Ralph Lauren
RL
#1079
Rank
$22.40 B
Marketcap
$369.40
Share price
1.75%
Change (1 day)
36.26%
Change (1 year)
Categories

Ralph Lauren - 10-Q quarterly report FY


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(X) QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 26, 1998

OR

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

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 001-13057

POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

DELAWARE 13-2622036
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)

650 MADISON AVENUE, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10022
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code 212-318-7000

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrants were
required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes [X] No [ ]

At November 5, 1998, 33,673,214 shares of the registrant's Class A Common Stock,
$.01 par value, were outstanding, 43,280,021 shares of the registrant's Class B
Common Stock, $.01 par value, were outstanding and 22,720,979 shares of the
registrant's Class C Common Stock, $.01 par value were outstanding.

================================================================================
POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

PART 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

PAGE

Item 1. Financial Statements

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 26, 1998
(Unaudited) and March 28, 1998 ................................ 3

Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months
and six months ended September 26, 1998 and
September 27, 1997 (Unaudited) ................................ 4

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six
months ended September 26, 1998 and
September 27, 1997 (Unaudited) ................................ 5-6

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ...................... 7-10

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations ................. 11-18

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security-Holders ............. 19-20

Item 5. Other Information ............................................... 20

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K ................................ 21


2
POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEPTEMBER 26, MARCH 28,
1998 1998
----------- -----------
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 46,530 $ 58,755
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $12,558
and $12,447, respectively 170,453 149,120
Inventories 398,335 298,485
Deferred tax assets 24,448 24,448
Prepaid expenses and other 31,589 25,656
----------- -----------

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 671,355 556,464

Property and equipment, net 229,774 175,348
Deferred tax assets 14,199 14,213
Other assets, net 100,485 79,105
----------- -----------

$ 1,015,813 $ 825,130
=========== ===========

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current liabilities
Notes and acceptances payable - banks $ 79,600 $ --
Accounts payable 132,789 100,126
Income taxes payable 20,819 2,554
Accrued expenses and other 95,735 99,578
----------- -----------

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 328,943 202,258

Other noncurrent liabilities 45,885 38,546

Stockholders' equity
Common Stock
Class A, par value $.01 per share; 500,000,000 shares
authorized; 34,277,078 and 34,272,726 shares
issued, respectively 343 343
Class B, par value $.01 per share; 100,000,000 shares
authorized; 43,280,021 shares issued and outstanding 433 433
Class C, par value $.01 per share; 70,000,000 shares
authorized; 22,720,979 shares issued and outstanding 227 227
Additional paid-in-capital 448,031 447,918
Retained earnings 209,368 136,738
Treasury Stock, Class A, at cost (603,864 shares) (16,084) --
Unearned compensation (1,333) (1,333)
----------- -----------

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 640,985 584,326
----------- -----------

$ 1,015,813 $ 825,130
=========== ===========
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

3
POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
(UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED
---------------------------- -----------------------------
SEPTEMBER 26, SEPTEMBER 27, SEPTEMBER 26, SEPTEMBER 27,
1998 1997 1998 1997
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales $ 409,456 $ 372,660 $ 720,611 $ 628,072
Licensing revenue 61,503 48,486 104,787 81,018
Other income 3,847 2,208 8,185 3,914
---------- ----------- ----------- -----------

Net revenues 474,806 423,354 833,583 713,004

Cost of goods sold 241,095 215,075 417,256 358,073
---------- ----------- ----------- -----------

Gross profit 233,711 208,279 416,327 354,931

Selling, general and administrative expenses 148,783 132,375 293,747 250,283
---------- ----------- ----------- -----------

Income from operations 84,928 75,904 122,580 104,648

Interest (expense) income (676) 253 4 (2,509)
---------- ----------- ----------- -----------

Income before income taxes 84,252 76,157 122,584 102,139

Provision for income taxes 34,333 31,224 49,954 12,568
---------- ----------- ----------- -----------

Net income $ 49,919 $ 44,933 $ 72,630 $ 89,571
========== =========== =========== ===========

PRO FORMA (NOTE 2) - (UNAUDITED)
Historical income before income taxes $ 102,139
Pro forma adjustments other than income taxes 3,163
-----------

Pro forma income before income taxes 105,302
Pro forma provision for income taxes 43,173
-----------

Pro forma net income $ 62,129
===========

Net income per share - Basic and Diluted $ 0.50 $ 0.45 $ 0.73 $ 0.62
========== =========== =========== ===========

Common shares outstanding - Basic 99,826,960 100,222,444 100,011,047 100,222,444
========== =========== =========== ===========

Common shares outstanding - Diluted 99,878,242 100,222,444 100,151,156 100,222,444
========== =========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


4
POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)
(UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS ENDED
----------------------------
SEPTEMBER 26, SEPTEMBER 27,
1998 1997
------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income $ 72,630 $ 89,571
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
cash provided by operating activities
Benefit from deferred income taxes -- (21,746)
Depreciation and amortization 22,142 12,472
Provision for losses on accounts receivable 435 435
Changes in deferrred liabilities 512 2,536
Other 195 (548)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions
Accounts receivable (21,717) 6,978
Inventories (97,696) (39,574)
Prepaid expenses and other (5,884) 6,343
Other assets (7,923) (5,522)
Accounts payable 30,438 (25,265)
Income taxes payable and accrued expenses and other 12,148 17,820
--------- ---------

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES 5,280 43,500
--------- ---------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of property and equipment, net (72,407) (24,905)
Acquisition, net of cash acquired (6,981) (8,551)
Investments in joint venture -- (5,091)
Cash surrender value - officers' life insurance, net (1,409) (1,838)
--------- ---------

NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES (80,797) (40,385)
--------- ---------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net 113 268,797
Repurchases of common stock (16,084) --
Proceeds from (repayments of) short-term borrowings, net 79,600 (20,535)
Repayments of borrowings against officers' life insurance policies -- (4,901)
Repayments of long-term debt and subordinated notes (337) (134,743)
Payment of dividend and Reorganization notes -- (43,024)
Distributions paid to partners -- (44,855)
--------- ---------

NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES 63,292 20,739
--------- ---------

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (12,225) 23,854
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 58,755 29,599
--------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 46,530 $ 53,453
========= =========
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


5
POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)
(UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS ENDED
-----------------------------
SEPTEMBER 26, SEPTEMBER 27,
1998 1997
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash paid for interest $ 1 $ 4,032
========= =========
Cash paid for income taxes $ 34,583 $ 19,105
========= =========


SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Foreign tax credits distributed to partners $ 509
=========

Fair value of assets acquired, excluding cash $ 14,868 $ 69,537
Less:
Cash paid 6,981 8,551
Promissory notes issued 5,000 --
Fair market value of common stock issued for acquisition -- 697
--------- ---------
Liabilities assumed $ 2,887 $ 60,289
========= =========

Fair market value of restricted stock grants $ 667
=========
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


6
POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(INFORMATION FOR SEPTEMBER 26, 1998 AND SEPTEMBER 27, 1997 IS UNAUDITED)

1 BASIS OF PRESENTATION

(A) UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have
been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
for interim financial information and in a manner consistent with that
used in the preparation of the March 28, 1998 audited consolidated
financial statements of Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation and subsidiaries
("Polo"). In the opinion of management, the accompanying consolidated
financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal
and recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the
financial position and results of operations and cash flows for the
periods presented.

Operating results for the six months ended September 26, 1998 and
September 27, 1997 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may
be expected for a full year. In addition, the unaudited interim
consolidated financial statements do not include all information and
footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. These
consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the
Company's fiscal 1998 audited consolidated financial statements.

(B) BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation ("PRLC") was incorporated in Delaware
in March 1997. On June 9, 1997, the partners and certain of their
affiliates contributed to PRLC all of the outstanding stock of, and
partnership interests in, the entities which comprise the predecessor
group of companies in exchange for common stock of PRLC and promissory
notes (the "Reorganization"). The accompanying consolidated financial
statements for the six months ended September 27, 1997 include the
combined results of operations of Polo Ralph Lauren Enterprises, L.P.,
Polo Ralph Lauren, L.P. and subsidiaries and The Ralph Lauren Womenswear
Company, L.P. and subsidiaries (collectively, the "Predecessor Company")
through June 9, 1997 and the consolidated results of operations of Polo
thereafter (Polo, together with the Predecessor Company, is referred to
herein as the "Company"). The controlling interests of the Predecessor
Company were held by Mr. Ralph Lauren, with a 28.5% interest held by
certain investment funds affiliated with The Goldman Sachs Group, L.P.
(collectively, the "GS Group"). The financial statements of PRLC have not
been included prior to the Reorganization because PRLC was a shell company
with no business operations.


7
The accompanying consolidated financial statements as of and for the
three months and six months ended September 26, 1998 and for the three
months ended September 27, 1997 include the results of operations of Polo.

The financial statements of the Predecessor Company have been
combined and included in the results for the six months ended September
27, 1997 because of their common ownership. The combined financial
statements have been prepared as if the entities comprising the
Predecessor Company had operated as a single consolidated group since
their respective dates of organization.

All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been
eliminated.

(C) INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING
On June 17, 1997, the Company completed the sale of 11,170,000
shares of its Class A Common Stock at $26.00 per share in connection with
its initial public offering. The net proceeds to the Company from the
initial public offering, after deducting underwriting discounts and
commissions and offering expenses, aggregated $268.8 million.

2 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

(A) PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS (UNAUDITED)
The pro forma statement of income data for the six months ended
September 27, 1997 presents the effects on the historical financial
statements of certain transactions as if they had occurred at March 30,
1997. The pro forma statement of income data reflects adjustments for: (i)
income taxes based upon pro forma pre-tax income as if the Company had
been subject to additional Federal, state and local income taxes,
calculated using a pro forma effective tax rate of 41.0%; and (ii) the
reduction of interest expense resulting from the application of a portion
of the net proceeds from the initial public offering to outstanding
indebtedness.

(B) NET INCOME PER SHARE (UNAUDITED)
Basic net income per share was calculated by dividing net income by
the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period and
excluded any potential dilution. Diluted net income per share was
calculated similarly but includes potential dilution from the exercise of
stock options and awards. The weighted average number of shares
outstanding in the three months and six months ended September 26, 1998
and in the three months ended September 27, 1997 represents the actual
number of shares outstanding during such period. For comparison purposes
only, the weighted average number of shares outstanding immediately
following the completion of the initial public offering was considered to
be outstanding in the six months ended September 27, 1997.

(C) RECLASSIFICATIONS
For comparison purposes, certain prior period amounts have been
reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation.


8
(D) COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Effective March 29, 1998, the Company adopted the provisions of
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 130, REPORTING
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME. This Statement establishes standards for reporting
of comprehensive income and its components in the financial statements.
For the three months and six months ended September 26, 1998 and September
27, 1997, comprehensive income was equal to net income.

(E) RECENTLY ISSUED PRONOUNCEMENTS

In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB")
issued SFAS No. 131, DISCLOSURES ABOUT SEGMENTS OF AN ENTERPRISE AND
RELATED INFORMATION. This Statement establishes standards for reporting
selected financial data and descriptive information about an enterprise's
reportable operating segments (as defined). This Statement also requires
the reconciliation of total segment information presented to the
corresponding amounts in the general purpose financial statements.
Additionally, SFAS No. 131 establishes standards for related disclosures
about products and services, geographic areas and major customers. The
required disclosures will be presented in the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending April 3, 1999.

In June 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 133, ACCOUNTING FOR
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES. This Statement establishes
accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments and hedging
activities. It requires the recognition of all derivatives as either
assets or liabilities in the statement of financial position and
measurement of those instruments at fair value. The accounting for changes
in the fair value of a derivative is dependent upon the intended use of
the derivative. SFAS No. 133 will be effective in the Company's first
quarter of the fiscal year ending April 1, 2000 and retroactive
application is not permitted. The Company has not yet determined whether
the application of SFAS No. 133 will have a material impact on the
Company's financial position or results of operations.

In April 1998, the American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants' ("AICPA") Accounting Standards Executive Committee issued
Statement of Position No. 98-5 ("SOP 98- 5"), REPORTING ON THE COSTS OF
START-UP ACTIVITIES. SOP 98-5 requires that costs of start-up activities,
including organization costs, be expensed as incurred. SOP 98-5 will be
effective in the first quarter of the Company's fiscal year ending April
1, 2000. The Company has not yet determined whether the application of SOP
98-5 will have a material impact on the Company's financial position or
results of operations.


9
3     INVENTORIES

SEPTEMBER 26, MARCH 28,
1998 1998

Raw materials $ 19,110 $ 26,364
Work-in-process 10,954 12,406
Finished goods 368,271 259,715
-------- --------

$398,335 $298,485
======== ========

Merchandise inventories of $199.8 million and $130.9 million at
September 26, 1998 and March 28, 1998, respectively, were valued utilizing
the retail method and are included in finished goods.


10
POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION

ITEM 2 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH
THE COMPANY'S CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND RELATED NOTES THERETO WHICH
ARE INCLUDED HEREIN AND THE COMPANY'S FISCAL 1998 AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS FILED WITH THE COMPANY'S FORM 10-K FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH
28, 1998. THE COMPANY UTILIZES A 52-53 WEEK FISCAL YEAR ENDING ON THE SATURDAY
NEAREST MARCH 31. ACCORDINGLY, FISCAL YEARS 1999 AND 1998 END ON APRIL 3, 1999
AND MARCH 28, 1998, RESPECTIVELY. DUE TO THE COLLABORATIVE AND ONGOING NATURE OF
THE COMPANY'S RELATIONSHIPS WITH ITS LICENSEES, SUCH LICENSEES ARE REFERRED TO
HEREIN AS "LICENSING PARTNERS" AND THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND
SUCH LICENSEES ARE REFERRED TO HEREIN AS "LICENSING ALLIANCES." NOTWITHSTANDING
THESE REFERENCES, HOWEVER, THE LEGAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND ITS
LICENSEES IS ONE OF LICENSOR AND LICENSEE, AND NOT ONE OF PARTNERSHIP.

CERTAIN STATEMENTS CONTAINED IN THIS REPORT CONSTITUTE "FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS" WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT
OF 1995 (THE "REFORM ACT"). SEE PART II. OTHER INFORMATION. ITEM 5. - "STATEMENT
REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING DISCLOSURE."

OVERVIEW

The Company began operations in 1968 as a designer and marketer of premium
quality men's clothing and sportswear. Since inception, the Company, through
internal operations and in conjunction with its licensing partners, has grown
through increased sales of existing product lines, the introduction of new
brands and products, expansion into international markets and development of its
retail operations. The Company's net revenues are generated from its three
integrated operations: wholesale, retail and licensing alliances.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion provides information and analysis of the
Company's results of operations for the three months and six months ended
September 26, 1998 compared to September 27, 1997. As a result of the Company's
initial public offering completed on June 17, 1997 and the use of a portion of
the net proceeds therefrom to reduce outstanding indebtedness, historical
interest expense for the six months ended September 26, 1998 and September 27,
1997 is not discussed below because such information is not meaningful. The
effect of income taxes for the six months ended September 26, 1998 and September
27, 1997 is also not discussed below because the historic taxation of the
operations of the Company is not meaningful with respect to periods following
the Reorganization.


11
The table below sets forth the percentage relationship to net revenues of
certain items in the Company's statements of income for the three months and six
months ended September 26, 1998 and September 27, 1997:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEPT. 26, 1998 SEPT. 27, 1997

THREE SIX THREE SIX
MONTHS MONTHS MONTHS MONTHS
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales .................................. 86.2% 86.4% 88.0% 88.1%

Licensing revenue .......................... 13.0 12.6 11.5 11.4

Other income ............................... 0.8 1.0 0.5 0.5
----- ----- ----- -----
Net revenues ............................... 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
----- ----- ----- -----
Gross profit ............................... 49.2 49.9 49.2 49.8

Selling, general and administrative expenses 31.3 35.2 31.3 35.1
----- ----- ----- -----
Income from operations ..................... 17.9% 14.7% 17.9% 14.7%
===== ===== ===== =====
</TABLE>

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 26, 1998 COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 27, 1997

NET SALES. Net sales increased 9.9% to $409.5 million in the three months
ended September 26, 1998 from $372.7 million in the three months ended September
27, 1997. Wholesale net sales increased 13.9% to $233.9 million in the three
months ended September 26, 1998 from $205.2 million in the corresponding period
of fiscal 1998. Wholesale growth primarily reflects volume-driven sales
increases in existing menswear and womenswear brands and the timing of menswear
product shipments to retailers. These unit increases were partially offset by
decreases in average selling prices resulting from changes in product mix.
Retail sales increased by 4.9% to $175.6 million in the three months ended
September 26, 1998 from $167.4 million in the corresponding period in fiscal
1998. Of this increase, $21.0 million is attributable to the opening of three
new Polo stores and 14 new outlet stores in fiscal 1999 and the benefit of three
months of operations for three new Polo stores and ten new outlet stores opened
in fiscal 1998. Comparable store sales for the three months ended September 26,
1998 decreased by 7.6% largely due to the following: (i) the effects of a more
challenging economic environment; (ii) lower tourism, most notably in the
Company's West Coast and Hawaiian stores; (iii) issues encountered during a
conversion of one of the Company's retail merchandising systems; and (iv)
unseasonably warm weather conditions throughout the United States during the
start of the fall selling season as well as other weather issues and store
closings. Although the Company corrected its system's conversion issues during
its second fiscal quarter, it believes that retail sales will continue to be
negatively impacted by the general economic uncertainty experienced during the
quarter. The Company anticipates that some of these factors affecting its retail
operations will continue for the foreseeable future. See Part II. Other
Information. Item 5. "Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Disclosure."
Comparable store sales represent net sales of stores open in both reporting
periods for the full portion of such periods. At September 26, 1998, the Company
operated 31 Polo stores and 89 outlet stores.


12
LICENSING REVENUE. Licensing revenue increased 26.8% to $61.5 million in
the three months ended September 26, 1998 from $48.5 million in the
corresponding period of fiscal 1998. This increase is primarily attributable to
an overall increase in sales of existing licensed products, particularly Lauren,
Chaps and Polo Jeans, and the Company's continued expansion and growth in
international markets.

GROSS PROFIT. Gross profit as a percentage of net revenues remained at
49.2% in the three months ended September 26, 1998 and September 27, 1997.
Licensing revenue, which has no associated cost of goods sold, increased as a
percentage of net revenues to 13.0% in the three months ended September 26, 1998
from 11.5% in the corresponding period in fiscal 1998. This improvement was
offset by decreases in wholesale and retail gross margins. Wholesale margins
decreased slightly primarily due to higher off-price sales to reduce inventory
levels and changes in product mix. Retail margins also decreased slightly due to
higher promotional/point of sale markdowns.

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. Selling, general and
administrative ("SG&A") expenses increased by $16.4 million to $148.8 million in
the three months ended September 26, 1998 from $132.4 million in the
corresponding period of fiscal 1998. The increase in SG&A expenses is
principally due to increased volume-related expenses to support the revenue
growth as well as increased depreciation expense associated with the Company's
shop-within-shop development program and continued investment in organizational
infrastructure. Despite these increases, SG&A expenses as a percentage of net
revenues were 31.3% in both periods.

INTEREST EXPENSE. Interest expense increased to $0.7 million in the three
months ended September 26, 1998 from interest income of $0.3 million in the
corresponding period of fiscal 1998. This increase is due to an increase in
working capital borrowing requirements, primarily for inventory, in the three
months ended September 26, 1998. The additional working capital requirements for
inventory were primarily driven by the overall growth of the business.

INCOME TAXES. The effective income tax rate was approximately 41.0% for
the three months ended September 26, 1998 and September 27, 1997.

SIX MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 26, 1998 COMPARED TO SIX MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 27,
1997

NET SALES. Net sales increased 14.7% to $720.6 million in the six months
ended September 26, 1998 from $628.1 million in the six months ended September
27, 1997. Wholesale net sales increased 20.4% to $403.8 million in the six
months ended September 26, 1998 from $335.4 million in the corresponding period
of fiscal 1998. Wholesale growth primarily reflects increased menswear sales
resulting from the timing of shipments to retailers and volume-driven sales
increases in existing menswear and womenswear brands. These unit increases were
partially offset by decreases in average selling prices resulting from changes
in product mix. Retail sales increased by 8.3% to $316.8 million in the six
months ended September 26, 1998 from $292.6 million in the corresponding period
in fiscal 1998. Of this increase, $36.0 million is attributable to the opening
of two new Polo stores (net of one store closing) and 17 new outlet stores (net
of one store closing) in fiscal 1999 and the benefit of six


13
months of operations for three new Polo stores and ten new outlet stores opened
in fiscal 1998. Comparable store sales for the six months ended September 26,
1998 decreased by 4.0% largely due to the following: (i) the effects of a more
challenging economic environment; (ii) lower tourism, most notably in the
Company's West Coast and Hawaiian stores; (iii) issues encountered during a
conversion of the Company's retail merchandising systems; and (iv) unseasonably
warm weather conditions throughout the United States during the start of the
fall selling season as well as other weather issues and store closings.

LICENSING REVENUE. Licensing revenue increased 29.3% to $104.8 million in
the six months ended September 26, 1998 from $81.0 million in the corresponding
period of fiscal 1998. This increase is primarily attributable to an overall
increase in sales of existing licensed products, particularly Chaps, Lauren and
Polo Jeans, and the Company's continued expansion and growth in international
markets.

GROSS PROFIT. Gross profit as a percentage of net revenues increased
slightly to 49.9% in the six months ended September 26, 1998 from 49.8% in the
corresponding period of fiscal 1998. This improvement was primarily attributable
to an increase in licensing revenue, which has no associated cost of goods sold,
as a percentage of net revenues to 12.6% in the six months ended September 26,
1998 from 11.4% in the corresponding period in fiscal 1998. Additionally, retail
gross margins increased slightly due to an improved initial mark-up. These
improvements were offset by a decrease in wholesale gross margins due to higher
off-price sales to reduce inventory levels and changes in product mix.

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. SG&A expenses increased by
$43.4 million to $293.7 million in the six months ended September 26, 1998 from
$250.3 million in the corresponding period of fiscal 1998. The increase in SG&A
expenses is principally due to increased volume-related expenses to support the
revenue growth as well as increased depreciation expense associated with the
Company's shop-within-shops development program and continued investment in
organizational infrastructure. Despite these increases, SG&A expenses as a
percentage of net revenues remained constant at approximately 35.2%.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

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


14
Net cash provided by operating activities decreased to $5.3 million in the
six months ended September 26, 1998 from $43.5 million in the comparable period
in fiscal 1998. This reduction was driven by increases in accounts receivable
and inventories primarily due to timing (i.e., shipments and customer
remittances) and the overall growth of the business. These decreases were offset
by changes in trade accounts payable as a result of the timing of payments. Net
cash used for investing activities increased to $80.8 million in the six months
ended September 26, 1998 from $40.4 million in the comparable period in fiscal
1998 principally due to higher capital expenditures. Net cash provided by
financing activities increased to $63.3 million in the six months ended
September 26, 1998 from $20.7 million in the comparable period in fiscal 1998.
This increase primarily reflects the utilization of short-term borrowings
against the Company's Credit Facility (as defined below) offset by repurchases
of common stock in the six months ended September 26, 1998.

On June 9, 1997, the Company entered into a credit facility with a
syndicate of banks which consists of a $225.0 million revolving line of credit
available for the issuance of letters of credit, acceptances and direct
borrowings and matures on December 31, 2002 (the "Credit Facility"). Borrowings
under the Credit Facility bear interest, at the Company's option, at a Base Rate
equal to the higher of: (i) the Federal Funds Rate, as published by the Federal
Reserve Bank of New York, plus 1/2 of one percent; and (ii) the prime commercial
lending rate of The Chase Manhattan Bank in effect from time to time, or at the
London Interbank Offered Rate plus an interest margin. The agreement contains
customary representations, warranties, covenants and events of default,
including covenants regarding maintenance of net worth and leverage ratios,
limitations on indebtedness and incurrences of liens, and restrictions on sales
of assets and transactions with affiliates. Additionally, the agreement provides
that an event of default will occur if Mr. Lauren and related entities fail to
maintain a specified minimum percentage of the voting power of the Company's
common stock. As of September 26, 1998, the Company had $79.6 million
outstanding in direct borrowings and was contingently liable for $20.8 million
in outstanding letters of credit under the Credit Facility. The weighted average
interest rate on amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility on September 26,
1998 was 8.5%.

The Company is currently exploring opportunities to increase efficiency
and productivity and reduce its cost structure in order to streamline operations
and to better service its long-term strategic objectives. The successful
implementation of this initiative could favorably affect future results, but
reduce net income in the short-term. See Part II. Other Information. Item 5. -
"Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Disclosure."

Capital expenditures were $72.4 million and $24.9 million in the six
months ended September 26, 1998 and September 27, 1997, respectively. The
increase in capital expenditures represents primarily expenditures associated
with the Company's shop-within-shops development program which includes new
shops, renovations and expansions, as well as expenditures incurred in
connection with the expansion of the Company's retail operations. Additionally,
capital expenditure increases reflect the purchase by the Company of a
distribution center in North Carolina for $16.0 million which it had been
previously leasing. The Company plans to invest approximately $120.0 million,
net of landlord incentives, over the current fiscal year in its retail stores,
including flagship stores and expansion of its distribution facility, the
shop-within-shops development program and other capital projects. See Part II.
Other Information. Item 5. - "Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Disclosure."


15
In March 1998, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase, subject
to market conditions, of up to $100.0 million of the Company's Class A Common
Stock. Share repurchases under this plan will be made from time to time in the
open market over a two-year period which commenced April 1, 1998. Shares
acquired under the repurchase program will be used for stock option programs and
for other corporate purposes. As of September 26, 1998, the Company had
repurchased 603,864 shares of its Class A Common Stock at an aggregate cost of
$16.1 million.

Management believes that cash from ongoing operations and funds available
under the Credit Facility will be sufficient to satisfy the Company's current
level of operations, capital requirements, stock repurchase program and other
corporate activities for the next twelve months. Additionally, the Company does
not intend to pay dividends on its Common Stock in the next twelve months. See
Part II. Other Information. Item 5. - "Statement Regarding Forward-Looking
Disclosure."

SEASONALITY OF BUSINESS

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

EXCHANGE RATES

Inventory purchases from contract manufacturers in the Far East are
primarily denominated in United States dollars; however, purchase prices for the
Company's products may be affected by fluctuations in the exchange rate between
the United States dollar and the local currencies of the contract manufacturers,
which may have the effect of increasing the Company's cost of goods sold in the
future. During the last two years, exchange rate fluctuations have not had a
material impact on the Company's inventory cost. Additionally, certain
international licensing revenue could be materially affected by currency
fluctuations. From time to time, the Company hedges certain exposures to foreign
currency exchange rate changes arising in the ordinary course of business.


16
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In June 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 131, DISCLOSURES ABOUT SEGMENTS OF
AN ENTERPRISE AND RELATED INFORMATION. This Statement establishes standards for
reporting selected financial data and descriptive information about an
enterprises' reportable operating segments (as defined). This Statement also
requires the reconciliation of total segment information presented to the
corresponding amounts in the general purpose financial statements. Additionally,
SFAS No. 131 establishes standards for related disclosures about products and
services, geographic areas and major customers. The required disclosures will be
presented in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending
April 3, 1999.

In June 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 133, ACCOUNTING FOR DERIVATIVE
INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES. This Statement establishes accounting and
reporting standards for derivative instruments and hedging activities. It
requires the recognition of all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in
the statement of financial position and measurement of those instruments at fair
value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative is dependent
upon the intended use of the derivative. SFAS No. 133 will be effective in the
Company's first quarter of fiscal year ending April 1, 2000 and retroactive
application is not permitted. The Company has not yet determined whether the
application of SFAS No. 133 will have a material impact on the Company's
financial position or results of operations.

In April 1998, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants'
("AICPA") Accounting Standards Executive Committee issued Statement of Position
No. 98-5 ("SOP 98-5"), REPORTING ON THE COSTS OF START-UP ACTIVITIES. SOP 98-5
requires that costs of start-up activities, including organization costs, be
expensed as incurred. SOP 98-5 will be effective in the first quarter of the
Company's fiscal year ending April 1, 2000. The Company has not yet determined
whether the application of SOP 98-5 will have a material impact on the Company's
financial position or results of operations.

Impact of the Year 2000 Issue

The Company has, with the aid of outside consultants, initiated a program
to assess the impact of Year 2000 issues on its information technology ("IT")
systems and its non-IT systems and has formulated a plan to address its Year
2000 issues.

Through its assessment, the Company has identified potential date
deficiencies in its IT systems, both hardware and software and in its non-IT
systems (including functions involving embedded chip technology), and is in the
process of addressing these deficiencies through upgrades, replacements and
other remediation. The Company expects to complete remediation of its material
IT systems no later than the summer of 1999. In connection with other equipment
with date sensitive operating controls such as distribution center equipment,
HVAC, employee time clocks, security and other similar systems, the Company is
in the process of identifying those items which may require replacement or other
remediation. The Company expects to complete testing and replacement or other
remediation of this equipment no later than the summer of 1999.


17
The Company has made initial inquiries of third parties with whom it has
material business relationships (such as customers, suppliers, licensees,
transportation carriers, utility and other general service providers) to
determine whether they will be able to resolve in a timely manner any Year 2000
issues that will materially and adversely impact the Company. This process
includes the solicitation of written responses to questionnaires, followed, in
some cases, by meetings with certain of such third parties. To date,
approximately one-half of those contacted have responded, none of whom have
raised any Year 2000 issues which the Company believes would have a material
adverse affect on the Company. The Company is in the process of sending
follow-up inquiries to third parties and expects to complete its survey of third
parties in the spring of 1999.

To date, the Company has incurred expenses of approximately $3.0 million
related to the assessment of its Year 2000 issues and development and
implementation of its remediation plan. The total remaining cost of the
Company's Year 2000 project is estimated at $3.1 to $4.1 million and is being
funded through operating cash flows. Such costs do not include internal
management time and the deferral of other projects, the effects of which are not
expected to be material to the Company's results of operations or financial
condition. Of the total project cost, approximately $0.6 million is attributable
to the purchase of new software which will be capitalized. The remainder will be
expensed as incurred. The costs of the Year 2000 project and the dates upon
which the Company plans to complete its Year 2000 initiatives are based on
management's best estimates, which were derived by utilizing several assumptions
of future events including continued availability of certain resources, third
party modification plans and other factors. However, there can be no guarantee
that these estimates will be achieved, and actual results could differ
materially from those plans.

The Company believes that the cause of the most reasonable worst case Year
2000 scenario would be a failure by a significant third party in the Company's
supply chain (including, without limitation, utility or other general service
provider or government entity) to remediate its Year 2000 deficiencies that
continues for several days. If such failure interfered with the Company's
electronic data interface ("EDI") system, processing of customer orders and
shipments would be impaired and would result in the loss of sales and revenue.
In addition, a failure to timely remediate any of the Company's internal
inventory management operating systems would adversely affect the Company's
stock allocation program resulting in mis-timed shipments and potential order
cancellations. The extent of lost revenue as a result of such scenarios cannot
be estimated at this time.

The Company is in the process of developing contingency plans to ensure
that it can address aspects of these and others of its IT and non-IT systems
that could be affected by Year 2000 issues and intends to finalize its
contingency plans by no later than the summer of 1999. For instance, the Company
is in the process of exploring, where possible, alternate service providers and
is analyzing the possibility of using alternate but comparable systems currently
in use within the Company. The Company's Year 2000 efforts are ongoing and its
overall plan, as well as its development of contingency plans, will continue to
evolve as new information becomes available. While the Company anticipates
continuity of its business activities, that continuity will be dependent upon
its ability, and the ability of third parties with whom the Company relies on
directly, or indirectly, to be Year 2000 compliant. See Part II. Other
Information. Item 5. - "Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Disclosure."


18
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

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

(a) The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company was held on August
13, 1998.

(b) The following directors were elected at the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders to serve until the 1999 Annual Meeting and until their
respective successors are duly elected and qualified:

CLASS A DIRECTOR:
-----------------

Allen Questrom


CLASS B DIRECTORS:
------------------

Ralph Lauren
Michael J. Newman
Frank A. Bennack, Jr.
Terry S. Semel
Peter Strom


CLASS C DIRECTOR:
-----------------

Richard A. Friedman

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

NUMBER OF NUMBER OF
VOTES FOR VOTES WITHHELD
--------- --------------
CLASS A DIRECTOR:
-----------------

Allen Questrom 29,875,579 75,494


CLASS B DIRECTORS:
------------------

Ralph Lauren 432,800,210 -0-
Michael Newman 432,800,210 -0-
Peter Strom 432,800,210 -0-
Terry S. Semel 432,800,210 -0-
Frank A. Bennack, Jr. 432,800,210 -0-


CLASS C DIRECTOR:
-----------------

Richard A. Friedman 22,720,979 -0-


19
(ii)  485,414,622 votes were cast for and 32,226 votes were cast against
the ratification of the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the
independent auditors of the Company for the year ending April 3,
1999. Abstentions totaled 25,414; there were no broker nonvotes.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION.

STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING DISCLOSURE

Certain statements in this Form 10-Q and in future filings by the Company
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in the Company's press releases,
and in oral statements made by or with the approval of an authorized executive
officer constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Reform
Act. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance
or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future
results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such
forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following:
changes in global economic conditions; risks associated with changes in the
competitive marketplace, including the introduction of new products or pricing
changes by the Company's competitors; risks associated with the Company's
dependence on sales to a limited number of large department store customers and
risks related to extending credit to customers; risks associated with the
Company's dependence on its licensing partners for a substantial portion of its
net income and risks associated with a lack of operational and financial control
over licensed businesses; risks associated with consolidations, restructurings
and other ownership changes in the retail industry; uncertainties relating to
the Company's ability to implement its growth strategy; risks associated with
the possible adverse impact of the inability of the Company's unaffiliated
manufacturers to manufacture in a timely manner, to meet quality standards or to
use acceptable labor practices; risks associated with changes in social,
political, economic and other conditions affecting foreign operations and
sourcing; and, the possible adverse impact of changes in import restrictions.
The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any
forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future
events or otherwise.


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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

(a) Exhibits--

2.1 Agreement of Sale and Purchase, effective July 22, 1998, between Sun
Life Assurance Company of Canada, as seller, and Polo Ralph Lauren
Corporation, as buyer.

27.1 Financial Data Schedule

(b) Reports on Form 8-K--

No reports on Form 8-K were filed by the Company in the quarter ended
September 26, 1998.


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SIGNATURES

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


POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION


Date: November 10, 1998 By: /s/ Nancy A. Platoni Poli
-------------------------
Nancy A. Platoni Poli
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)


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