Estee Lauder
EL
#711
Rank
$35.81 B
Marketcap
$99.01
Share price
-0.46%
Change (1 day)
46.10%
Change (1 year)

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 September 30, 1998

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 October 22, 1998, 61,233,521 shares of the registrant's Class A Common
Stock, $.01 par value, and 56,839,667 shares of the registrant's Class B
Common Stock, $.01 par value, were outstanding.

================================================================================
THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.


INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
Part I. Financial Information
<S> <C>

Consolidated Statements of Earnings --
Three Months Ended September 30, 1998 and 1997........................................... 2

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

Consolidated Balance Sheets --
September 30, 1998 and June 30, 1998..................................................... 9

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows --
Three Months Ended September 30, 1998 and 1997........................................... 10

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.................................................... 11

Part II. Other Information............................................................................. 14

</TABLE>
THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Three Months Ended
September 30
---------------------
1998 1997
------- -------

(In millions, except per share data)

<S> <C> <C>
Net Sales.................................................................. $ 997.0 $ 900.6
Cost of sales.............................................................. 229.6 204.4
------- -------
Gross Profit............................................................... 767.4 696.2
------- -------

Selling, general and administrative expenses:
Selling, general and administrative..................................... 638.2 582.2
Related party royalties................................................. 7.6 8.0
------- -------
645.8 590.2
Operating Income........................................................... 121.6 106.0

Interest (expense) income, net............................................. (6.1) 1.0
------- -------
Earnings before Income Taxes and Minority Interest......................... 115.5 107.0

Provision for income taxes................................................. 43.9 42.8
Minority interest.......................................................... - (2.4)
------- -------
Net Earnings............................................................... 71.6 61.8

Preferred stock dividends.................................................. 5.9 5.9
------- -------
Net Earnings Attributable to Common Stock.................................. $ 65.7 $ 55.9
======= =======

Net earnings per common share
Basic.................................................................... $ .55 $ .47
Diluted.................................................................. .55 .47
Weighted average common shares outstanding
Basic.................................................................... 118.5 118.4
Diluted.................................................................. 120.1 119.3

Cash dividends declared per common share................................... $ .085 $ .085

</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

The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the
"Company") manufacture skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products which
are distributed in over 100 countries and territories. The following is a
comparative summary of operating results for the three months ended September
30, 1998 and 1997:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended
September 30
-----------------------
1998 1997
-------- --------
(In millions)
<S> <C> <C>
NET SALES
By Region:
The Americas......................................................... $ 656.3 $ 562.4
Europe, the Middle East & Africa..................................... 244.9 223.9
Asia/Pacific......................................................... 95.8 114.3
-------- --------
$ 997.0 $ 900.6
======== ========

By Product Category:
Skin Care............................................................ $ 304.9 $ 299.2
Makeup............................................................... 371.2 327.0
Fragrance............................................................ 295.8 270.7
Hair Care............................................................ 25.1 3.7
-------- --------
$ 997.0 $ 900.6
======== ========

OPERATING INCOME
The Americas............................................................ 92.9 80.6
Europe, the Middle East & Africa........................................ 25.2 22.9
Asia/Pacific............................................................ 3.5 2.5
-------- --------
$ 121.6 $ 106.0
======== ========
</TABLE>
The following table sets forth certain earnings data as a percentage of net
sales:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended
September 30
---------------------
1998 1997
------ ------
<S> <C> <C>
Net sales.................................................................. 100.0% 100.0%
Cost of sales.............................................................. 23.0 22.7
------ ------
Gross profit............................................................... 77.0 77.3
------ ------
Selling, general and administrative expenses:
Selling, general and administrative..................................... 61.0 62.4
Related party royalties................................................. 0.8 0.9
------ ------
61.8 63.3
------ ------
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and
amortization (EBITDA).................................................... 15.2 14.0
Depreciation and amortization.............................................. 3.0 2.2
------ ------
Operating income........................................................... 12.2 11.8
Interest (expense) income, net............................................. (0.6) 0.1
------ ------
Earnings before income taxes and minority interest......................... 11.6 11.9
Provision for income taxes................................................. 4.4 4.8
Minority interest.......................................................... - (0.2)
------ ------
Net earnings............................................................... 7.2% 6.9%
====== ======
</TABLE>
-3-
THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


Three months Fiscal 1999 compared with 1998

NET SALES

Net sales increased 11% or $96.4 million to $997.0 million for the three months
ended September 30, 1998 as compared with the same prior-year period. The
increase in net sales is primarily due to strong sales of recently introduced
products, both domestically and internationally, as well as the inclusion of
sales from Aveda and Sassaby which were acquired after the first quarter of
fiscal 1998. The strength of the U.S. dollar had an unfavorable impact of
approximately $20 million on net sales for the current three-month period as
compared to $32 million in the same prior-year period. The U.S. dollar
strengthened against most Far East currencies contributing to the unfavorable
impact on net sales, offset in part by a weaker dollar against European
currencies.
Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, net sales increased 13%.

PRODUCT CATEGORIES

Skin Care
Net sales of skin care products increased 2% or $5.7 million to $304.9 million
for the three months ended September 30, 1998 as compared with the same
prior-year period. The increase in sales primarily related to the success of
recent product launches partially offset by the translation of a stronger U.S.
dollar against the Japanese yen. Sales of skin care products are affected
significantly by changes in Asian currency translation rates due to the high
concentration of products sold in the Far East region. Excluding the impact of
foreign currency translation, skin care sales for the three months ended
September 30, 1998 increased 5% as compared with the same prior-year period. The
comparison of the three months ended September 30, 1998 with the same prior-year
period reflects the inclusion of recently introduced products such as Diminish
and All About Eyes, partially offset by lower sales of Fruition Extra and
Advanced Night Repair.

Makeup
Net sales of makeup products increased 14% or $44.2 million to $371.2 million
for the three months ended September 30, 1998 as compared with the same
prior-year period. Higher makeup product sales were due to the successful first
quarter launch of Quickliner for Eyes and Photochrome partially offset by the
launch of Individualist Mascara in the same prior-year period. Increases also
relate to the recent introduction of Two-In-One Eyeshadow, Smudgesicles, Minute
Makeup and Superlast Cream Lipstick.

Fragrance
Net sales of fragrance products increased 9% or $25.1 million to $295.8 million
for the three months ended September 30, 1998 as compared to the same prior-year
period. The increase is primarily due to the launch of Dazzling Gold and
Dazzling Silver, as well as the European introduction of Kiton Napoli.
Additionally, fragrance product sales reflect the recent introduction of
Hilfiger Athletics and the continued success of "tommy girl" and Clinique Happy.
These increases were partially offset by a slow down in sales of "tommy" as
compared to the same prior-year period.

Hair Care
Net sales of hair care products increased significantly as compared with the
same prior-year period due to the inclusion of the Aveda hair care product lines
beginning in December 1997.

The introduction of new products may have some cannibalization effect on sales
of existing products, which is taken into account by the Company in its business
planning. The Company's quarterly net sales are subject to seasonal
fluctuations, particularly in the fragrance category.

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


Geographic
Net sales in the Americas increased 17% or $93.9 million to $656.3 million for
the three months ended September 30, 1998 as compared with the same prior-year
period. Sales increases were achieved from the strength of new products across
all categories, growth from existing products and the inclusion of sales from
Aveda and jane. In Europe, the Middle East & Africa, net sales increased 9% or
$21.0 million to $244.9 million as compared with the same prior-year period. The
increase was primarily the result of higher net sales in the United Kingdom,
Spain, Italy and France partially offset by lower sales in the distributor and
travel retail business. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation,
net sales increased 8%, reflecting a weaker dollar. Net sales in Asia/Pacific
decreased 16% or $18.5 million to $95.8 million for the three months ended
September 30, 1998, as compared with the same prior-year period due to the
unfavorable foreign currency translation impact of the strong U.S. dollar,
particularly versus the Japanese yen. Excluding the impact of foreign currency
translation, Asia/Pacific net sales increased 1%, as compared to the same
prior-year period. Double digit sales increases in Thailand and Malaysia and
strong sales growth in Japan were partially offset by lower sales in Taiwan and
Hong Kong. Net sales in Asia/Pacific continue to be affected by a difficult
retail environment, which we anticipate will continue for some time. The Company
strategically staggers its new product launches by geographic markets, which may
account for differences in regional sales growth.

COST OF SALES

Cost of sales for the three months ended September 30, 1998 was 23.0% of net
sales compared with 22.7% of net sales in the prior-year period. This increase
principally reflects the continued integration of acquired companies which have
a higher product cost structure, as well as shifts in product mix.

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

Total selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of net sales for
the three months ended September 30, 1998 were 64.8% of net sales compared with
65.5% of net sales in the same prior-year period. The change in selling, general
and administrative expenses as a percent of net sales reflects operating expense
efficiencies achieved, as well as the favorable integration of different cost
structures of acquired companies. The Company's quarterly operating expenses are
subject to the 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 15% or $15.6 million to $121.6 million in the three
months ended September 30, 1998, as compared to the same prior-year period,
which resulted in an operating margin of 12.2% in the current period as compared
to 11.8% in the prior-year period. The increase in operating income and margin
was due to higher net sales coupled with operating expense efficiencies achieved
in the selling, general and administrative areas. Operating income in the
Americas increased 15% or $12.3 million to $92.9 million for the three months
ended September 30, 1998 as compared to the same prior-year period, primarily
due to higher net sales and operating expense improvements. In Europe, the
Middle East & Africa, operating income increased 10% or $2.3 million to $25.2
million as compared to the same prior-year period. Improved operating results in
Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom were partially offset by lower results in
the distributor and travel retail business. In Asia/Pacific, operating income
increased 40% or $1.0 million to $3.5 million as compared to the same prior-year
period. Offsetting the impact of lower sales due to a stronger dollar was higher
operating income in Japan reflecting planned efficiencies in operating expenses.
The Company's quarterly operating results are subject to seasonal net sales
fluctuations in addition to the level, scope and timing of expenditures related
to product promotions and/or introductions.

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


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, the Company excludes its
minority interest adjustment, all depreciation charges related to property,
plant and equipment and all amortization charges including amortization of
goodwill, purchased royalty rights, leasehold improvements and other intangible
assets. The Company considers this measure useful in analyzing its results;
however, it is not intended to replace, or act as a substitute for, any
presentation included in the consolidated financial statements prepared in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

EBITDA increased 20% to $151.3 million or 15.2% of net sales for the three
months ended September 30, 1998 as compared to $125.8 million or 14.0% of net
sales in the same prior-year period. The improvement in EBITDA is attributable
primarily to sales growth and operating expense efficiencies.

INTEREST (EXPENSE) INCOME, NET

Net interest expense was $6.1 million for the three months ended September 30,
1998, as compared with net interest income of $1.0 million in the prior year,
primarily due to increased borrowings related to recent acquisitions.

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
September 30, 1998 was 38.0% compared with 40.0% for the three months ended
September 30, 1997. 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 tax planning
initiatives and a relative change in the mix of earnings from higher tax
countries to lower tax countries.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company's principal sources of funds have historically been cash flow from
operations and borrowings under uncommitted and committed credit lines provided
by banks in the United States and abroad. At September 30, 1998, the Company had
cash and cash equivalents of $204.4 million as compared to $277.5 million at
June 30, 1998.

Uncommitted lines of credit amounted to $297.8 million at September 30, 1998, of
which $23.8 million were used. Unused committed lines of credit available to the
Company at September 30, 1998 amounted to $400.0 million. Total debt as a
percentage of total capitalization (including short-term debt) was 29% at
September 30 and June 30, 1998.

Net cash used for operating activities was $58.9 million in the three months
ended September 30, 1998 as compared to $33.6 million in the same prior-year
period. This increase in net cash used for operating activities primarily
reflects increases in accounts receivable balances as compared to the same
prior-year period partially offset by higher other accrued liabilities. Net cash
used for investing activities of $21.4 million and $20.3 million in the three
months ended September 30, 1998 and 1997, respectively, principally reflect
capital expenditures. Financing activities reflect borrowings, dividend payments
and payments to acquire treasury stock. Dividend payments were $15.9 million for
the three months ended September 30, 1998 and 1997.

On September 18, 1998, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a share
repurchase program. The Company may, over an undefined period of time, purchase
up to four million shares of Class A Common Stock in the open market or in
privately negotiated transactions, depending on market conditions and other
factors.

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


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

The Company conducts business in many foreign currencies. As a result, it is
subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk due to the effects that foreign
exchange rate movements of these currencies have on the Company's costs and on
the cash flows which it receives from its foreign subsidiaries. The Company
addresses its risks through a controlled program of risk management, the
principal objective of which is to minimize the risks and/or costs associated
with financial and global operating activities. The Company uses derivative
financial instruments for the purpose of managing its exposure to adverse
fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. The Company
does not utilize derivative financial instruments for trading or other
speculative purposes.

The Company enters into forward exchange contracts to hedge purchases,
receivables and payables denominated in foreign currencies for periods
consistent with its identified exposures. Gains and losses related to qualifying
hedges of these exposures are deferred and recognized in operating income when
the underlying hedged transaction occurs. The Company also enters into purchased
foreign currency options to hedge anticipated transactions where there is a high
probability that anticipated exposures will materialize. Any gains realized on
such options that qualify as hedges are deferred and recognized in operating
income when the underlying hedged transaction occurs. Premiums on foreign
currency options are amortized over the period being hedged. Foreign currency
transactions which do not qualify as hedges are marked-to-market on a current
basis with gains and losses recognized through income and reflected in operating
expenses. In addition, any previously deferred gains and losses on hedges which
are terminated prior to the transaction date are recognized in current income
when the hedge is terminated. The contracts have varying maturities with none
exceeding 24 months.

The Company enters into interest rate swaps to convert floating interest rate
debt to fixed rate debt. These swap agreements are contracts to exchange
floating rate for fixed rate interest payments periodically over the life of the
agreements. Amounts currently due to or from interest rate swap counterparties
are recorded in interest expense in the period in which they accrue.

As a matter of policy, the Company only enters into contracts with parties that
have at least an "A" (or equivalent) credit rating. The counterparties to these
contracts are major financial institutions and the Company does not have
significant exposure to any one counterparty. The Company's exposure to credit
loss in the event of nonperformance by any of the counterparties is limited to
only the recognized, but not realized, gains attributable to the contracts.
Management believes risk of loss is remote and in any event would be immaterial.
Costs associated with entering into such contracts have not been material to the
Company's financial results. At September 30, 1998, the Company had contracts to
exchange foreign currencies in the form of purchased currency options and
forward exchange contracts in the amount of $69.8 million and $224.8 million,
respectively. Foreign currencies exchanged under these contracts are principally
the Belgian franc, Japanese yen, German mark, Swiss franc, U.K. pound, Spanish
peseta and Italian lira. In addition, the Company had interest rate swap
agreements outstanding with a notional principal amount of $405.0 million. There
have been no significant changes in market risk since June 30, 1998 that would
have a material effect on the Company's calculated value-at-risk exposure, as
disclosed in its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 1998.

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

YEAR 2000

The Company has developed a comprehensive plan to address Year 2000 issues. The
plan addresses three main areas: (a) information systems; (b) embedded chips;
and (c) supply chain readiness. To oversee the process, the Company has
established a Steering Committee comprised of senior executives from its
various business units around the world, which reports regularly to the Board
of Directors and the Audit Committee.

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


The Company has identified potential deficiencies related to Year 2000 in its
information systems and is in the process of addressing them through upgrades
and other remediation. Completion of the remediation and testing is expected in
the summer of 1999. Identification of other equipment with date sensitive
operating controls is ongoing and the Company anticipates completion of critical
embedded chip remediation by the summer of 1999. To mitigate the risk of Year
2000 non-compliance by third parties, the Company has identified and contacted
critical inventory suppliers and customers and is in the process of meeting with
these third parties. Further, the Company is also identifying and contacting
other suppliers and customers. These communications include solicitation of
written responses and/or meetings.

Although the Company believes it is difficult to specifically identify the cause
of the most reasonable worst case Year 2000 scenario, it is formulating
contingency plans to limit, to the extent possible, lost revenues arising from
the failure of third parties to be Year 2000 compliant. Such plans would
necessarily be limited to matters over which the Company can reasonably control.
Costs incurred through September 30, 1998 have not been significant and, based
upon the Company's current estimates, incremental out-of-pocket costs of its
Year 2000 program are not expected to be material.

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

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

-8-
THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

September 30 June 30
1998 1998
-------- --------
(Unaudited)
(In millions)
ASSETS
<S> <C> <C>
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents............................................................... $ 204.4 $ 277.5
Accounts receivable, net................................................................ 685.7 497.8
Inventory and promotional merchandise, net.............................................. 497.5 513.2
Prepaid expenses and other current assets............................................... 159.5 166.1
-------- --------
Total current assets............................................................... 1,547.1 1,454.6
-------- --------

Property, Plant and Equipment, net...................................................... 341.0 335.8
-------- --------

Other Assets
Investments, at cost or market value.................................................... 24.9 27.7
Deferred taxes.......................................................................... 63.6 59.6
Goodwill, net .......................................................................... 493.0 496.2
Other intangible assets, net............................................................ 62.2 67.1
Other assets, net....................................................................... 72.0 71.8
-------- --------
715.7 722.4
-------- --------
$2,603.8 $2,512.8
======== ========

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current Liabilities
Short-term debt......................................................................... $ 29.0 $ 11.5
Accounts payable........................................................................ 165.5 209.1
Accrued income taxes.................................................................... 110.5 79.4
Other accrued liabilities............................................................... 575.8 537.4
-------- --------
Total current liabilities.......................................................... 880.8 837.4
-------- --------


Noncurrent Liabilities
Long-term debt.......................................................................... 425.5 425.0
Other noncurrent liabilities............................................................ 172.3 194.0
-------- --------
597.8 619.0
-------- --------


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

Stockholders' Equity
Common stock, $.01 par value; 300,000,000 shares Class A authorized, shares
issued 61,482,568 at September 30, 1998 and 61,467,934 at June 30, 1998;
120,000,000 shares Class B authorized, shares issued 56,839,667...................... 1.2 1.2
Paid-in capital......................................................................... 169.9 169.8
Retained earnings....................................................................... 615.1 559.6
Accumulated other comprehensive income.................................................. (18.4) (34.2)
-------- --------
767.8 696.4
Less: Treasury stock, at cost; 49,791 shares at September 30, 1998 ..................... (2.6) -
-------- --------
765.2 696.4
-------- --------
$2,603.8 $2,512.8
======== ========

</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

-9-
THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended
September 30
---------------------
1998 1997
------- -------
(In millions)
<S> <C> <C>
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net earnings............................................................................... $ 71.6 $ 61.8
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash
flows used for operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization.......................................................... 25.3 15.4
Amortization of purchased royalty rights............................................... 4.4 4.4
Deferred income taxes.................................................................. (4.0) (6.1)
Minority interest...................................................................... - 2.4
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Increase in accounts receivable, net................................................... (175.9) (105.0)
Decrease in inventory and promotional merchandise...................................... 19.4 6.3
Decrease (increase) in other assets.................................................... 5.6 (12.7)
Decrease in accounts payable........................................................... (45.2) (17.0)
Increase in accrued income taxes....................................................... 29.8 23.6
Increase in other accrued liabilities.................................................. 33.7 0.6
Decrease in other noncurrent liabilities............................................... (23.6) (7.3)
------- -------
Net cash flows used for operating activities......................................... (58.9) (33.6)
------- -------

Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Capital expenditures....................................................................... (19.1) (19.6)
Purchase of long-term investments.......................................................... (2.3) (0.7)
------- -------
Net cash flows used for investing activities......................................... (21.4) (20.3)
------- -------

Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Increase in short-term debt, net........................................................... 17.3 16.1
Repayments and redemptions of long-term debt............................................... - (1.5)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options.................................................... 0.2 -
Payments to acquire treasury stock......................................................... (2.8) -
Dividends paid............................................................................. (15.9) (15.9)
------- -------
Net cash flows used for financing activities......................................... (1.2) (1.3)
------- -------

Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents.................................. 8.4 (2.9)
------- -------
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents.................................................. (73.1) (58.1)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period........................................... 277.5 255.6
------- -------
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period................................................. $ 204.4 $ 197.5
======= =======


Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

Cash paid during the period for:
Interest .............................................................................. $ 7.4 $ 0.7
======= =======
Income taxes........................................................................... $ 12.0 $ 13.1
======= =======


</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

-10-
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 in
consolidation.

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

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, 1998.

Net Earnings Per Common Share

For the period ended September 30, 1998, in accordance with the requirements of
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 128, "Earnings per
Share", net earnings per common share amounts ("basic EPS") were computed by
dividing net earnings, after deducting preferred stock dividends on the
Company's $6.50 Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, by the weighted average
number of common shares outstanding and contingently issuable shares (which
satisfy certain conditions) and excluded any potential dilution. Net earnings
per common share amounts assuming dilution ("diluted EPS") were computed by
reflecting potential dilution from the exercise of stock options. SFAS No. 128
requires the presentation of both basic EPS and diluted EPS on the face of the
consolidated statement of earnings. Earnings per share amounts for the same
prior-year period has been restated to conform with the provisions of SFAS No.
128.

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Three Months Ended September 30
-------------------------------
1998 1997
------- -------
(Unaudited)
(In millions, except per share data)
<S> <C> <C>
Net earnings.................................................. $ 71.6 $ 61.8
Preferred stock dividends..................................... (5.9) (5.9)
------- -------
Numerator:
Net earnings attributable to common stock..................... 65.7 55.9
======= =======

Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding - Basic............ 118.5 118.4
Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options.................. 1.6 0.9
------- -------
Weighted average common shares outstanding - Diluted.......... 120.1 119.3
======= =======
Basic EPS..................................................... $ .55 $ .47
======= =======
Diluted EPS................................................... $ .55 $ .47
======= =======

</TABLE>

Options to purchase 1.6 million shares of common stock were not included in the
computation of diluted EPS because the exercise price of those options was
greater than the average market price of the common shares. The options were
still outstanding at the end of the period.

-11-
THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable is stated net of the allowance for doubtful accounts of
$40.2 million and $43.6 million as of September 30 and June 30, 1998,
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>

September 30 June 30
1998 1998
------- -------
(Unaudited)

(In millions)
<S> <C> <C>
Inventory and promotional merchandise consists of:
Raw materials......................................... $ 128.6 $ 143.6
Work in process....................................... 23.0 26.7
Finished goods........................................ 248.5 227.8
Promotional merchandise............................... 97.4 115.1
------- -------
$ 497.5 $ 513.2
======= =======
</TABLE>


Property, Plant and Equipment

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

September 30 June 30
1998 1998
------- -------
(Unaudited)

(In millions)
<S> <C> <C>
Land.................................................... $ 13.1 $ 13.0
Buildings and improvements.............................. 128.4 124.0
Machinery and equipment................................. 376.8 367.8
Furniture and fixtures.................................. 82.8 78.6
Leasehold improvements.................................. 123.4 117.3
------- -------
724.5 700.7
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization.......... 383.5 364.9
------- -------
$ 341.0 $ 335.8
======= =======
</TABLE>


Share Repurchase Program

On September 18, 1998, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a share
repurchase program. The Company may, over an undefined period of time, purchase
up to four million shares of Class A Common Stock in the open market or in
privately negotiated transactions, depending on market conditions and other
factors.

-12-
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.

NOTE 2 - COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The Company has adopted SFAS No. 130 "Reporting Comprehensive Income" which
establishes guidance for the reporting and display of comprehensive income and
its components. The purpose of reporting comprehensive income is to report a
measure of all changes in equity that resulted from recognized transactions and
other economic events of the period other than transactions with stockholders.
Adoption of SFAS No. 130 had no economic impact on the Company's consolidated
financial position, net earnings, stockholders' equity or cash flows, although
the presentation of certain items has changed.

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

Three Months Ended
September 30,
-------------------------
1998 1997
------ ------
(Unaudited)
(In millions)
<S> <C> <C>
Net earnings.................................................................... $ 71.6 $ 61.8
------ ------

Other comprehensive income:
Net unrealized investment (losses) gains................................... (3.0) 1.4
Translation adjustments.................................................... 18.8 (15.0)
------ ------

Other comprehensive income................................................. 15.8 (13.6)
------ ------

Comprehensive income............................................................ $ 87.4 $ 48.2
====== ======
</TABLE>

The components of accumulated other comprehensive income included in the
accompanying consolidated balance sheets consist of net unrealized investment
gains and cumulative translation adjustments as of the end of the period.

-13-
THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION



Item 1. Legal Proceedings

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


Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(a) Exhibits--

10.1 Employment Agreement with Daniel J. Brestle
10.2 Employment Agreement with William P. Lauder
10.3 Agreement with Jeanette S. Wagner
27.1 Financial Data Schedule

(b) Reports on Form 8-K -- There were no reports on Form 8-K for the
three months ended September 30, 1998.


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: October 28, 1998 By:/s/ Robert J. Bigler
-----------------------------------
Robert J. Bigler
Senior Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)


-14-
THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

EXHIBIT INDEX



Exhibit No. Description


10.1 Employment Agreement with Daniel J. Brestle

10.2 Employment Agreement with William P. Lauder

10.3 Agreement with Jeanette S. Wagner

27.1 Financial Data Schedule