Estee Lauder
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Estee Lauder - 10-Q quarterly report FY


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

FORM 10-Q


(Mark One)
[X] Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended December 31, 2000

OR

[ ] Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934

Commission file number 1-14064


The Estee Lauder Companies Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


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


767 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10153
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)


Registrant's telephone number, including area code 212-572-4200



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

At January 26, 2001, 124,465,581 shares of the registrant's Class A Common
Stock, $.01 par value, and 113,679,334 shares of the registrant's Class B Common
Stock, $.01 par value, were outstanding.
THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
Part I. Financial Information
<S> <C>
Consolidated Statements of Earnings --
Three Months and Six Months Ended December 31, 2000 and 1999............................. 2

Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations............................................ 3

Consolidated Balance Sheets --
December 31, 2000 and June 30, 2000...................................................... 14

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows --
Six Months Ended December 31, 2000 and 1999.............................................. 15

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.................................................... 16

Part II. Other Information............................................................................. 22

</TABLE>
-1-
THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
December 31 December 31
-------------------- ---------------------
2000 1999 2000 1999
---- ---- ---- ----

(In millions, except per share data)

<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Sales........................................................ $1,291.6 $1,235.1 $2,469.3 $2,328.8
Cost of sales.................................................... 278.0 283.1 541.3 534.9
-------- -------- -------- --------

Gross Profit..................................................... 1,013.6 952.0 1,928.0 1,793.9
-------- -------- -------- --------

Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative........................... 803.0 756.7 1,555.9 1,454.1
Related party royalties....................................... 7.1 9.2 15.3 17.2
-------- -------- -------- --------
810.1 765.9 1,571.2 1,471.3
-------- -------- -------- --------

Operating Income................................................. 203.5 186.1 356.8 322.6

Interest expense, net............................................ 4.3 5.2 9.4 10.6
-------- -------- -------- --------
Earnings before Income Taxes and Minority Interest............... 199.2 180.9 347.4 312.0

Provision for income taxes....................................... 71.7 67.0 125.1 115.5
Minority interest, net of tax.................................... (0.2) - (0.4) -
-------- -------- --------- --------
Net Earnings before Accounting Change............................ 127.3 113.9 221.9 196.5

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, net of tax - - (2.2) -
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net Earnings .................................................... 127.3 113.9 219.7 196.5

Preferred stock dividends........................................ 5.8 5.8 11.7 11.7
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net Earnings Attributable to Common Stock........................ $ 121.5 $ 108.1 $ 208.0 $ 184.8
======== ======== ======== ========

Basic net earnings per common share:
Net earnings attributable to common stock before
accounting change........................................... $ .51 $ .46 $ .88 $ .78
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, net of tax - - (.01) -
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net earnings attributable to common stock................... $ .51 $ .46 $ .87 $ .78
======== ======== ======== ========

Diluted net earnings per common share:
Net earnings attributable to common stock before
accounting change........................................... $ .50 $ .45 $ .87 $ .76
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, net of tax - - (.01) -
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net earnings attributable to common stock................... $ .50 $ .45 $ .86 $ .76
======== ======== ======== ========

Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic....................................................... 238.2 237.5 238.2 237.5
Diluted..................................................... 242.2 242.2 242.2 242.4

Cash dividends declared per common share......................... $ .05 $ .05 $ .10 $ .10
</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

-2-
THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

We manufacture, market and sell skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care
products which are distributed in over 120 countries and territories. The
following is a comparative summary of operating results for the three and six
month periods ended December 31, 2000 and 1999, and reflects the basis of
presentation described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements for
all periods presented. Sales of products and services that do not meet our
definition of skin care, makeup, fragrance or hair care have been included in
the "other" category.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
December 31 December 31
------------------- ---------------------
2000 1999 2000 1999
---- ---- ---- ----
(In millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
NET SALES
By Region:
The Americas............................................... $ 747.1 $ 716.5 $ 1,530.2 $ 1,432.3
Europe, the Middle East & Africa........................... 366.9 350.3 622.0 607.4
Asia/Pacific............................................... 177.6 168.3 317.1 289.1
--------- --------- --------- ---------
$ 1,291.6 $ 1,235.1 $ 2,469.3 $ 2,328.8
========= ========= ========= =========

By Product Category:
Skin Care.................................................. $ 423.2 $ 389.8 $ 818.4 $ 743.2
Makeup..................................................... 420.5 373.2 851.8 777.1
Fragrance.................................................. 396.9 434.0 696.7 741.1
Hair Care.................................................. 43.0 29.8 88.6 52.9
Other...................................................... 8.0 8.3 13.8 14.5
--------- --------- --------- ---------
$ 1,291.6 $ 1,235.1 $ 2,469.3 $ 2,328.8
========= ========= ========= =========

OPERATING INCOME
By Region:
The Americas............................................... $ 106.4 $ 99.5 $ 217.5 $ 199.9
Europe, the Middle East & Africa........................... 70.6 60.2 103.8 87.4
Asia/Pacific............................................... 26.5 26.4 35.5 35.3
--------- --------- --------- ---------
$ 203.5 $ 186.1 $ 356.8 $ 322.6
========= ========= ========= =========

By Product Category:
Skin Care.................................................. $ 85.5 $ 73.8 $ 152.3 $ 127.9
Makeup..................................................... 64.6 46.7 118.4 95.2
Fragrance.................................................. 46.1 61.7 78.6 93.0
Hair Care.................................................. 6.2 4.3 6.4 6.8
Other...................................................... 1.1 (0.4) 1.1 (0.3)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
$ 203.5 $ 186.1 $ 356.8 $ 322.6
========= ========= ========= =========
</TABLE>

-3-
THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table presents certain consolidated earnings data as a percentage
of net sales:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
December 31 December 31
-------------------- ----------------------
2000 1999 2000 1999
---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales........................................................ 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Cost of sales.................................................... 21.5 22.9 21.9 23.0
-------- -------- -------- --------
Gross profit..................................................... 78.5 77.1 78.1 77.0
-------- -------- -------- --------
Operating expenses before depreciation and amortization:
Selling, general and administrative........................... 59.1 58.4 59.8 59.4
Related party royalties....................................... 0.5 0.7 0.6 0.7
-------- -------- -------- --------
59.6 59.1 60.4 60.1
-------- -------- -------- --------
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization
("EBITDA")..................................................... 18.9 18.0 17.7 16.9
Depreciation and amortization.................................... 3.1 2.9 3.2 3.0
-------- -------- -------- --------
Operating income................................................. 15.8 15.1 14.5 13.9
Interest expense, net............................................ 0.4 0.5 0.4 0.5
-------- -------- -------- --------

Earnings before income taxes and minority interest............... 15.4 14.6 14.1 13.4
Provision for income taxes....................................... 5.5 5.4 5.1 5.0
Minority interest, net of tax.................................... - - - -
-------- -------- -------- --------

Net earnings before accounting change............................ 9.9 9.2 9.0 8.4
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, net of tax - - (0.1) -
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net earnings..................................................... 9.9% 9.2% 8.9% 8.4%
======== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>


Second Quarter Fiscal 2001 as compared with Second Quarter Fiscal 2000

NET SALES

Net sales increased 5% or $56.5 million to $1,291.6 million reflecting continued
growth in our makeup, skin care and hair care business partially offset by a
decline in fragrance net sales. Excluding the impact of foreign currency
translation, net sales increased 10%. Growth on a reported basis reflects a
strong U.S. dollar relative to the prior-year quarter's exchange rates in
virtually all markets in which we do business. Net sales growth is attributable
to a combination of new and recently launched products, the inclusion of newer
brands such as Bumble and bumble and Jo Malone, and changes in distribution,
including additional retail locations.

Product Categories

Skin Care
Net sales of skin care products increased 9% or $33.4 million to $423.2 million
as compared with the prior-year quarter. The increase in skin care sales is
attributable to the recent launches of Idealist, Anti-Gravity Firming Lift
Cream, White Light Brightening System, Active White and Pro-Preferred Skincare
products. Sales of the Ginger Bath and Body Collection continue to increase as
the products in this line have been well received. Sales increases were
partially offset by lower sales of certain existing products such as Fruition
Extra, Diminish and Advanced Night Repair.

Makeup Net sales of makeup products increased 13% or $47.3 million to $420.5
million reflecting the success of new launches such as High Impact Eye Shadow,
Equalizer and Luxe Makeup. Recently launched products such as Pure Color
Lipstick, Go Pout Lipcolor and Skin Clarifying Makeup also contributed to the
category growth. The increase was also attributable to strong growth in sales of
MAC products in new and existing locations.

-4-
THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Fragrance
Net sales of fragrance products decreased 9% or $37.1 million to $396.9 million,
and decreased 4% on a local currency basis. Increased sales resulting from the
launch of Ginger Essence, the recent international launch of Intuition and the
rollout of DKNY for women were more than offset by lower sales of Tommy Hilfiger
licensed products, as well as softness of the fragrance business in the United
States this holiday season. Additionally, results for the prior-year quarter
also include the international rollout of Freedom for him, Freedom for her and
Clinique Happy for Men and the acceleration of shipments as part of our Year
2000 contingency plan, which creates a difficult comparison to the current year.

Hair Care
Net sales of hair care products increased 44% or $13.2 million to $43.0 million.
The increase in hair care sales is attributable to an increase in the number of
Company-owned Aveda Environmental Lifestyle Stores and sales made directly to
salons as a result of the recent acquisition of certain distributors. Aveda
products such as the Shampure line and Sap Moss Shampoo continue to have strong
sales. The Clinique Simple Hair Care System, which was launched in the first
quarter of fiscal 2001, also contributed to increased sales. The category
benefited from sales of products and services offered by Bumble and bumble, in
which we acquired a controlling majority interest in June 2000.

The introduction of new products may have some cannibalizing effect on sales of
existing products, which we take into account in our business planning.

Geographic Regions

Net sales in the Americas increased 4% or $30.6 million to $747.1 million. New
products, growth from newer brands and the addition of Bumble and bumble drove
this increase. A generally soft retail environment negatively impacted net sales
in the United States this quarter. In Europe, the Middle East & Africa, net
sales increased 5% or $16.6 million to $366.9 million primarily due to increases
in the United Kingdom, the travel retail and distributor businesses and the
addition of Jo Malone (acquired in October 1999). The sales increases were
partially offset by lower sales in Germany, Italy, France and South Africa.
Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, sales in Europe, the
Middle East & Africa increased 19% reflecting improvements in every market and
strong growth in the United Kingdom. Net sales in Asia/Pacific increased 6% or
$9.3 million to $177.6 million, with the strongest growth in Korea, Taiwan, Hong
Kong and Malaysia, partially offset by lower sales in Japan, which remains a
difficult market. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, net
sales in Asia/Pacific increased 13% reflecting increases in all markets.

We strategically stagger our new product launches by geographic market, which
may account for differences in regional sales growth.

COST OF SALES

Cost of sales as a percentage of total net sales decreased to 21.5% from 22.9%,
reflecting changes in distribution and product mix, as well as the impact of our
manufacturing and sourcing initiatives. Changes in distribution include the
rollout of our own retail stores and the acquisition of certain distributor
operations, both of which contributed to higher gross margins. In addition, the
synergies achieved by incorporating our recently acquired businesses in our
manufacturing and sourcing initiatives had a favorable impact on gross margins.

OPERATING EXPENSES

Operating expenses increased to 62.7% of net sales as compared with 62.0% of net
sales in the prior-year quarter. This change primarily relates to the increased
cost of retail store operations, including start-up costs, and Internet
operations, which have higher operating cost structures than our traditional
distribution channels, and also reflects additional fixed costs associated with
these distribution methods. Additionally, depreciation and amortization charges
have increased compared to the prior-year quarter, reflecting increased goodwill
amortization from acquisitions and depreciation related to capital investments
partially offset by the conclusion of amortization related to purchased royalty
rights. Advertising and promotional spending has increased as a percentage of
net sales as these expenses are subject to the type and timing of advertising
and promotional activities related to product launches and rollouts as well as
incremental advertising in select markets.

-5-
THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

OPERATING INCOME

Operating income increased 9% or $17.4 million to $203.5 million as compared to
the prior-year quarter. Operating margins were 15.8% of net sales in the current
period as compared to 15.1% in the prior-year quarter. The increase in operating
income and margins was due to higher net sales coupled with manufacturing
efficiencies achieved and changes in distribution and product mix. This was
partially offset by increased spending for advertising and promotional
activities, spending related to retail store expansion and increased costs
related to the implementation of our Internet strategy.

Product Categories
Operating income increased 38% to $64.6 million and 16% to $85.5 million in
makeup and skin care, respectively, due primarily to the strength of recently
launched products. The strong growth of our MAC business, including retail store
expansion, also contributed to the increase in makeup operating income while new
and existing Origins stores provided additional operating income in the skin
care category. Operating income related to fragrance products decreased 25% to
$46.1 million reflecting lower sales and increased support spending versus the
prior-year quarter. Hair care operating income increased 44% to $6.2 million as
a result of increased sales including recent launches. This increase was
partially offset by higher operating costs due to the retail expansion of our
Aveda brand and the integration of Bumble and bumble.

Geographic Regions
Operating income in the Americas increased 7% or $6.9 million to $106.4 million
primarily due to strong sales of new and existing products, particularly in the
makeup category, and improved gross margins, partially offset by reduced income
in the fragrance category due to lower sales. In Europe, the Middle East &
Africa operating income increased 17% or $10.4 million to $70.6 million
reflecting favorable operating results in the United Kingdom, the travel retail
and distributor businesses, and the addition of Jo Malone. Improvements in these
markets were partially offset by lower income in France and South Africa. In
Asia/Pacific, operating income increased slightly to $26.5 million reflecting
improved results in Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan offset by lower operating
results in Japan caused by increased advertising and promotional spending to
support new product launches.

INTEREST EXPENSE, NET

Net interest expense was $4.3 million for the three months ended December 31,
2000, as compared with $5.2 million in the prior-year quarter. As a result of an
increase in available working capital during the quarter, we have reduced the
level of average short-term borrowings in the period, which has contributed to
lower net interest expense.

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

The provision for income taxes represents federal, foreign, state and local
income taxes. The effective rate for income taxes for the three months ended
December 31, 2000 was 36% compared to 37% in the prior-year quarter. These rates
reflect the effect of state and local taxes, tax rates in foreign jurisdictions
and certain nondeductible expenses. The decrease in the effective income tax
rate was principally attributable to ongoing tax planning initiatives. Our
expected effective tax rate for the full fiscal year is 36%.

EBITDA

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") is an
additional measure of operating performance used by management. While the
components of EBITDA may vary from company to company, we exclude minority
interest adjustments, all depreciation charges related to property, plant and
equipment and all amortization charges including amortization of goodwill,
purchased royalty rights (fully amortized in November 2000), leasehold
improvements, and other intangible assets. While we consider EBITDA useful in
analyzing our operating results, it is not intended to replace, or act as a
substitute for, any presentation included in the consolidated financial
statements prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

-6-
THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

EBITDA increased 10% to $244.2 million or 18.9% of net sales as compared to
$222.4 million or 18.0% of net sales in the prior-year quarter. The improvement
in EBITDA is primarily attributable to sales growth and gross margin
improvements.

Six Months Fiscal 2001 as compared with Six Months Fiscal 2000

NET SALES

Net sales increased 6% or $140.5 million to $2,469.3 million for the six months
ended December 31, 2000 as compared with the prior-year period. Excluding the
impact of foreign currency translation, net sales increased 10%. Growth on a
reported basis reflects a strong U.S. dollar relative to the prior-year period's
exchange rates in virtually all markets in which we do business. The increase
was due to growth in our skin care, makeup and hair care product categories and
growth from our newer brands partially offset by a decline in fragrance net
sales.

Product Categories

Skin Care
Net sales of skin care products increased 10% or $75.2 million to $818.4
million. The skin care category increase is primarily attributable to recently
launched products such as Idealist, Anti-Gravity Firming Lift Cream, Body Power
and Have a Nice Day. The Asia/Pacific region provided double-digit growth with
the success of popular whitening products such as Active White and White Light
Brightening System, which continue to be well received. We have added a number
of products to the Ginger Bath and Body Collection, which has helped maintain
excitement about the products and resulted in increased sales. The Clinique Body
Line rollout in the European and Asia/Pacific markets has also contributed to an
increase in net sales.

Makeup
Makeup net sales increased 10% or $74.7 million to $851.8 million supported by
new and existing products and increased sales of MAC products. New launches of
High Impact Eye Shadow, Equalizer and Luxe Makeup have contributed to the growth
in this category. Recently launched products such as Go Pout Lipcolor,
ColorOptions and Skin Clarifying Makeup also contributed to the increase in
makeup sales. In addition, established products such as the Futurist line and
Sheer Powder Blusher added to increased sales.

Fragrance
Net sales of fragrance products decreased 6% or $44.4 million to $696.7 million.
The recent launches of Intuition and Ginger Essence contributed positively to
growth and partially offset lower sales in the fragrance category. The rollout
of DKNY for women also contributed to growth in the category. The decrease in
net sales is attributable to lower sales of Tommy Hilfiger licensed products, as
well as softness of the fragrance business in the United States this holiday
season. Results for the prior-year period include the international rollout of
Freedom for him, Freedom for her and Clinique Happy for Men, which creates a
difficult comparison to the current year.

Hair Care
Net sales of hair care products increased 67% or $35.7 million to $88.6 million.
The increase in hair care sales is attributable to strong sales of Aveda
products such as Custom Control and Sap Moss Shampoo and new Company-owned
retail stores. The Clinique Simple Hair Care System, acquired distributors, as
well as sales of products and services offered by Bumble and bumble, in which we
acquired a controlling majority interest in June 2000, also benefited the
category.

The introduction of new products may have some cannibalizing effect on sales of
existing products, which we take into account in our business planning.

-7-
THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Geographic Regions

Sales in the Americas increased 7% or $97.9 million to $1,530.2 million for the
six months ended December 31, 2000 as compared with the prior-year period. This
increase was driven by sales in the skin care, makeup and hair care categories,
the success of new and recently launched products and the growth of our newer
brands. In Europe, the Middle East & Africa, net sales increased 2% or $14.6
million to $622.0 million compared with the prior-year period. The increase was
primarily the result of higher net sales in the United Kingdom, the travel
retail and distributor businesses and the addition of Jo Malone (acquired in
October 1999). These increases were offset by decreased sales in Germany, Italy,
South Africa and France. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation,
sales in Europe, the Middle East & Africa increased 15% reflecting growth in all
countries in the region. Net sales in Asia/Pacific increased 10% or $28.0
million to $317.1 million primarily due to higher net sales in Korea, Taiwan,
Hong Kong and Thailand partially offset by lower sales in Japan, which remains a
difficult market. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, all
countries in the Asia/Pacific region contributed to 14% growth over the
prior-year period.

We strategically stagger our new product launches by geographic market, which
may account for differences in regional sales growth.

COST OF SALES

Cost of sales as a percentage of total net sales decreased to 21.9% from 23.0%,
reflecting changes in distribution and product mix, as well as the impact of our
manufacturing and sourcing initiatives. Changes in distribution include the
rollout of our own retail stores and the acquisition of certain distributor
operations, both of which contributed to higher gross margins. In addition, the
synergies achieved by incorporating our recently acquired businesses in our
manufacturing and sourcing initiatives had a favorable impact on gross margins.

OPERATING EXPENSES

Operating expenses increased to 63.6% of net sales as compared with 63.1% of net
sales in the prior-year period. This change primarily relates to the increased
cost of our retail store operations, including start-up costs, and Internet
operations, which have higher operating cost structures than our traditional
distribution channels, and also reflects additional fixed costs associated with
these distribution methods. Additionally, depreciation and amortization charges
have increased compared to the prior-year period, reflecting increased goodwill
amortization from acquisitions and depreciation related to capital investments
partially offset by the conclusion of amortization related to purchased royalty
rights. Operating expenses of the period are subject to the type and timing of
advertising and promotional spending due to product launches and rollouts as
well as incremental advertising in select markets.

OPERATING INCOME

Operating income increased 11% or $34.2 million to $356.8 million as compared to
the prior-year period. Operating margins were 14.5% of net sales in the current
period as compared to 13.9% in the prior-year period. The increase in operating
income and margins was due to higher net sales and gross profit margins due to
manufacturing efficiencies achieved and changes in distribution and product mix.
This was partially offset by increased spending related to retail store
expansion, increased costs to implement our Internet strategy and higher
depreciation and amortization expenses.

Product Categories
Operating income in the makeup and skin care categories increased 24% and 19%,
respectively, primarily due to increased net sales and a reduction in the cost
of goods sold. Operating income in the fragrance category decreased 15%,
reflecting continued advertising and promotional spending in a difficult
fragrance business and tough comparisons to a strong prior-year period.
Operating income in the hair care category decreased 6%, primarily due to
increased costs related to changes in distribution and investments in the hair
care category.

-8-
THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Geographic Regions
Operating income in the Americas increased 9% or $17.6 million to $217.5 million
for the six months ended December 31, 2000 as compared with the prior-year
period, primarily due to net sales increases related to new and recently
launched products and the inclusion of Bumble and bumble partially offset by a
decline in fragrance net sales. In Europe, the Middle East & Africa, operating
income increased 19% or $16.4 million to $103.8 million primarily due to
improved operating results in the United Kingdom, the travel retail and
distributor businesses and Germany, partially offset by lower operating income
in South Africa and France. In Asia/Pacific, operating income increased 1% or
$0.2 million to $35.5 million due to slightly higher results in most markets
offset by lower income in Japan.

INTEREST EXPENSE, NET

Net interest expense was $9.4 million for the six months ended December 31, 2000
as compared to $10.6 million in the prior-year period. As a result of an
increase in available working capital during the period, we have higher interest
income on invested funds and lower interest expense related to reduced
short-term borrowings.

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

The provision for income taxes represents federal, foreign, state and local
income taxes. The effective rate for income taxes for the six months ended
December 31, 2000 was 36% compared with 37% in the prior-year period. These
rates reflect the effect of state and local taxes, tax rates in foreign
jurisdictions and certain nondeductible expenses. The decrease in the effective
income tax rate was principally attributable to ongoing tax-planning
initiatives. Our expected effective tax rate for the full fiscal year is 36%.

EBITDA

EBITDA increased 11% to $437.6 million or 17.7% of net sales as compared to
$392.9 million or 16.9% of net sales in the prior-year period. The improvement
in EBITDA is primarily attributable to sales growth and gross margin
improvements.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our principal sources of funds historically have been cash flows from operations
and borrowings under commercial paper and committed and uncommitted credit lines
provided by banks in the United States and abroad. At December 31, 2000, we had
cash and cash equivalents of $424.0 million as compared to $320.3 million at
June 30, 2000.

We have a $750.0 million commercial paper program, under which we have issued,
and intend to issue, commercial paper in the United States. Our commercial paper
is currently rated A-1 by Standard & Poor's and P-1 by Moody's. Our long-term
credit ratings are A+ by Standard & Poor's and A1 by Moody's. At December 31,
2000, we had $205.0 million of commercial paper outstanding and a $200.0 million
term loan outstanding which is due in February 2005. Commercial paper is
classified as long-term debt in our balance sheet based upon our intent and
ability to refinance maturing commercial paper on a long-term basis. We also
have an effective shelf registration statement covering the potential issuance
of up to $400.0 million in debt securities. It is our policy to maintain backup
facilities to support our commercial paper program, and its classification as
long-term debt. As of December 31, 2000, we had an unused $400.0 million
revolving credit facility. We expect to renew or replace this facility before it
expires on July 1, 2001.

Our business is seasonal in nature and, accordingly, our working capital needs
vary. To meet these needs, we could issue up to an additional $545.0 million of
commercial paper under our program. We also have $30.8 million in uncommitted
facilities. No borrowings were outstanding under these facilities as of December
31, 2000.

Total debt, as a percentage of total capitalization was 20% at December 31, 2000
and 22% at June 30, 2000.

-9-
THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net cash provided by operating activities was $235.7 million in the six months
ended December 31, 2000 as compared to $244.9 million in the prior-year period.
This decrease in net cash provided by operating activities primarily reflects a
smaller increase in accrual balances, which are subject to the type and timing
of various expenditures, including advertising and promotional activities,
partially offset by increased profits before depreciation and amortization. Net
cash used for investing activities was $94.4 million in the six months ended
December 31, 2000 as compared to $199.8 million in the prior-year period
primarily reflecting fewer acquisitions. Net cash used for financing activities
of $34.8 million principally reflects the payment of dividends.

On November 9, 2000, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of
$.05 per share on our Class A and Class B Common Stock, payable on January 3,
2001 to stockholders of record at the close of business on December 15, 2000.
Total dividends declared, including dividends on the $6.50 Cumulative Redeemable
Preferred Stock, for the six months ended December 31, 2000 was $35.5 million.

In September 1998, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program.
We have purchased, and may continue to purchase, over an unspecified period of
time, a total of up to eight million shares of Class A Common Stock in the open
market or in privately negotiated transactions, depending on market conditions
and other factors. Since inception, we have purchased approximately 1.1 million
shares under this program.

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

We believe that cash on hand, cash generated from operations, available credit
lines and access to credit markets will be adequate to support currently planned
business operations and capital expenditures on both a near-term and long-term
basis.

Derivative Financial Instruments
We address certain financial exposures through a controlled program of risk
management that includes the use of derivative financial instruments. We
primarily enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts and foreign
currency options to reduce the effects of fluctuating foreign currency exchange
rates. We enter into interest rate swaps and options to manage the effects of
interest rate movements on our aggregate liability portfolio. We categorize
these instruments as entered into for purposes other than trading.

For each derivative contract we enter into, we formally document the
relationship between the hedging instrument and hedged item, as well as its
risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge. This process
includes linking all derivatives that are designated as fair-value, cash-flow,
or foreign-currency hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the balance
sheet or to specific firm commitments or forecasted transactions. We also
formally assess, both at the hedge's inception and on an ongoing basis, whether
the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in
offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items. If it is
determined that a derivative is not highly effective, then we will be required
to discontinue hedge accounting prospectively.

Foreign Exchange Risk Management
We enter into forward exchange contracts to hedge purchases, receivables and
payables denominated in foreign currencies for periods consistent with our
identified exposures. The purpose of the hedging activities is to minimize the
effect of foreign exchange rate movements on our costs and on the cash flows
which we receive from foreign subsidiaries. Almost all foreign currency
contracts are denominated in currencies of major industrial countries and are
with large financial institutions rated as strong investment grade by a major
rating agency. We also enter into foreign currency options to hedge anticipated
transactions where there is a high probability that anticipated exposures will
materialize. The forward exchange contracts and foreign currency options have
been designated as cash-flow hedges. As of December 31, 2000, these cash-flow
hedges have been highly effective.

-10-
THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

As a matter of policy, we only enter into contracts with counterparties that
have at least an "A" (or equivalent) credit rating. The counterparties to these
contracts are major financial institutions. We do not have significant exposure
to any one counterparty. Our exposure to credit loss in the event of
nonperformance by any of the counterparties is limited to only the recognized,
but not realized, gains attributable to the contracts. Management believes risk
of loss is remote and in any event would not be material. The contracts have
varying maturities with none exceeding 24 months. Costs associated with entering
into such contracts have not been material to our financial results. We do not
utilize derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. At
December 31, 2000, we had foreign currency contracts in the form of forward
exchange contracts and purchased currency options in the amount of $85.5 million
and $27.1 million, respectively. The foreign currencies included in these
contracts (notional value stated in U.S. dollars) are principally the Japanese
yen ($32.4 million), U.K. pound ($13.2 million), Euro ($10.2 million), Danish
krone ($7.6 million), Australian dollar ($6.9 million), Swiss franc ($6.4
million) and Swedish krona ($6.3 million).

Interest Rate Risk Management
We have entered into interest rate swaps to exchange floating rate for fixed
rate interest payments periodically over the life of the agreements. In
addition, we have purchased interest rate options that offer similar interest
rate protection. The interest rate swaps and options have been designated as
cash-flow hedges and have been highly effective as of December 31, 2000. At
December 31, 2000, we had interest rate swap and option agreements outstanding
with a notional principal amount of $67.0 million and $133.0 million,
respectively. Our interest rate swap carried a weighted average pay rate of
6.14% and a receive rate of 6.34%. The interest rate option agreements carried a
weighted average pay rate of 6.14% and a receive rate of 6.47%.

Market Risk
Using the value-at-risk model, as discussed in our annual report on Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2000, our average value-at-risk, calculated
for the most recent twelve months, is $3.2 million and $3.0 million related to
our foreign exchange contracts and interest rate contracts, respectively. There
have been no significant changes in market risk since June 30, 2000 that would
have a material effect on our calculated value-at-risk exposure, as disclosed in
the annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2000.

ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

Effective July 1, 2000, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
("SFAS") No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities", as amended by SFAS No. 138, "Accounting for Certain Derivative
Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities", which establishes accounting and
reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative
instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities. SFAS No.
133, as amended, requires the recognition of all derivative instruments as
either assets or liabilities in the statement of financial position measured at
fair value.

In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 133, as amended, we recorded a
non-cash charge to earnings of $2.2 million, after tax, to reflect the change in
time-value from the date of the contracts' inception through the date of
transition (July 1, 2000). This charge is reflected as the cumulative effect of
a change in accounting principle in the accompanying consolidated statements of
earnings. Additionally, on the date of transition, a comparable amount of
deferred unrealized gains on these instruments was recorded in accumulated other
comprehensive income which we expect to accrete into earnings over the remaining
life of the debt instruments (through February 2005).

The Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") has reached consensus on Issue No.
00-14, "Accounting for Certain Sales Incentives". This consensus addresses when
sales incentives and discounts should be recognized, as well as where the
related revenues and expenses should be classified in a registrant's financial
statements. Currently, the cost of merchandise used in our gift-with-purchase
and purchase-with-purchase activities, as well as any related revenues, are
reported net as operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements
of earnings. Upon adoption, revenues generated by these promotional activities
will be classified in sales resulting in an increase of approximately 1.0% to
2.0%. The cost of promotional merchandise will be reclassified into cost of
goods. Although operating income remains unchanged, gross margins will decrease
by approximately 5.0% to 6.0% offset by a decrease in operating expenses. Due to
variations in our launch calendar and the timing of promotions, we anticipate
greater fluctuations in our gross margins on a quarter-by-quarter basis. Issue
No. 00-14 will become effective in our fiscal fourth quarter and will be applied
retroactively for purposes of comparability.

-11-
THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

INTERNET

Our strategic goals for the Internet are to enhance our brand equities, to reach
new consumers, to forge deeper relationships with existing consumers and to
strengthen our business through our traditional retailers. The strategy includes
a planned launch of a multi-brand website offering products from our portfolio,
specially designed sites which will be available through the e-commerce sites of
retailers who meet specific requirements and individual sites for our brands. We
currently have nine individual brand websites that educate and inform consumers
about specific brands, with more in development. Five of the existing sites -
esteelauder.com, clinique.com, origins.com, bobbibrown.com and maccosmetics.com
- - have e-commerce capabilities. We are currently re-developing the gloss.com
multi-brand site we acquired in May 2000 and expect to re-launch it this spring.
Initially, the site will feature Estee Lauder, Clinique, Prescriptives, Origins,
Bobbi Brown essentials, MAC and Stila products. The site also will feature
products from Chanel, Inc. and Clarins (U.S.A.) Inc. which became co-venturers
in gloss.com in August 2000. Our Internet sales, which were not significant
during the six months ended December 31, 2000, are currently limited to
consumers in the United States and Canada. The impact of our overall Internet
strategy on earnings is expected to be initially dilutive, particularly as we
re-develop the multi-brand site. We expect our Internet business to become
profitable some time after the re-launch of gloss.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

We and our representatives from time to time make written or oral
forward-looking statements, including statements contained in this and other
filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in our press releases and
in our reports to stockholders. The words and phrases "will likely result,"
"expect," "believe," "planned," "will," "will continue," "is anticipated,"
"estimates," "projects" or similar expressions are intended to identify
"forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, without limitation, our
expectations regarding sales, earnings or other future financial performance and
liquidity, product introductions, entry into new geographic regions, new methods
of sale and future operations or operating results. Although we believe that our
expectations are based on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of our
knowledge of our business and operations, we cannot assure that actual results
will not differ materially from our expectations. Factors that could cause
actual results to differ from expectations include, without limitation:

(i) increased competitive activity from companies in the skin care,
makeup, fragrance and hair care businesses, some of which have greater
resources than we do;

(ii) our ability to develop, produce and market new products on which
future operating results may depend;

(iii) consolidations and restructurings in the retail industry causing
a decrease in the number of stores that sell our products, an increase
in the ownership concentration within the retail industry, ownership of
retailers by our competitors and ownership of competitors by our
customers that are retailers;

(iv) shifts in the preferences of consumers as to where and how they
shop for the types of products and services we sell;

(v) social, political and economic risks to our foreign manufacturing,
distribution and retail operations, including changes in foreign
investment and trade policies and regulations of the host countries and
of the United States;

(vi) changes in the laws, regulations and policies, including changes
in accounting standards, that affect, or will affect, us in the United
States and abroad;

(vii) foreign currency fluctuations affecting our results of operations
and the value of our foreign assets, the relative prices at which we
sell our products and our foreign competitors sell their products in
the same market and our operating and manufacturing costs outside of
the United States;

-12-
THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

(viii) changes in global or localized economic conditions that could
affect consumer purchasing and the cost and availability of capital to
the Company, which may be needed for new equipment, facilities or
acquisitions;

(ix) shipment delays, depletion of inventory and increased production
costs resulting from disruptions of operations at any of the facilities
which, due to consolidations in our manufacturing operations, now
manufacture nearly all of our supply of a particular type of product
(i.e., focus factories;

(x) real estate rates and availability, which may affect our ability to
increase the number of retail locations at which we sell our products;

(xi) changes in product mix to products which are less profitable;

(xii) our ability to develop e-commerce capabilities, and other new
information and distribution technologies on a timely basis and within
our cost estimates; and,

(xiii) our ability to integrate acquired businesses and realize value
therefrom.

We assume no responsibility to update forward-looking statements made herein or
otherwise.

-13-
THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

December 31 June 30
2000 2000
---- ----
(Unaudited)
(In millions)
ASSETS

<S> <C> <C>
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents............................................................... $ 424.0 $ 320.3
Accounts receivable, net................................................................ 663.1 550.2
Inventory and promotional merchandise, net.............................................. 498.4 546.3
Prepaid expenses and other current assets............................................... 215.7 201.7
-------- --------
Total current assets............................................................... 1,801.2 1,618.5
-------- --------

Property, Plant and Equipment, net...................................................... 511.5 480.3
-------- --------

Other Assets
Investments, at cost or market value.................................................... 48.3 61.4
Deferred taxes.......................................................................... 55.2 48.9
Goodwill, net .......................................................................... 705.1 708.1
Other intangible assets, net............................................................ 23.2 31.1
Other assets, net....................................................................... 100.7 95.0
-------- --------
Total other assets................................................................. 932.5 944.5
-------- --------
Total assets.............................................................. $3,245.2 $3,043.3
======== ========

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current Liabilities
Short-term debt......................................................................... $ 6.9 $ 7.0
Accounts payable........................................................................ 223.0 236.5
Accrued income taxes.................................................................... 92.5 84.2
Other accrued liabilities............................................................... 595.1 574.1
-------- --------
Total current liabilities.......................................................... 917.5 901.8
-------- --------

Noncurrent Liabilities
Long-term debt.......................................................................... 414.3 418.4
Other noncurrent liabilities............................................................ 224.9 202.8
-------- --------
Total noncurrent liabilities....................................................... 639.2 621.2
-------- --------


$6.50 Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, at redemption value........................ 360.0 360.0
-------- --------

Stockholders' Equity
Common stock, $.01 par value; 650,000,000 shares Class A authorized; shares
issued: 125,281,050 at December 31, 2000 and 125,058,658 at June 30, 2000;
240,000,000 shares Class B authorized; shares issued and outstanding: 113,679,334.... 2.4 2.4
Paid-in capital......................................................................... 242.9 237.1
Retained earnings....................................................................... 1,192.7 1,008.6
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)........................................... (78.7) (57.1)
-------- --------
1,359.3 1,191.0
Less: Treasury stock, at cost; 877,860 Class A shares at December 31, 2000
and 876,980 at June 30, 2000......................................................... (30.8) (30.7)
-------- --------
Total stockholders' equity......................................................... 1,328.5 1,160.3
-------- --------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity................................ $3,245.2 $3,043.3
======== ========
</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

-14-
THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Six Months Ended
December 31
2000 1999
---- ----
(In millions)
<S> <C> <C>
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net earnings............................................................................... $ 219.7 $ 196.5
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash
flows provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization.......................................................... 74.2 61.4
Amortization of purchased royalty rights............................................... 6.6 8.9
Deferred income taxes.................................................................. (2.0) (8.0)
Minority interest...................................................................... 0.4 -
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle.................................. 2.2 -
Non-cash stock compensation............................................................ (0.1) 1.1

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Increase in accounts receivable, net................................................... (125.5) (153.1)
Decrease in inventory and promotional merchandise, net................................. 37.4 54.8
Increase in other assets, net.......................................................... (34.1) (28.8)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable................................................ (7.7) 2.2
Increase in accrued income taxes....................................................... 12.7 14.7
Increase in other accrued liabilities.................................................. 29.6 76.7
Increase in other noncurrent liabilities............................................... 22.3 18.5
-------- --------
Net cash flows provided by operating activities...................................... 235.7 244.9
-------- --------

Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Capital expenditures................................................................... (87.9) (76.5)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired........................................ (6.4) (121.8)
Purchase of long-term investments...................................................... (0.3) (4.5)
Proceeds from the disposition of long-term investments................................. 0.2 3.0
-------- --------
Net cash flows used for investing activities......................................... (94.4) (199.8)
-------- --------

Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt, net............................................ 0.4 (0.8)
Repayments of long-term debt........................................................... (3.2) (3.5)
Net proceeds from employee stock transactions.......................................... 3.5 4.2
Payments to acquire treasury stock..................................................... - (9.8)
Dividends paid......................................................................... (35.5) (35.4)
-------- --------
Net cash flows used for financing activities......................................... (34.8) (45.3)
-------- --------

Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents............................... (2.8) 0.4
-------- --------

Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents.................................................. 103.7 0.2
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period........................................... 320.3 347.5
-------- --------
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period................................................. $ 424.0 $ 347.7
======== ========

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

Cash paid during the period for:
Interest .............................................................................. $ 14.3 $ 14.8
======== ========
Income taxes........................................................................... $ 100.8 $ 97.2
======== ========
Non-cash items:
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options............................................. $ 2.4 $ 4.0
======== ========
</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

-15-
THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1 -- SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The
Estee Lauder Companies Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company").
All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and
with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X.
Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required
by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.
In the opinion of management all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring
accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The
results of operations of any interim period are not necessarily indicative of
the results of operations to be expected for the fiscal year. For further
information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and accompanying
footnotes included in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year
ended June 30, 2000.

Net Earnings Per Common Share

For the three and six month periods ended December 31, 2000, net earnings per
common share ("basic EPS") is computed by dividing net earnings, after deducting
preferred stock dividends on the Company's $6.50 Cumulative Redeemable Preferred
Stock, by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and
contingently issuable shares (which satisfy certain conditions). Net earnings
per common share assuming dilution ("diluted EPS") is computed by reflecting
potential dilution from the exercise of stock options.

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

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
December 31 December 31
2000 1999 2000 1999
---- ---- ---- ----
(Unaudited)
(In millions, except per share data)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Numerator:
Net earnings before accounting change................................. $ 127.3 $ 113.9 $ 221.9 $ 196.5
Preferred stock dividends............................................. 5.8 5.8 11.7 11.7
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net earnings attributable to common stock before accounting change.... $ 121.5 $ 108.1 $ 210.2 $ 184.8
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, net of tax..... - - (2.2) -
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net earnings attributable to common stock............................. $ 121.5 $ 108.1 $ 208.0 $ 184.8
======== ======== ======== ========

Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding - Basic.................... 238.2 237.5 238.2 237.5
Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options.......................... 4.0 4.7 4.0 4.9
-------- -------- -------- --------
Weighted average common shares outstanding - Diluted.................. 242.2 242.2 242.2 242.4
======== ======== ======== ========

Basic net earnings per common share:
Net earnings before accounting change................................. $ .51 $ .46 $ .88 $ .78
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, net of tax..... - - (.01) -
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net earnings.......................................................... $ .51 $ .46 $ .87 $ .78
======== ======== ======== ========

Diluted net earnings per common share:
Net earnings before accounting change................................. $ .50 $ .45 $ .87 $ .76
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, net of tax..... - - (.01) -
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net earnings.......................................................... $ .50 $ .45 $ .86 $ .76
======== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>

-16-
THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of December 31, 2000, options to purchase 10.3 million shares of common stock
were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the exercise price
of those options were greater than the average market price of the common stock.
The options were still outstanding at the end of the period.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable is stated net of the allowance for doubtful accounts and
retail customer deductions of $29.2 million and $31.7 million as of December 31,
2000 and June 30, 2000, respectively.

Inventory and Promotional Merchandise

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

December 31 June 30
2000 2000
---- ----
(Unaudited)
(In millions)
<S> <C> <C>
Inventory and promotional merchandise consists of:
Raw materials......................................... $ 115.7 $ 140.9
Work in process....................................... 23.9 21.5
Finished goods........................................ 262.0 271.2
Promotional merchandise............................... 96.8 112.7
------- -------
$ 498.4 $ 546.3
======= =======
</TABLE>


Property, Plant and Equipment

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

December 31 June 30
2000 2000
---- ----
(Unaudited)
(In millions)

<S> <C> <C>
Land ................................................... $ 13.0 $ 13.0
Buildings and improvements.............................. 136.8 134.9
Machinery and equipment................................. 524.2 490.1
Furniture and fixtures.................................. 103.3 95.8
Leasehold improvements.................................. 273.6 240.4
-------- --------
1,050.9 974.2
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization.......... 539.4 493.9
-------- --------
$ 511.5 $ 480.3
======== ========
</TABLE>

Depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment was $28.1 million
and $21.7 million during the three months ended December 31, 2000 and 1999,
respectively, and $52.8 million and $42.4 million during the six months ended
December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively.

-17-
THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Management Estimates

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

Derivative Financial Instruments

Effective July 1, 2000, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards ("SFAS") No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities", as amended by SFAS No. 138, "Accounting for Certain Derivative
Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities", which establishes accounting and
reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative
instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities. SFAS No.
133, as amended, requires the recognition of all derivative instruments as
either assets or liabilities in the statement of financial position measured at
fair value.

In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 133, as amended, the Company
recorded a non-cash charge to earnings of $2.2 million, after tax, to reflect
the change in time-value from the date of the contracts' inception through the
date of transition (July 1, 2000). This charge is reflected as the cumulative
effect of a change in accounting principle in the accompanying consolidated
statements of earnings. Additionally, on the date of transition, a comparable
amount of deferred unrealized gains on these instruments was recorded in
accumulated other comprehensive income.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

The Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") has reached consensus on Issue No.
00-14, "Accounting for Certain Sales Incentives". This consensus addresses when
sales incentives and discounts should be recognized, as well as where the
related revenues and expenses should be classified in a registrant's financial
statements. Currently, the cost of merchandise used in the Company's
gift-with-purchase and purchase-with-purchase activities, as well as any related
revenues, are reported net as operating expenses in the accompanying
consolidated statements of earnings. Upon adoption, revenues generated by these
promotional activities will be classified in sales resulting in an increase of
approximately 1.0% to 2.0%. The cost of promotional merchandise will be
reclassified into cost of goods. Although operating income remains unchanged,
gross margins will decrease by approximately 5.0% to 6.0% offset by a decrease
in operating expenses. Due to variations in the Company's launch calendar and
the timing of promotions, the Company anticipates greater fluctuations in gross
margins on a quarter-by-quarter basis. Issue No. 00-14 will become effective for
the Company's fiscal fourth quarter and will be applied retroactively for
purposes of comparability.

-18-
THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 2 - COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The components of accumulated other comprehensive income ("OCI") included in the
accompanying consolidated balance sheets consist of net unrealized investment
gain (loss), net gain or (loss) on derivative instruments designated and
qualifying as cash-flow hedging instruments and cumulative translation
adjustments as of the end of each period.

Comprehensive income and its components, net of tax, are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
December 31 December 31
-------------------- ---------------------
2000 1999 2000 1999
---- ---- ---- ----
(Unaudited)
(In millions)

<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net earnings..................................................... $ 127.3 $ 113.9 $ 219.7 $ 196.5
-------- -------- -------- --------
Other comprehensive income:
Net unrealized investment gain (loss)....................... (9.0) 6.6 (8.0) 6.3
Net derivative instruments gain (loss)...................... (2.2) - 3.0 -
Translation adjustments..................................... 3.4 (12.4) (16.6) (1.1)
-------- -------- -------- --------

Other comprehensive income (loss)........................... (7.8) (5.8) (21.6) 5.2
-------- -------- -------- --------

Comprehensive income............................................. $ 119.5 $ 108.1 $ 198.1 $ 201.7
======== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>


The accumulated net gain on derivative instruments for the three and six month
periods ended December 31, 2000 consists of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
December 31, 2000 December 31, 2000
------------------ -----------------
(Unaudited)
(In millions)

<S> <C> <C>
OCI - derivative instruments, beginning of period........... $ 5.2 $ -
-------- --------
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments.................... (1.0) 8.6
Reclassification to earnings of net gains during the period (2.4) (3.9)
Provision for deferred income taxes...................... 1.2 (1.7)
-------- --------
Net derivative instruments gain (loss)................ (2.2) 3.0
-------- --------
OCI - derivative instruments, end of period................. $ 3.0 $ 3.0
======== ========
</TABLE>

Of the $3.0 million recorded in OCI at the end of the period $2.6 million, net
of tax, relates to forward contracts and foreign currency options that the
Company estimates will be reclassified to earnings as gains during the next
twelve months. The remaining $0.4 million, net of tax, relates to interest rate
swaps and options that the Company estimates will accrete into earnings over the
remaining life of the debt instruments (through February 2005).

NOTE 3 - FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company addresses certain financial exposures through a controlled program
of risk management that includes the use of derivative financial instruments.
The Company primarily enters into foreign currency forward exchange contracts
and foreign currency options to reduce the effects of fluctuating foreign
currency exchange rates. The Company enters into interest rate swaps and options
to manage the effects of interest rate movements on the Company's aggregate
liability portfolio. The Company categorizes these instruments as entered into
for purposes other than trading.

-19-
THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

All derivatives are recognized on the balance sheet at their fair value. On the
date the derivative contract is entered into, the Company designates the
derivative as (i) a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability
or of an unrecognized firm commitment ("fair value" hedge), (ii) a hedge of a
forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or
paid related to a recognized asset or liability ("cash flow" hedge), (iii) a
foreign-currency fair-value or cash-flow hedge ("foreign currency" hedge), (iv)
a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation, or (v) "held for trading"
("trading" instruments). Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is
highly effective as - and that is designated and qualifies as - a fair-value
hedge, along with the loss or gain on the hedged asset or liability that is
attributable to the hedged risk (including losses or gains on firm commitments),
are recorded in current-period earnings. Changes in the fair value of a
derivative that is highly effective as and that is designated and qualifies as -
a cash-flow hedge are recorded in other comprehensive income, until earnings are
affected by the variability of cash flows (e.g., when periodic settlements on a
variable-rate asset or liability are recorded in earnings). Changes in the fair
value of derivatives that are highly effective as - and that are designated and
qualify as - foreign-currency hedges are recorded in either current-period
earnings or other comprehensive income, depending on whether the hedge
transaction is a fair-value hedge (e.g., a hedge of a firm commitment that is to
be settled in a foreign currency) or a cash-flow hedge (e.g., a
foreign-currency-denominated forecasted transaction). If, however, a derivative
is used as a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation, its changes in
fair value, to the extent effective as a hedge, are recorded in the cumulative
translation adjustments account within equity. Last, changes in the fair value
of derivative trading instruments are reported in current-period earnings.

The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and
hedged items, as well as its risk-management objective and strategy for
undertaking various hedge transactions. This process includes linking all
derivatives that are designated as fair-value, cash-flow, or foreign-currency
hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet or to specific
firm commitments or forecasted transactions. The Company also formally assesses,
both at the hedge's inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives
that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes
in fair values or cash flows of hedged items. When it is determined that a
derivative is not highly effective as a hedge, or that it has ceased to be a
highly effective hedge, the Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively.

Foreign Exchange Risk Management

The Company enters into forward exchange contracts to hedge purchases,
receivables and payables denominated in foreign currencies for periods
consistent with the Company's identified exposures. The purpose of the hedging
activities is to minimize the effect of foreign exchange rate movements on costs
and on the cash flows that the Company receives from foreign subsidiaries.
Almost all foreign currency contracts are denominated in currencies of major
industrial countries and are with large financial institutions rated as strong
investment grade by a major rating agency. The Company also enters into foreign
currency options to hedge anticipated transactions where there is a high
probability that anticipated exposures will materialize. The forward exchange
contracts and foreign currency options have been designated as cash-flow hedges.
As of December 31, 2000, these cash-flow hedges have been highly effective.

As a matter of policy, the Company only enters into contracts with
counterparties that have at least an "A" (or equivalent) credit rating. The
counterparties to these contracts are major financial institutions. The Company
does not have significant exposure to any one counterparty. Exposure to credit
loss in the event of nonperformance by any of the counterparties is limited to
only the recognized, but not realized, gains attributable to the contracts.
Management believes risk of loss in such an instance is remote and in any event
would not be material. The contracts have varying maturities with none exceeding
24 months. Costs associated with entering into such contracts have not been
material to the Company's financial results. The Company does not utilize
derivative financial instruments for trading or speculate purposes. At December
31, 2000, the Company had foreign currency contracts in the form of forward
exchange contracts and purchased currency options in the amount of $85.5 million
and $27.1 million, respectively. The foreign currencies included in these
contracts (notional value stated in U.S. dollars) are principally the Japanese
yen ($32.4 million), U.K. pound ($13.2 million), Euro ($10.2 million), Danish
krone ($7.6 million), Australian dollar ($6.9 million), Swiss franc ($6.4
million) and Swedish krona ($6.3 million).

-20-
THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Interest Rate Risk Management

The Company has entered into interest rate swaps to exchange floating rate for
fixed rate interest payments periodically over the life of the agreements. In
addition, the Company has purchased interest rate options that offer similar
interest rate protection. The interest rate swaps and options have been
designated as cash-flow hedges and have been highly effective as of December 31,
2000. At December 31, 2000, the Company had interest rate swap and option
agreements outstanding with a notional principal amount of $67.0 million and
$133.0 million, respectively. The Company's interest rate swap carried a
weighted average pay rate of 6.14% and a receive rate of 6.34%. The interest
rate option agreements carried a weighted average pay rate of 6.14% and a
receive rate of 6.47%.

NOTE 4 - SEGMENT DATA AND RELATED INFORMATION

Reportable operating segments include components of an enterprise about which
separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the
chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in
assessing performance. The Company evaluates segment performance based upon net
sales and operating income. Operating income represents earnings before income
taxes and net interest expense. The accounting policies for each of the
reportable segments are substantially the same as those for the consolidated
financial statements, as described in the segment data and related information
footnote, included in the June 30, 2000 annual report on Form 10-K. There has
been no significant variance in the total or long-lived asset value associated
with each segment since June 30, 2000.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
December 31 December 31
2000 1999 2000 1999
---- ---- ---- ----
(Unaudited)
(In millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
SEGMENT DATA
Net Sales:
Skin Care........................................................ $ 423.2 $ 389.8 $ 818.4 $ 743.2
Makeup........................................................... 420.5 373.2 851.8 777.1
Fragrance........................................................ 396.9 434.0 696.7 741.1
Hair Care........................................................ 43.0 29.8 88.6 52.9
Other............................................................ 8.0 8.3 13.8 14.5
--------- --------- --------- ---------
$ 1,291.6 $ 1,235.1 $ 2,469.3 $ 2,328.8
========= ========= ========= =========
Operating Income:
Skin Care........................................................ $ 85.5 $ 73.8 $ 152.3 $ 127.9
Makeup........................................................... 64.6 46.7 118.4 95.2
Fragrance........................................................ 46.1 61.7 78.6 93.0
Hair Care........................................................ 6.2 4.3 6.4 6.8
Other............................................................ 1.1 (0.4) 1.1 (0.3)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
203.5 186.1 356.8 322.6
Reconciliation:
Interest expense, net......................................... 4.3 5.2 9.4 10.6
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Earnings before income taxes and minority interest............... $ 199.2 $ 180.9 $ 347.4 $ 312.0
========= ========= ========= =========


REGIONAL DATA
Net Sales:
The Americas..................................................... $ 747.1 $ 716.5 $ 1,530.2 $ 1,432.3
Europe, the Middle East & Africa................................. 366.9 350.3 622.0 607.4
Asia/Pacific..................................................... 177.6 168.3 317.1 289.1
--------- --------- --------- ---------
$ 1,291.6 $ 1,235.1 $ 2,469.3 $ 2,328.8
========= ========= ========= =========
Operating Income:
The Americas..................................................... $ 106.4 $ 99.5 $ 217.5 $ 199.9
Europe, the Middle East & Africa................................. 70.6 60.2 103.8 87.4
Asia/Pacific..................................................... 26.5 26.4 35.5 35.3
--------- --------- --------- ---------
$ 203.5 $ 186.1 $ 356.8 $ 322.6
========= ========= ========= =========
</TABLE>
-21-
THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

We are involved in various legal proceedings incident to our business, including
those described in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30,
2000. In management's opinion, the outcome of pending legal proceedings,
separately or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our
business or financial condition.

Item 4. Submission of matters to a vote of security holders

(a) The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company was held on
November 9, 2000.

(b) The following directors were elected at the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders: Fred H. Langhammer and Faye Wattleton, as Class I
Directors for a term expiring at the 2003 Annual Meeting. The Class II
Directors, whose terms expire at the 2001 Annual Meeting, are William
P. Lauder and Richard D. Parsons. The Class III Directors, whose terms
expire at the 2002 Annual Meeting are Leonard A. Lauder, Ronald S.
Lauder and Marshall Rose. Lynn Forester was elected by the Board as a
Class II Director in December 2000. She replaced Dr. P. Roy Vagelos,
who retired from the Board in November 2000.

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

Name Votes For Votes Withheld
---- --------- --------------
Fred H. Langhammer 1,239,825,478 1,513,608
Faye Wattleton 1,239,908,314 1,430,772

(ii) The Non-Employee Director Share Incentive Plan was approved as
indicated below.

Votes For Votes Against Abstentions
--------- ------------- -----------
Total 1,227,968,133 12,719,506 651,447

There were no broker nonvotes.

(ii) 1,241,228,333 votes were cast for and 63,335 votes were cast
against the ratification of the appointment of Arthur Andersen LLP
as independent auditors of the Company for the 2001 fiscal year.
There were 47,418 abstentions and no broker nonvotes.

(d) Not applicable.



Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(a) Exhibits--

10.1 The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Non-Employee Director Share
Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4(d)
to our Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-49606) filed
on November 9, 2000). +

(b) Reports on Form 8-K -- There were no reports on Form 8-K for the three
months ended December 31, 2000.

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

-22-
SIGNATURES

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


THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.



Date: January 30, 2001 By: /s/Richard W. Kunes
-------------------
Richard W. Kunes
Senior Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)



-23-