UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

 

Form 10-Q

 

 

Commission file number: 001-13057

 

Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

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 registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes þ     No o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes o     No þ

 

At August 1, 2008, 56,459,719 shares of the registrant’s Class A common stock, $.01 par value, and 43,280,021 shares of the registrant’s Class B common stock, $.01 par value, were outstanding.

 

 

POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
INDEX

 

POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

See accompanying notes.

 

 

See accompanying notes.

POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

 

See accompanying notes.

POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except per share data and where otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)

 

 

Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation (“PRLC”) is a global leader in the design, marketing and distribution of premium lifestyle products, including men’s, women’s and children’s apparel, accessories, fragrances and home furnishings. PRLC’s long-standing reputation and distinctive image have been consistently developed across an expanding number of products, brands and international markets. PRLC’s brand names include Polo by Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Ralph Lauren Collection, Black Label, Blue Label, Lauren by Ralph Lauren, RRL, RLX, Rugby, Ralph Lauren Childrenswear, Chaps, Club Monaco and American Living, among others. PRLC and its subsidiaries are collectively referred to herein as the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our” and “ourselves,” unless the context indicates otherwise.

 

The Company classifies its businesses into three segments: Wholesale, Retail and Licensing. The Company’s wholesale sales are made principally to major department and specialty stores located throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia. The Company also sells directly to consumers through full-price and factory retail stores located throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, South America and Asia, and through its retail internet site located at www.RalphLauren.com. In addition, the Company often licenses the right to unrelated third parties to use its various trademarks in connection with the manufacture and sale of designated products, such as apparel, eyewear and fragrances, in specified geographical areas for specified periods.

 

 

Interim Financial Statements

 

The interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The interim consolidated financial statements are unaudited. In the opinion of management, however, such 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. In addition, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with US GAAP have been condensed or omitted from this report as is permitted by the SEC’s rules and regulations. However, the Company believes that the disclosures herein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.

 

The consolidated balance sheet data as of March 29, 2008 is derived from the audited financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC for the fiscal year ended March 29, 2008 (the “Fiscal 2008 10-K”), which should be read in conjunction with these interim financial statements. Reference is made to the Fiscal 2008 10-K for a complete set of financial statements.

 

Basis of Consolidation

 

The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements present the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company and all entities in which the Company has a controlling voting interest. The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements also include the accounts of any variable interest entities in which the Company is considered to be the primary beneficiary and such entities are required to be consolidated in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“US GAAP”).

 

All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Fiscal Year

 

The Company utilizes a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to March 31. As such, fiscal year 2009 will end on March 28, 2009 and will be a 52-week period (“Fiscal 2009”). Fiscal year 2008 ended on March 29,

 

POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

2008 and reflected a 52-week period (“Fiscal 2008”). In turn, the first quarter for Fiscal 2009 ended on June 28, 2008 and was a 13-week period. The first quarter for Fiscal 2008 ended on June 30, 2007 and was also a 13-week period.

 

The financial position and operating results of the Company’s consolidated Polo Ralph Lauren Japan Corporation (“PRL Japan”) and Impact 21 Co., Ltd. (“Impact 21”) entities located in Japan are reported on a one-month lag. Accordingly, the Company’s operating results for the three-month periods ended June 28, 2008 and June 30, 2007 include the operating results of PRL Japan and Impact 21 for the three-month periods ended May 31, 2008 and May 31, 2007, respectively. The net effect of this reporting lag is not material to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and footnotes thereto. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

 

Significant estimates inherent in the preparation of the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements include reserves for customer returns, discounts, end-of-season markdowns and operational chargebacks; the realizability of inventory; reserves for litigation and other contingencies; useful lives and impairments of long-lived tangible and intangible assets; accounting for income taxes and related uncertain tax positions; the valuation of stock-based compensation and related expected forfeiture rates; and accounting for business combinations.

 

Seasonality of Business

 

The Company’s business is affected by seasonal trends, with higher levels of wholesale sales in its second and fourth quarters and higher retail sales in its second and third quarters. These trends result primarily from the timing of seasonal wholesale shipments and key vacation travel, back-to-school and holiday periods in the Retail segment. Accordingly, the Company’s operating results and cash flows for the three months ended June 28, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results and cash flows that may be expected for the full Fiscal 2009.

 

Reclassifications

 

Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior periods’ financial information in order to conform to the current period’s presentation.

 

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Revenue is recognized across all segments of the business when there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, delivery has occurred, price has been fixed or is determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured.

 

Revenue within the Company’s Wholesale segment is recognized at the time title passes and risk of loss is transferred to customers. Wholesale revenue is recorded net of estimates of returns, discounts, end-of-season markdowns, operational chargebacks and certain cooperative advertising allowances. Returns and allowances require pre-approval from management and discounts are based on trade terms. Estimates for end-of-season markdown reserves are based on historical trends, seasonal results, an evaluation of current economic and market conditions and retailer performance. Estimates for operational chargebacks are based on actual notifications of order fulfillment discrepancies and historical trends. The Company reviews and refines these estimates on a quarterly basis. The Company’s historical estimates of these costs have not differed materially from actual results.

 

Retail store revenue is recognized net of estimated returns at the time of sale to consumers. E-commerce revenue from sales of products ordered through the Company’s retail internet site known as RalphLauren.com is

 

POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

recognized upon delivery and receipt of the shipment by its customers. Such revenue also is reduced by an estimate of returns.

 

Gift cards issued by the Company are recorded as a liability until they are redeemed, at which point revenue is recognized. The Company recognizes income for unredeemed gift cards when the likelihood of a gift card being redeemed by a customer is remote and the Company determines that it does not have a legal obligation to remit the value of the unredeemed gift card to the relevant jurisdiction as unclaimed or abandoned property.

 

Revenue from licensing arrangements is recognized when earned in accordance with the terms of the underlying agreements, generally based upon the higher of (a) contractually guaranteed minimum royalty levels or (b) actual sales and royalty data, or estimates thereof, received from the Company’s licensees.

 

The Company accounts for sales and other related taxes on a net basis, excluding such taxes from revenue.

 

Net Income Per Common Share

 

Net income per common share is determined in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“FAS”) No. 128, “Earnings per Share” (“FAS 128”). Under the provisions of FAS 128, basic net income per common share is computed by dividing the net income applicable to common shares after preferred dividend requirements, if any, by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Weighted-average common shares include shares of the Company’s Class A and Class B common stock. Diluted net income per common share adjusts basic net income per common share for the effects of outstanding stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and any other potentially dilutive financial instruments, only in the periods in which such effect is dilutive under the treasury stock method.

 

The weighted-average number of common shares outstanding used to calculate basic net income per common share is reconciled to those shares used in calculating diluted net income per common share as follows:

 

 

Options to purchase shares of common stock at an exercise price greater than the average market price of the common stock during the reporting period are anti-dilutive and therefore not included in the computation of diluted net income per common share. In addition, the Company has outstanding performance-based restricted stock units that are issuable only upon the achievement of certain performance goals. Such units only are included in the computation of diluted shares to the extent the underlying performance conditions (a) are satisfied prior to the end of the reporting period or (b) would be satisfied if the end of the reporting period were the end of the related contingency period and the result would be dilutive. As of June 28, 2008 and June 30, 2007, there was approximately 1.3 million and 1.1 million, respectively, of additional shares issuable upon the exercise of anti-dilutive options and/or the contingent vesting of performance-based restricted stock units that were excluded from the diluted share calculations.

 

Accounts Receivable

 

In the normal course of business, the Company extends credit to customers that satisfy defined credit criteria. Accounts receivable, net, as shown in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, is net of certain reserves and allowances. These reserves and allowances consist of (a) reserves for returns, discounts, end-of-season markdowns

 

POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

and operational chargebacks and (b) allowances for doubtful accounts. These reserves and allowances are discussed in further detail below.

 

A reserve for sales returns is determined based on an evaluation of current market conditions and historical returns experience. Charges to increase the reserve are treated as reductions of revenue.

 

A reserve for trade discounts is determined based on open invoices where trade discounts have been extended to customers, and charges to increase the reserve are treated as reductions of revenue.

 

Estimated end-of-season markdown charges are included as reductions of revenue. The related markdown provisions are based on retail sales performance, seasonal negotiations with customers, historical deduction trends and an evaluation of current market conditions.

 

A reserve for operational chargebacks represents various deductions by customers relating to individual shipments. Charges to increase this reserve, net of expected recoveries, are included as reductions of revenue. The reserve is based on actual notifications of order fulfillment discrepancies and past experience.

 

A rollforward of the activity in the Company’s reserves for returns, discounts, end-of-season markdowns and operational chargebacks is presented below:

 

 

An allowance for doubtful accounts is determined through analysis of periodic aging of accounts receivable, assessments of collectibility based on an evaluation of historic and anticipated trends, the financial condition of the Company’s customers, and an evaluation of the impact of economic conditions. A rollforward of the activity in the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts is presented below:

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurement

 

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS 157” or the “Standard”). FAS 157 defines “fair value” as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date within an identified principal or most advantageous market, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in

 

POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

accordance with US GAAP and expands disclosures regarding fair value measurements. The Company adopted the provisions of FAS 157 for all of its financial assets and liabilities within the Standard’s scope as of the beginning of Fiscal 2009 (March 30, 2008). FAS 157 will become effective for all nonfinancial assets and liabilities of the Company within the scope of FAS 157 as of the beginning of Fiscal 2010 (March 29, 2009). The adoption of the provisions of FAS 157 effective during Fiscal 2009 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of the provisions of FAS 157 to be adopted in Fiscal 2010. Refer to Note 9 for further discussion on the impact of adoption on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Other Recently Issued Accounting Standards

 

In March 2008, the FASB issued FAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“FAS 161”). FAS 161 amends FAS 133 to provide enhanced disclosure requirements surrounding how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under FAS 133 and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. FAS 161 is effective for the Company as of the beginning of Fiscal 2010, including interim periods thereafter. The implementation of FAS 161 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued FAS No. 141R, “Business Combinations” (“FAS 141R”), which replaces FAS No. 141. FAS 141R was issued to create greater consistency in the accounting and financial reporting of business combinations, resulting in more complete, comparable and relevant information for investors and other users of financial statements. FAS 141R establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer in a business combination recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interests in the acquiree, as well as the goodwill acquired. Significant changes from current practice resulting from FAS 141R include the need for the acquirer to record 100% of all assets and liabilities of the acquired business, including goodwill, generally at their fair values for all business combinations (whether partial, full or step acquisitions); the need to recognize contingent consideration at its fair value on the acquisition date and, for certain arrangements, to recognize changes in fair value in earnings until settlement; and the need to expense acquisition-related transaction and restructuring costs rather than to treat them as part of the cost of the acquisition. FAS 141R also establishes disclosure requirements to enable users to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. FAS 141R is effective for the Company as of the beginning of Fiscal 2010 and will be applied prospectively to business combinations that close on or after March 29, 2009.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued FAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — an Amendment of ARB No. 51” (“FAS 160”). FAS 160 establishes accounting and reporting standards for noncontrolling interests (previously referred to as “minority interests”) in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary, to ensure consistency with the requirements of FAS 141R. FAS 160 states that noncontrolling interests should be classified as a separate component of equity, and establishes reporting requirements that provide sufficient disclosures that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the noncontrolling owners. FAS 160 is effective for the Company as of the beginning of Fiscal 2010 and the application of FAS 160 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued FAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities — Including an Amendment of FAS No. 115” (“FAS 159” or the “Standard”). FAS 159 permits companies to choose to measure, on an instrument-by-instrument basis, financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option is elected will be recognized in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. The Company did not elect the fair value option for any of its financial assets or financial liabilities upon adoption of the

 

POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Standard in the beginning of Fiscal 2009. Therefore, the initial application of FAS 159 did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

 

Fiscal 2009 Transactions

 

Japanese Childrenswear and Golf Acquisition

 

On August 1, 2008, in connection with the transition of the Polo-branded childrenswear and golf apparel businesses in Japan from a licensed to a wholly owned operation, the Company acquired certain net assets (including certain inventory) from Naigai Co. Ltd. (“Naigai”) in exchange for a payment of approximately ¥2.5 billion (approximately $23 million as of the acquisition date) and certain other consideration (the “Japanese Childrenswear and Golf Acquisition”). Naigai was the Company’s licensee for childrenswear, golf attire and hosiery under the Polo by Ralph Lauren and Ralph Lauren brands in Japan. In conjunction with the Japanese Childrenswear and Golf Acquisition, the Company also entered into an additional 5 year licensing and design-related agreement with Naigai for Polo and Chaps-branded hosiery in Japan and a transition services agreement for the provision of a variety of operational, human resources and information systems-related services over a period of up to eighteen months from the date of the closing of the transaction.

 

The Company expects to account for the Japanese Childrenswear and Golf Acquisition as an asset purchase during the second quarter of Fiscal 2009 and is in the process of preparing its assessment of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Based on preliminary valuation analyses prepared by an independent valuation firm, the Company expects to allocate all of the consideration exchanged in the Japanese Childrenswear and Golf Acquisition to the net assets acquired in connection with the transaction. Accordingly, no settlement loss associated with any pre-existing relationships is expected to be recognized.

 

Fiscal 2008 Transactions

 

Japanese Business Acquisitions

 

On May 29, 2007, the Company completed the transactions to acquire control of certain of its Japanese businesses that were formerly conducted under licensed arrangements, consistent with the Company’s long-term strategy of international expansion. In particular, the Company acquired approximately 77% of the outstanding shares of Impact 21 that it did not previously own in a cash tender offer (the “Impact 21 Acquisition”), thereby increasing its ownership in Impact 21 from approximately 20% to approximately 97%. Impact 21 conducts the Company’s men’s, women’s and jeans apparel and accessories business in Japan under a pre-existing, sub-license arrangement. In addition, the Company acquired the remaining 50% interest in PRL Japan, which holds the master license to conduct Polo’s business in Japan, from Onward Kashiyama Co. Ltd and its affiliates (“Onward Kashiyama”) and The Seibu Department Stores, Ltd (“Seibu”) (the “PRL Japan Minority Interest Acquisition”). Collectively, the Impact 21 Acquisition and the PRL Japan Minority Interest Acquisition are herein referred to as the “Japanese Business Acquisitions.”

 

The purchase price initially paid in connection with the Japanese Business Acquisitions was approximately $360 million, including transaction costs of approximately $12 million. In January 2008, at an Impact 21 shareholders meeting, the Company obtained the necessary approvals to complete the process of acquiring the remaining approximately 3% of outstanding shares not exchanged as of the close of the tender offer period (the “minority squeeze-out”). In February 2008, the Company acquired approximately 1% of the remaining Impact 21 shares outstanding at an aggregate cost of $5 million. During the first quarter of Fiscal 2009, the Company completed the minority squeeze-out at an aggregate cost of approximately $9 million.

 

The Company funded the Japanese Business Acquisitions with available cash on-hand and ¥20.5 billion of borrowings under a one-year term loan agreement pursuant to an amendment and restatement to the Company’s

 

POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

existing credit facility. The Company repaid the borrowing by its maturity date on May 22, 2008 using $196.8 million of Impact 21’s cash on-hand acquired as part of the acquisition.

 

Based on valuation analyses prepared by an independent valuation firm, the Company allocated all of the consideration exchanged to the purchase of the Japanese businesses. The acquisition cost of approximately $374 million has been allocated to the net assets acquired based on their respective fair values as follows: cash of $189 million; trade receivables of $26 million; inventory of $38 million; finite-lived intangible assets of $75 million (consisting of the re-acquired licenses of $21 million and customer relationships of $54 million); non-tax-deductible goodwill of $140 million; assumed pension liabilities of $5 million; net deferred tax liabilities of $31 million; and other net liabilities of $58 million.

 

The results of operations for Impact 21, which were previously accounted for using the equity method of accounting, have been consolidated in the Company’s results of operations commencing April 1, 2007. Accordingly, the Company recorded within minority interest expense the amount of Impact 21’s net income allocable to the holders of the approximate 80% of the Impact 21 shares not owned by the Company prior to the closing date of the tender offer. The results of operations for PRL Japan had already been consolidated by the Company in all prior periods.

 

 

Inventories consist of the following:

 

 

 

Uncertain Income Tax Benefits

 

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, for the three months ended June 28, 2008 is presented below:

 

 

POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

The Company classifies interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as part of its provision for income taxes. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits for the three months ended June 28, 2008 is presented below:

 

 

The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, was $169.5 million as of June 28, 2008, and was comprised of $12.3 million included within accrued expenses and other and $157.2 million included within non-current liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the consolidated balance sheet. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the Company’s effective tax rate was $126.2 million as of June 28, 2008.

 

Future Changes in Unrecognized Tax Benefits

 

The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits relating to the Company’s tax positions is subject to change based on future events including, but not limited to, the settlements of ongoing audits and/or the expiration of applicable statutes of limitations. Although the outcomes and timing of such events are highly uncertain, it is reasonably possible that the balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, could potentially be reduced by up to approximately $40 million during the next 12 months. However, changes in the occurrence, expected outcomes and timing of those events could cause the Company’s current estimate to change materially in the future.

 

The Company files tax returns in the U.S. federal and various state, local and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions for those tax returns, the Company is no longer subject to examinations by the relevant tax authorities for years prior to Fiscal 2000.

 

 

Euro Debt

 

The Company has outstanding approximately €300 million principal amount of 4.5% notes due October 4, 2013 (the “2006 Euro Debt”). The Company has the option to redeem all of the 2006 Euro Debt at any time at a redemption price equal to the principal amount plus a premium. The Company also has the option to redeem all of the 2006 Euro Debt at any time at par plus accrued interest in the event of certain developments involving U.S. tax law. Partial redemption of the 2006 Euro Debt is not permitted in either instance. In the event of a change of control of the Company, each holder of the 2006 Euro Debt has the option to require the Company to redeem the 2006 Euro Debt at its principal amount plus accrued interest.

 

As of June 28, 2008, the carrying value of the 2006 Euro Debt was $469.8 million, compared to $472.8 million as of March 29, 2008.

 

Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan

 

The Company has a credit facility that provides for a $450 million unsecured revolving line of credit through November 2011 (the “Credit Facility”). The Credit Facility also is used to support the issuance of letters of credit. As of June 28, 2008, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility, but the Company was

 

POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

contingently liable for $23.5 million of outstanding letters of credit (primarily relating to inventory purchase commitments). The Company has the ability to expand its borrowing availability to $600 million subject to the agreement of one or more new or existing lenders under the facility to increase their commitments. There are no mandatory reductions in borrowing ability throughout the term of the Credit Facility.

 

The Credit Facility contains a number of covenants that, among other things, restrict the Company’s ability, subject to specified exceptions, to incur additional debt; incur liens and contingent liabilities; sell or dispose of assets, including equity interests; merge with or acquire other companies; liquidate or dissolve itself; engage in businesses that are not in a related line of business; make loans, advances or guarantees; engage in transactions with affiliates; and make investments. In addition, the Credit Facility requires the Company to maintain a maximum ratio of Adjusted Debt to Consolidated EBITDAR (the “leverage ratio”), as such terms are defined in the Credit Facility. As of June 28, 2008, no Event of Default (as such term is defined pursuant to the Credit Facility) has occurred under the Company’s Credit Facility.

 

The Credit Facility was amended and restated as of May 22, 2007 to provide for the addition of a ¥20.5 billion loan (the “Term Loan”). The Term Loan was made to Polo JP Acqui B.V., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and was guaranteed by the Company, as well as the other subsidiaries of the Company which currently guarantee the Credit Facility. The proceeds of the Term Loan were used to finance the Japanese Business Acquisitions. Borrowings under the Term Loan bore interest at a fixed rate of 1.2%. The Company repaid the borrowing by its maturity date on May 22, 2008 using $196.8 million of Impact 21’s cash on-hand acquired as part of the acquisition. See Note 5 for further discussion of the Japanese Business Acquisitions.

 

Refer to Note 13 of the Fiscal 2008 10-K for detailed disclosure of the terms and conditions of the Company’s debt.

 

 

Fair Value Measurement

 

FAS 157 establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The determination of the applicable level within the hierarchy of a particular asset or liability depends on the inputs used in valuation as of the measurement date, notably the extent to which the inputs are market-based (observable) or internally derived (unobservable). The three levels are defined as follows:

 

 

A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

 

POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

 

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges are recorded at fair value in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and, to the extent these instruments are highly effective at reducing the risk associated with the exposure being hedged, the related unrealized gains or losses are deferred in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. The Company’s derivative financial instruments are valued using a pricing model, primarily based on market observable external inputs including forward and spot rates for foreign currencies, which considers the impact of the Company’s own credit risk, if any. The Company’s derivative financial instruments have been classified as Level 2 assets or liabilities as of June 28, 2008.

 

The Company’s auction rate securities are classified as available-for-sale securities and are recorded at fair value in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, with unrealized gains and losses deferred in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. As a result of current market conditions, third-party pricing institutions may value auction rate securities at par, which may not necessarily reflect prices that would be obtained in the current market. When quoted market prices are unobservable, fair value is estimated based on a number of known factors and external pricing data, including known maturity dates, the coupon rate based upon the most recent reset market clearing rate, the price/yield representing the average rate of recently successful traded securities, and the total principal balance of each security. Auction rate securities have been classified as Level 2 assets as of June 28, 2008.

 

Cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and accounts receivable are recorded at carrying value, which approximates fair value. Restricted cash is reported at carrying value. The Company’s 2006 Euro Debt, which is adjusted for foreign currency fluctuations, is also reported at carrying value.

 

Derivative Financial Instruments

 

The Company primarily has exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates relating to certain anticipated cash flows from its international operations and possible declines in the fair value of reported net assets of certain of its foreign operations, as well as changes in the fair value of its fixed-rate debt relating to changes in interest rates. Consequently, the Company periodically uses derivative financial instruments to manage such risks. The Company does not enter into derivative transactions for speculative or trading purposes. All undesignated hedges of the Company are entered into to hedge specific economic risks.

 

POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s outstanding derivative instruments as of June 28, 2008:

 

 

 

 

The following is a summary of the Company’s risk management strategies and the effect of those strategies on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Foreign Currency Risk Management

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts — General

 

The Company enters into forward foreign currency exchange contracts as hedges to reduce its risk from exchange rate fluctuations on inventory purchases, intercompany royalty payments made by certain of its international operations, intercompany contributions made to fund certain marketing efforts of its international operations, other foreign currency-denominated operational obligations including payroll, rent, insurance, and benefit payments, and foreign currency-denominated revenues. As part of its overall strategy to manage the level of exposure to the risk of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, primarily to changes in the value of the Euro, the Japanese Yen, the Swiss Franc, and the British Pound Sterling, the Company hedges a portion of its foreign currency exposures anticipated over the ensuing twelve-month to two-year periods. In doing so, the Company uses foreign currency exchange contracts that generally have maturities of three months to two years to provide continuing coverage throughout the hedging period.

 

The Company records the above described foreign currency exchange contracts at fair value in its consolidated balance sheets. Foreign currency exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges at hedge inception are accounted for in accordance with FAS 133. As such, to the extent these hedges are effective the related gains or losses are deferred in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. These deferred gains and losses are then recognized in our consolidated statements of operations in the period in which the underlying transaction affects earnings. To the extent that any of these foreign currency exchange contracts are not

 

POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

considered to be perfectly effective in offsetting the change in the value of the hedged item, any changes in fair value relating to the ineffective portion are immediately recognized in earnings.

 

The Company reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings a net loss on foreign currency exchange contracts of approximately $0.9 million during the three months ended June 28, 2008 and a net gain of $0.6 million during the three months ended June 30, 2007, representing the effective portion of losses and gains on derivative instruments qualifying as cash flow hedges. No material gains or losses relating to ineffective hedges were recognized in the periods presented.

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts — Other

 

During the first quarter of Fiscal 2009, the Company entered into a foreign currency exchange contract with a notional value of $4.8 million hedging the foreign currency exposure related to an intercompany term loan provided by Polo Fin B.V. to Polo JP Acqui B.V. in connection with the Japanese Business Acquisitions minority squeeze-out, as discussed in Note 5. This contract, which hedged the foreign currency exposure related to a Yen-denominated payment during the first quarter of Fiscal 2009, did not qualify under FAS 133 for hedge accounting treatment. No related material gains or losses were recognized during the three months ended June 28, 2008.

 

During the first quarter of Fiscal 2008, the Company entered into foreign currency option contracts with a notional value of $159 million giving the Company the right, but not the obligation, to purchase foreign currencies at fixed rates by May 23, 2007. These contracts hedged the majority of the foreign currency exposure related to the financing of the Japanese Business Acquisitions, but did not qualify under FAS 133 for hedge accounting treatment. The Company did not exercise the contracts and, as a result, recognized a loss of $1.6 million during the three months ended June 30, 2007.

 

 

Summary of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Common Stock Repurchase Program

 

In May 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors approved an expansion of the Company’s existing common stock repurchase program that allows the Company to repurchase up to an additional $250 million of Class A common stock. Repurchases of shares of Class A common stock are subject to overall business and market conditions. During the three months ended June 28, 2008, 0.1 million shares of Class A common stock were repurchased by the Company at a cost of $7.9 million under its repurchase program. Also, during the first quarter of Fiscal 2009, 0.4 million shares traded prior to the end of Fiscal 2008 were settled at a cost of $24.0 million. The remaining availability under the common stock repurchase program was approximately $384 million as of June 28, 2008.

 

In addition, during the three months ended June 28, 2008, 0.3 million shares of Class A common stock at a cost of $19.1 million were surrendered to, or withheld by, the Company in satisfaction of withholding taxes in connection with the vesting of awards under the Company’s 1997 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan, as amended (the “1997 Plan”).

 

Repurchased and surrendered shares are accounted for as treasury stock at cost and will be held in treasury for future use.

 

Dividends

 

Since 2003, the Company has maintained a regular quarterly cash dividend program of $0.05 per share, or $0.20 per share annually, on its common stock. The first quarter Fiscal 2009 dividend of $0.05 per share was declared on June 17, 2008, payable to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 27, 2008, and paid on July 11, 2008. Dividends paid amounted to $5.0 million during the three months ended June 28, 2008 and $5.2 million during the three months ended June 30, 2007.

 

 

Long-term Stock Incentive Plan

 

The Company’s 1997 Plan authorizes the grant of awards to participants with respect to a maximum of 26.0 million shares of the Company’s Class A common stock; however, there are limits as to the number of shares available for certain awards and to any one participant. Equity awards that may be made under the 1997 Plan include (a) stock options, (b) restricted stock and (c) restricted stock units (“RSUs”).

 

Impact on Results

 

A summary of the total compensation expense and associated income tax benefits recognized related to stock-based compensation arrangements is as follows:

 

 

The Company issues its annual grant of stock-based compensation awards early in the second quarter of its fiscal year. Accordingly, there were no significant awards granted during the three months ended June 28, 2008.

 

POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Stock Options

 

Stock options are granted to employees and non-employee directors with exercise prices equal to fair market value at the date of grant. Generally, the options become exercisable ratably (a graded-vesting schedule), over a three-year vesting period. The Company recognizes compensation expense for share-based awards that have graded vesting and no performance conditions on an accelerated basis.

 

A summary of the stock option activity under all plans during the three months ended June 28, 2008 is as follows:

 

 

Restricted Stock and RSUs

 

The Company grants restricted shares of Class A common stock and service-based RSUs to certain of its senior executives and non-employee directors. In addition, the Company grants performance-based RSUs to such senior executives and other key executives, and certain other employees of the Company. The fair values of restricted stock shares and RSUs are based on the fair value of unrestricted Class A common stock, as adjusted to reflect the absence of dividends for those restricted securities that are not entitled to dividend equivalents.

 

Generally, restricted stock grants vest over a five-year period of time, subject to the executive’s continuing employment. Restricted stock shares granted to non-employee directors vest over a three-year period of time. Service-based RSUs generally vest over a five-year period of time, subject to the executive’s continuing employment. Performance-based RSUs generally vest (a) upon the completion of a three-year period of time (cliff vesting), subject to the employee’s continuing employment and the Company’s achievement of certain performance goals over the three-year period or (b) ratably, over a three-year period of time (graded vesting), subject to the employee’s continuing employment during the applicable vesting period and the achievement by the Company of certain performance goals either (i) in each year of the vesting period for grants made prior to Fiscal 2008 or (ii) solely in the initial year of the vesting period for grants made in and after Fiscal 2008.

 

A summary of the restricted stock and RSU activity during the three months ended June 28, 2008 is as follows:

 

 

POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

12.  Commitments and Contingencies

 

Credit Card Matter

 

In the third quarter of Fiscal 2007, the Company was notified of an alleged compromise of its retail store information systems that process its credit card data for certain Club Monaco stores in Canada. As of the end of Fiscal 2007, the Company had recorded a total reserve of $5.0 million for this matter based on its best estimate of its potential exposure at that time. While the final settlement of this matter is pending approval by the credit card issuers, the Company’s Canadian credit card processor returned three-quarters of the funds previously escrowed to cover potential claims by the end of April 2008. Accordingly, based on the progress in this matter and the available evidence to date, the Company reversed $4.1 million of its original $5.0 million reserve into income during Fiscal 2008. The Company has also been advised that the Quebec Privacy Commission has ceased its investigation of Club Monaco in connection with this matter. The Company expects this matter to be resolved during the course of Fiscal 2009.

 

Wathne Imports Litigation

 

On August 19, 2005, Wathne Imports, Ltd. (“Wathne”), our domestic licensee for luggage and handbags, filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court in the Southern District of New York against us and Ralph Lauren, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, asserting, among other things, federal trademark law violations, breach of contract, breach of obligations of good faith and fair dealing, fraud and negligent misrepresentation. The complaint sought, among other relief, injunctive relief, compensatory damages in excess of $250 million and punitive damages of not less than $750 million. On September 13, 2005, Wathne withdrew this complaint from the U.S. District Court and filed a complaint in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, making substantially the same allegations and claims (excluding the federal trademark claims), and seeking similar relief. On February 1, 2006, the court granted our motion to dismiss all of the causes of action, including the cause of action against Mr. Lauren, except for the breach of contract claims, and denied Wathne’s motion for a preliminary injunction. We believe this lawsuit to be without merit, and moved for summary judgment on the remaining claims. Wathne cross-moved for partial summary judgment. A hearing on these motions occurred on November 1, 2007. The judge presiding in this case provided a written ruling on the summary judgment motion on April 11, 2008. The Court granted Polo’s summary judgment motion to dismiss in large measure, and denied Wathne’s cross-motion. Wathne has appealed the dismissal of its claims. A trial date has not yet been established in connection with this matter. We intend to continue to contest the few remaining claims in this lawsuit vigorously. Accordingly, management does not expect that the ultimate resolution of this matter will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s liquidity or financial position.

 

California Labor Law Litigation

 

On March 2, 2006, a former employee at our Club Monaco store in Los Angeles, California filed a lawsuit against the Company in the San Francisco Superior Court alleging violations of California wage and hour laws. The plaintiff purported to represent a class of Club Monaco store employees who allegedly were injured by being improperly classified as exempt employees and thereby did not receive compensation for overtime and did not receive meal and rest breaks. The complaint sought an unspecified amount of compensatory damages, disgorgement of profits, attorneys’ fees and injunctive relief. On August 21, 2007, eleven former and then current employees of the Company’s Club Monaco stores in California filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court alleging similar claims as the Club Monaco action in San Francisco. The complaint sought an unspecified amount of compensatory damages, attorney’s fees and punitive damages. The parties to these two Club Monaco litigations agreed to retain a mediator in an effort to resolve both matters and recently agreed to settle all claims involving both litigations at an aggregate cost of $1.2 million.

 

On May 30, 2006, four former employees of our Ralph Lauren stores in Palo Alto and San Francisco, California filed a lawsuit in the San Francisco Superior Court alleging violations of California wage and hour laws. The plaintiffs purport to represent a class of employees who allegedly have been injured by not properly being paid

 

POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

commission earnings, not being paid overtime, not receiving rest breaks, being forced to work off of the clock while waiting to enter or leave the store and being falsely imprisoned while waiting to leave the store. The complaint seeks an unspecified amount of compensatory damages, damages for emotional distress, disgorgement of profits, punitive damages, attorneys’ fees and injunctive and declaratory relief. We have filed a cross-claim against one of the plaintiffs for his role in allegedly assisting a former employee misappropriate Company property. Subsequent to answering the complaint, we had the action moved to the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. On July 8, 2008, the United States District Court for the Northern District of California granted plaintiffs’ motion for class certification. We believe this suit is without merit and intend at this time to contest it vigorously. Accordingly, management does not expect that the ultimate resolution of this matter will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s liquidity or financial position.

 

Other Matters

 

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

 

 

The Company has three reportable segments based on its business activities and organization: Wholesale, Retail and Licensing. Such segments offer a variety of products through different channels of distribution. The Wholesale segment consists of women’s, men’s and children’s apparel, accessories and related products which are sold to major department stores, specialty stores, golf and pro shops and the Company’s owned and licensed retail stores in the U.S. and overseas. The Retail segment consists of the Company’s worldwide retail operations, which sell products through its full-price and factory stores, as well as RalphLauren.com, its e-commerce website. The stores and website sell products purchased from the Company’s licensees, suppliers and Wholesale segment. The Licensing segment generates revenues from royalties earned on the sale of the Company’s apparel, home and other products internationally and domestically through licensing alliances. The licensing agreements grant the licensees rights to use the Company’s various trademarks in connection with the manufacture and sale of designated products in specified geographical areas for specified periods.

 

The accounting policies of the Company’s segments are consistent with those described in Notes 2 and 3 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in the Fiscal 2008 10-K. Sales and transfers between segments generally are recorded at cost and treated as transfers of inventory. All intercompany revenues are eliminated in consolidation and are not reviewed when evaluating segment performance. Each segment’s performance is evaluated based upon operating income before restructuring charges and certain other one-time items, such as legal charges, if any. Corporate overhead expenses (exclusive of certain expenses for senior management, overall branding-related expenses and certain other corporate-related expenses) are allocated to the segments based upon specific usage or other allocation methods.

 

POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Net revenues and operating income for each segment are as follows:

 

 

Depreciation and amortization expense for each segment is as follows:

 

 

 

Cash Interest and Taxes

 

 

POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Non-cash Transactions

 

Significant non-cash investing activities included the capitalization of fixed assets and recognition of related obligations in the net amount of $10.1 million for the three months ended June 28, 2008 and $9.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007. Significant non-cash investing activities during the three months ended June 30, 2007 also included the non-cash allocation of the fair value of the net assets acquired in connection with the Japanese Business Acquisitions and the Small Leathergoods Business Acquisition (each as defined and discussed in Note 5 of the Fiscal 2008 10-K). In addition, as a result of the adoption of FASB Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — An Interpretation of FAS No. 109” (“FIN 48”), the Company recognized a non-cash $62.5 million reduction in retained earnings as the cumulative effect to adjust its net liability for unrecognized tax benefits as of April 1, 2007.

 

There were no other significant non-cash investing or financing activities for the three months ended June 28, 2008 or June 30, 2007.

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

 

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

Various statements in this Form 10-Q or incorporated by reference into this Form 10-Q, in future filings by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), in our press releases and in oral statements made by or with the approval of authorized personnel constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and are indicated by words or phrases such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “we believe,” “is or remains optimistic,” “currently envisions” and similar words or phrases and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the future results, performance or achievements expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding, among other items:

 

 

These forward-looking statements are based largely on our expectations and judgments and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are unforeseeable and beyond our control. A detailed discussion of significant risk factors that have the potential to cause our actual results to differ materially from our expectations is included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 29, 2008 (the “Fiscal 2008 10-K”). There are no material changes to such risk factors, nor are there any identifiable previously undisclosed risks as set forth in Part II, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of this Form 10-Q. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

In this Form 10-Q, references to “Polo,” “ourselves,” “we,” “our,” “us” and the “Company” refer to Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise. Due to the collaborative and ongoing nature of our relationships with our licensees, such licensees are sometimes referred to in this Form 10-Q as “licensing alliances.” We utilize a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to March 31. As such, fiscal year 2009 will end on March 28, 2009 and will be a 52-week period (“Fiscal 2009”). Fiscal year 2008 ended on March 29, 2008 and reflected a 52-week period (“Fiscal 2008”). In turn, the first quarter for Fiscal 2009 ended on June 28, 2008 and was a 13-week period. The first quarter for Fiscal 2008 ended on June 30, 2007 and was also a 13-week period.

INTRODUCTION

 

Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (“MD&A”) is provided as a supplement to the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and footnotes to help provide an understanding of our financial condition, changes in financial condition and results of our operations. MD&A is organized as follows:

 

 

OVERVIEW

 

Our Business

 

Our Company is a global leader in the design, marketing and distribution of premium lifestyle products including men’s, women’s and children’s apparel, accessories, fragrances and home furnishings. Our long-standing reputation and distinctive image have been consistently developed across an expanding number of products, brands and international markets. Our brand names include Polo by Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Ralph Lauren Collection, Black Label, Blue Label, Lauren by Ralph Lauren, RRL, RLX, Rugby, Ralph Lauren Childrenswear, Chaps, Club Monaco and American Living, among others.

 

We classify our businesses into three segments: Wholesale, Retail and Licensing. Our wholesale business (representing 57% of Fiscal 2008 net revenues) consists of wholesale-channel sales made principally to major department stores, specialty stores and golf and pro shops located throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia. Our retail business (representing 39% of Fiscal 2008 net revenues) consists of retail-channel sales directly to consumers through full-price and factory retail stores located throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, South America and Asia, and through our retail internet site located at www.RalphLauren.com. In addition, our licensing business (representing 4% of Fiscal 2008 net revenues) consists of royalty-based arrangements under which we license the right to third parties to use our various trademarks in connection with the manufacture and sale of designated products, such as apparel, eyewear and fragrances, in specified geographical areas for specified periods. Approximately 25% of our Fiscal 2008 net revenues was earned in international regions outside of the U.S. and Canada.

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 and key vacation travel, back-to-school and holiday periods in the Retail segment. Accordingly, our operating results and cash flows for the three months ended June 28, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results and cash flows that may be expected for the full Fiscal 2009.

 

Summary of Financial Performance

 

Global Economic Uncertainty

 

The Company’s business is dependent on consumer demand for our products. We believe that significant uncertainty and a slowdown in the U.S. macroeconomic environment negatively impacted the level of consumer spending for discretionary items during most of Fiscal 2008. Such conditions continued during the first quarter of Fiscal 2009 and began to spread to certain markets outside of the U.S., including Spain and the U.K. Despite the more challenging economic environment that affected both the Company’s wholesale customers and retail channels, we continued to experience reported revenue growth during the first quarter of Fiscal 2009. If the global macroeconomic environment continues to be weak, these worsening economic conditions could have a continuing negative effect on the Company’s sales and operating margin growth rates across all segments at least for the remainder of the current fiscal year.

 

See a detailed discussion of significant risk factors that have the potential to cause our actual results to differ materially from our expectations included in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our Fiscal 2008 10-K.

 

Operating Results

 

During the first quarter of Fiscal 2009, we reported revenues of $1.114 billion, net income of $95.2 million and net income per diluted share of $0.93. This compares to revenues of $1.070 billion, net income of $88.3 million and net income per diluted share of $0.82 during the first quarter of Fiscal 2008.

 

Our operating performance for the three months ended June 28, 2008 was primarily driven by 4.0% revenue growth, principally due to strength in our Wholesale European business and increased global Retail store sales (both including favorable foreign currency effects), and domestic shipments of our new American Living product line. These increases were partially offset by lower wholesale sales to our traditional department and specialty store customers in the U.S. associated with the current economic environment. We also experienced an increase in gross profit percentage of 200 basis points to 57.3%, primarily due to the continued growth of our higher margin European wholesale operations and the absence of unfavorable purchase accounting effects primarily in our Retail segment. These increases were significantly offset by higher selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses attributable largely to our new business initiatives.

 

Net income and net income per diluted share increased during the first quarter of Fiscal 2009 as compared to the first quarter of Fiscal 2008, principally due to a $5.8 million decrease in the provision for income taxes. The decrease in the provision for income taxes was primarily driven by a 420 basis point decline in our effective tax rate.

 

Financial Condition and Liquidity

 

Our financial position reflects the overall relative strength of our business results. We ended the first quarter of Fiscal 2009 in a net cash position (total cash and cash equivalents less total debt) of $84.0 million, compared to a net debt position (total debt less total cash and cash equivalents) of $127.7 million as of the end of Fiscal 2008.

 

The increase in our net cash position as of June 28, 2008 as compared to a net debt position as of March 29, 2008 was primarily due to growth in operating cash flows, partially offset by our treasury stock repurchases and capital expenditures. Our short-term investments, classified in our consolidated balance sheet outside of cash and cash equivalents, increased to $157.0 million as of the end of the first quarter of Fiscal 2009, compared to $74.3 million as of the end of Fiscal 2008. Our stockholders’ equity increased to $2.484 billion as of June 28, 2008, compared to $2.390 billion as of March 29, 2008. This increase was primarily due to our higher net income and other comprehensive income during the first quarter of Fiscal 2009, offset in part by our share repurchase activity.

We generated $396.7 million of cash from operations during the three months ended June 28, 2008, compared to $280.8 million during the three months ended June 30, 2007. We used our cash availability to reinvest in our business through capital spending, to support our common stock repurchase program and to repay $196.8 million of debt that matured in May 2008 relating to our Japanese Business Acquisitions (as defined under “Recent Developments”). In particular, we spent $56.1 million for capital expenditures primarily associated with global retail store expansion, construction and renovation of department store shop-in-shops and investments in our facilities and technological infrastructure. We also used $51.0 million to repurchase 0.8 million shares of Class A common stock.

 

Transactions Affecting Comparability of Results of Operations and Financial Condition

 

The comparability of the Company’s operating results for the three months ended June 28, 2008 and June 30, 2007 has been affected by acquisitions that occurred in the first quarter of Fiscal 2008 and the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2007. Specifically, the Company completed the Japanese Business Acquisitions on May 29, 2007, the Small Leathergoods Business Acquisition on April 13, 2007 and the RL Media Minority Interest Acquisition on March 28, 2007 (each as defined and discussed in Note 5 of the Fiscal 2008 10-K).

 

The following discussion of results of operations highlights, as necessary, the significant changes in operating results arising from these items and transactions. However, unusual items or transactions may occur in any period. Accordingly, investors and other financial statement users individually should consider the types of events and transactions that have affected operating trends.

 

Recent Developments

 

Japanese Childrenswear and Golf Acquisition

 

On August 1, 2008, in connection with the transition of the Polo-branded childrenswear and golf apparel businesses in Japan from a licensed to a wholly owned operation, the Company acquired certain net assets (including certain inventory) from Naigai Co. Ltd. (“Naigai”) in exchange for a payment of approximately ¥2.5 billion (approximately $23 million as of the acquisition date) and certain other consideration (the “Japanese Childrenswear and Golf Acquisition”). Naigai was the Company’s licensee for childrenswear, golf attire and hosiery under the Polo by Ralph Lauren and Ralph Lauren brands in Japan. In conjunction with the Japanese Childrenswear and Golf Acquisition, the Company also entered into an additional 5 year licensing and design-related agreement with Naigai for Polo and Chaps-branded hosiery in Japan and a transition services agreement for the provision of a variety of operational, human resources and information systems-related services over a period of up to eighteen months from the date of the closing of the transaction.

 

Japanese Business Acquisitions

 

On May 29, 2007, the Company completed the transactions to acquire control of certain of its Japanese businesses that were formerly conducted under licensed arrangements, consistent with the Company’s long-term strategy of international expansion. In particular, the Company acquired approximately 77% of the outstanding shares of Impact 21 Co., Ltd. (“Impact 21”) that it did not previously own in a cash tender offer (the “Impact 21 Acquisition”), thereby increasing its ownership in Impact 21 from approximately 20% to approximately 97%. Impact 21 conducts the Company’s men’s, women’s and jeans apparel and accessories business in Japan under a pre-existing, sub-license arrangement. In addition, the Company acquired the remaining 50% interest in Polo Ralph Lauren Japan Corporation (“PRL Japan”), which holds the master license to conduct Polo’s business in Japan, from Onward Kashiyama and Seibu (the “PRL Japan Minority Interest Acquisition”). Collectively, the Impact 21 Acquisition and the PRL Japan Minority Interest Acquisition are herein referred to as the “Japanese Business Acquisitions.”

 

The purchase price initially paid in connection with the Japanese Business Acquisitions was approximately $360 million, including transaction costs of approximately $12 million. In January 2008, at an Impact 21 shareholders meeting, the Company obtained the necessary approvals to complete the process of acquiring the remaining approximately 3% of outstanding shares not exchanged as of the close of the tender offer period (the “minority squeeze-out”). In February 2008, the Company acquired approximately 1% of the remaining Impact 21 shares

outstanding at an aggregate cost of $5 million. During the first quarter of Fiscal 2009, the Company completed the minority squeeze-out at an aggregate cost of approximately $9 million.

 

The Company funded the Japanese Business Acquisitions with available cash on-hand and ¥20.5 billion of borrowings under a one-year term loan agreement pursuant to an amendment and restatement to the Company’s existing credit facility. The Company repaid the borrowing by its maturity date on May 22, 2008 using $196.8 million of Impact 21’s cash on-hand acquired as part of the acquisition.

 

The results of operations for Impact 21, which were previously accounted for using the equity method of accounting, have been consolidated in the Company’s results of operations commencing April 1, 2007. Accordingly, the Company recorded within minority interest expense the amount of Impact 21’s net income allocable to the holders of the approximate 80% of the Impact 21 shares not owned by the Company prior to the closing date of the tender offer. The results of operations for PRL Japan had already been consolidated by the Company in all prior periods.

 

American Living

 

In Fiscal 2008, the Company launched American Living, a new lifestyle brand created exclusively in the U.S. for distribution by J.C. Penney Company, Inc. (“JCPenney”) through the Company’s new Global Brand Concepts (“GBC”) group. The Company began shipping related product to JCPenney in December 2007 to support the launch of this new product line. The success of American Living and the introduction of new product categories in both the U.S. and overseas may be negatively impacted during the remainder of Fiscal 2009 by ongoing economic uncertainty.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Three Months Ended June 28, 2008 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2007

 

The following table summarizes our results of operations and expresses the percentage relationship to net revenues of certain financial statement captions:

 

 

 

 

Net Revenues.  Net revenues increased by $43.3 million, or 4.0%, to $1.114 billion in the first quarter of Fiscal 2009 from $1.070 billion in the first quarter of Fiscal 2008. The increase was primarily driven by favorable foreign currency effects and an increase in Retail revenues. Excluding the effect of foreign currency, net revenues increased by approximately 2%. On a reported basis, Wholesale revenues increased by $0.5 million, primarily as a result of the inclusion of revenues from the newly launched American Living product line and strong performance in Europe, offset in part by decreased sales in our core domestic product lines. Retail revenues increased by $42.4 million as a result of improved comparable global retail store sales, continued store expansion and growth in RalphLauren.com sales. Licensing revenue remained relatively consistent with the comparable prior year period.

Net revenues for our three business segments are provided below:

 

 

Wholesale net revenues — The net increase primarily reflects:

 

 

The above net increase was significantly offset by:

 

 

Retail net revenues — For purposes of the discussion of retail operating performance below, we refer to the measure “comparable store sales.” Comparable store sales refer to the growth of sales in stores that are open for at least one full fiscal year. Sales for stores that are closing during a fiscal year are excluded from the calculation of comparable store sales. Sales for stores that are either relocated, enlarged (as defined by gross square footage expansion of 25% or greater) or closed for 30 or more consecutive days for renovation are also excluded from the calculation of comparable store sales until such stores have been in their location or in a newly renovated state for at least one full fiscal year. Comparable store sales information includes both Ralph Lauren and Club Monaco stores.

The increase in retail net revenues primarily reflects:

 

 

 

 

Licensing revenue — The net increase primarily reflects:

 

 

The above increase was significantly offset by:

 

 

Gross Profit.  Cost of goods sold includes the expenses incurred to acquire and produce inventory for sale, including product costs, freight-in, and import costs, as well as changes in reserves for shrinkage and inventory obsolescence. The costs of selling merchandise, including preparing the merchandise for sale, such as picking, packing, warehousing and order charges, are included in SG&A expenses.

 

Gross profit increased by $46.4 million, or 7.8%, to $638.4 million in the first quarter of Fiscal 2009 from $592.0 million in the first quarter of Fiscal 2008. Gross profit as a percentage of net revenues increased by 200 basis points to 57.3% for the three months ended June 28, 2008 from 55.3% for the three months ended June 30, 2007, primarily driven by continued growth in our European wholesale operations which generally carry higher margins. This increase was also due to the absence of unfavorable purchase accounting effects associated with the acquisitions of the RL Media Minority Interest and the Small Leathergoods Business included in the comparable prior year period.

 

Gross profit as a percentage of net revenues is dependent upon a variety of factors, including changes in the relative sales mix among distribution channels, changes in the mix of products sold, the timing and level of promotional activities, foreign currency exchange rates, and fluctuations in material costs. These factors, among others, may cause gross profit as a percentage of net revenues to fluctuate from period to period.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.  SG&A expenses primarily include compensation and benefits, marketing, distribution, information technology, facilities, legal and other costs associated with finance and administration. SG&A expenses increased by $48.4 million, or 11.0%, to $486.9 million in the first quarter of Fiscal 2009 from $438.5 million in the first quarter of Fiscal 2008. The increase included approximately $11 million of unfavorable foreign currency effects, primarily related to the continued strengthening of the Euro in comparison to the U.S. dollar during the first quarter of Fiscal 2009. SG&A expenses as a percent of net revenues increased to 43.7% for the three months ended June 28, 2008 from 41.0% for the three months ended June 30, 2007. The 270 basis point increase was primarily associated with increased operating expenses related to our new business initiatives. The $48.4 million increase in SG&A expenses was primarily driven by:

 

 

Amortization of Intangible Assets.  Amortization of intangible assets decreased by $2.8 million, or 36.4%, to $4.9 million in the first quarter of Fiscal 2009 from $7.7 million in the first quarter of Fiscal 2008. The decrease was primarily due to the absence of the amortization of the licenses acquired in the Japanese Business Acquisitions, which were fully amortized by the end of Fiscal 2008. See “Recent Developments” for further discussion of the acquisitions.

 

Operating Income.  Operating income increased by $0.8 million, or 0.5%, to $146.6 million in the first quarter of Fiscal 2009 from $145.8 million in the first quarter of Fiscal 2008. Operating income as a percentage of revenue decreased 40 basis points, to 13.2% for the three months ended June 28, 2008 from 13.6% for the three months ended June 30, 2007. The decrease in operating income as a percentage of net revenues primarily reflected the increase in SG&A expenses due to our new business initiatives, partially offset by an increase in gross profit margin as previously discussed.

 

Operating income as reported for our three business segments is provided below:

 

 

Wholesale operating income decreased by $0.3 million primarily as a result of the net revenue decrease in our domestic businesses as well as higher SG&A expenses in support of our new product lines, including American Living. This decrease was partially offset by improved gross margin, primarily driven by continued growth in our European wholesale operations which generally carry higher margins.

Retail operating income increased by $3.6 million primarily as a result of higher revenues and the absence of unfavorable purchase accounting effects associated with the RL Media Minority Interest Acquisition included in the comparable prior year period. These increases were partially offset by higher occupancy costs and increased selling-related salaries and associated costs.

 

Licensing operating income increased by $2.3 million primarily due to increases in domestic licensing royalties, offset in part by net decreases in international and Home licensing royalties.

 

Unallocated corporate expenses increased by $4.8 million, primarily as a result of increases in compensation-related and facilities costs to support the ongoing growth of our businesses, as previously discussed under SG&A expenses.

 

Foreign Currency Gains (Losses).  The effect of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations resulted in a gain of $0.1 million in the first quarter of Fiscal 2009, compared to a loss of $1.3 million in the first quarter of Fiscal 2008. The comparable prior period loss included the $1.6 million write-off of foreign currency option contracts, entered into to manage certain foreign currency exposure associated with the Japanese Business Acquisitions, which expired unexercised. Excluding the aforementioned write-off, the foreign currency gains slightly decreased in the first quarter of Fiscal 2009 as compared to the first quarter of Fiscal 2008, primarily due to the timing of the settlement of intercompany receivables and payables (that were not of a long-term investment nature) between certain of our international and domestic subsidiaries. Foreign currency gains and losses are unrelated to the impact of changes in the value of the U.S. dollar when operating results of our foreign subsidiaries are translated to U.S. dollars.

 

Interest Expense.  Interest expense includes the borrowing costs of our outstanding debt, including amortization of debt issuance costs. Interest expense increased by $1.2 million, to $7.0 million in the first quarter of Fiscal 2009 from $5.8 million in the first quarter of Fiscal 2008. The increase is primarily due to unfavorable foreign currency effects, principally related to our outstanding Euro-denominated debt.

 

Interest and Other Income, net.  Interest and other income, net, decreased by $1.0 million, to $7.2 million in the first quarter of Fiscal 2009 from $8.2 million in the first quarter of Fiscal 2008. This decrease was principally driven by lower average interest rates.

 

Equity in Income (Loss) of Equity-Method Investees.  The equity in loss of equity-method investees of $0.7 million in the first quarter of Fiscal 2009 related to certain start-up costs associated with the recently formed joint venture, the Ralph Lauren Watch and Jewelry Company, S.A.R.L. (the “RL Watch Company”), which the Company accounts for under the equity method of accounting. No equity in income (loss) was recorded in the first quarter of Fiscal 2008.

 

Minority Interest Expense.  Minority interest expense of $1.8 million in the first quarter of Fiscal 2008 related to the Company’s remaining 50% interest in PRL Japan, which was acquired in May 2007, and the allocation of Impact 21’s net income to the holders of the 80% interest not owned by the Company prior to the closing date of the related tender offer. No minority interest expense was recorded in the first quarter of Fiscal 2009.

 

Provision for Income Taxes.  The provision for income taxes represents federal, foreign, state and local income taxes. The provision for income taxes decreased by $5.8 million, or 10.2%, to $51.0 million in the first quarter of Fiscal 2009 from $56.8 million in the first quarter of Fiscal 2008. This decrease was primarily due to a reduction in our reported effective tax rate of 420 basis points, to 34.9% for the three months ended June 28, 2008 from 39.1% for the three months ended June 30, 2007. The lower effective tax rate was primarily due to lower state and foreign income taxes principally relating to statutory law changes, a more favorable geographic income mix and lower permanent differences. The effective tax rate differs from statutory rates due to the effect of state and local taxes, tax rates in foreign jurisdictions and certain nondeductible expenses. Our effective tax rate will change from period to period based on non-recurring factors including, but not limited to, the geographic mix of earnings, the timing and amount of foreign dividends, enacted tax legislation, state and local taxes, tax audit findings and settlements, and the interaction of various global tax strategies.

 

Net Income.  Net income increased by $6.9 million, or 7.8%, to $95.2 million in the first quarter of Fiscal 2009 from $88.3 million in the first quarter of Fiscal 2008. The increase in net income principally related to a

decrease of $5.8 million in our provision for income taxes and an increase of $0.8 million in operating income, as previously discussed.

 

Net Income Per Diluted Share.  Net income per diluted share increased by $0.11, or 13.4%, to $0.93 per share in the first quarter of Fiscal 2009 from $0.82 per share in the first quarter of Fiscal 2008. The increase in diluted per share results was due to the higher level of net income, as previously discussed, and lower weighted-average diluted shares outstanding for the three months ended June 28, 2008.

 

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY

 

Financial Condition

 

 

 

 

The increase in the Company’s net cash position as of June 28, 2008 from the net debt position as of March 29, 2008 was primarily due to growth in operating cash flows, partially offset by the Company’s capital expenditures and treasury stock repurchases. During the first quarter of Fiscal 2009, the Company spent $56.1 million for capital expenditures and used $51.0 million to repurchase 0.8 million shares of Class A common stock. In addition, the Company repaid its current maturities of debt using available cash on-hand in May 2008.

 

The increase in the Company’s short-term investments was primarily due to excess cash generated by our European operations.

 

The increase in stockholders’ equity was primarily due to higher net income and other comprehensive income during the first quarter of Fiscal 2009, offset in part by an increase in treasury stock as a result of the Company’s common stock repurchase program.

 

Cash Flows

 

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities.  Net cash provided by operating activities increased to $396.7 million during the first quarter of Fiscal 2009, compared to $280.8 million during the first quarter of Fiscal 2008. This $115.9 million net increase in operating cash flow was primarily driven by:

 

 

Other than the items described above, the changes in operating assets and liabilities were attributable to normal operating fluctuations.

 

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities.  Net cash used in investing activities was $145.1 million during the first quarter of Fiscal 2009, as compared to $224.9 million during the first quarter of Fiscal 2008. The net decrease in cash used in investing activities was primarily driven by:

 

 

The above decrease was partially offset by:

 

 

Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities.  Net cash used in financing activities was $244.2 million during the first quarter of Fiscal 2009, as compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $24.7 million during the first quarter of Fiscal 2008. The increase in net cash used in financing activities was primarily driven by:

 

 

The above increase was partially offset by:

 

 

Liquidity

 

The Company’s primary sources of liquidity are the cash flow generated from its operations, $450 million of availability under its credit facility, available cash and cash equivalents, investments and other financing options. These sources of liquidity are needed to fund the Company’s ongoing cash requirements, including working capital requirements, global retail store expansion, construction and renovation of shop-in-shops, investment in technological infrastructure, acquisitions, dividends, debt repayment, stock repurchases, contingent liabilities (including uncertain tax positions) and other corporate activities. Management believes that the Company’s existing resources of cash will be sufficient to support its operating, capital and debt service requirements for the foreseeable future, including the finalization of acquisitions and plans for business expansion.

 

As discussed below under the section entitled “Debt and Covenant Compliance,” the Company had no revolving credit borrowings outstanding under its credit facility as of June 28, 2008. However, as discussed further below, the Company may elect to draw on its credit facility or other potential sources of financing for, among other things, a material acquisition, settlement of a material contingency (including uncertain tax positions) or a material adverse business development.

 

In May 2007, the Company completed the Japanese Business Acquisitions. These transactions were funded with available cash on-hand and the ¥20.5 billion Term Loan. The Company repaid the borrowing by its maturity date on May 22, 2008 using $196.8 million of Impact 21’s cash on-hand acquired as part of the acquisition.

 

Common Stock Repurchase Program

 

In May 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors approved an expansion of the Company’s existing common stock repurchase program that allows the Company to repurchase up to an additional $250 million of Class A common stock. Repurchases of shares of Class A common stock are subject to overall business and market conditions. During the three months ended June 28, 2008, 0.1 million shares of Class A common stock were repurchased by the Company at a cost of $7.9 million under its repurchase program. Also, during the first quarter of Fiscal 2009, 0.4 million shares traded prior to the end of Fiscal 2008 were settled at a cost of $24.0 million. The remaining availability under the common stock repurchase program was approximately $384 million as of June 28, 2008.

 

In addition, during the three months ended June 28, 2008, 0.3 million shares of Class A common stock at a cost of $19.1 million were surrendered to, or withheld by, the Company in satisfaction of withholding taxes in connection with the vesting of awards under the Company’s 1997 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan.

 

Dividends

 

The Company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.05 per outstanding share in the first quarter of both Fiscal 2009 and Fiscal 2008. Dividends paid amounted to $5.0 million during the three months ended June 28, 2008 and $5.2 million during the three months ended June 30, 2007.

 

The Company intends to continue to pay regular quarterly dividends on its outstanding common stock. However, any decision to declare and pay dividends in the future will be made at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors and will depend on, among other things, the Company’s results of operations, cash requirements, financial condition and other factors that the Board of Directors may deem relevant.

 

Debt and Covenant Compliance

 

Euro Debt

 

The Company has outstanding approximately €300 million principal amount of 4.5% notes due October 4, 2013 (the “2006 Euro Debt”). The Company has the option to redeem all of the 2006 Euro Debt at any time at a redemption price equal to the principal amount plus a premium. The Company also has the option to redeem all of the 2006 Euro Debt at any time at par plus accrued interest in the event of certain developments involving U.S. tax law. Partial redemption of the 2006 Euro Debt is not permitted in either instance. In the event of a change of control

of the Company, each holder of the 2006 Euro Debt has the option to require the Company to redeem the 2006 Euro Debt at its principal amount plus accrued interest.

 

As of June 28, 2008, the carrying value of the 2006 Euro Debt was $469.8 million, compared to $472.8 million as of March 29, 2008.

 

Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan

 

The Company has a credit facility that provides for a $450 million unsecured revolving line of credit through November 2011 (the “Credit Facility”). The Credit Facility also is used to support the issuance of letters of credit. As of June 28, 2008, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility, but the Company was contingently liable for $23.5 million of outstanding letters of credit (primarily relating to inventory purchase commitments). The Company has the ability to expand its borrowing availability to $600 million subject to the agreement of one or more new or existing lenders under the facility to increase their commitments. There are no mandatory reductions in borrowing ability throughout the term of the Credit Facility.

 

The Credit Facility contains a number of covenants that, among other things, restrict the Company’s ability, subject to specified exceptions, to incur additional debt; incur liens and contingent liabilities; sell or dispose of assets, including equity interests; merge with or acquire other companies; liquidate or dissolve itself; engage in businesses that are not in a related line of business; make loans, advances or guarantees; engage in transactions with affiliates; and make investments. In addition, the Credit Facility requires the Company to maintain a maximum ratio of Adjusted Debt to Consolidated EBITDAR (the “leverage ratio”), as such terms are defined in the Credit Facility. As of June 28, 2008, no Event of Default (as such term is defined pursuant to the Credit Facility) has occurred under the Company’s Credit Facility.

 

The Credit Facility was amended and restated as of May 22, 2007 to provide for the addition of the ¥20.5 billion Term Loan. This loan was made to Polo JP Acqui B.V., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and was guaranteed by the Company, as well as the other subsidiaries of the Company which currently guarantee the Credit Facility. The proceeds of the Term Loan were used to finance the Japanese Business Acquisitions. Borrowings under the Term Loan bore interest at a fixed rate of 1.2%. The Company repaid the borrowing by its maturity date on May 22, 2008 using $196.8 million of Impact 21’s cash on-hand acquired as part of the acquisition. See Note 5 for further discussion of the Japanese Business Acquisitions.

 

Refer to Note 13 of the Fiscal 2008 10-K for detailed disclosure of the terms and conditions of the Company’s debt.

 

MARKET RISK MANAGEMENT

 

As discussed in Note 14 to the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements included in its Fiscal 2008 10-K and Note 9 to the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements, the Company is exposed to a variety of risks, including changes in foreign currency exchange rates relating to certain anticipated cash flows from its international operations and possible declines in the fair value of reported net assets of certain of its foreign operations, as well as changes in the fair value of its fixed-rate debt relating to changes in interest rates. Consequently, in the normal course of business the Company employs established policies and procedures, including the use of derivative financial instruments, to manage such risks. The Company does not enter into derivative transactions for speculative or trading purposes.

 

As a result of the use of derivative instruments, the Company is exposed to the risk that counterparties to derivative contracts will fail to meet their contractual obligations. To mitigate the counterparty credit risk, the Company has a policy of only entering into contracts with carefully selected financial institutions based upon their credit ratings and other financial factors. The Company’s established policies and procedures for mitigating credit risk on derivative transactions include reviewing and assessing the creditworthiness of counterparties.

 

Foreign Currency Risk Management

 

From time to time, the Company may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts as hedges to reduce its risk from exchange rate fluctuations on inventory purchases, intercompany royalty payments made by

certain of its international operations, intercompany contributions made to fund certain marketing efforts of its international operations, other foreign currency-denominated operational obligations including payroll, rent, insurance, and benefit payments, foreign currency-denominated revenues, and interest payments. As part of our overall strategy to manage the level of exposure to the risk of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, primarily to changes in the value of the Euro, the Japanese Yen, the Swiss Franc, and the British Pound Sterling, the Company hedges a portion of its foreign currency exposures anticipated over the ensuing twelve-month to two-year periods. In doing so, the Company uses foreign currency exchange contracts that generally have maturities of three months to two years to provide continuing coverage throughout the hedging period.

 

The Company’s foreign exchange risk management activities are governed by policies and procedures approved by its Audit Committee and Board of Directors. Our policies and procedures provide a framework that allows for an active approach to the management of currency exposures while ensuring the activities are conducted within established Company guidelines. Our policy includes guidelines for the organizational structure of our risk management function and for internal controls over foreign exchange risk management activities, including but not limited to authorization levels, transactional limits, and credit quality controls, as well as various measurements for monitoring compliance. We monitor foreign exchange risk using different techniques including a periodic review of market value and sensitivity analyses.

 

During the first quarter of Fiscal 2009, the Company entered into a foreign currency exchange contract with a notional value of $4.8 million hedging the foreign currency exposure related to an intercompany term loan provided by Polo Fin B.V. to Polo JP Acqui B.V. in connection with the Japanese Business Acquisitions minority squeeze-out, as discussed in Note 5 to the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements. This contract, which hedged the foreign currency exposure related to a Yen-denominated payment during the first quarter of Fiscal 2009, did not qualify under FAS 133 for hedge accounting treatment. No related material gains or losses were recognized during the three months ended June 28, 2008.

 

As of June 28, 2008, other than the aforementioned foreign exchange contract executed during the three months ended June 28, 2008, there have been no other significant changes in the Company’s interest rate and foreign currency exposures or in the types of derivative instruments used to hedge those exposures. While the U.S. dollar continued to remain weak against most other major currencies since the end of Fiscal 2008, the Company seeks to mitigate its exposure to any changes through its hedging programs.

 

Investment Risk Management

 

The Company evaluates investments held in unrealized loss positions for other-than-temporary impairment on a quarterly basis. Such evaluation involves a variety of considerations, including assessments of risks and uncertainties associated with general economic conditions and distinct conditions affecting specific issuers. Factors considered by the Company include (i) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been below cost, (ii) the financial condition, credit worthiness and near-term prospects of the issuer, (iii) the length of time to maturity, (iv) future economic conditions and market forecasts and (v) the Company’s intent and ability to retain its investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for recovery of market value.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The Company’s significant accounting policies are described in Notes 3 and 4 to the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Fiscal 2008 10-K. The SEC’s Financial Reporting Release No. 60, “Cautionary Advice Regarding Disclosure About Critical Accounting Policies” (“FRR 60”), suggests companies provide additional disclosure and commentary on those accounting policies considered most critical. FRR 60 considers an accounting policy to be critical if it is important to the Company’s financial condition and results of operations and requires significant judgment and estimates on the part of management in its application. The Company’s estimates are often based on complex judgments, probabilities and assumptions that management believes to be reasonable, but that are inherently uncertain and unpredictable. It is also possible that other professionals, applying reasonable judgment to the same facts and circumstances, could develop and support a range of alternative estimated amounts. For a complete discussion of the Company’s critical accounting policies, see the “Critical Accounting Policies” section of the MD&A in the Company’s Fiscal 2008 10-K. The following