1).*+

10.4 The Estee Lauder Inc. Retirement Growth Account Plan (filed as
Exhibit 10.4 to the S-1).*+

10.5 The Estee Lauder Inc. Retirement Benefits Restoration Plan (filed as
Exhibit 10.5 to the S-1).*+

10.6 Annual Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the S-1).*+

10.7 Employment Agreement with Leonard A. Lauder (filed as Exhibit 10.7 to
the S-1).*+

10.8 Employment Agreement with Ronald S. Lauder (filed as Exhibit 10.8 to
the S-1).*+

10.9 Employment Agreement with Fred H. Langhammer (filed as Exhibit 10.9 to
the S-1).*+

23


EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
- ------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
10.10 Employment Agreement with Daniel J. Brestle (filed as Exhibit 4(h) to
the Company's Registration Statement Form S-8 (No. 33-99554) on
November 17, 1995 (the "S-8")).*+

10.11 Employment Agreement with Robin R. Burns (filed as Exhibit 4(g) to the
S-8).*+

10.12 Employment Agreement with William P. Lauder (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to
the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
March 31, 1996).*+

10.13 Employment Agreement, as amended, with Saul H. Magram (filed as
Exhibit 10.10 to the S-1).*+

10.14 Employment Agreement with Jeanette S. Wagner (filed as
Exhibit 4(i) to the S-8).*+

10.15 Form of Deferred Compensation Agreement with Outside Directors (filed
as Exhibit 10.1 to the FY 1997 Q2 10-Q).*+

10.16 Term Loan Agreement, dated as of January 28, 1998, among The Estee
Lauder Companies Inc., as borrower, Estee Lauder Inc., as guarantor,
and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, The Chase Manhattan Bank
and Citibank, N.A. (filed as Exhibit 10.16 to the Company's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998).*

21.1 List of significant subsidiaries of the Company.

23.1 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.

24.1 Power of Attorney.

27.1 Financial Data Schedule.

- ------------------
* Incorporated herein by reference.

+ Exhibit is a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

(b) Registrant filed no reports on Form 8-K during the last quarter of the
period covered by this report.

24

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

By _______/s/__ROBERT J. BIGLER_______
Robert J. Bigler
Senior Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer

Date: September 11, 1998

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.




SIGNATURE TITLE(S) DATE
- ------------------------ ---------------------------------- ------------------

/s/ LEONARD A. LAUDER* Chairman of the Board of Directors September 11, 1998
- ------------------------ and Chief Executive Officer
Leonard A. Lauder (Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ RONALD S. LAUDER* Director September 11, 1998
- ------------------------
Ronald S. Lauder

/s/ WILLIAM P. LAUDER* Director September 11, 1998
- ------------------------
William P. Lauder

/s/ FRED H. LANGHAMMER* Director September 11, 1998
- ------------------------
Fred H. Langhammer

/s/ MARSHALL ROSE* Director September 11, 1998
- ------------------------
Marshall Rose

/s/ P. ROY VAGELOS* Director September 11, 1998
- ------------------------
P. Roy Vagelos

/s/ FAYE WATTLETON* Director September 11, 1998
- ------------------------
Faye Wattleton

/s/ ROBERT J. BIGLER Senior Vice President and September 11, 1998
- ------------------------ Chief Financial Officer
Robert J. Bigler (Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)


- ------------------
* By signing his name hereto, Robert J. Bigler signs this document in the
capacities indicated above and on behalf of the persons indicated above
pursuant to powers of attorney duly executed by such persons and filed
herewith.

By /s/ ROBERT J. BIGLER
-------------------------------------
Robert J. Bigler
(Attorney-in-Fact)

25

THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULE

PAGE
----
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:

Report of Independent Public Accountants............... F-2

Consolidated Statements of Earnings.................... F-3

Consolidated Balance Sheets............................ F-4

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity........ F-5

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.................. F-6

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

FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE:

Report of Independent Public Accountants on Schedule... S-1

Schedule II -- Valuation and Qualifying Accounts....... S-2

All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the
required information is included in the consolidated financial statements or
notes thereto.

F-1

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

To The Estee Lauder Companies Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The Estee
Lauder Companies Inc. (a Delaware corporation) and subsidiaries as of June 30,
1998 and 1997, and the related consolidated statements of earnings,
stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended June 30, 1998. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of The Estee Lauder Companies
Inc. and subsidiaries as of June 30, 1998 and 1997, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
June 30, 1998 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.




ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

New York, New York
August 11, 1998

F-2

THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

YEAR ENDED JUNE 30
------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
-------- -------- --------
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE
DATA)

NET SALES....................................... $3,618.0 $3,381.6 $3,194.5
Cost of sales................................... 819.5 765.1 731.0
-------- -------- --------
GROSS PROFIT.................................... 2,798.5 2,616.5 2,463.5
Selling, general and administrative expenses:
Selling, general and administrative........... 2,357.6 2,224.6 2,116.0
Related party royalties (Note 1).............. 31.8 32.8 37.2
-------- -------- --------
2,389.4 2,257.4 2,153.2
-------- -------- --------
OPERATING INCOME................................ 409.1 359.1 310.3
Interest income (expense), net:
Interest income (expense), net................ (6.3) 3.8 --
Interest income from stockholders, net........ -- -- 2.7
-------- -------- --------
(6.3) 3.8 2.7
-------- -------- --------
EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND MINORITY
INTEREST...................................... 402.8 362.9 313.0
Provision for income taxes (Note 5)............. 161.1 152.4 138.3
Minority interest (Note 3)...................... (4.9) (12.9) (14.3)
-------- -------- --------
NET EARNINGS.................................... 236.8 197.6 160.4
Preferred stock dividends....................... 23.4 23.4 57.5
-------- -------- --------
NET EARNINGS ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCK
(Note 1)...................................... $ 213.4 $ 174.2 $ 102.9
-------- -------- --------
-------- -------- --------
Net earnings per common share (Note 1):
Basic......................................... $ 1.80 $ 1.48 $ 1.18
Diluted....................................... $ 1.78 $ 1.47 $ 1.17
Weighted average common shares outstanding
(Note 1):
Basic......................................... 118.4 117.7 116.3
Diluted....................................... 119.7 118.6 116.6

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-3

THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

JUNE 30
------------------
1998 1997
-------- --------
(IN MILLIONS)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents (Notes 1 and 8)................... $ 277.5 $ 255.6
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts
of $43.6 million and $36.4 million, respectively.......... 497.8 471.7
Inventory and promotional merchandise, net (Note 1)......... 513.2 440.6
Prepaid expenses and other current assets................... 166.1 143.2
-------- --------
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS.............................. 1,454.6 1,311.1
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET (Note 1)................. 335.8 265.0
OTHER ASSETS
Investments, at cost or market value (Note 15).............. 27.7 25.9
Deferred taxes (Note 5)..................................... 59.6 59.9
Goodwill, net (Notes 1 and 3)............................... 496.2 91.7
Other intangible assets, net (Note 1)....................... 67.1 69.6
Other assets, net........................................... 71.8 49.9
-------- --------
722.4 297.0
-------- --------
$2,512.8 $1,873.1
-------- --------
-------- --------

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Short-term debt (Note 4).................................... $ 11.5 $ 31.1
Accounts payable............................................ 209.1 165.8
Accrued income taxes (Note 5)............................... 79.4 57.4
Other accrued liabilities (Note 6).......................... 537.4 505.2
-------- --------
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES......................... 837.4 759.5
-------- --------
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES
Long-term debt (Notes 7 and 8).............................. 425.0 --
Other noncurrent liabilities................................ 194.0 205.9
-------- --------
619.0 205.9
-------- --------
$6.50 CUMULATIVE REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK, AT REDEMPTION
VALUE (Notes 8 and 11).................................... 360.0 360.0
-------- --------
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, $.01 par value; 300,000,000 shares Class A
authorized, shares outstanding: 61,467,934 in 1998 and
61,436,663 in 1997: 120,000,000 shares Class B authorized,
shares outstanding: 56,839,667 in 1998 and 1997........... 1.2 1.2
Paid-in capital............................................. 169.8 165.3
Retained earnings........................................... 559.6 386.4
Net unrealized investment gains (Note 15)................... 5.8 2.9
Cumulative translation adjustments (Note 1)................. (40.0) (8.1)
-------- --------
696.4 547.7
-------- --------
$2,512.8 $1,873.1
-------- --------
-------- --------

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-4

THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

YEAR ENDED JUNE 30
----------------------
1998 1997 1996
------ ------ ------
(IN MILLIONS)
Common stock, beginning of year......................... $ 1.2 $ 1.2 $ 40.3
Recapitalization (Note 1)............................... -- -- (39.1)
------ ------ ------
Common stock, end of year............................... 1.2 1.2 1.2
------ ------ ------
Paid-in capital, beginning of year...................... 165.3 121.6 --
Recapitalization (Note 1)............................... -- -- 58.0
Common stock issued, net of issuance costs.............. -- 38.1 59.3
Share grants............................................ -- 0.2 4.3
Stock option programs................................... 4.5 5.4 --
------ ------ ------
Paid-in capital, end of year............................ 169.8 165.3 121.6
------ ------ ------
Retained earnings, beginning of year.................... 386.4 252.2 242.2
Recapitalization (Note 1)............................... -- -- (16.4)
Preferred stock dividends............................... (23.4) (23.4) (44.8)
Common stock dividends.................................. (40.2) (40.0) (69.6)
Dividend of interest in corporations and partnerships... -- -- (19.6)
Net earnings for the year............................... 236.8 197.6 160.4
------ ------ ------
Retained earnings, end of year.......................... 559.6 386.4 252.2
------ ------ ------
Net unrealized investment gains, beginning of year...... 2.9 2.9 2.1
Change in net unrealized investment gains............... 2.9 -- 0.8
------ ------ ------
Net unrealized investment gains, end of year............ 5.8 2.9 2.9
------ ------ ------
Partnership equity, beginning of year................... -- -- 2.5
Recapitalization (Note 1)............................... -- -- (2.5)
------ ------ ------
Partnership equity, end of year......................... -- -- --
------ ------ ------
Cumulative translation adjustments, beginning of year... (8.1) 16.3 48.0
Translation adjustments................................. (31.9) (24.4) (31.7)
------ ------ ------
Cumulative translation adjustments, end of year......... (40.0) (8.1) 16.3
------ ------ ------
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY.............................. $696.4 $547.7 $394.2
------ ------ ------
------ ------ ------

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-5

THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

YEAR ENDED JUNE 30
-------------------------
1998 1997 1996
------- ------- -------
(IN MILLIONS)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net earnings....................................... $ 236.8 $ 197.6 $ 160.4
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash
flows provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization................. 79.8 58.3 47.7
Amortization of purchased royalty rights...... 17.7 17.7 11.1
Deferred income taxes......................... (12.2) (12.6) (5.3)
Minority interest............................. 4.9 12.9 14.3
Share grants.................................. -- 0.2 4.3
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Increase in accounts receivable, net.......... (31.9) (56.3) (27.6)
(Increase) decrease in inventory and
promotional merchandise.................... (71.8) 4.4 (75.1)
Decrease in due from stockholders............. -- -- 103.4
Increase in other assets...................... (72.4) (25.5) (121.0)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable....... 40.7 (5.5) 16.1
Increase (decrease) in accrued income taxes... 25.0 (13.9) 7.3
Increase in other accrued liabilities......... 17.6 47.5 15.0
Increase in other noncurrent liabilities...... 24.0 28.3 21.4
------- ------- -------
NET CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY OPERATING
ACTIVITIES............................... 258.2 253.1 172.0
------- ------- -------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures............................... (120.6) (82.9) (63.4)
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities....... -- -- 13.3
Acquisition of businesses, net of acquired cash.... (459.9) (46.5) (25.6)
Purchases of long-term investments................. (1.8) (1.5) (2.2)
Proceeds from disposition of long-term
investments..................................... 5.1 0.2 3.4
------- ------- -------
NET CASH FLOWS USED FOR INVESTING
ACTIVITIES............................... (577.2) (130.7) (74.5)
------- ------- -------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Decrease in short-term debt, net................... (10.7) (52.7) (41.7)
Proceeds from long-term debt....................... 431.2 -- --
Repayments and redemptions of long-term debt....... (21.9) (43.7) (25.0)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of
issuance costs.................................. -- 38.1 60.6
Proceeds from exercise of stock options............ 0.2 4.9 --
Dividends paid..................................... (53.6) (63.4) (107.3)
------- ------- -------
NET CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED FOR)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES..................... 345.2 (116.8) (113.4)
------- ------- -------
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash
Equivalents........................................ (4.3) (4.8) 2.8
------- ------- -------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS........................................ 21.9 0.8 (13.1)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR....... 255.6 254.8 267.9
------- ------- -------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR............. $ 277.5 $ 255.6 $ 254.8
------- ------- -------
------- ------- -------
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest...................................... $ 13.0 $ 7.4 $ 10.9
------- ------- -------
------- ------- -------
Income Taxes.................................. $ 145.5 $ 167.9 $ 122.3
------- ------- -------
------- ------- -------

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-6

THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1 -- SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the
"Company"). In November 1995, the Company, its stockholders and certain
affiliates consummated a recapitalization (the "Recapitalization"). As a result
of the Recapitalization, the Company has three classes of stock outstanding
(i.e., Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock and $6.50 Cumulative
Redeemable Preferred Stock), and acquired a majority equity interest in Make-Up
Art Cosmetics Limited and a related entity (collectively, "M.A.C"), and all the
outstanding shares of Estee Lauder AG Lachen ("Lachen") and Estee Lauder Realty
Corp. ("EL Realty"), which ownership interests were previously held by certain
members of the Lauder family. The Recapitalization included the following
transactions: (i) the conversion of all the outstanding shares of the Company
(other than the $6.50 Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock) into shares of
newly created Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, (ii) the exchange
of all outstanding shares of preferred stock of two subsidiaries of the Company
that were not then owned by the Company for shares of Class A Common Stock and
Class B Common Stock, (iii) the acquisition by the Company of all the shares of
Lachen not then owned by the Company and all of the outstanding shares of EL
Realty in exchange for shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock
and (iv) the acquisition by the Company of all the outstanding partnership
interests of Lauder Family Partners, L.P. (which initially acquired the interest
in M.A.C) in exchange for shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common
Stock. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been
eliminated in consolidation.

Certain amounts in the consolidated financial statements of prior years
have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation for comparative
purposes.

NET EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

In December 1997, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards ("SFAS") No. 128, "Earnings per Share." In accordance with the
requirements of SFAS No. 128, net earnings per common share amounts ("basic
EPS") were computed by dividing net earnings, after deducting preferred stock
dividends on the Company's $6.50 Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, by the
weighted average number of common shares outstanding and contingently issuable
shares (which satisfy certain conditions) and excluded any potential dilution.
Net earnings per common share amounts assuming dilution ("diluted EPS") were
computed by reflecting potential dilution from the exercise of stock options.
SFAS No. 128 requires the presentation of both basic EPS and diluted EPS on the
face of the statements of earnings. Earnings per share amounts for the same
prior-year periods have been restated to conform with the provisions of SFAS
No. 128.

Net earnings attributable to common stock for the year ended June 30, 1996
reflects recurring preferred stock dividends on the Company's $6.50 Cumulative
Redeemable Preferred Stock as well as nonrecurring preferred stock dividends
associated with several classes of preferred stock converted or exchanged into
common shares in the Recapitalization. For purposes of computing basic and
diluted EPS for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1996, dividends paid or accrued
on the classes of preferred stock which were converted or exchanged in the
Recapitalization are assumed not to have occurred and are excluded from the
computation. Share data for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1996 reflect the
effects of the Recapitalization and the issuance of common stock in the
Company's initial public offering (the "Offering"), as described in Note 2.
Basic EPS includes the amount of shares issued by the Company in the Offering
from the date of issuance plus the effect of common shares contingently issuable
from that same date. Diluted EPS considers potential dilution from the exercise
of stock options subsequent to the Offering.

F-7

THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

A reconciliation between the numerators and denominators of the basic and
diluted EPS computations is as follows:

YEAR ENDED JUNE 30
----------------------
1998 1997 1996
------ ------ ------
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT
--------------------
PER SHARE DATA)
--------------
Net earnings................................... $236.8 $197.6 $160.4
Preferred stock dividends...................... (23.4) (23.4) (23.4)
------ ------ ------
NUMERATOR:
Net earnings attributable to common stock...... 213.4 174.2 137.0
------ ------ ------
------ ------ ------
DENOMINATOR:
Weighted average common shares
outstanding -- Basic......................... 118.4 117.7 116.3
Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options... 1.3 0.9 0.3
------ ------ ------
Weighted average common shares
outstanding -- Diluted....................... 119.7 118.6 116.6
------ ------ ------
------ ------ ------
Basic EPS...................................... $ 1.80 $ 1.48 $ 1.18
------ ------ ------
------ ------ ------
Diluted EPS.................................... $ 1.78 $ 1.47 $ 1.17
------ ------ ------
------ ------ ------

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash equivalents include $174.6 million and $146.2 million of short-term
time deposits at June 30, 1998 and 1997, respectively. The Company considers all
highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be
cash equivalents.

CURRENCY TRANSLATION AND TRANSACTIONS

All assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries and affiliates are
translated at year-end rates of exchange, while revenue and expenses are
translated at weighted average rates of exchange for the year. Unrealized
translation gains or losses are generally reported in stockholders' equity as
cumulative translation adjustments. Such adjustments amounted to $31.9 million
and $24.4 million of unrealized translation losses in fiscal 1998 and fiscal
1997, respectively.

The Company enters into forward foreign exchange contracts and purchases
foreign currency options to hedge foreign currency transactions for periods
consistent with its identified exposures. Premiums on foreign currency options
are amortized over the option period being hedged.

The accompanying consolidated statements of earnings include net exchange
gains of $9.1 million, $8.8 million and $7.2 million in fiscal 1998, 1997 and
1996, respectively (see Note 8).

F-8

THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

INVENTORY AND PROMOTIONAL MERCHANDISE

Inventory and promotional merchandise only include inventory considered
saleable or usable in future periods, and are stated at the lower of cost or
market, with cost being determined on the first-in, first-out method.
Promotional merchandise is charged to expense at the time the merchandise is
shipped to the Company's customers.

JUNE 30
--------------
1998 1997
------ ------
(IN MILLIONS)
Inventory and promotional merchandise consists of:
Raw materials........................................ $143.6 $119.3
Work in process...................................... 26.7 23.5
Finished goods....................................... 227.8 193.8
Promotional merchandise.............................. 115.1 104.0
------ ------
$513.2 $440.6
------ ------
------ ------

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated
depreciation. For financial statement purposes, depreciation is provided
principally on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the
assets ranging from 3 to 40 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a
straight-line basis over the shorter of the lives of the respective leases or
the expected useful lives.

JUNE 30
--------------
1998 1997
------ ------
(IN MILLIONS)
Land................................................... $ 13.0 $ 11.8
Buildings and improvements............................. 124.0 91.9
Machinery and equipment................................ 367.8 355.8
Furniture and fixtures................................. 78.6 56.9
Leasehold improvements................................. 117.3 86.6
------ ------
700.7 603.0
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization......... 364.9 338.0
------ ------
$335.8 $265.0
------ ------
------ ------

GOODWILL

Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the cost of purchased businesses
over the value of their underlying net assets and is amortized on a
straight-line basis over forty years. Goodwill is net of accumulated
amortization of $11.9 million and $3.6 million at June 30, 1998 and 1997,
respectively.

OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Other intangible assets principally consist of purchased royalty rights and
trademarks. The cost of other intangible assets is amortized on a straight-line
basis over their estimated useful lives. Other intangible assets are reported
net of accumulated amortization of $50.0 million and $30.8 million at June 30,
1998 and 1997, respectively.

F-9

THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

LONG-LIVED ASSETS

SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for
Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of," requires that long-lived assets be
reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate
that the carrying amount of the assets in question may not be recoverable. The
adoption of SFAS No. 121 in fiscal 1997 did not have a material effect on the
Company's results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

REVENUE RECOGNITION

Revenues from merchandise sales are recorded at the time the product is
shipped to the customer. The Company reports its sales levels on a net sales
basis, which is computed by deducting from gross sales the amount of actual
returns received and an amount established for anticipated returns.

ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION

Costs associated with advertising are expensed during the year as incurred.
Global advertising and promotional expenses which primarily include television,
radio and print media were $1,027.8 million, $976.2 million and $921.2 million
in fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Research and development costs, which amounted to $43.5 million,
$37.7 million and $34.7 million in fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively, are
expensed as incurred.

RELATED PARTY ROYALTIES AND TRADEMARKS

Under agreements covering the purchase by the Company of trademarks for a
percentage of related sales, royalty payments totaling $14.1 million, $15.1
million and $26.1 million in fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively, have been
charged to income. Such payments are made to stockholders of the Company. During
fiscal 1996, the Company purchased a stockholder's rights to receive certain
U.S. royalty payments for $88.5 million, which amount is being amortized over a
five year period. In fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996, $17.7 million, $17.7 million
and $11.1 million, respectively, was amortized as a charge against income.

STOCK COMPENSATION

In fiscal 1997, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 123,
"Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," by continuing to apply the provisions
of Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock
Issued to Employees," while providing the required pro forma disclosures as if
the fair value method had been applied (see Note 13).

CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK

The Company is a worldwide manufacturer and marketer of skin care, makeup,
fragrance and hair care products. Domestic and international sales are made
primarily to department stores, specialty retailers, perfumeries and pharmacies.
The Company grants credit to all qualified customers, and does not believe it is
exposed significantly to any undue concentration of credit risk.

In fiscal 1998 and 1997, two department store groups accounted for 12% and
10% of the Company's net sales. In fiscal 1996, two department store groups
accounted for 13% and 10% of the Company's net sales.

F-10

THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MANAGEMENT ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues
and expenses reported in those financial statements. Actual results could differ
from those estimates and assumptions.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS
No. 133 "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." This
statement establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative
instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other
contracts, and for hedging activities. SFAS No. 133 is effective for all fiscal
quarters of fiscal years beginning after June 15, 1999 and will not require
retroactive restatement of prior period financial statements. This statement
requires the recognition of all derivative instruments as either assets or
liabilities in the statement of financial position measured at fair value.
Generally, increases or decreases in the fair value of derivative instruments
will be recognized as gains or losses in earnings in the period of change. If
certain conditions are met where the derivative instrument has been designated
as a fair value hedge, the hedged item may also be marked to market through
earnings thus creating an offset. If the derivative is designated and qualifies
as a cash flow hedge, the changes in fair value of the derivative instrument may
be recorded in comprehensive income. The Company has not yet quantified the
impact on the consolidated financial statements of adopting SFAS No. 133,
however, the statement will likely result in a change in reported assets and
liabilities and may affect earnings and comprehensive income, as defined by SFAS
No. 130 "Reporting Comprehensive Income."

In February 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 132, "Employers' Disclosures
about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits." SFAS No. 132 requires
additional information about the changes in the benefit obligation and fair
value of plan assets during the period, while standardizing the disclosure
requirements for pensions and other postretirement benefits. The Company has
elected to adopt SFAS No. 132 for the year ended June 30, 1998. Accordingly,
current and prior period disclosures made in Note 9 are in conformity with the
requirements of this standard.

In June 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 131 "Disclosures about Segments of
an Enterprise and Related Information." SFAS No. 131 establishes standards for
the reporting of operating segments in interim and annual financial statements,
as well as requiring related disclosures about products and services, geographic
areas and major customers. This standard is effective for the Company's fiscal
1999 financial statements. Initial adoption of this standard may take place on
an interim or year end basis.

In June 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 130 "Reporting Comprehensive
Income." SFAS No. 130 establishes standards for the reporting and display of
comprehensive income and its components in a full set of financial statements.
The Company's consolidated financial statements will be required to include
comprehensive income disclosures beginning with the first quarter of fiscal
1999. Restatement of prior period information will be made for comparative
purposes.

SFAS No. 132, 131 and 130 expand and modify financial statement disclosures
and, accordingly, will have no impact on the Company's results of operations or
financial position.

NOTE 2 -- PUBLIC OFFERINGS

In February 1997, the Company completed a secondary public offering of
8,064,750 shares of Class A Common Stock at an initial offering price of $47.00
per share. Of the 8,064,750 shares of Class A Common Stock offered, 849,750
shares were issued and sold by the Company, pursuant to an underwriters'
over-allotment provision, and 7,215,000 shares were sold by members of the
Lauder family.

F-11

THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

In November 1995, the Company completed an initial public offering of
17,606,252 shares of Class A Common Stock at an initial offering price of $26.00
per share. Of the 17,606,252 shares of Class A Common Stock offered, 2,731,252
shares were issued and sold by the Company and 14,875,000 shares were sold by
members of the Lauder family. Prior to the Offering, there was no public market
for the Company's common stock.

The Company did not receive any of the proceeds from the sales of the
shares sold by the Lauder family members. The net proceeds to the Company from
the secondary and initial public offerings, after deducting applicable
underwriting discounts and offering expenses, were $38.1 million and $59.3
million, respectively. These net proceeds to the Company were used for general
corporate purposes and to repay short-term debt.

During June 1998, members of the Lauder family sold 4,635,650 shares of
Class A Common Stock. The Company did not receive any proceeds from the sale of
these shares.

NOTE 3 -- ACQUISITION OF BUSINESSES

In February 1998, the Company exercised its right to acquire the remaining
equity interest in M.A.C for cash. The minority interest in M.A.C as of
June 30, 1997 of $21.0 million is included in other noncurrent liabilities in
the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

In December 1997, the Company acquired for cash the business of Aveda and
certain of its affiliates ("Aveda"), a manufacturer and marketer of plant-based
hair, skin, makeup and body care products. The purchase of Aveda was financed
with proceeds received from borrowings under the Company's revolving credit
facility, which was subsequently refinanced.

In October 1997, the Company acquired Sassaby, Inc. ("Sassaby"), a marketer
and distributor of youthful cosmetics, for cash and the assumption of employee
stock options. The stock options were valued as of the date of acquisition and
accounted for as part of the consideration given.

The aggregate purchase price for these transactions, which includes
acquisition costs, was approximately $464.4 million and each transaction was
accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. Accordingly, the results
of operations are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements
since the dates of original acquisition. Pro forma results of operations as if
the Sassaby and Aveda acquisitions had been completed as of July 1, 1997 have
not been presented, as the impact on the Company's results of operations would
not have been material.

In October 1995, the Company acquired a 100% interest in Bobbi Brown
essentials, a line of professional color makeup and skin care products. The
Company acquired the interest by issuing short-term notes, which matured in
January 1996, and accounted for the transaction as a purchase. See Note 14
regarding additional contingent earn-out payments.

NOTE 4 -- SHORT-TERM DEBT

Short-term debt consists of the following:

JUNE 30
------------
1998 1997
----- -----
(IN MILLIONS)
-------------
Current portion of long-term debt.............. $ 5.0 $21.9
Other notes payable............................ 6.5 9.2
----- -----
$11.5 $31.1
----- -----
----- -----

As of June 30, 1998 and 1997 the Company had uncommitted lines of credit in
the amount of $293.4 million, of which $287.0 and $284.0 was available,
respectively. Borrowings under these lines during fiscal 1998 and 1997 carried
an average interest rate of 9.2% and 8.6%, respectively. The monthly average

F-12

THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

amount outstanding was approximately $72.1 million and $45.6 million and the
annualized monthly weighted average interest rate was approximately 6.8% and
6.9%, during fiscal 1998 and 1997, respectively.

In July 1996, the Company entered into a five year $400.0 million committed
revolving credit facility, which includes a fee on the total commitment
thereunder payable at an annual rate of .06%. Unused committed credit facilities
available to the Company at June 30, 1998 amounted to $400.0 million. At
June 30, 1998 and 1997, the Company was in compliance with all related financial
and other restrictive covenants, including limitations on indebtedness and
liens.

NOTE 5 -- INCOME TAXES

The provision for income taxes is comprised of the following:

YEAR ENDED JUNE 30
----------------------
1998 1997 1996
------ ------ ------
(IN MILLIONS)
Current:
Federal................................... $ 98.8 $ 86.5 $ 65.0
Foreign................................... 60.3 69.5 69.8
State and local........................... 14.2 9.0 8.8
Deferred.................................. (12.2) (12.6) (5.3)
------ ------ ------
$161.1 $152.4 $138.3
------ ------ ------
------ ------ ------

A reconciliation between the provision for income taxes computed by
applying the statutory Federal income tax rate to earnings before income taxes
and minority interest and the actual provision for income taxes is as follows:

YEAR ENDED JUNE 30
----------------------
1998 1997 1996
------ ------ ------
(IN MILLIONS)
Provision for income taxes at statutory rate............ $141.0 $127.0 $109.6
Increase (decrease) due to:
State and local income taxes, net of federal tax
benefit............................................ 9.2 5.9 5.7
Effect of foreign operations.......................... (2.7) 7.1 10.5
Domestic royalty expense not deductible for U.S. tax
purposes........................................... 4.0 4.1 5.0
Nondeductible expenses................................ 5.9 3.1 3.0
Other, net............................................ 3.7 5.2 4.5
------ ------ ------
Provision for income taxes.............................. $161.1 $152.4 $138.3
------ ------ ------
------ ------ ------
Effective tax rate...................................... 40.0% 42.0% 44.2%
------ ------ ------
------ ------ ------


F-13

THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Significant components of the Company's deferred income tax assets and
liabilities as of June 30, 1998 and 1997 were as follows:

1998 1997
------ ------
(IN MILLIONS)
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred compensation and other payroll related expenses...... $ 38.2 $ 34.7
Inventory obsolescence and other inventory related reserves... 43.9 42.3
Pension plan reserves......................................... 18.3 11.0
Postretirement benefit obligations............................ 16.3 15.2
Various accruals not currently deductible..................... 37.7 36.2
Net operating loss and foreign tax credit carryforwards....... 8.6 15.1
Other differences between tax and financial statement
values..................................................... 6.3 2.8
------ ------
169.3 157.3
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets..................... (8.6) (9.0)
------ ------
Total deferred tax assets.................................. 160.7 148.3
------ ------
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation.................................................. (8.3) (9.9)
Domestic royalty expense...................................... (7.4) (10.6)
Other differences between tax and financial statement
values..................................................... (6.9) --
------ ------
Total deferred tax liabilities............................. (22.6) (20.5)
------ ------
Net deferred tax assets.................................. $138.1 $127.8
------ ------
------ ------

As of June 30, 1998 and 1997, the Company had current net deferred tax
assets of $78.5 million and $67.9 million, respectively, which are included in
prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying consolidated
balance sheets, and noncurrent net deferred tax assets of $59.6 million and
$59.9 million, respectively.

Federal income and foreign withholding taxes have not been provided on
$398.0 million, $332.0 million and $319.7 million of undistributed earnings of
international subsidiaries at June 30, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The
Company intends to permanently reinvest these earnings in its foreign
operations, except where it is able to repatriate these earnings to the U.S.
without any material incremental tax provision.

As of June 30, 1998 and 1997, certain international subsidiaries had tax
loss carryforwards for local tax purposes of approximately $28.7 million and
$30.5 million, respectively. With the exception of $18.2 million of losses with
an indefinite carryforward period as of June 30, 1998, these losses expire at
various dates through fiscal 2006. The gross deferred tax assets recognized in
connection with these tax loss carryforwards have been reduced to the extent to
which benefit has been taken. A full valuation allowance has been provided
against the remaining deferred tax assets relating to tax loss carryforwards.

Earnings before income taxes and minority interest include amounts
contributed by the Company's international operations of $250.8 million,
$263.5 million and $196.1 million for fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

F-14

THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 6 -- OTHER ACCRUED LIABILITIES

Other accrued liabilities consist of the following:

JUNE 30
--------------
1998 1997
------ ------
(IN MILLIONS)
Employee compensation............................. $169.8 $155.2
Advertising and promotional accruals.............. 167.0 177.2
Other............................................. 200.6 172.8
------ ------
$537.4 $505.2
------ ------
------ ------

NOTE 7 -- LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt consists of the following:

JUNE 30
-------------
1998 1997
------ -----
(IN MILLIONS)

Unsecured notes payable, due February 1, 2005, swapped to an
effective interest rate of 6.69%............................. $405.0
2% loan payable, due in installments through 2003............ 25.0
6.85% loan payable, due October 30, 1997..................... -- $12.5
6.99% loan payable, due October 30, 1997..................... -- 6.3
Loan payable, due December 28, 1997.......................... -- 3.1
------ -----
430.0 21.9
Less current maturities...................................... 5.0 21.9
------ -----
$425.0 $ --
------ -----
------ -----

The Company entered into a 2% loan payable in Japan in the amount of 3.5
billion yen, equivalent to $25.0 million as of June 30, 1998. Principal
repayments of 350 million yen, approximately $2.5 million, will be made
semi-annually through 2003.

NOTE 8 -- FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT RISK

The Company selectively uses a combination of derivative financial
instruments to maintain the value-at-risk inherent in its foreign currency
exposures within acceptable parameters, as determined by senior management. The
purpose of this approach is to reduce the Company's exposure to market risk
resulting from fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. Derivative financial
instruments currently utilized by the Company principally include forward
exchange contracts and purchased foreign currency options. Hedges are executed
centrally to facilitate the netting of offsetting currency exposures, to ensure
control over the use of derivative financial instruments and to minimize
transaction costs. The Company does not hold or enter into financial instruments
for trading or speculative purposes.

The Company has a policy of only entering into contracts with
counterparties that have at least an "A" (or equivalent) credit rating. The
counterparties to these contracts are major financial institutions and the
Company does not have significant exposure to any one counterparty. Management
believes that risk of loss is remote and in any event would be immaterial.

F-15

THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOREIGN EXCHANGE RISK MANAGEMENT

The Company enters into forward exchange contracts to hedge purchases,
receivables and payables denominated in foreign currencies for periods
consistent with its identified exposures. Gains and losses related to qualifying
hedges of these exposures are deferred and recognized in operating income when
the underlying hedged transaction occurs. The Company also enters into purchased
foreign currency options to hedge anticipated transactions where there is a high
probability that anticipated exposures will materialize. Any gains realized on
such options that qualify as hedges are deferred and recognized in operating
income when the underlying hedged transaction occurs. Foreign currency
transactions which do not qualify as hedges are marked to market on a current
basis with associated gains and losses reflected in operating income. In
addition, any previously deferred gains and losses on hedges which are
terminated prior to the transaction date are recognized in current income when
the hedge is terminated. The contracts have varying maturities with none
exceeding 24 months. Foreign currencies exchanged under these contracts are
principally the Belgian franc, Japanese yen, German mark, Swiss franc, U.K.
pound, Spanish peseta and Italian lira.

Deferred unrealized gains and losses from derivative financial instruments
are presented in the following table:

JUNE 30
--------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997
-------------------------- --------------------------
NOTIONAL NOTIONAL
(IN MILLIONS) AMOUNTS GAINS LOSSES AMOUNTS GAINS LOSSES
- --------------------- ------- ----- ------ ------- ----- ------
Forward exchange
contracts.......... $237.1 $6.0 $0.7 $241.5 $6.9 $4.5
Foreign currency
options............ 77.1 3.0 -- 114.6 1.6 --

INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT

The Company has entered into interest rate swaps to convert floating
interest rate debt to fixed rate debt. These swap agreements are contracts to
exchange floating rate for fixed rate interest payments periodically over the
life of the agreements. Amounts currently due to or from interest swap
counterparties are recorded in interest expense in the period in which they
accrue. The related amounts payable to, or receivable from, the counterparties
are included in other accrued liabilities. At June 30, 1998 the Company had
interest rate swap agreements outstanding with a notional principal amount of
$405.0 million.

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value
of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate
that value:

Cash and cash equivalents:

The carrying amount approximates fair value, primarily because of
the short maturity of cash equivalent instruments.

Long-term debt:

The fair value of the Company's long-term debt was estimated based
on the current rates offered to the Company for debt with the same
remaining maturities. Included in such amount is the fair value of
the Company's interest rate swap agreements. Such fair value has
been determined based upon estimated termination costs.

Cumulative redeemable preferred stock:

The fair value of the cumulative redeemable preferred stock is
estimated utilizing a cash flow analysis at a discount rate equal to
rates offered to the Company for debt with maturities equal to the
maximum life of the preferred stock.

Foreign currency options and forward exchange contracts:

The fair value of foreign currency options and forward exchange
contracts is the estimated amount the Company would receive or pay
to terminate the agreements.

F-16

THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments are as
follows:

JUNE 30
----------------------------------------
1998 1997
------------------ ------------------
CARRYING FAIR CARRYING FAIR
(IN MILLIONS) AMOUNT VALUE AMOUNT VALUE
- ----------------------------- -------- ------ -------- ------
NONDERIVATIVES
Cash and cash equivalents.... $277.5 $277.5 $255.6 $255.6
Long-term debt, including
current portion............ 430.0 437.5 21.9 21.9
Cumulative redeemable
preferred stock............ 360.0 366.0 360.0 359.0
DERIVATIVES
Foreign currency options..... 1.5 3.0 2.9 1.6
Forward exchange contracts... -- 5.3 -- 2.4

NOTE 9 -- PENSION, DEFERRED COMPENSATION AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

The Company maintains pension plans covering substantially all of its
full-time employees for its U.S. operations and a majority of its international
operations. Most plans provide pension benefits based primarily on years of
service and employees' earnings.

RETIREMENT GROWTH ACCOUNT PLAN (U.S.)

The Retirement Growth Account Plan is a trusted, noncontributory defined
benefit pension plan. The Company's funding policy consists of an annual
contribution at a rate that matches pension costs accrued, if any, but is not
less than the ERISA minimum, and is not more than the maximum amount deductible
for income tax purposes.

RESTORATION PLAN (U.S.)

The Company also has an unfunded, nonqualified domestic benefit Restoration
Plan to provide benefits in excess of Internal Revenue Code limitations.

INTERNATIONAL PENSION PLANS

The Company maintains International Pension Plans, the most significant of
which are defined benefit pension plans. The Company's funding policy for these
plans are determined by local tax laws and regulations.

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

The Company maintains a contributory postretirement benefit plan, which
provides certain medical and dental benefits to eligible employees. Retired
employees who are receiving monthly pension benefits are eligible for
participation in the plan. Contributions required and benefits received by
retirees and eligible family members are dependent on the age of the retiree. It
is the Company's practice to fund these benefits as incurred. Certain of the
Company's international subsidiaries and affiliates have postretirement plans,
although most participants are covered by government sponsored or administered
programs. The cost of the Company-sponsored programs is not significant.

F-17

THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The significant components of the above mentioned plans as of and for the
year ended June 30 are summarized as follows:

OTHER THAN
PENSION PLANS PENSION PLANS
------------------------------ --------------
U.S. INTERNATIONAL POSTRETIREMENT
-------------- -------------- --------------
(IN MILLIONS) 1998 1997 1998 1997 1998 1997
- -------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
CHANGE IN BENEFIT OBLIGATION:
Benefit obligation at beginning
of year....................... $177.0 $159.0 $ 87.2 $ 79.7 $ 37.1 $ 33.9
Service cost.................. 8.6 7.5 5.6 7.0 1.8 1.7
Interest cost................. 13.6 11.9 5.2 4.8 2.7 2.6
Plan participants'
contributions............... -- -- 1.1 1.1 0.2 0.1
Actuarial (gain)/loss......... 28.6 16.7 9.7 3.9 (1.6) --
Foreign currency exchange rate
impact...................... -- -- (7.1) (5.3) -- --
Benefits paid................. (15.2) (18.1) (4.0) (4.4) (1.2) (1.2)
Other......................... -- -- (0.4) 0.4 -- --
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Benefit obligation at end of
year.......................... 212.6 177.0 97.3 87.2 39.0 37.1
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
CHANGE IN PLAN ASSETS:
Fair value of plan assets at
beginning of year............. 119.2 119.0 90.0 74.9 -- --
Actual return on plan
assets...................... 13.8 11.2 12.1 12.4 -- --
Foreign currency exchange rate
impact...................... -- -- (7.1) (2.0) -- --
Employer contributions........ 10.4 7.1 7.0 6.9 1.0 1.1
Plan participants'
contributions............... -- -- 1.1 1.1 0.2 0.1
Benefits paid from plan
assets...................... (15.2) (18.1) (3.8) (3.3) (1.2) (1.2)
Other......................... -- -- (0.4) -- -- --
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Fair value of plan assets at end
of year....................... 128.2 119.2 98.9 90.0 -- --
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Funded status................... (84.4) (57.8) 1.6 2.8 (39.0) (37.1)
Unrecognized net actuarial
(gain)/loss................... 35.8 11.3 (8.2) (11.1) (0.7) 0.9
Unrecognized prior service
cost.......................... 4.4 4.7 1.9 2.1 (0.3) (0.3)
Unrecognized net transition
(asset)/obligation............ (7.3) (8.7) 1.6 2.3 -- --
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Accrued benefit cost............ $(51.5) $(50.5) $ (3.1) $ (3.9) $(40.0) $(36.5)
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
AMOUNTS RECOGNIZED IN THE
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL
POSITION CONSIST OF:
Prepaid benefit cost.......... $ 18.1 $ 16.3
Accrued benefit liability..... $(54.9) $(50.5) (21.3) (20.2) $(40.0) $(36.5)
Intangible asset.............. 3.4 -- 0.1 -- -- --
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Net amount recognized......... $(51.5) $(50.5) $ (3.1) $ (3.9) $(40.0) $(36.5)
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------

F-18

THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



OTHER THAN
PENSION PLANS PENSION PLANS
------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------
U.S. INTERNATIONAL POSTRETIREMENT
--------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ----------------
1998 1997 1996 1998 1997 1996 1998 1997 1996
------------- ----------- ----- ------------ ----------- ----------- ---- ---- ----

WEIGHTED-AVERAGE ASSUMPTIONS
Discount rate................. 6.75% 7.75% 7.75% 3.0 - 12.0% 3.5 - 12.0% 4.5 - 12.0% 6.75% 7.75% 8.00%
Expected return on
assets...................... 9.00% 9.00% 9.00% 3.75 - 12.0% 3.5 - 12.0% 4.5 - 12.0% N/A N/A N/A
Rate of compensation
increase.................... 4.75 - 10.75% 6.0 - 12.0% 7.00% 2.0 - 9.5% 2.5 - 9.5% 3.5 - 9.5% N/A N/A N/A
COMPONENTS OF NET PERIODIC
BENEFIT COST (IN MILLIONS)
Service cost, net............. $ 8.6 $ 7.5 $ 8.5 $ 5.6 $ 7.0 $ 7.9 $1.8 $1.7 $1.7
Interest cost................. 13.6 11.9 11.5 5.2 4.8 4.8 2.7 2.6 2.2
Expected return on assets..... (9.8) (9.5) (8.7) (5.3) (5.3) (5.0) -- -- --
Amortization of:
Transition (asset)/
obligation................ (1.4) (1.4) (1.6) 0.2 0.3 0.3 -- -- --
Prior service cost.......... 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.1 0.1 0.1 -- -- --
Actuarial loss (gain)....... 0.1 -- -- -- -- (0.3) -- -- --
Settlement gains.............. -- -- (3.1) -- -- -- -- -- --
Curtailment gains............. -- -- (5.0) -- -- -- -- -- --
Special termination
benefits.................... -- -- 15.4 -- -- -- -- -- --
------------- ----------- ----- ------------ ----------- ----------- ---- ---- ----
Net periodic
benefit cost................ $ 11.4 $ 8.8 $17.3 $ 5.8 $ 6.9 $ 7.8 $4.5 $4.3 $3.9
------------- ----------- ----- ------------ ----------- ----------- ---- ---- ----
------------- ----------- ----- ------------ ----------- ----------- ---- ---- ----


Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the
amounts reported for the health care plans. A one-percentage-point change in
assumed health care cost trend rates for fiscal 1998 would have the following
effects:

ONE-PERCENTAGE-POINT ONE-PERCENTAGE-POINT
(IN MILLIONS) INCREASE DECREASE
- -------------------------------- -------------------- --------------------
Effect on total service and
interest cost comparison...... $0.9 $ (0.5)
---- ------
Effect on postretirement benefit
obligation.................... $4.4 $ (4.3)
---- ------

The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair
value of plan assets for certain U.S. and international pension plans with
accumulated benefit obligations in excess of the plans' assets at June 30 are as
follows:

OTHER THAN
PENSION PLANS PENSION PLANS
---------------------------- --------------
U.S. INTERNATIONAL POSTRETIREMENT
------------- ------------- --------------
(IN MILLIONS) 1998 1997 1998 1997 1998 1997
- ----------------------------------- ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Projected benefit obligation....... $212.6 $24.8 $18.3 $21.5 -- --
Accumulated benefit obligation..... $162.4 $17.1 $14.8 $15.8 -- --
Fair value of plan assets.......... $128.2 -- -- -- -- --

Primarily due to the change in the discount rate, the Retirement Growth
Account Plan's accumulated benefit obligation exceeded plan assets by $7.3
million as of June 30, 1998. The unfunded Restoration Plan's accumulated benefit
obligation was $26.9 million and $17.1 million as of June 30, 1998 and 1997,
respectively.

F-19

THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

INCENTIVE THRIFT PLAN (U.S.)

The Company's Incentive Thrift Plan ("Thrift Plan") is a contributory
defined contribution plan covering substantially all regular full-time U.S.
employees who have completed one year of service, as defined by the plan
document. The Thrift Plan is subject to the applicable provisions of the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 as amended and subsequent
pension legislation. The Company matches a portion of the participant's
contributions under a predetermined formula based on the participant's
contribution level and years of service. The Company's contributions were
approximately $4.6 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1998 and
$4.5 million in both fiscal 1997 and 1996.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION

The Company accrues for deferred compensation and interest thereon and for
the increase in the value of share units pursuant to agreements with certain key
executives. The amounts accrued under these plans were $61.9 million and $50.8
million as of June 30, 1998 and 1997, respectively. The expense for fiscal 1998,
1997 and 1996 was $11.6 million, $7.8 million and $8.1 million, respectively.

NOTE 10 -- POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS OTHER THAN TO RETIREES

The Company provides certain postemployment benefits to eligible former or
inactive employees and their dependents during the period subsequent to
employment but prior to retirement. These benefits include certain disability
and health care coverage and severance benefits. The cost of providing these
benefits was not material to the Company's consolidated financial position or
results of operations.

NOTE 11 -- $6.50 CUMULATIVE REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK, AT REDEMPTION VALUE

As of June 30, 1998, the Company's authorized capital stock included
23.6 million shares of preferred stock, par value $.01 per share, of which
3.6 million shares are designated as $6.50 Cumulative Redeemable Preferred
Stock, all of which are issued and outstanding. The preferred stock was issued
in June 1995 in exchange for nonvoting common stock of the Company owned by The
Estee Lauder 1994 Trust.

Holders of the $6.50 Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock are entitled to
receive cumulative cash dividends at a rate of $6.50 per annum per share payable
in quarterly installments. Such dividends have preference over all other
dividends of stock issued by the Company. Shares are subject to mandatory
redemption on June 30, 2005 at a redemption price of $100 per share. Following
such date and so long as such mandatory redemption obligations have not been
discharged in full, no dividends may be paid or declared upon the Class A or
Class B Common Stock, or on any other capital stock ranking junior to or in
parity with such $6.50 Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock and no shares of
Class A or Class B Common Stock or such junior or parity stock may be redeemed
or acquired for any consideration by the Company. Under certain circumstances,
the Company may redeem the stock, in whole or in part, prior to the mandatory
redemption date. Holders of such stock may put such shares to the Company at a
price of $100 per share after June 30, 2000 and upon the occurrence of certain
circumstances.

The Company recorded the $6.50 Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock at its
redemption value of $360.0 million and charged this amount, net of the par value
of the prior Class B nonvoting Common Stock exchanged, to stockholders' equity
in fiscal 1995.

NOTE 12 -- COMMON STOCK

As of June 30, 1998, the Company's authorized common stock consists of
300 million shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, and
120 million shares of Class B Common Stock, par value $.01 per share. Class B
Common Stock is convertible into Class A Common Stock, in whole or in part, at
any time and from time to time at the option of the holder, on the basis of one
share of Class A Common Stock for each share

F-20

THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

of Class B Common Stock converted. Holders of the Company's Class A Common Stock
are entitled to one vote per share and holders of the Company's Class B Common
Stock are entitled to ten votes per share.

The Company's previously outstanding participating Class I preferred stock
dividend was the greater of $4.0 million or a predetermined percentage of the
net earnings of Clinique Laboratories, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company. In
fiscal 1996 dividends of $33.8 million were declared.

Information about the Company's common stock outstanding is as follows:

CLASS A CLASS B
-------- --------
(SHARES IN THOUSANDS)
BALANCE AT JUNE 30, 1996........................ 60,458.2 56,839.7
Common stock issued............................. 849.8 --
Share grants.................................... 3.7 --
Stock option programs........................... 125.0 --
-------- --------
BALANCE AT JUNE 30, 1997........................ 61,436.7 56,839.7
Common stock issued............................. -- --
Share grants.................................... 0.6 --
Stock option programs........................... 30.6 --
-------- --------
BALANCE AT JUNE 30, 1998........................ 61,467.9 56,839.7
-------- --------
-------- --------

NOTE 13 -- STOCK PROGRAMS

In conjunction with its initial public offering, the Company established
the Fiscal 1996 Share Incentive Plan (the "Plan") and, additionally, made
available stock options and share units that were, or will be, granted pursuant
to certain employment agreements. At June 30, 1998, the Company has two
principal stock-based compensation programs, which are described below.

Total compensation expense attributable to the granting of share units was
$5.5 million, $3.0 million and $3.7 million in fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996,
respectively.

SHARE INCENTIVE PLAN

The Company's Plan provides for the issuance of stock options, stock
appreciation rights and other stock awards to key employees and non-employee
directors of the Company. The Company reserved 4,225,000 shares of its Class A
Common Stock pursuant to this Plan. The exercise period for all stock options
generally may not exceed ten years from the date of grant. Pursuant to the Plan,
stock option awards in respect of 687,500 and 777,000 shares were granted in
fiscal 1998 and 1997, respectively. These awards generally become exercisable at
various times beginning January 1, 1999 and expire through February 2008.

In addition to awards made by the Company, certain outstanding stock
options were assumed as part of the October 1997 acquisition of Sassaby, as
discussed in Note 3. These options were converted into options to acquire an
aggregate of approximately 110,600 shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock
carrying an exercise price corresponding to the value that existed in the
Sassaby options. Approximately 29,600 shares of common stock have been issued
upon exercise of these options, and an additional 27,900 were exercisable as of
June 30, 1998, and the remainder become exercisable periodically through June
2001 and will expire through May 2007.

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS

The Company has reserved 5,700,000 shares of its Class A Common Stock which
are available to be granted in accordance with employment agreements entered
into with certain key executives. Pursuant to such employment agreements, stock
option awards in respect of 987,500 shares were granted in both fiscal 1998 and
1997, and approximately 30,600, 38,600 and 58,000 share units were granted in
fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The stock options may be exercised in
installments at various times through July 2007, while the

F-21

THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

share units will be paid out in shares of Class A Common Stock at a time to be
determined by the Company, but no later than 90 days subsequent to the
termination of employment of the executive.

A summary of the Company's stock option programs as of June 30, 1998, 1997
and 1996, and changes during the years then ended, is presented below:



1998 1997 1996
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
WEIGHTED-AVERAGE WEIGHTED-AVERAGE WEIGHTED-AVERAGE
(SHARES IN THOUSANDS) SHARES EXERCISE PRICE SHARES EXERCISE PRICE SHARES EXERCISE PRICE
- ----------------------------------- ------- ---------------- ------- ---------------- ------- ----------------

Outstanding at beginning of year... 4,733.5 $31.98 3,131.5 $26.00 -- --
Granted at fair value............ 1,675.0 50.34 1,764.5 42.98 3,140.0 $26.00
Assumed.......................... 110.6 5.82 -- -- -- --
Exercised........................ (30.6) 7.02 (125.0) 39.30 -- --
Cancelled or Expired............. -- -- (37.5) 26.00 (8.5) 26.00
------- ------- -------
Outstanding at end of year......... 6,488.5 36.39 4,733.5 31.98 3,131.5 26.00
------- ------- -------
------- ------- -------
Options exercisable at year-end.... 30.9 7.68 -- -- 25.0 26.00
------- ------- -------
------- ------- -------
Weighted-average fair value of
options granted during
the year......................... $ 17.62 $ 14.61 $ 8.36
------- ------- -------
------- ------- -------
Weighted-average fair value of
options assumed during
the year......................... $ 37.88 $ -- $ --
------- ------- -------
------- ------- -------


The Company applies APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees," and related Interpretations in accounting for stock options and
share units granted under these programs. Under APB Opinion No. 25, no
compensation cost is recognized if the exercise price of the Company's employee
stock options equals the market price of the underlying stock on the date of the
grant. Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized. SFAS No. 123,
"Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," requires the Company to provide pro
forma information regarding net earnings and net earnings per common share as if
compensation cost for the Company's stock option programs had been determined in
accordance with the fair value method prescribed therein.

Had compensation cost for these programs been determined based upon the
fair value at the grant dates consistent with SFAS No. 123, the Company's pro
forma net earnings and net earnings per common share would have been as follows:

YEAR ENDED JUNE 30
----------------------
1998 1997 1996
------ ------ ------
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT
PER SHARE DATA)
Net earnings................................ As reported $236.8 $197.6 $160.4
Pro forma 219.1 182.3 144.7
Net earnings per common share -- basic...... As reported $ 1.80 $ 1.48 $ 1.18
Pro forma 1.65 1.35 1.04
Net earnings per common share -- diluted.... As reported $ 1.78 $ 1.47 $ 1.17
Pro forma 1.63 1.34 1.04

F-22

THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant
using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:

YEAR ENDED JUNE 30
-------------------------
1998 1997 1996
------- ------- -------
Expected volatility......................... 26% 23% 23%
Average expected option life................ 7 years 7 years 7 years
Average risk free interest rate............. 6.3% 6.6% 5.9%
Dividend yield.............................. 1.0% 1.0% 1.0%

Summarized information about the Company's stock options outstanding and
exerciseable at June 30, 1998 is as follows:

OUTSTANDING EXERCISABLE
-------------------------------- ---------------------
AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE
EXERCISE PRICE RANGE OPTIONS(a) LIFE(b) PRICE(c) OPTIONS(a) PRICE(c)
- -------------------- ---------- ------- ------- ---------- -------
$4.13 to $6.20...... 81.0 8.9 $ 5.89 27.9 $ 5.71
$26.00 to $41.625... 3,086.0 7.4 26.09 3.0 26.00
$42.625 to
$59.625........... 3,321.5 8.5 46.71 -- --
-------- ------
$4.13 to $59.625.... 6,488.5 8.0 36.39 30.9 7.68
-------- ------
-------- ------

- ------------------
(a) Shares in thousands.

(b) Weighted average contractual life remaining in years.

(c) Weighted average exercise price.

Subsequent to June 30, 1998, the Company granted options under the terms of
the share incentive plan and executive employment agreements described above to
purchase an additional 742,000 shares and 825,000 shares, respectively, of the
Company's Class A Common Stock with an exercise price equal to fair market value
on the date of grant. In addition, the Company granted 23,247 and 20,000 share
units to two key executives pursuant to the executive's employment agreement and
the share incentive plan, respectively.

NOTE 14 -- COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

Total rental expense included in the accompanying consolidated statements
of earnings was $79.6 million in fiscal 1998, $77.3 million in fiscal 1997 and
$83.2 million in fiscal 1996. At June 30, 1998, the future minimum rental
commitments under long-term operating leases are as follows:

YEAR ENDING JUNE 30 (IN MILLIONS)
-------------------
1999............... $ 56.7
2000............... 49.0
2001............... 41.9
2002............... 36.7
2003............... 33.0
Thereafter......... 116.4
-------
$ 333.7
-------
-------

In connection with the fiscal 1996 acquisition of Bobbi Brown essentials
described in Note 3, the Company will likely be required to make additional
contingent earn-out payments beginning in fiscal 1999.

The Company is involved in various routine legal proceedings incident to
the ordinary course of its business. The Company believes that the outcome of
all pending legal proceedings in the aggregate will not have a material adverse
effect on its results of operations or financial condition.

F-23

THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 15 -- NET UNREALIZED INVESTMENT GAINS

Under SFAS No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity
Securities," available-for-sale securities are recorded at market value.
Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of the related tax effect, on
available-for-sale securities are excluded from earnings and are reported as a
separate component of stockholders' equity until realized. The Company's
noncurrent investments subject to the provisions of SFAS No. 115 are treated as
available-for-sale and, accordingly, the applicable investments have been
adjusted to market value with a corresponding adjustment to net unrealized
investment gains in stockholders' equity. Unrealized investment gains (net of
deferred taxes) included in stockholders' equity amounted to $5.8 million and
$2.9 million at June 30, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

NOTE 16 -- STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF SIGNIFICANT NON-CASH TRANSACTIONS

As discussed in Notes 3 and 13, consideration for the October 1997
acquisition of Sassaby included $4.3 million representing the value of stock
options assumed. Such amount was calculated as the aggregate difference between
the exercise prices of the options and the fair market value of the Sassaby
stock on the date of acquisition.

In November 1995, the Company effected the Recapitalization, as previously
described under "Principles of Consolidation," see Note 1.

In November 1995, the Company declared a special dividend consisting of
interests in corporations and partnerships holding certain assets having a fair
value of $19.6 million.

NOTE 17 -- SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company operates on a worldwide basis in one business segment, the
manufacturing and marketing of skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care
products.

Information related to the Company's geographic segments for the three
years ended June 30, 1998 is as follows:



YEAR ENDED OR AT JUNE 30
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET SALES OPERATING INCOME IDENTIFIABLE ASSETS
---------------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------------
1998 1997 1996 1998 1997 1996 1998 1997 1996
-------- -------- -------- ------ ------ ------ -------- -------- --------
(IN MILLIONS)

The Americas
United States...................... $2,075.7 $1,814.7 $1,683.0 $219.0 $159.1 $114.4 $1,699.3 $1,056.6 $ 948.4
Other Americas..................... 129.0 124.7 116.4 29.0 30.8 18.6 104.6 113.7 90.5
-------- -------- -------- ------ ------ ------ -------- -------- --------
Total Americas..................... 2,204.7 1,939.4 1,799.4 248.0 189.9 133.0 1,803.9 1,170.3 1,038.9
Europe, the Middle East & Africa..... 960.8 909.3 855.9 131.3 122.7 115.5 541.2 493.7 513.2
Asia/Pacific......................... 452.5 532.9 539.2 29.8 46.5 61.8 167.7 209.1 227.3
-------- -------- -------- ------ ------ ------ -------- -------- --------
Total................................ $3,618.0 $3,381.6 $3,194.5 $409.1 $359.1 $310.3 $2,512.8 $1,873.1 $1,779.4
-------- -------- -------- ------ ------ ------ -------- -------- --------
-------- -------- -------- ------ ------ ------ -------- -------- --------


F-24

THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 18 -- UNAUDITED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA

The following summarizes the unaudited quarterly operating results of the
Company for the years ended June 30, 1998 and 1997:



QUARTER ENDED
--------------------------------------------------
SEPTEMBER 30 DECEMBER 31 MARCH 31 JUNE 30 TOTAL YEAR
------------ ----------- -------- ------- ----------
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

FISCAL 1998
Net sales.......... $900.6 $ 1,000.9 $871.5 $ 845.0 $3,618.0
Gross profit....... 696.2 771.6 676.4 654.3 2,798.5
Operating income... 106.0 144.9 80.8 77.4 409.1
Net earnings....... 61.8 85.3 45.7 44.0 236.8
Basic EPS.......... .47 .67 .34 .32 1.80
Diluted EPS........ .47 .66 .33 .32 1.78

FISCAL 1997
Net sales.......... $872.8 $ 941.5 $791.4 $ 775.9 $3,381.6
Gross profit....... 673.0 723.9 624.1 595.5 2,616.5
Operating income... 101.3 125.9 68.9 63.0 359.1
Net earnings....... 52.7 69.9 38.3 36.7 197.6
Basic EPS.......... .40 .54 .28 .26 1.48
Diluted EPS........ .40 .54 .27 .26 1.47


F-25

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS ON SCHEDULE

To The Estee Lauder Companies Inc.:

We have audited, in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards,
the financial statements of
The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. and subsidiaries included in this Annual Report
on Form 10-K and have issued our report thereon dated August 11, 1998. Our
audits were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic financial
statements taken as a whole. This schedule (Schedule II--Valuation and
Qualifying Accounts) is presented for purposes of complying with the Securities
and Exchange Commission's rules and is not part of the basic financial
statements. This schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied
in our audits of the basic financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly
states in all material respects the financial data required to be set forth
therein in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole.

New York, New York ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
August 11, 1998

S-1


THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

SCHEDULE II -- VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
THREE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998
(IN MILLIONS)



- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COL. A COL. B COL. C COL. D COL. E
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADDITIONS
------------------------
(2)
(1) CHARGED TO
BALANCE CHARGED TO OTHER BALANCE
AT BEGINNING COSTS AND ACCOUNTS -- DEDUCTIONS -- AT END OF
DESCRIPTION OF PERIOD EXPENSES DESCRIBE DESCRIBE PERIOD

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reserves deducted in the balance sheet
from the assets to which they apply:

Allowance for doubtful accounts:
Year ended June 30, 1998............ $ 36.4 $ 25.4 -- $ 18.2(a) $43.6
------ ------ ------ -----
------ ------ ------ -----
Year ended June 30, 1997............ $ 32.8 $ 23.6 -- $ 20.0(a) $36.4
------ ------ ------ -----
------ ------ ------ -----
Year ended June 30, 1996............ $ 30.8 $ 22.0 -- $ 20.0(a) $32.8
------ ------ ------ -----
------ ------ ------ -----


- ------------------
(a) Includes amounts written-off, net of recoveries.

S-2


THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit
Number Description
- ------ -----------

3.1 Form of Restated Certificate of Incorporation (filed as Exhibit 3.1
to Amendment No. 3 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form
S-1 (No. 33-97180) on November 13, 1995 (the "S-1") ).*

3.2 Form of Amended and Restated By-laws (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the
S-1).*

10.1 Form of Stockholders' Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the S-1).*

10.1a Amendment No. 1 to Stockholders' Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to
the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
September 30, 1996).*

10.1b Amendment No. 2 to Stockholders' Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to
the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
December 31, 1996 (the "FY 1997 Q2 10-Q")).*

10.1c Amendment No. 3 to Stockholders' Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to
the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
March 31, 1997 (the "FY 1997 Q3 10-Q")).*

10.2 Form of Registration Rights Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the
S-1).*

10.2a First Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement (filed as Exhibit
10.3 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended June 30, 1996).*

10.2b Second Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement (filed as Exhibit
10.1 to the FY 1997 Q3 10-Q).*

10.3 Fiscal 1996 Share Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the S-1).*
+

10.4 The Estee Lauder Inc. Retirement Growth Account Plan (filed as
Exhibit 10.4 to the S-1).* +

10.5 The Estee Lauder Inc. Retirement Benefits Restoration Plan (filed as
Exhibit 10.5 to the S-1).* +

10.6 Annual Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the S-1).* +

10.7 Employment Agreement with Leonard A. Lauder (filed as Exhibit 10.7 to
the S-1).* +

10.8 Employment Agreement with Ronald S. Lauder (filed as Exhibit 10.8 to
the S-1).* +

10.9 Employment Agreement with Fred H. Langhammer (filed as Exhibit 10.9
to the S-1).* +







Exhibit
Number Description
- ------ -----------

10.10 Employment Agreement with Daniel J. Brestle (filed as Exhibit 4(h) to
the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 33-99554) on
November 17, 1995 (the "S-8")).* +

10.11 Employment Agreement with Robin R. Burns (filed as Exhibit 4(g) to
the S-8).* +

10.12 Employment Agreement with William P. Lauder (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to
the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
March 31, 1996).* +

10.13 Employment Agreement, as amended, with Saul H. Magram (filed as
Exhibit 10.10 to the S-1).* +

10.14 Employment Agreement with Jeanette S. Wagner (filed as Exhibit 4(i)
to the S-8).* +

10.15 Form of Deferred Compensation Agreement with Outside Directors (filed
as Exhibit 10.1 to the FY 1997 Q2 10-Q).*+

10.16 Term Loan Agreement, dated as of January 28, 1998, among The Estee
Lauder Companies Inc., as borrower, Estee Lauder Inc., as guarantor,
and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, The Chase Manhattan
Bank and Citibank, N.A. (filed as Exhibit 10.16 to the Company's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998).*

21.1 List of significant subsidiaries of the Company.

23.1 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.

24.1 Power of Attorney.

27.1 Financial Data Schedule.

-----------
* Incorporated herein by reference.

+ Exhibit is a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

(b) Registrant filed no reports on Form 8-K during the last quarter of
the period covered by this report.