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Table of Contents



SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

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

Commission file number 001-13057

Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation

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

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code

212-318-7000

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

      At November 7, 2002 48,841,971 shares of the registrant’s Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value, were outstanding, 43,280,021 shares of the registrant’s Class B Common Stock, $.01 par value, were outstanding and 10,570,979 shares of the registrant’s Class C Common Stock, $.01 par value were outstanding.




TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security-Holders
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
SIGNATURES
CERTIFICATION
EXHIBIT 10.1
EXHIBIT 99.1
EXHIBIT 99.2


Table of Contents

POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

             
Page

PART 1.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION        
 
Item 1.
  Financial Statements        
    Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 28, 2002 (Unaudited) and March 30, 2002     2  
    Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended September 28, 2002 and September 29, 2001 (Unaudited)     3  
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended September 28, 2002 and September 29, 2001 (Unaudited)     4  
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements     5-10  
Item 2.
  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations     11-18  
Item 3.
  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk     18  
Item 4.
  Controls and Procedures     18  
 
PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION        
 
Item 1.
  Legal Proceedings     19  
Item 4.
  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security-Holders     19-20  
Item 6.
  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K     20  
Signatures     21  
Certifications     22-23  

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POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
                       
September 28, March 30,
2002 2002


(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 355,475     $ 244,733  
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $7,896 and $13,175
    290,698       353,608  
Inventories
    401,521       349,818  
Deferred tax assets
    18,989       17,897  
Prepaid expenses and other
    58,986       42,001  
     
     
 
   
Total current assets
    1,125,669       1,008,057  
Property and equipment, net
    344,032       343,836  
Deferred tax assets
    66,762       58,127  
Goodwill, net
    284,623       273,348  
Other assets, net
    71,869       66,129  
     
     
 
   
Total assets
  $ 1,892,955     $ 1,749,497  
     
     
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Short term bank borrowings
  $ 120,442     $ 32,988  
Accounts payable
    173,786       177,472  
Income taxes payable
    83,560       52,819  
Accrued expenses and other
    151,155       128,492  
     
     
 
   
Total current liabilities
    528,943       391,771  
Long-term debt
    226,577       285,414  
Other noncurrent liabilities
    79,448       74,117  
Commitments & Contingencies (Note 9)
               
Stockholders’ equity
               
 
Common Stock
               
   
Class A, par value $.01 per share; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 48,841,671 and 36,103,439 shares issued
    488       361  
   
Class B, par value $.01 per share; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 43,280,021 shares issued and outstanding
    433       433  
   
Class C, par value $.01 per share; 70,000,000 shares authorized; 10,570,979 and 22,720,929 shares issued and outstanding
    106       227  
 
Additional paid-in-capital
    501,441       490,337  
 
Retained earnings
    660,328       602,124  
 
Treasury Stock, Class A, at cost (3,887,094 and 3,876,506 shares)
    (73,555 )     (73,246 )
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (24,128 )     (19,799 )
 
Unearned compensation
    (7,126 )     (2,242 )
     
     
 
   
Total stockholders’ equity
    1,057,987       998,195  
     
     
 
     
Total liabilities & stockholders’ equity
  $ 1,892,955     $ 1,749,497  
     
     
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

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


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




Net sales
  $ 574,554     $ 528,202     $ 988,420     $ 989,260  
Licensing revenue
    66,285       67,493       119,419       124,264  
     
     
     
     
 
 
Net revenues
    640,839       595,695       1,107,839       1,113,524  
Cost of goods sold
    319,573       310,055       553,969       565,522  
     
     
     
     
 
 
Gross profit
    321,266       285,640       553,870       548,002  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    236,618       199,507       451,534       408,281  
     
     
     
     
 
 
Income from operations
    84,648       86,133       102,336       139,721  
Foreign currency loss
    220       5,664       3,752       2,837  
Interest expense, net
    2,942       4,779       6,926       10,703  
     
     
     
     
 
 
Income before income taxes
    81,486       75,690       91,658       126,181  
Income tax provision
    29,742       27,880       33,454       47,318  
     
     
     
     
 
 
Net income
  $ 51,744     $ 47,810     $ 58,204     $ 78,863  
     
     
     
     
 
Net income per share — Basic
  $ 0.53     $ 0.49     $ 0.59     $ 0.81  
     
     
     
     
 
Net income per share — Diluted
  $ 0.52     $ 0.49     $ 0.59     $ 0.80  
     
     
     
     
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding — Basic
    98,301,441       97,437,461       98,230,188       97,273,124  
     
     
     
     
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding — Diluted
    99,319,019       98,483,031       99,440,497       98,454,113  
     
     
     
     
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
                     
Six Months Ended

September 28, September 29,
2002 2001


Cash flows from operating activities
               
Net income
  $ 58,204     $ 78,863  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
 
Depreciation and amortization
    42,115       44,737  
 
Benefit from deferred income taxes
    (7,128 )     (9,517 )
 
Provision for losses on accounts receivable
    1,210       698  
 
Foreign currency losses
    3,752       2,837  
 
Other
    (15,106 )     (4,363 )
 
Changes in assets and liabilities
               
   
Accounts receivable
    73,435       (14,237 )
   
Inventories
    (39,781 )     1,320  
   
Prepaid expenses and other
    (13,892 )     26,461  
   
Other assets
    (2,026 )     1,376  
   
Accounts payable
    (9,352 )     581  
   
Income taxes payable (receivable)
    30,741       68,908  
   
Accrued expenses and other
    17,594       (71,427 )
     
     
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
    139,766       126,237  
Cash flows from investing activities
               
 
Purchases of property and equipment
    (40,177 )     (40,242 )
 
Increase (Decrease) in cash surrender value — officers’ life insurance
    1,911       (1,540 )
     
     
 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (38,266 )     (41,782 )
Cash flows from financing activities
               
 
Repurchases of common stock
    (309 )     (2,067 )
 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    5,644       11,882  
 
Proceeds from (Repayments of) short term borrowings, net
    6,307       (24,379 )
 
Repayments of long-term debt
    (7,746 )      
     
     
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    3,896       (14,564 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    5,346       (358 )
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    110,742       69,533  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    244,733       102,219  
     
     
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 355,475     $ 171,752  
     
     
 
Supplemental cash flow information
               
 
Cash paid for interest
  $ 2,789     $ 3,018  
     
     
 
 
Cash paid (refunded) for income taxes
  $ 14,681     $ (25,716 )
     
     
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

1.     Basis of Presentation and Organization

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

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

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

2.     Restructuring and Special Charges

 
(a) 2001 Operational Plan

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

                         
Severance and
Termination Lease and Contract
Benefits Termination Costs Total



Balance at March 30, 2002
  $ 807     $ 14,155     $ 14,962  
Fiscal 2003 activity
    (582 )     (7,560 )     (8,142 )
     
     
     
 
Balance at September 28, 2002
  $ 225     $ 6,595     $ 6,820  
     
     
     
 

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

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POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

expected to be approximately $40.7 million, $33.9 million of which have been paid through September 28, 2002. We completed the implementation of the 2001 Operational Plan in fiscal 2002 and expect to settle the remaining liabilities in fiscal 2003 or in accordance with contract terms.

 
(b) 1999 Restructuring Plan

      The major components of the restructuring activity in the restructuring charge taken in connection with the Company’s 1999 Restructuring Plan (as defined in the Company’s fiscal 2002 Form 10-K) for the six months ended September 28, 2002 were as follows:

                         
Severance and
Termination Lease and Contract
Benefits Termination Costs Total



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

      Total severance and termination benefits as a result of the 1999 Restructuring Plan related to approximately 280 employees, all of whom have been terminated. Total cash outlays related to the 1999 Restructuring Plan are approximately $39.5 million, $39.0 million of which have been paid to date. We completed the implementation of the 1999 Restructuring Plan in fiscal 2000 and expect to settle the remaining liabilities in fiscal 2003 or in accordance with contract terms.

3.     Inventories

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

                 
September 28, March 30,
2002 2002


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

4.     Derivative Instruments

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

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POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

5.     Comprehensive Income

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

                     
Three Months Ended

September 28, September 29,
2002 2001


Net Income
  $ 51,744     $ 47,810  
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:
               
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    (6,927 )     (1,709 )
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow and foreign currency hedges
    4,993       (1,825 )
     
     
 
   
Comprehensive Income
  $ 49,810     $ 44,276  
     
     
 

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

                     
Six Months Ended

September 28, September 29,
2002 2001


Net Income
  $ 58,204     $ 78,863  
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:
               
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    9,866       712  
 
Cumulative transition adjustment gains
          4,028  
 
Unrealized losses on cash flow and foreign currency hedges
    (14,195 )     (1,981 )
     
     
 
   
Comprehensive Income
  $ 53,875     $ 81,622  
     
     
 

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

6.     Segment Reporting

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

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POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

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

                   
Three Months Ended

September 28, September 29,
2002 2001


Net revenues:
               
 
Wholesale
  $ 310,715     $ 280,437  
 
Retail
    263,839       247,765  
 
Licensing
    66,285       67,493  
     
     
 
    $ 640,839     $ 595,695  
     
     
 
Income from operations:
               
 
Wholesale
  $ 35,769     $ 28,723  
 
Retail
    13,310       14,966  
 
Licensing
    35,569       42,444  
     
     
 
    $ 84,648     $ 86,133  
     
     
 
                   
Six Months Ended

September 28, September 29,
2002 2001


Net revenues:
               
 
Wholesale
  $ 497,443     $ 525,610  
 
Retail
    490,977       463,650  
 
Licensing
    119,419       124,264  
     
     
 
    $ 1,107,839     $ 1,113,524  
     
     
 
Income from operations:
               
 
Wholesale
  $ 13,839     $ 49,690  
 
Retail
    29,180       18,933  
 
Licensing
    59,317       71,098  
     
     
 
    $ 102,336     $ 139,721  
     
     
 

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

                   
Three Months Ended

September 28, September 29,
2002 2001


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

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POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

                   
Six Months Ended

September 28, September 29,
2002 2001


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

7.     Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

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

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

                 
Three Months Ended

September 28, September 29,
2002 2001


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

September 28, September 29,
2002 2001


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

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

                                         
Unallocated
Wholesale Retail Licensing Corporate Total





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

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POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

8.     Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

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

 
9. Commitments & Contingencies
 
(a) Commitments

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

 
(b) Legal Proceedings

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

      On September 18, 2002, an employee at one of the Company’s stores, Toni Young, filed a lawsuit against Polo Retail, LLC and the Company in the United States District Court for the District of Northern California alleging violations of California antitrust and labor laws. The plaintiff purports to represent a class of employees who have allegedly been injured by Polo’s requirement that certain retail employees purchase and wear Polo Ralph Lauren merchandise as a condition of their employment. The complaint, as amended, seeks an unspecified amount of actual and punitive damages, disgorgement of profits and injunctive and declaratory relief. The Company answered the amended complaint on November 4, 2002, and believes that the plaintiff’s claims are substantially without merit and intends to defend against them vigorously.

 
10. Reclassification

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

 
11. Subsequent Events

      In October 2002, the Company signed an agreement in principle which, if definitive agreements are executed and consummated, would result, among other things, in the Company having increased control over the license for Japan. The agreement in principle outlines a series of transactions whereby the Company would acquire a 50% controlling interest in its Japanese master license and an 18% equity interest in a company that will hold the sublicenses for the Company’s men’s, women’s and Polo Jeans businesses in Japan. The Company’s total investment in the transactions will be approximately $70 million and will be funded through the Company’s available cash.

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POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION

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

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

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

Overview

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

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Results of Operations

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

                                 
September 28, 2002 September 29, 2001


Three Six Three Six
Months Months Months Months




Net sales
    89.7 %     89.2 %     88.7 %     88.8 %
Licensing revenue
    10.3       10.8       11.3       11.2  
     
     
     
     
 
Net revenues
    100.0       100.0       100.0       100.0  
     
     
     
     
 
Gross profit
    50.1       50.0       48.0       49.2  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    36.9       40.8       33.5       36.7  
     
     
     
     
 
Income from operations
    13.2       9.2       14.5       12.5  
Foreign currency loss
          0.3       1.0       0.3  
Interest expense, net
    0.5       0.6       0.8       0.9  
     
     
     
     
 
Income before income taxes
    12.7 %     8.3 %     12.7 %     11.3 %
     
     
     
     
 

Consolidation of European Entities — Change in Reporting Period

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

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

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

      Wholesale net sales increased 10.8% to $310.7 million in the three-month period, from $280.4 million in the corresponding period of fiscal 2002. Had certain of the European subsidiaries been reported on a consistent fiscal year basis for the three months ended September 28, 2001, wholesale net sales would have been $341.2 million, resulting in an 8.9% decrease. This decrease primarily reflects a strategic streamlining of the amount of product sold to the department stores and the elimination of the women’s Ralph Lauren Sport and the Lauren for men lines, resulting in a combined decrease of approximately $66.5 million. These decreases were offset by a $43.2 million increase, or approximately 51.3%, in the European wholesale business which primarily reflects the acquisition in October 2001 of PRL Fashions of Europe S.R.L, which held licenses to sell women’s Ralph Lauren apparel in Europe, men’s and boys’ Polo Ralph Lauren apparel in Italy and men’s and women’s Polo Jeans Co. collections in Italy.

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

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

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

      Licensing Revenue. Licensing revenue decreased 1.8% to $66.3 million in the three months ended September 28, 2002, from $67.5 million in the corresponding period of fiscal 2002. Had certain of the European subsidiaries been reported on a consistent fiscal year basis for the three months ended September 29, 2001, licensing revenue would have been $69.3 million, resulting in a 4.3% decrease. This decrease resulted from the elimination of the Italian royalties due to the acquisition in October 2001 of PRL Fashions of Europe S.R.L., which holds licenses to sell our women’s Ralph Lauren apparel in Europe, our men’s and boy’s Polo Ralph Lauren apparel in Italy, and our men’s and women’s Polo Jeans Co. collections in Italy.

      Gross Profit. Gross profit as a percentage of net revenues increased to 50.1% in the three months ended September 28, 2002, from 48.0% in the corresponding period of fiscal 2002. Had certain of the European subsidiaries been reported on a consistent fiscal year basis for the three months ended September 29, 2001, gross profit would have been 48.7%. Improved gross profit was driven by better merchandise margins in the domestic retail businesses.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. SG&A expenses increased $43.3 million to $451.5 million, to 40.8% of net revenues in the six months ended September 28, 2002, from 36.7% of net revenues in the corresponding period of fiscal 2002. Had certain of the European subsidiaries been reported on a consistent fiscal year basis for the six months ended September 29, 2001, SG&A expenses would have increased $39.4 million, or as a percentage of net revenues would have been 36.4%, a decrease of 30 basis points. This increase is primarily due to increased operating expenses from the acquisition in October 2001 of PRL Fashions of Europe S.R.L., which held licenses to sell women’s Ralph Lauren apparel in Europe, men’s and boys’ Polo Ralph Lauren apparel in Italy and men’s and women’s Polo Jeans Co. collections in Italy and higher selling salaries and related costs in connection with the expansion of the European retail business.

      Interest Expense, net. Interest expense decreased to $6.9 million in the six months ended September 28, 2002, from $10.7 million in the comparable period in fiscal 2002. This decrease was primarily due to decreased borrowings as a result of significantly increased levels of cash and cash equivalents during the six months ended September 28, 2002 and repurchases of a portion of our outstanding Euro debt.

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

Liquidity and Capital Resources

      Our cash requirements primarily derive from working capital needs, construction and renovation of shop-within-shops, retail expansion, acquisitions, and other corporate activities. Our main sources of liquidity are cash flows from operations, credit facilities and other borrowings.

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      Net cash provided by operating activities increased to $139.8 million in the six months ended September 28, 2002, from $126.2 million in the comparable period in fiscal 2002. This increase was primarily due to a decrease in accounts receivable offset by increased inventories, both of which were primarily caused by seasonal differences reflected in the two periods as a result of certain European subsidiaries being consolidated on a current basis in the six months ended September 28, 2002 as compared to a three-month lag in the comparable period in fiscal 2002.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      We recognize foreign currency gains or losses in connection with our Euro debt based on fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. We recorded $0.2 million and $3.8 million in foreign currency loss in the three and six months ended September 28, 2002, respectively, and $5.7 million and $2.8 million in foreign currency loss in the three and six months ended September 29, 2001, respectively.

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      Total cash outlays related to the 2001 Operational Plan are expected to be approximately $40.7 million, $33.9 million of which have been paid through September 28, 2002. We completed the implementation of the operational plan in fiscal 2002 and expect to settle the remaining liabilities in fiscal 2003.

      Total cash outlays related to the 1999 Restructuring Plan are approximately $39.5 million, $39.0 million of which has been paid through September 28, 2002. We completed the implementation of the operational plan in fiscal 2002 and expect to settle the remaining liabilities in fiscal 2003.

      Capital expenditures were $41.9 million and $40.2 million for the six months ended September 28, 2002 and September 29, 2001. Capital expenditures primarily reflect costs associated with the following:

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

      In March 1998, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase, subject to market conditions, of up to $100.0 million of our Class A common stock. Share repurchases were to be made in the open market over a two-year period which commenced April 1, 1998. The Board of Directors has extended the stock repurchase program through March 31, 2004. Shares acquired under the repurchase program will be used for stock option programs and for other corporate purposes. As of September 28, 2002, we had repurchased 3,887,094 shares of our Class A common stock at an aggregate cost of $73.6 million. As of September 28, 2002, we had approximately $26.4 million remaining in our stock repurchase program.

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

Seasonality of Business

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

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

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

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

New Accounting Standards

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

 
Item 3.      Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

      The market risk inherent in our financial instruments represents the potential loss in fair value, earnings or cash flows arising from adverse changes in interest rates or foreign currency exchange rates. We manage these exposures through operating and financing activities and, when appropriate, through the use of derivative financial instruments. Our policy allows for the use of derivative financial instruments for identifiable market risk exposures, including interest rate and foreign currency fluctuations. During the six months ended September 28, 2002, there were significant fluctuations in the value of the Euro. We entered into a cross currency rate swap in June 2002 to minimize the impact of foreign exchange and interest rate fluctuations on the fair value of the Euro debt. Since March 30, 2002, other then disclosed above, there have been no significant changes in our interest rate and foreign currency exposures, changes in the types of derivative instruments used to hedge those exposures, or significant changes in underlying market conditions.

 
Item 4.      Controls and Procedures

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

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PART II.     OTHER INFORMATION

 
Item 1.      Legal Proceedings

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

      On September 18, 2002, an employee at one of the Company’s stores, Toni Young, filed a lawsuit against Polo Retail, LLC and the Company in the United States District Court for the District of Northern California alleging violations of California antitrust and labor laws. The plaintiff purports to represent a class of employees who have allegedly been injured by Polo’s requirement that certain retail employees purchase and wear Polo Ralph Lauren merchandise as a condition of their employment. The complaint, as amended, seeks an unspecified amount of actual and punitive damages, disgorgement of profits and injunctive and declaratory relief. The Company answered the amended complaint on November 4, 2002, and believes that the plaintiff’s claims are substantially without merit and intends to defend against them vigorously.

 
Item 4.      Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security-Holders

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

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

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

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

                 
Number of Number of
Votes For Votes Withheld


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

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Number of Number of
Votes For Votes Withheld


Terry S. Semel
    432,800,210        
      432,800,210        
Class C Director:
               
Richard A. Friedman
    10,570,979        

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

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

Item 6.     Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

      (a) Exhibits 

  10.1 Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation Executive Officer Annual Incentive Plan as Amended as of August 15, 2002.
 
  99.1 Certification of Ralph Lauren Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
  99.2 Certification of Gerald M. Chaney Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

      (b) Reports on Form 8-K —

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

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SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

  POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION

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

Date: November 12, 2002

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CERTIFICATION

I, Ralph Lauren, certify that:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Date: November 12, 2002

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CERTIFICATION

I, Gerald M. Chaney, certify that:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Date: November 12, 2002

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