Ralph Lauren Reports Better-Than-Expected Fourth Quarter and Full Year Fiscal 2013 Profits

Ralph Lauren Reports Better-Than-Expected Fourth Quarter and Full Year Fiscal 2013 Profits

• Fourth Quarter Net Revenues were $1.6 Billion, Reflecting Strong Retail Segment Growth

• Consolidated Operating Income Rose 33% in the Fourth Quarter and Operating Margin Expanded 270 Basis Points to 11.1%

• Earnings Per Diluted Share Increased 38% to $1.37 in the Fourth Quarter

• Full Year Fiscal 2013 Net Revenues were $6.9 Billion and Diluted EPS Increased 12% to $8.00

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYS: RL) today reported net income of $127 million, or $1.37 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2013, compared to net income of $94 million, or $0.99 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2012. In the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2013, the Company recorded approximately $6 million in pre-tax impairment and restructuring charges associated with winding down its Rugby operations. Excluding the Rugby-related charges, net income rose 39% to $131 million and net income per diluted share increased 42% to $1.41 in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2013. Net income for the full year Fiscal 2013 period was $750 million, or $8.00 per diluted share, compared to net income of $681 million, or $7.13 per diluted share, for Fiscal 2012. Excluding $19 million in Rugby-related charges, net income for Fiscal 2013 rose 12% to $762 million and net income per diluted share increased 14% to $8.13.

"We achieved record sales and profit levels in Fiscal 2013," said Ralph Lauren, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Our relentless focus on innovation and our commitment to superior craftsmanship continued to build our global customer base. We have an exciting next few years ahead of us, especially as we grow our global store network and e-commerce platforms to showcase the full scope of our brand portfolio and lifestyle sensibilities."

"Our better-than-expected profitability in the fourth quarter and full year Fiscal 2013 periods is a direct result of the strong operational management of our global teams," said Roger Farah, President and Chief Operating Officer. "Enhanced profit flow-through was achieved despite sustained macroeconomic challenges and strategic decisions that mitigated revenue growth during the year. We are excited about the Company's diverse and compelling opportunities for future growth, and have planned Fiscal 2014 as a year of accelerated investment in our highest priority strategic initiatives."

Fourth Quarter and Full Year Fiscal 2013 Income Statement Review

Net Revenues. Net revenues for the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2013 rose 1% to $1.6 billion, reflecting strong retail segment expansion that was partially offset by lower wholesale segment sales. Excluding the impact of strategic decisions to discontinue American Living and store closures associated with the Company's Greater China network repositioning efforts, in addition to the net negative impact from foreign currency translation, net revenues increased approximately 4% in the fourth quarter.

Net revenues for the full year Fiscal 2013 period increased 1% to $6.9 billion, as strong retail segment growth was partially offset by a decline in wholesale segment sales and net unfavorable foreign currency effects. Excluding the impact of strategic decisions to discontinue American Living and store closures associated with the Company's Greater China network repositioning efforts, in addition to the net negative impact from foreign currency translation, net revenues increased approximately 5% in Fiscal 2013.

• Wholesale Sales. Wholesale segment sales of $796 million in the fourth quarter were 4% below the prior year period, primarily due to the discontinuation of American Living in Fiscal 2013 and a proactive reduction in shipments to certain European customers.
  
  For Fiscal 2013, wholesale revenues were $3.1 billion, 3% below Fiscal 2012. The decline in wholesale sales was a result of a proactive reduction in shipments to certain European specialty stores, the discontinuation of American Living and the net negative impact of foreign currency translation, all of which was partially offset by continued growth for core merchandise categories in the Americas.

• Retail Sales. Retail sales rose 7% to $804 million from $752 million in the fourth quarter last year, reflecting the incremental contribution from new stores and e-commerce operations and comparable store sales growth. Consolidated comparable store sales rose 3% on a reported basis and were up 4% in constant currency during the fourth quarter.
  
  Retail sales for Fiscal 2013 were up 6% to $3.6 billion from $3.4 billion in Fiscal 2012, driven by the contribution from new stores and e-commerce platforms and comparable store sales growth. During Fiscal 2013, consolidated comparable store sales rose 3% on a reported basis and were up 4% in constant currency basis.

• Licensing. Licensing revenues of $43 million in the fourth quarter were in line with the prior year period, as higher apparel product licensing revenues were offset by lower home product licensing royalties.
  
  Licensing royalties of $182 million in Fiscal 2013 were 1% above Fiscal 2012's level. Higher apparel and fragrance licensing royalties more than offset lower home product licensing royalties due to the transition of certain formerly licensed operations to directly controlled operations and the discontinuance of certain American Living licensing arrangements.

Gross Profit. Gross profit for the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2013 increased 5% to $974 million and gross profit margin improved 220 basis points to 59.3%. The higher gross profit margin was primarily driven by lower input costs, beneficial channel and product mix and operational discipline.

Gross profit for Fiscal 2013 increased 4% to $4.2 billion compared to $4.0 billion in Fiscal 2012. Gross profit margin for Fiscal 2013 was 59.8%, 150 basis points greater than the prior year, primarily due to lower input costs, beneficial channel and product mix and operational discipline.

Operating Expenses. Operating expenses of $792 million in the fourth quarter were in line with the prior year period and were 48.2% of sales, 50 basis points below the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2012. The improvement in operating expense rate primarily reflects disciplined operational management and was achieved despite increased costs associated with overall business expansion, continued investment in the Company's long-term strategic growth initiatives and impairment charges.

Operating expenses for Fiscal 2013 were $3.0 billion, 2% greater than Fiscal 2012. Operating expense rate was 43.6%, 50 basis points higher than Fiscal 2012, largely due to costs associated with overall business expansion, continued investment in the Company's long-term strategic growth initiatives and infrastructure and increased impairment charges, principally as a result of the Rugby closure.

Operating Income. Operating income for the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2013 was $182 million, 33% greater than the prior year. Operating margin was 11.1% of sales, 270 basis points stronger than the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2012, reflecting the higher gross profit margin and operating expense leverage discussed above.

Fiscal 2013's operating income of $1.1 billion was 8% greater than Fiscal 2012 and the operating margin increased 100 basis points to 16.2%. The growth in operating income and higher operating margin were a result of improved gross margins that were partially offset by a higher operating expense rate.

• Wholesale Operating Income. Wholesale operating income increased 16% in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2013 to $175 million from $150 million last year, and wholesale operating margin expanded 380 basis points to 22.0%. The improvement in wholesale operating margin was primarily due to higher gross margins as a result of lower input costs, favorable product mix and operational discipline.
  
  Wholesale operating income rose 8% in Fiscal 2013 to $706 million from $654 million in Fiscal 2012. Wholesale operating margin for Fiscal 2013 was 22.5% compared to 20.2% in Fiscal 2012. The improvement in wholesale operating margin was primarily due to higher gross margins as a result of lower input costs, favorable product mix and operational discipline.

• Retail Operating Income. Retail operating income of $74 million was 73% greater than the $43 million achieved in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2012, and retail operating margin expanded 350 basis points to 9.2%. The improvement in retail operating margin was principally a result of operational discipline that supported stronger profitability in all major geographies, particularly in international markets.
  
  Retail operating income increased 11% in Fiscal 2013 to $611 million from $553 million in Fiscal 2012, and retail operating margin improved 80 basis points to 16.9%. Excluding the Rugby-related charges, retail operating margin was 17.1%, 100 basis points greater than the prior year period, a result of comparable store sales growth and disciplined operational management that more than offset continued investment in global e-commerce and the impact of the Company's Greater China network repositioning efforts.

• Licensing Operating Income. Licensing operating income declined 3% to $29 million from $30 million in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2012. Fiscal 2013 licensing operating income increased 1% to $130 million from $129 million in Fiscal 2012.

Net Income and Diluted EPS. Net income for the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2013 was $127 million, 35% greater than the $94 million achieved in the comparable period of Fiscal 2012, and net income per diluted share rose 38% to $1.37 from $0.99 for the same time period. The increases in net income and net income per diluted share were principally the result of the growth in operating income discussed above. The lower effective tax rate of 25% in the fourth quarter compared to 28% in the prior year period was primarily related to a favorable discrete tax item during the quarter and to favorable geographic mix. Excluding Rugby-related impairment and restructuring charges, net income for the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2013 rose 39% to $131 million and net income per diluted share increased 42% to $1.41.

Net income for the full year Fiscal 2013 period increased 10% to $750 million from $681 million in Fiscal 2012. Net income per diluted share for Fiscal 2013 was $8.00, 12% greater than the $7.13 earned in Fiscal 2012. The growth in net income and net income per diluted share was principally due to the higher operating income discussed above. The effective tax rate for Fiscal 2013 was 31% compared to 33% in Fiscal 2012. Excluding Rugby-related impairment and restructuring charges, net income for Fiscal 2013 rose 12% to $762 million and net income per diluted share increased 14% to $8.13.

Fourth Quarter and Full Year Fiscal 2013 Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Review

The Company ended the fourth quarter with $1.4 billion in cash and investments, or $1.1 billion in cash and investments net of debt ("net cash"), compared to $1.3 billion in cash and investments and $1.0 billion in net cash at the end of the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2012. The fourth quarter ended with inventory up 6% to $896 million from $842 million in the fourth quarter of last year.

The Company had $276 million in capital expenditures in Fiscal 2013, compared to $272 million in the prior year period. The Company repurchased approximately three million shares of Class A Common Stock at an average cost of $149 during Fiscal 2013. In aggregate, the Company utilized $500 million of its authorized share repurchase programs during the year and approximately $577 million remained available under authorized share repurchase programs at the end of the fourth quarter.

Global Retail Store Network

The Company ended the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2013 with 388 directly operated stores, comprised of 116 Ralph Lauren stores, 59 Club Monaco stores and 213 Polo factory stores. The Company also operated 494 concession shop locations worldwide at the end of the fourth quarter. In addition to Company-operated locations, international licensing partners operated 62 Ralph Lauren stores and 32 dedicated shops, as well as 64 Club Monaco stores and shops at the end of the fourth quarter.

Fiscal 2014 Outlook

The Company currently expects consolidated net revenues for Fiscal 2014 to increase by 4%-7%, including a 150 basis point net negative impact from foreign currency translation. Operating margin for Fiscal 2014 is currently expected to be 25-75 basis points below the prior year's record level due to the integration of certain formerly licensed merchandise categories and geographic regions to directly controlled operations, accelerated investment in the Company's long-term growth initiatives and unfavorable foreign currency effects. The full year Fiscal 2014 tax rate is estimated at 31%. Capital expenditures are planned at approximately $350-$450 million in Fiscal 2014.

In the first quarter of Fiscal 2014, the Company expects consolidated net revenues to increase by a low-single-digit percentage, including a 150 basis point net negative impact from foreign currency translation. Wholesale sales are expected to grow slightly faster than retail sales due to the transition of certain formerly licensed merchandise categories to directly controlled operations. Operating margin for the first quarter of Fiscal 2014 is expected to be approximately 200-250 basis points below the comparable prior year period due to the integration of newly assumed operations, the timing of investments to support the Company's strategic growth objectives and unfavorable foreign currency effects. The first quarter tax rate is estimated at 32%.

Conference Call

As previously announced, the Company will host a conference call and live online webcast today, Thursday, May 23, 2013, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern. Listeners may access a live broadcast of the conference call on the Company's investor relations website at http://investor.ralphlauren.com or by dialing 719-325-2499. To access the conference call, listeners should dial in by 8:45 a.m. Eastern and request to be connected to the Ralph Lauren Fourth Quarter and Full Year Fiscal 2013 conference call.

An online archive of the broadcast will be available by accessing the Company's investor relations website at http://investor.ralphlauren.com. A telephone replay of the call will be available from 1:00 P.M. Eastern, Thursday, May 23, 2013 through 1:00 P.M. Eastern, Wednesday, May 29, 2013 by dialing 719-457-0820 and entering passcode 9627830.

ABOUT RALPH LAUREN

Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYS: RL) is a leader in the design, marketing and distribution of premium lifestyle products in four categories: apparel, home, accessories and fragrances. For more than 46 years, Ralph Lauren's reputation and distinctive image have been consistently developed across an expanding number of products, brands and international markets. The Company's brand names, which include Polo by Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Ralph Lauren Collection, Black Label, Blue Label, Lauren by Ralph Lauren, RRL, RLX, Ralph Lauren Childrenswear, Denim & Supply Ralph Lauren, Chaps and Club Monaco, constitute one of the world's most widely recognized families of consumer brands. For more information, go to http://investor.ralphlauren.com.

This press release and oral statements made from time to time by representatives of the Company contain certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding, among other things, our current expectations about the Company's future results and financial condition, revenues, store openings, margins, expenses and earnings and are indicated by words or phrases such as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project," "we believe" and similar words or phrases. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the future results, performance or achievements expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based largely on the Company's expectations and judgments and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are unforeseeable and beyond our control. The factors that could cause actual results to materially differ include, among others: the loss of key personnel; our ability to successfully implement our anticipated growth strategies, to continue to expand or grow our business and capitalize on our repositioning initiatives in certain merchandise categories; the impact of global economic conditions and domestic and foreign currency fluctuations on the Company, the global economy and the consumer marketplace and our ability to access sources of liquidity; our ability to secure the technology facilities and systems used by the Company and those of third party service providers from, among other things, cybersecurity breaches, acts of vandalism, computer viruses or similar events; our ability to continue to maintain our brand image and reputation and protect our trademarks; the impact of the challenging state of the global economy on consumer purchases of premium lifestyle products that we sell and our ability to forecast consumer demand; changes in the competitive marketplace and in our commercial relationships; risks associated with changes in social, political, economic and other conditions affecting foreign operations or sourcing (including tariffs and trade controls, raw materials prices and labor costs); changes in our effective tax rates or credit profile and ratings within the financial community; our ability to continue to expand our business internationally; changes in our relationships with department store customers and licensing partners; risks associated with our international operations, such as compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act or violations of other anti-bribery and corruption laws prohibiting improper payments and the burdens of complying with a variety of foreign laws and regulations, including tax laws; the potential impact on our operations and customers resulting from natural or man-made disasters; and other risk factors identified in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 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.