Table of Contents

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

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, 2016

 

OR

 

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

 

For the transition period from                 to                 

 

Commission file number: 1-14064

 

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

11-2408943

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

 

 

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

 

10153
(Zip Code)

 

212-572-4200

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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 o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes x  No o

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer x

 

Accelerated filer o

 

 

 

Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

Smaller reporting company o

 

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

 

At October 26, 2016, 222,278,648 shares of the registrant’s Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value, and 144,161,737 shares of the registrant’s Class B Common Stock, $.01 par value, were outstanding.

 

 

 


 


Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

INDEX

 

 

Page

 

 

Part I. Financial Information

 

 

 

Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Earnings —

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 and 2015

2

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) —

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 and 2015

3

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets —

 

September 30, 2016 and June 30, 2016 (Audited)

4

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows —

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 and 2015

5

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

6

 

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of

 

Financial Condition and Results of Operations

26

 

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

45

 

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

45

 

 

Part II. Other Information

 

 

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

46

 

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

46

 

 

Item 6. Exhibits

47

 

 

Signatures

48

 


 


Table of Contents

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements.

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30

 

 

 

2016

 

2015

 

 

 

(In millions, except per share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Sales

 

$

2,865

 

$

2,835

 

Cost of Sales

 

596

 

577

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross Profit

 

2,269

 

2,258

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

1,825

 

1,805

 

Restructuring and other charges

 

26

 

 

Total operating expenses

 

1,851

 

1,805

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Income

 

418

 

453

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

21

 

17

 

Interest income and investment income, net

 

6

 

3

 

Earnings before Income Taxes

 

403

 

439

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for income taxes

 

107

 

128

 

Net Earnings

 

296

 

311

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

(2

)

(2

)

Net Earnings Attributable to The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

 

$

294

 

$

309

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings attributable to The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. per common share

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

.80

 

$

.83

 

Diluted

 

$

.79

 

$

.82

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average common shares outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

366.4

 

372.5

 

Diluted

 

373.3

 

379.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash dividends declared per common share

 

$

.30

 

$

.24

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

2



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30

 

 

 

2016

 

2015

 

 

 

(In millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

$

296

 

$

311

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

Net unrealized investment gain (loss)

 

(4

)

1

 

Net derivative instrument gain (loss)

 

(6

)

11

 

Amounts included in net periodic benefit cost

 

8

 

6

 

Translation adjustments

 

1

 

(79

)

Benefit (provision) for deferred income taxes on components of other comprehensive income

 

(1

)

(7

)

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

 

(2

)

(68

)

Comprehensive income (loss)

 

294

 

243

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests:

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

(2

)

(2

)

Translation adjustments

 

(1

)

 

 

 

(3

)

(2

)

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

 

$

291

 

$

241

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

3



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

 

September 30

 

June 30

 

 

 

2016

 

2016

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

($ in millions)

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

664

 

$

914

 

Short-term investments

 

525

 

469

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

1,624

 

1,258

 

Inventory and promotional merchandise, net

 

1,296

 

1,264

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

292

 

320

 

Total current assets

 

4,401

 

4,225

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, Plant and Equipment, net

 

1,569

 

1,583

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term investments

 

1,050

 

1,108

 

Goodwill

 

1,229

 

1,228

 

Other intangible assets, net

 

340

 

344

 

Other assets

 

759

 

735

 

Total other assets

 

3,378

 

3,415

 

Total assets

 

$

9,348

 

$

9,223

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Current debt

 

$

592

 

$

332

 

Accounts payable

 

546

 

717

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

1,574

 

1,632

 

Total current liabilities

 

2,712

 

2,681

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noncurrent Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

1,908

 

1,910

 

Other noncurrent liabilities

 

1,053

 

1,045

 

Total noncurrent liabilities

 

2,961

 

2,955

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contingencies (Note 8)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $.01 par value; Class A shares authorized: 1,300,000,000 at September 30, 2016 and June 30, 2016; shares issued: 425,646,311 at September 30, 2016 and 424,109,008 at June 30, 2016; Class B shares authorized: 304,000,000 at September 30, 2016 and June 30, 2016; shares issued and outstanding: 144,161,737 at September 30, 2016 and 144,770,237 at June 30, 2016

 

6

 

6

 

Paid-in capital

 

3,286

 

3,161

 

Retained earnings

 

7,876

 

7,693

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(548

)

(545

)

 

 

10,620

 

10,315

 

Less: Treasury stock, at cost; 203,485,000 Class A shares at September 30, 2016 and 201,119,435 Class A shares at June 30, 2016

 

(6,963

)

(6,743

)

Total stockholders’ equity — The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

 

3,657

 

3,572

 

Noncontrolling interests

 

18

 

15

 

Total equity

 

3,675

 

3,587

 

Total liabilities and equity

 

$

9,348

 

$

9,223

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

4



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30

 

 

 

2016

 

2015

 

 

 

(In millions)

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

$

296

 

$

311

 

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

106

 

98

 

Deferred income taxes

 

(32

)

(21

)

Non-cash stock-based compensation

 

88

 

69

 

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation arrangements

 

(10

)

(4

)

Net (gain) loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

 

(7

)

2

 

Non-cash restructuring and other charges

 

1

 

 

Pension and post-retirement benefit expense

 

20

 

18

 

Pension and post-retirement benefit contributions

 

(4

)

(7

)

Change in fair value of contingent consideration

 

4

 

5

 

Other non-cash items

 

(4

)

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Increase in accounts receivable, net

 

(365

)

(389

)

Decrease (increase) in inventory and promotional merchandise, net

 

(31

)

17

 

Decrease (increase) in other assets, net

 

4

 

(22

)

Decrease in accounts payable

 

(170

)

(101

)

Increase (decrease) in other accrued and noncurrent liabilities

 

(46

)

32

 

Net cash flows provided by (used for) operating activities

 

(150

)

8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

(85

)

(90

)

Payments for acquired businesses, net of cash acquired

 

(10

)

(19

)

Proceeds from disposition of investments

 

365

 

233

 

Purchases of investments

 

(348

)

(688

)

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

 

12

 

 

Net cash flows used for investing activities

 

(66

)

(564

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds of current debt, net

 

263

 

426

 

Repayments and redemptions of long-term debt

 

(2

)

(2

)

Net proceeds from stock-based compensation transactions

 

26

 

6

 

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation arrangements

 

10

 

4

 

Payments to acquire treasury stock

 

(222

)

(387

)

Dividends paid to stockholders

 

(111

)

(90

)

Payments to noncontrolling interest holders for dividends

 

 

(1

)

Net cash flows used for financing activities

 

(36

)

(44

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

2

 

(13

)

Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

(250

)

(613

)

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period

 

914

 

1,021

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period

 

$

664

 

$

408

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

5


 


Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE 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 Estée Lauder Companies Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”).  All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

 

The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) 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 U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments of a normal recurring nature 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 full fiscal year.  The interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying footnotes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016.

 

Management Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses reported in those financial statements.  Certain significant accounting policies that contain subjective management estimates and assumptions include those related to revenue recognition, inventory, pension and other post-retirement benefit costs, goodwill, other intangible assets and long-lived assets, and income taxes.  Descriptions of these policies are discussed in the notes to consolidated financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016.  Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, and makes adjustments when facts and circumstances dictate.  As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from those estimates and assumptions.  Significant changes, if any, in those estimates and assumptions resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the consolidated financial statements in future periods.

 

Currency Translation and Transactions

 

All assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries and affiliates are translated at period-end rates of exchange, while revenue and expenses are translated at weighted-average rates of exchange for the period.  Unrealized translation gains (losses), net of tax, reported as cumulative translation adjustments through other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”) attributable to The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. were de minimis for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and $(84) million during the three months ended September 30, 2015.

 

The Company enters into foreign currency forward contracts and may enter into option contracts to hedge foreign currency transactions for periods consistent with its identified exposures.  Accordingly, the Company categorizes these instruments as entered into for purposes other than trading.

 

The accompanying consolidated statements of earnings include net exchange gains (losses) on foreign currency transactions of $5 million and $(5) million during the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

Accounts Receivable

 

Accounts receivable is stated net of the allowance for doubtful accounts and customer deductions totaling $25 million and $24 million as of September 30, 2016 and June 30, 2016, respectively.

 

Concentration of Credit Risk

 

The Company is a worldwide manufacturer, marketer and distributor of skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products.  The Company’s sales subject to credit risk are made primarily to department stores, perfumeries, specialty multi-brand retailers and retailers in its travel retail business.  The Company grants credit to all qualified customers and does not believe it is exposed significantly to any undue concentration of credit risk.

 

6



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The Company’s largest customer sells products primarily within the United States and accounted for $307 million, or 11%, and $339 million, or 12%, of the Company’s consolidated net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  This customer accounted for $247 million, or 15%, and $164 million, or 13%, of the Company’s accounts receivable at September 30, 2016 and June 30, 2016, respectively.

 

Inventory and Promotional Merchandise

 

Inventory and promotional merchandise, net consists of:

 

 

 

September 30

 

June 30

 

(In millions)

 

2016

 

2016

 

Raw materials

 

$

293

 

$

306

 

Work in process

 

148

 

177

 

Finished goods

 

671

 

622

 

Promotional merchandise

 

184

 

159

 

 

 

$

1,296

 

$

1,264

 

 

Property, Plant and Equipment

 

 

 

September 30

 

June 30

 

(In millions)

 

2016

 

2016

 

Assets (Useful Life)

 

 

 

 

 

Land

 

$

19

 

$

15

 

Buildings and improvements (10 to 40 years)

 

185

 

187

 

Machinery and equipment (3 to 10 years)

 

686

 

680

 

Computer hardware and software (4 to 15 years)

 

1,062

 

1,041

 

Furniture and fixtures (5 to 10 years)

 

91

 

84

 

Leasehold improvements

 

1,817

 

1,789

 

 

 

3,860

 

3,796

 

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

(2,291

)

(2,213

)

 

 

$

1,569

 

$

1,583

 

 

The cost of assets related to projects in progress of $177 million and $186 million as of September 30, 2016 and June 30, 2016, respectively, is included in their respective asset categories above.  Depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment was $102 million and $95 million during the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  Depreciation and amortization related to the Company’s manufacturing process is included in Cost of Sales, and all other depreciation and amortization is included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings.

 

Other Accrued Liabilities

 

Other accrued liabilities consist of the following:

 

 

 

September 30

 

June 30

 

(In millions)

 

2016

 

2016

 

Advertising, merchandising and sampling

 

$

305

 

$

283

 

Employee compensation

 

335

 

504

 

Payroll and other taxes

 

195

 

163

 

Other

 

739

 

682

 

 

 

$

1,574

 

$

1,632

 

 

7



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Income Taxes

 

The effective rate for income taxes was 26.6% and 29.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate was attributable to a lower effective tax rate on the Company’s foreign operations, as well as a reduction in income tax reserves.

 

As of September 30, 2016 and June 30, 2016, the gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits, exclusive of interest and penalties, totaled $83 million and $82 million, respectively.  The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits at September 30, 2016 that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate was $55 million. The total gross interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits during the three months ended September 30, 2016 in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings was $1 million.  The total gross accrued interest and penalties in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2016 and June 30, 2016 was $19 million and $18 million, respectively.  On the basis of the information available as of September 30, 2016, it is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits could decrease in a range of $10 million to $15 million within the next twelve months as a result of projected resolutions of global tax examinations and controversies and a potential lapse of the applicable statutes of limitations.

 

Debt

 

As of September 30, 2016, the Company had $270 million of commercial paper outstanding, maturing through November 2016, which the Company is refinancing on a periodic basis at prevailing market interest rates as it matures. In October 2016, the Company increased the size of its commercial paper program to $1.5 billion (from $1.0 billion) under which it may issue commercial paper in the United States.

 

In October 2016, the Company replaced its undrawn $1.0 billion unsecured revolving credit facility that was set to expire on July 15, 2020 (the “Prior Facility”) with a new $1.5 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility that expires on October 3, 2021, unless extended for up to two additional years in accordance with the terms set forth in the agreement (the “New Facility”).  At September 30, 2016, no borrowings were outstanding under the Prior Facility.  The New Facility may be used for general corporate purposes.  Up to the equivalent of $500 million of the New Facility is available for multi-currency loans.  Interest rates on borrowings under the New Facility will be based on prevailing market interest rates in accordance with the agreement.  The Company incurred costs of approximately $1 million to establish the New Facility, which will be amortized over the term of the facility.  The New Facility has an annual fee of approximately $1 million, payable quarterly, based on the Company’s current credit ratings.  The New Facility contains a cross-default provision whereby a failure to pay other material financial obligations in excess of $175 million (after grace periods and absent a waiver from the lenders) would result in an event of default and the acceleration of the maturity of any outstanding debt under this facility.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

 

Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments

 

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued authoritative guidance that requires companies to utilize an impairment model for most financial assets measured at amortized cost and certain other financial instruments, which include trade and other receivables, loans and held-to-maturity debt securities, to record an allowance for credit risk based on expected losses rather than incurred losses.  In addition, this new guidance changes the recognition method for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities, which can occur as a result of market and credit risk, as well as additional disclosures.  In general, this guidance will require modified retrospective adoption for all outstanding instruments that fall under this guidance.

 

Effective date for the Company — Fiscal 2021 first quarter.

 

Impact on consolidated financial statements — Currently evaluating the impact of applying this guidance.

 

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Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Compensation - Stock Compensation

 

In March 2016, as part of its simplification initiative, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that changes the way companies account for certain aspects of share-based payments to employees. This new guidance requires that all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies related to share-based compensation awards be recorded as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement.  In addition, companies are required to treat the tax effects of exercised or vested awards as discrete items in the period that they occur.  This guidance also permits an employer to withhold up to the maximum statutory withholding rates in a jurisdiction without triggering liability classification, allows companies to elect to account for forfeitures as they occur, and provides requirements for the cash flow classification of cash paid by an employer when directly withholding shares for tax-withholding purposes and for the classification of excess tax benefits.  The new guidance prescribes different transition methods for the various provisions.

 

Effective date for the Company — Fiscal 2018 first quarter, with early adoption permitted.

 

Impact on consolidated financial statements — Currently evaluating the impact of applying this guidance.

 

Leases

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that requires lessees to account for most leases on their balance sheets with the liability being equal to the present value of the lease payments.  The right-of-use asset will be based on the lease liability adjusted for certain costs such as direct costs.  Lease expense will be recognized similar to current accounting guidance with operating leases resulting in a straight-line expense, and financing leases resulting in a front-loaded expense similar to the current accounting for capital leases.  This guidance must be adopted using a modified retrospective transition approach for leases that exist or are entered into after the beginning of the earliest comparative period in the financial statements, and provides for certain practical expedients.

 

Effective date for the Company — Fiscal 2020 first quarter, with early adoption permitted.

 

Impact on consolidated financial statements — Currently evaluating the impact of applying this guidance.

 

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that defines how companies should report revenues from contracts with customers.  The standard requires an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.  It provides companies with a single comprehensive five-step principles-based model to use in accounting for revenue and supersedes current revenue recognition requirements, including most industry-specific and transaction-specific revenue guidance.

 

In March 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that amended the principal versus agent guidance in its new revenue recognition standard.  These amendments do not change the key aspects of the principal versus agent guidance, including the definition that an entity is a principal if it controls the good or service prior to it being transferred to a customer, but the amendments clarify the implementation guidance related to the considerations that must be made during the contract evaluation process.

 

In April 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that amended the new standard to clarify the guidance on identifying performance obligations and accounting for licenses of intellectual property.

 

In May 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that clarified certain terms, guidance and disclosure requirements during the transition period related to completed contracts and contract modifications.  In addition, the FASB provided clarification on the concept of collectability, the calculation of the fair value of noncash consideration and the presentation of sales and other similar taxes.

 

In May 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance to reflect the Securities and Exchange Commission Staff’s rescission of their prior comments that covered, among other things, accounting for shipping and handling costs and accounting for consideration given by a vendor to a customer.

 

9



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Effective date for the Company — Fiscal 2019, with early adoption permitted.  An entity is permitted to apply the foregoing guidance retrospectively to all prior periods presented, with certain practical expedients, or apply the requirements in the year of adoption, through a cumulative adjustment.

 

Impact on consolidated financial statements — The Company will apply all of this new guidance when they become effective in fiscal 2019 and has not yet selected a transition method.  The Company currently has an implementation team in place that is performing a comprehensive evaluation of the impact of adoption on its consolidated financial statements.

 

No other recently issued accounting pronouncements are expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

NOTE 2 — INVESTMENTS

 

Gains and losses recorded in accumulated OCI (“AOCI”) related to the Company’s available-for-sale investments as of September 30, 2016 were as follows:

 

(In millions) 

 

Cost

 

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

 

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

 

Fair Value

 

U.S. government and agency securities

 

$

496

 

$

1

 

$

 

$

497

 

Foreign government and agency securities

 

76

 

 

 

76

 

Corporate notes and bonds

 

512

 

2

 

 

514

 

Time deposits

 

390

 

 

 

390

 

Other securities

 

21

 

 

 

21

 

Total

 

$

1,495

 

$

3

 

$

 

$

1,498

 

 

Gains and losses recorded in AOCI related to the Company’s available-for-sale investments as of June 30, 2016 were as follows:

 

(In millions) 

 

Cost

 

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

 

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

 

Fair Value

 

U.S. government and agency securities

 

$

560

 

$

3

 

$

 

$

563

 

Foreign government and agency securities

 

61

 

 

 

61

 

Corporate notes and bonds

 

454

 

3

 

 

457

 

Time deposits

 

390

 

 

 

390

 

Other securities

 

32

 

1

 

 

33

 

Total

 

$

1,497

 

$

7

 

$

 

$

1,504

 

 

The following table presents the Company’s available-for-sale securities by contractual maturity as of September 30, 2016:

 

(In millions)

 

Cost

 

Fair Value

 

Due within one year

 

$

525

 

$

525

 

Due after one through five years

 

970

 

973

 

 

 

$

1,495

 

$

1,498

 

 

The following table presents the fair market value of the Company’s investments with gross unrealized losses that are not deemed to be other-than temporarily impaired as of September 30, 2016:

 

 

 

In a Loss Position for Less Than 12
Months

 

In a Loss Position for More Than 12
Months

 

(In millions)

 

Fair Value

 

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

 

Fair Value

 

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

 

Available-for-sale securities

 

$

261

 

$

 

$

22

 

$

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Gross gains and losses realized on sales of investments included in the consolidated statements of earnings were as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30

 

(In millions)

 

2016

 

2015

 

Gross realized gains

 

$

1

 

$

 

Gross realized losses

 

 

 

Total

 

$

1

 

$

 

 

The Company utilizes the first-in, first-out method to determine the cost of the security sold.  Sales proceeds from investments classified as available-for-sale were $181 million and $194 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

NOTE 3 — GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

The following table presents goodwill by product category and the related change in the carrying amount:

 

(In millions)

 

Skin Care

 

Makeup

 

Fragrance

 

Hair Care

 

Total

 

Balance as of June 30, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

$

184

 

$

460

 

$

255

 

$

393

 

$

1,292

 

Accumulated impairments

 

(29

)

 

 

(35

)

(64

)

 

 

155

 

460

 

255

 

358

 

1,228

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill acquired during the period

 

 

3

 

 

 

3

 

Translation adjustments

 

 

 

(2

)

 

(2

)

 

 

 

3

 

(2

)

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of September 30, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

184

 

463

 

253

 

392

 

1,292

 

Accumulated impairments

 

(29

)

 

 

(34

)

(63

)

 

 

$

155

 

$

463

 

$

253

 

$

358

 

$

1,229

 

 

Other intangible assets consist of the following:

 

 

 

September 30, 2016

 

June 30, 2016

 

(In millions)

 

Gross
Carrying
Value

 

Accumulated
Amortization

 

Total Net
Book
Value

 

Gross
Carrying
Value

 

Accumulated
Amortization

 

Total Net
Book
Value

 

Amortizable intangible assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Customer lists and other

 

$

299

 

$

248

 

$

51

 

$

299

 

$

245

 

$

54

 

License agreements

 

43

 

43

 

 

43

 

43

 

 

 

 

$

342

 

$

291

 

51

 

$

342

 

$

288

 

54

 

Non-amortizable intangible assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trademarks and other

 

 

 

 

 

289

 

 

 

 

 

290

 

Total intangible assets

 

 

 

 

 

$

340

 

 

 

 

 

$

344

 

 

The aggregate amortization expense related to amortizable intangible assets was $4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.  The estimated aggregate amortization expense for the remainder of fiscal 2017 and for each of fiscal 2018 to 2021 is $10 million, $13 million, $12 million, $5 million and $4 million, respectively.

 

11



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 4 — CHARGES ASSOCIATED WITH RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES

 

Background

 

In May 2016, the Company announced a multi-year initiative (“Leading Beauty Forward” or “LBF”) to build on its strengths and better leverage its cost structure to free resources for investment to continue its growth momentum.  LBF is designed to enhance the Company’s go-to-market capabilities, reinforce its leadership in global prestige beauty and continue creating sustainable value.

 

The Company plans to approve specific initiatives under LBF through fiscal 2019 related to the optimization of select corporate functions, supply chain activities, and corporate and regional market support structures, as well as the exit of underperforming businesses, and expects to complete those initiatives through fiscal 2021.  Inclusive of charges recorded from inception through September 30, 2016, the Company expects that LBF will result in related restructuring and other charges totaling between $600 million and $700 million before taxes.

 

Restructuring actions to be taken over the duration of LBF involve the redesigning, resizing and reorganization of select corporate functions and go-to-market structures to improve effectiveness and create cost efficiencies in support of increased investment in growth drivers.  As the Company continues to grow, it is important to more efficiently support its diverse portfolio of brands, channels and geographies in the rapidly evolving prestige beauty environment.  The initiatives being evaluated include the creation of a shared-services structure, either through Company-owned or third-party service providers in existing or lower-cost locations.  The Company also believes that decision-making in key areas of innovation, marketing and digital communications should be moved closer to the consumer to increase speed and local relevance.

 

In connection with LBF, at this time, the Company estimates a net reduction in the range of approximately 900 to 1,200 positions globally, which is about 2.5% of its current workforce. This reduction takes into account the elimination of some positions, retraining and redeployment of certain employees and investment in new positions in key areas.

 

Program-to-Date Approvals

 

Of the $600 million to $700 million restructuring and other charges expected to be incurred, total cumulative charges approved by the Company through September 30, 2016 were:

 

 

 

Sales
Returns

 

 

 

Operating Expenses

 

 

 

(In millions)

 

(included in
Net Sales)

 

Cost of Sales

 

Restructuring
Charges

 

Other
Charges

 

Total

 

Approval Period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal 2016

 

$

4

 

$

3

 

$

87

 

$

96

 

$

190

 

Three months ended September 30, 2016

 

 

 

7

 

1

 

8

 

Cumulative through September 30, 2016

 

$

4

 

$

3

 

$

94

 

$

97

 

$

198

 

 

Included in the above table, cumulative restructuring initiatives approved by the Company through September 30, 2016 by major cost type were:

 

(In millions)

 

Employee-Related
Costs

 

Asset-
Related
Costs

 

Contract
Terminations

 

Other Exit
Costs

 

Total

 

Approval Period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal 2016

 

$

75

 

$

3

 

$

5

 

$

4

 

$

87

 

Three months ended September 30, 2016

 

6

 

 

 

1

 

7

 

Cumulative through September 30, 2016

 

$

81

 

$

3

 

$

5

 

$

5

 

$

94

 

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2016, the Company continued to approve initiatives to enhance its go-to-market support structures and achieve synergies across certain geographic regions, brands and channels.  These initiatives are primarily intended to shift certain areas of focus from traditional to social and digital marketing strategies to provide enhanced consumer experience, as well as to support expanded omnichannel opportunities.  These actions will result in a net reduction of the workforce, which includes position eliminations, the re-leveling of certain positions and an investment in new capabilities.

 

12



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Program-to-Date Restructuring and Other Charges

 

The Company records approved charges associated with restructuring activities once the relevant accounting criteria have been met.  Total cumulative charges recorded associated with restructuring initiatives for LBF were:

 

 

 

Sales
Returns

 

 

 

Operating Expenses

 

 

 

(In millions)

 

(included in
Net Sales)

 

Cost of Sales

 

Restructuring
Charges

 

Other
Charges

 

Total

 

Fiscal 2016

 

$

1

 

$

 

$

75

 

$

5

 

$

81

 

Three months ended September 30, 2016

 

2

 

3

 

8

 

18

 

31

 

Cumulative through September 30, 2016

 

$

3

 

$

3

 

$

83

 

$

23

 

$

112

 

 

Charges recorded during the three months ended September 30, 2016 included returns (and the related cost of sales) and inventory write-offs related to the exit of certain businesses in select markets and channels of distribution.  Cost of sales also included consulting and professional services incurred related to the design of supply chain planning activities.  Other charges associated with LBF initiatives primarily reflected consulting and other professional services related to the design of the future structures, processes and technologies of certain corporate functions and, to a lesser extent, costs to establish and maintain the LBF Project Management Office.  Other charges are included in Restructuring and other charges in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings.

 

Included in the above table, aggregate restructuring charges by major cost type were:

 

(In millions)

 

Employee-
Related
Costs

 

Asset-
Related
Costs

 

Contract
Terminations

 

Other Exit
Costs

 

Total

 

Fiscal 2016

 

$

74

 

$

1

 

$

 

$

 

$

75

 

Three months ended September 30, 2016

 

5

 

1

 

2

 

 

8

 

Charges recorded through September 30, 2016

 

$

79

 

$

2

 

$

2

 

$

 

$

83

 

 

Accrued restructuring charges from program inception through September 30, 2016 were:

 

(In millions)

 

Employee-
Related
Costs

 

Asset-
Related
Costs

 

Contract
Terminations

 

Other Exit
Costs

 

Total

 

Charges

 

$

74

 

$

1

 

$

 

$

 

$

75

 

Non-cash asset write-offs

 

 

(1

)

 

 

(1

)

Translation adjustments

 

(1

)

 

 

 

(1

)

Balance at June 30, 2016

 

73

 

 

 

 

73

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charges

 

5

 

1

 

2

 

 

8

 

Cash payments

 

(7

)

 

(2

)

 

(9

)

Non-cash asset write-offs

 

 

(1

)

 

 

(1

)

Translation adjustments

 

(1

)

 

 

 

(1

)

Balance at September 30, 2016

 

$

70

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

70

 

 

Accrued restructuring charges at September 30, 2016 are expected to result in cash expenditures funded from cash provided by operations of approximately $26 million, $36 million and $8 million in fiscal 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively.

 

13



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 5 — DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

The Company addresses certain financial exposures through a controlled program of risk management that includes the use of derivative financial instruments.  The Company enters into foreign currency forward contracts and may enter into option contracts to reduce the effects of fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates. In addition, the Company enters into interest rate derivatives to manage the effects of interest rate movements on the Company’s aggregate liability portfolio, including potential future debt issuances.  The Company also enters into foreign currency forward contracts and may use option contracts, not designated as hedging instruments, to mitigate the change in fair value of specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet.  The Company does not utilize derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.  Costs associated with entering into derivative financial instruments have not been material to the Company’s consolidated financial results.

 

For each derivative contract entered into where the Company looks to obtain hedge accounting treatment, the Company formally and contemporaneously documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge transaction, the nature of the risk being hedged, how the hedging instruments’ effectiveness in offsetting the hedged risk will be assessed prospectively and retrospectively, and a description of the method of measuring ineffectiveness.  This process includes linking all derivatives to specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet or to specific firm commitments or forecasted transactions.  The Company also formally assesses, both at the inception of the hedges and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items.  If it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective, or that it has ceased to be a highly effective hedge, the Company will be required to discontinue hedge accounting with respect to that derivative prospectively.

 

The fair values of the Company’s derivative financial instruments included in the consolidated balance sheets are presented as follows:

 

 

 

Asset Derivatives

 

Liability Derivatives

 

 

 

Balance Sheet
Location

 

Fair Value (1)

 

Balance Sheet
Location

 

Fair Value (1)

 

(In millions)

 

 

 

September 30
2016

 

June 30
2016

 

 

 

September 30
2016

 

June 30
2016

 

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency forward contracts

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

$

33

 

$

37

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

$

21

 

$

18

 

Interest rate swap contracts

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

14

 

18

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments

 

 

 

47

 

55

 

 

 

21

 

18

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency forward contracts

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

4

 

11

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

3

 

8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Derivatives

 

 

 

$

51

 

$

66

 

 

 

$

24

 

$

26

 

 


(1) See Note 6 — Fair Value Measurements for further information about how the fair value of derivative assets and liabilities are determined.

 

14



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The amounts of the gains and losses related to the Company’s derivative financial instruments designated as hedging instruments are presented as follows:

 

 

 

Amount of Gain or (Loss)
Recognized in OCI on
Derivatives
(Effective Portion)

 

Location of Gain
or (Loss)
Reclassified from

 

Amount of Gain or (Loss)
Reclassified from AOCI
into Earnings
(Effective Portion) 
(1)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

AOCI into

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30

 

Earnings

 

September 30

 

(In millions)

 

2016

 

2015

 

(Effective Portion)

 

2016

 

2015

 

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency forward contracts

 

$

3

 

$

25

 

Cost of sales

 

$

2

 

$

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

7

 

10

 

Total derivatives

 

$

3

 

$

25

 

 

 

$

9

 

$

14

 

 


(1) The amount of loss recognized in earnings related to the amount excluded from effectiveness testing was $1 million and de minimis for the three months ended September 2016 and 2015, respectively.  The gain recognized in earnings related to the ineffective portion of the hedging relationships was de minimis for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount of Gain or (Loss)
Recognized in Earnings on
Derivatives 
(1)

 

 

 

Location of Gain or (Loss)
Recognized in Earnings on

 

Three Months Ended
September 30

 

(In millions)

 

Derivatives

 

2016

 

2015

 

Derivatives in Fair Value Hedging Relationships

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate swap contracts

 

Interest expense

 

$

(4

)

$

8

 

 


(1) Changes in the fair value of the interest rate swap agreements are exactly offset by the change in the fair value of the underlying long-term debt.

 

The amounts of the gains and losses related to the Company’s derivative financial instruments not designated as hedging instruments are presented as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

Amount of Gain or (Loss)
Recognized in Earnings on
Derivatives

 

 

 

Location of Gain or (Loss)
Recognized in Earnings on

 

Three Months Ended
September 30

 

(In millions)

 

Derivatives

 

2016

 

2015

 

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency forward contracts

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

$

(2

)

$

7

 

 

Cash-Flow Hedges

 

The Company enters into foreign currency forward contracts to hedge anticipated transactions, as well as receivables and payables denominated in foreign currencies, for periods consistent with the Company’s identified exposures.  The purpose of the hedging activities is to minimize the effect of foreign exchange rate movements on costs and on the cash flows that the Company receives from foreign subsidiaries.  The majority of foreign currency forward contracts are denominated in currencies of major industrial countries.  The Company may also enter into foreign currency option contracts to hedge anticipated transactions where there is a high probability that anticipated exposures will materialize.  The foreign currency forward contracts entered into to hedge anticipated transactions have been designated as cash-flow hedges and have varying maturities through the end of September 2018.  Hedge effectiveness of foreign currency forward contracts is based on a hypothetical derivative methodology and excludes the portion of fair value attributable to the spot-forward difference which is recorded in current-period earnings.  Hedge effectiveness of foreign currency option contracts is based on a dollar offset methodology.

 

15



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The Company may enter into interest rate forward contracts to hedge anticipated issuance of debt for periods consistent with the Company’s identified exposures.  The purpose of the hedging activities is to minimize the effect of interest rate movements on the cost of debt issuance.

 

The ineffective portion of both foreign currency forward and interest rate derivatives is recorded in current-period earnings.  For hedge contracts that are no longer deemed highly effective, hedge accounting is discontinued and gains and losses in AOCI are reclassified to earnings when the underlying forecasted transaction occurs.  If it is probable that the forecasted transaction will no longer occur, then any gains or losses in AOCI are reclassified to current-period earnings.  As of September 30, 2016, the Company’s foreign currency cash-flow hedges were highly effective.

 

At September 30, 2016, the Company had foreign currency forward contracts in the amount of $2,758 million.  The foreign currencies included in foreign currency forward contracts (notional value stated in U.S. dollars) are principally the Euro ($398 million), British pound ($398 million), Swiss franc ($324 million), Hong Kong dollar ($311 million), Chinese yuan ($291 million), Australian dollar ($146 million) and Japanese yen ($129 million).

 

The estimated net gain on the Company’s derivative instruments designated as cash-flow hedges as of September 30, 2016 that is expected to be reclassified from AOCI into earnings, net of tax, within the next twelve months is $11 million.  The accumulated gain on derivative instruments in AOCI was $44 million and $50 million as of September 30, 2016 and June 30, 2016, respectively.

 

Fair-Value Hedges

 

The Company enters into interest rate derivative contracts to manage the exposure to interest rate fluctuations on its funded indebtedness. The Company has interest rate swap agreements, with a notional amount totaling $250 million to effectively convert the fixed rate interest on its 2022 Senior Notes to variable interest rates based on three-month LIBOR plus a margin.  These interest rate swap agreements are designated as fair-value hedges of the related long-term debt, and the changes in the fair value of the interest rate swap agreements are exactly offset by the change in the fair value of the underlying long-term debt.

 

Credit Risk

 

As a matter of policy, the Company enters into derivative contracts only with counterparties that have a long-term credit rating of at least A- or higher by at least two nationally recognized rating agencies.  The counterparties to these contracts are major financial institutions.  Exposure to credit risk in the event of nonperformance by any of the counterparties is limited to the gross fair value of contracts in asset positions, which totaled $51 million at September 30, 2016.  To manage this risk, the Company has strict counterparty credit guidelines that are continually monitored.  Accordingly, management believes risk of loss under these hedging contracts is remote.

 

16



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 6 — FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

The Company records certain of its financial assets and liabilities at fair value, which is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability, in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  The accounting for fair value measurements must be applied to nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities that require initial measurement or remeasurement at fair value, which principally consist of assets and liabilities acquired through business combinations and goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets and long-lived assets for the purposes of calculating potential impairment.  The Company is required to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.  The three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value are as follows:

 

Level 1: Inputs based on quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets at the measurement date.

 

Level 2: Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

 

Level 3: Inputs reflect management’s best estimate of what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date.  The inputs are unobservable in the market and significant to the instrument’s valuation.

 

The following table presents the Company’s hierarchy for its financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2016:

 

(In millions) 

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency forward contracts

 

$

 

$

37

 

$

 

$

37

 

Interest rate swap contracts

 

 

14

 

 

14

 

Available-for-sale securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. government and agency securities

 

 

497

 

 

497

 

Foreign government and agency securities

 

 

76

 

 

76

 

Corporate notes and bonds

 

 

514

 

 

514

 

Time deposits

 

 

390

 

 

390

 

Other securities

 

 

21

 

 

21

 

Total

 

$

 

$

1,549

 

$

 

$

1,549

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency forward contracts

 

$

 

$

24

 

$

 

$

24

 

Contingent consideration

 

 

 

200

 

200

 

Total

 

$

 

$

24

 

$

200

 

$

224

 

 

17



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The following table presents the Company’s hierarchy for its financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2016:

 

(In millions) 

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency forward contracts

 

$

 

$

48

 

$

 

$

48

 

Interest rate swap contracts

 

 

18

 

 

18

 

Available-for-sale securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. government and agency securities

 

 

563

 

 

563

 

Foreign government and agency securities

 

 

61

 

 

61

 

Corporate notes and bonds

 

 

457

 

 

457

 

Time deposits

 

 

390

 

 

390

 

Other securities

 

 

33

 

 

33

 

Total

 

$

 

$

1,570

 

$

 

$

1,570

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency forward contracts

 

$

 

$

26

 

$

 

$

26

 

Contingent consideration

 

 

 

196

 

196

 

Total

 

$

 

$

26

 

$

196

 

$

222

 

 

The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments are as follows:

 

 

 

September 30

 

June 30

 

 

 

2016

 

2016

 

(In millions)

 

Carrying
Amount

 

Fair
Value

 

Carrying
Amount

 

Fair
Value

 

Nonderivatives

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

664

 

$

664

 

$

914

 

$

914

 

Available-for-sale securities

 

1,498

 

1,498

 

1,504

 

1,504

 

Current and long-term debt

 

2,500

 

2,725

 

2,242

 

2,482

 

Additional purchase price payable

 

38

 

38

 

37

 

37

 

Contingent consideration

 

200

 

200

 

196

 

196

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency forward contracts — asset (liability), net

 

13

 

13

 

22

 

22

 

Interest rate swap contracts — asset (liability)

 

14

 

14

 

18

 

18

 

 

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value:

 

Cash and cash equivalents — Cash and all highly-liquid securities with original maturities of three months or less are classified as cash and cash equivalents, primarily consisting of cash deposits in interest bearing accounts, money market funds and time deposits. The carrying amount approximates fair value, primarily because of the short maturity of cash equivalent instruments.

 

Available-for-sale securities — Available-for-sale securities are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy and are valued using third-party pricing services, and for time deposits, the carrying amount approximates fair value. To determine fair value, the pricing services use market prices or prices derived from other observable market inputs such as benchmark curves, credit spreads, broker/dealer quotes, and other industry and economic factors.

 

18



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Foreign currency forward contracts — The fair values of the Company’s foreign currency forward contracts were determined using an industry-standard valuation model, which is based on an income approach.  The significant observable inputs to the model, such as swap yield curves and currency spot and forward rates, were obtained from an independent pricing service.  To determine the fair value of contracts under the model, the difference between the contract price and the current forward rate was discounted using LIBOR for contracts with maturities up to 12 months, and swap yield curves for contracts with maturities greater than 12 months.

 

Interest rate swap contracts — The fair values of the Company’s interest rate swap contracts were determined using an industry-standard valuation model, which is based on the income approach.  The significant observable inputs to the model, such as swap yield curves and LIBOR forward rates, were obtained from independent pricing services.

 

Current and long-term debt — The fair value of the Company’s debt was estimated based on the current rates offered to the Company for debt with the same remaining maturities.  To a lesser extent, debt also includes capital lease obligations for which the carrying amount approximates the fair value.  The Company’s debt is classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

 

Additional purchase price payable — The Company’s additional purchase price payable represents fixed minimum additional purchase price that was discounted using the Company’s incremental borrowing rate, which was approximately 1%.  The additional purchase price payable is classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

 

Contingent consideration — Contingent consideration obligations consist of potential obligations related to our acquisitions. The amounts to be paid under these obligations are contingent upon the achievement of stipulated financial targets by the business subsequent to acquisition. The fair values of the contingent consideration related to certain acquisition earn-outs were estimated using a probability-weighted discount model that considers the achievement of the conditions upon which the respective contingent obligation is dependent (“Monte Carlo Method”).  The Monte Carlo Method has various inputs into the valuation model that include, at September 30, 2016, the risk-adjusted projected future operating results of the acquired entity, a risk-adjusted discount rate ranging from 1.2% to 1.7%, a measure of revenue volatility ranging from 4.8% to 14.0%, an asset volatility ranging from 28.6% to 31.0% and a revenue/earnings before income tax, depreciation and amortization correlation factor of 80%.  Significant changes in the projected future operating results would result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement.  Changes to the discount rate, volatility or correlation factors would have a lesser effect.  The implied rates are deemed to be unobservable inputs and, as such, the Company’s contingent consideration is classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.

 

Changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration obligations for the three months ended September 30, 2016 are included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings and were as follows:

 

(In millions)

 

Fair Value

 

Contingent consideration at June 30, 2016

 

$

196

 

Change in fair value

 

4

 

Contingent consideration at September 30, 2016

 

$

200

 

 

19



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 7 — PENSION AND POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

 

The Company maintains pension plans covering substantially all of its full-time employees for its U.S. operations and a majority of its international operations.  The Company also maintains post-retirement benefit plans which provide certain medical and dental benefits to eligible employees.  Descriptions of these plans are discussed in the notes to consolidated financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016.

 

The components of net periodic benefit cost for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 consisted of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other than

 

 

 

Pension Plans

 

Pension Plans

 

 

 

U.S.

 

International

 

Post-retirement

 

(In millions)

 

2016

 

2015

 

2016

 

2015

 

2016

 

2015

 

Service cost

 

$

9

 

$

8

 

$

7

 

$

6

 

$

1

 

$

1

 

Interest cost

 

8

 

8

 

3

 

4

 

2

 

2

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(13

)

(12

)

(4

)

(5

)

(1

)

(1

)

Amortization of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prior service cost

 

1

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

Actuarial loss

 

4

 

3

 

3

 

3

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost

 

$

9

 

$

7

 

$

9

 

$

9

 

$

2

 

$

2

 

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2016, the Company made contributions to its international pension plans totaling approximately $2 million.

 

The amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets related to the Company’s pension and post-retirement benefit plans consist of the following:

 

 

 

September 30

 

June 30

 

(In millions)

 

2016

 

2016

 

Other assets

 

$

78

 

$

79

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

(27

)

(27

)

Other noncurrent liabilities

 

(439

)

(429

)

Funded status

 

(388

)

(377

)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

419

 

427

 

Net amount recognized

 

$

31

 

$

50

 

 

NOTE 8 — CONTINGENCIES

 

Legal Proceedings

 

The Company is involved, from time to time, in litigation and other legal proceedings incidental to its business.  Management believes that the outcome of current litigation and legal proceedings will not have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.  However, management’s assessment of the Company’s current litigation and other legal proceedings could change in light of the discovery of facts with respect to legal actions or other proceedings pending against the Company not presently known to the Company or determinations by judges, juries or other finders of fact which are not in accord with management’s evaluation of the possible liability or outcome of such litigation or proceedings.  Reasonably possible losses in addition to the amounts accrued for litigation and other legal proceedings are not material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

20



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 9 — STOCK PROGRAMS

 

Total net stock-based compensation expense is attributable to the granting of, and the remaining requisite service periods of, stock options, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance share units (“PSUs”), PSUs based on total stockholder return (“TSR”), long-term PSUs, and share units.  Compensation expense attributable to net stock-based compensation is as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30

 

(In millions)

 

2016

 

2015

 

Stock-based compensation expense

 

$

88

 

$

69

 

Income tax benefit

 

29

 

22

 

 

Stock Options

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2016, the Company granted approximately 2.4 million stock options with a weighted-average exercise price per share of $89.47 and a weighted-average grant date fair value per share of $22.83. The fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.  The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the three months ended September 30, 2016, was $32 million.

 

Restricted Stock Units

 

The Company granted approximately 1.4 million RSUs during the three months ended September 30, 2016 with a weighted-average grant date fair value per share of $89.47 which, at the time of grant, were scheduled to vest as follows: 0.5 million in fiscal 2018, 0.5 million in fiscal 2019 and 0.4 million in fiscal 2020.  All RSUs are subject to the continued employment or retirement of the grantees.  The RSUs granted are accompanied by dividend equivalent rights, payable upon settlement either in cash or shares (based on the terms of the particular award) and, as such, were valued at the closing market price of the Company’s Class A Common Stock on the date of grant.

 

Performance Share Units

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2016, the Company granted approximately 0.3 million PSUs with a weighted-average grant date fair value per share of $89.47, which will be settled in stock subject to the achievement of the Company’s net sales, diluted net earnings per common share and return on invested capital goals for the three fiscal years ending June 30, 2019, all subject to the continued employment or retirement of the grantees.  PSUs are accompanied by dividend equivalent rights that will be payable in cash upon settlement.  In September 2016, approximately 0.3 million shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock were issued and related accrued dividends were paid, relative to the target goals set at the time of the issuance, in settlement of 0.3 million PSUs which vested as of June 30, 2016.

 

Performance Share Units Based on Total Stockholder Return

 

In September 2016, 49,882 shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock were issued, and related dividends paid, in accordance with the terms of the grant, related to the performance period ended June 30, 2016.

 

NOTE 10 — NET EARNINGS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC. PER COMMON SHARE

 

Net earnings attributable to The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. per common share (“basic EPS”) is computed by dividing net earnings attributable to The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and contingently issuable shares (which satisfy certain conditions).  Net earnings attributable to The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. per common share assuming dilution (“diluted EPS”) is computed by reflecting potential dilution from stock-based awards.

 

21



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

A reconciliation between the numerator and denominator of the basic and diluted EPS computations is as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30

 

(In millions, except per share data)

 

2016

 

2015

 

Numerator:

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings attributable to The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

 

$

294

 

$

309

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator:

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average common shares outstanding — Basic

 

366.4

 

372.5

 

Effect of dilutive stock options

 

4.5

 

4.4

 

Effect of PSUs

 

0.1

 

 

Effect of RSUs

 

2.3

 

2.0

 

Effect of PSUs based on TSR

 

 

0.1

 

Weighted-average common shares outstanding — Diluted

 

373.3

 

379.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings attributable to The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

.80

 

$

.83

 

Diluted

 

.79

 

.82

 

 

As of September 30, 2016 and 2015, outstanding options to purchase 2.6 million and 2.5 million shares, respectively, of Class A Common Stock were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.  As of September 30, 2016 and 2015, 0.8 million shares of Class A Common Stock underlying PSUs have been excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS because the number of shares ultimately issued is contingent on the achievement of certain performance targets of the Company, as discussed in Note 9 — Stock Programs.

 

NOTE 11 — EQUITY

 

 

 

Total Stockholders’ Equity — The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

 

Non-

 

 

 

(In millions)

 

Common
Stock

 

Paid-in
Capital

 

Retained
Earnings

 

AOCI

 

Treasury
Stock

 

Total

 

controlling
Interests

 

Total
Equity

 

Balance at June 30, 2016

 

$

6

 

$

3,161

 

$

7,693

 

$

(545

)

$

(6,743

)

$

3,572

 

$

15

 

$

3,587

 

Net earnings

 

 

 

294

 

 

 

294

 

2

 

296

 

Common stock dividends

 

 

1

 

(111

)

 

 

(110

)

 

(110

)

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

 

 

(3

)

 

(3

)

1

 

(2

)

Acquisition of treasury stock

 

 

 

 

 

(207

)

(207

)

 

(207

)

Stock-based compensation

 

 

124

 

 

 

(13

)

111

 

 

111

 

Balance at September 30, 2016

 

$

6

 

$

3,286

 

$

7,876

 

$

(548

)

$

(6,963

)

$

3,657

 

$

18

 

$

3,675

 

 

The following is a summary of quarterly cash dividends declared per share on the Company’s Class A and Class B Common Stock during the three months ended September 30, 2016:

 

Date Declared

 

Record Date

 

Payable Date

 

Amount per Share

 

August 18, 2016

 

August 31, 2016

 

September 15, 2016

 

$

.30

 

 

On November 1, 2016, a dividend was declared in the amount of $.34 per share on the Company’s Class A and Class B Common Stock.  The dividend is payable in cash on December 15, 2016 to stockholders of record at the close of business on November 30, 2016.

 

Common Stock

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2016, the Company purchased approximately 2.4 million shares of its Class A Common Stock for $222 million.

 

22



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2016, approximately 0.6 million shares of the Company’s Class B Common Stock were converted into the same amount of shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock.

 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

The following table represents changes in AOCI, net of tax, by component for the three months ended September 30, 2016:

 

(In millions)

 

Net
Unrealized
Investment
Gain (Loss)

 

Net
Derivative
Instrument
Gain (Loss)

 

Amounts
Included in
Net Periodic
Benefit Cost

 

Translation
Adjustments

 

Total

 

Balance at June 30, 2016

 

$

7

 

$

32

 

$

(285

)

$

(299

)

$

(545

)

OCI before reclassifications

 

(3

)

2

 

(1

)

 

(2

)

Amounts reclassified from AOCI

 

(1

)

(6

)

6

 

 

(1

)

Net current-period OCI

 

(4

)

(4

)

5

 

 

(3

)

Balance at September 30, 2016

 

$

3

 

$

28

 

$

(280

)

$

(299

)

$

(548

)

 

The following table represents the effects of reclassification adjustments from AOCI into net earnings for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015:

 

 

 

Amount Reclassified from AOCI

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30

 

Affected Line Item in Consolidated

 

(In millions)

 

2016

 

2015

 

Statements of Earnings

 

Gain (Loss) on Investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gain (loss) on investments

 

$

1

 

$

 

Interest income and investment income, net

 

Benefit (provision) for deferred taxes

 

 

 

Provision for income taxes

 

 

 

$

1

 

$

 

Net earnings

 

Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency forward contracts

 

$

2

 

$

4

 

Cost of sales

 

Foreign currency forward contracts

 

7

 

10

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

 

 

9

 

14

 

Earnings before income taxes

 

Benefit (provision) for deferred taxes

 

(3

)

(5

)

Provision for income taxes

 

 

 

$

6

 

$

9

 

Net earnings

 

Amounts Included in Net Periodic Benefit Cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of prior service cost

 

$

(1

)

$

(1

)

(1)

 

Amortization of actuarial loss

 

(7

)

(6

)

(1)

 

 

 

(8

)

(7

)

Earnings before income taxes

 

Benefit (provision) for deferred taxes

 

2

 

2

 

Provision for income taxes

 

 

 

$

(6

)

$

(5

)

Net earnings

 

Total reclassification adjustments, net

 

$

1

 

$

4

 

Net earnings

 

 


(1) See Note 7 — Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans for additional information.

 

23



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 12 — STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

 

Supplemental cash flow information for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:

 

(In millions)

 

2016

 

2015

 

Cash:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during the period for interest

 

$

8

 

$

8

 

Cash paid during the period for income taxes

 

$

71

 

$

56

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Capital lease and asset retirement obligations incurred

 

$

5

 

$

5

 

Non-cash purchases (sales) of short- and long-term investments, net

 

$

14

 

$

2

 

Property, plant and equipment accrued but unpaid

 

$

36

 

$

30

 

 

NOTE 13 — SEGMENT DATA AND RELATED INFORMATION

 

Reportable operating segments include components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker (the “Chief Executive”) in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance.  Although the Company operates in one business segment, beauty products, management also evaluates performance on a product category basis.  Product category performance is measured based upon net sales and earnings before income taxes, interest expense and interest income and investment income, net.  Returns and charges associated with restructuring activities are not allocated to product categories or geographic regions because they result from activities that are deemed a company-wide initiative to redesign, resize and reorganize select corporate functions and go-to-market structures.

 

The accounting policies for the Company’s reportable segments are substantially the same as those for the consolidated financial statements, as described in the notes to consolidated financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016.  The assets and liabilities of the Company are managed centrally and are reported internally in the same manner as the consolidated financial statements; thus, no additional information is produced for the Chief Executive or included herein.  There has been no significant variance in the total or long-lived asset values associated with the Company’s segment data since June 30, 2016.

 

24



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30

 

(In millions)

 

2016

 

2015

 

PRODUCT CATEGORY DATA

 

 

 

 

 

Net Sales:

 

 

 

 

 

Skin Care

 

$

1,102

 

$

1,109

 

Makeup

 

1,166

 

1,162

 

Fragrance

 

442

 

413

 

Hair Care

 

136

 

134

 

Other

 

21

 

17

 

 

 

2,867

 

2,835

 

Returns associated with restructuring activities

 

(2

)

 

Net Sales

 

$

2,865

 

$

2,835

 

Operating Income (Loss):

 

 

 

 

 

Skin Care

 

$

212

 

$

190

 

Makeup

 

149

 

189

 

Fragrance

 

72

 

66

 

Hair Care

 

13

 

6

 

Other

 

3

 

2

 

 

 

449

 

453

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reconciliation:

 

 

 

 

 

Charges associated with restructuring activities

 

(31

)

 

Interest expense

 

(21

)

(17

)

Interest income and investment income, net

 

6

 

3

 

Earnings before income taxes

 

$

403

 

$

439

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GEOGRAPHIC DATA

 

 

 

 

 

Net Sales:

 

 

 

 

 

The Americas

 

$

1,233

 

$

1,268

 

Europe, the Middle East & Africa

 

1,044

 

1,017

 

Asia/Pacific

 

590

 

550

 

 

 

2,867

 

2,835

 

Returns associated with restructuring activities

 

(2

)

 

Net Sales

 

$

2,865

 

$

2,835

 

Operating Income (Loss):

 

 

 

 

 

The Americas

 

$

63

 

$

90

 

Europe, the Middle East & Africa

 

256

 

244

 

Asia/Pacific

 

130

 

119

 

 

 

449

 

453

 

Charges associated with restructuring activities

 

(31

)

 

Operating Income

 

$

418

 

$

453

 

 

25



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

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

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

We manufacture, market and sell beauty products including those in the skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care categories, which are distributed in over 150 countries and territories.  The following table is a comparative summary of operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, and reflects the basis of presentation described in Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for all periods presented.  Products and services that do not meet our definition of skin care, makeup, fragrance or hair care have been included in the “other” category.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30

 

(In millions)

 

2016

 

2015

 

NET SALES

 

 

 

 

 

By Region:

 

 

 

 

 

The Americas

 

$

1,233

 

$

1,268

 

Europe, the Middle East & Africa

 

1,044

 

1,017

 

Asia/Pacific

 

590

 

550

 

 

 

2,867

 

2,835

 

Returns associated with restructuring activities

 

(2

)

 

Net Sales

 

$

2,865

 

$

2,835

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Product Category:

 

 

 

 

 

Skin Care

 

$

1,102

 

$

1,109

 

Makeup

 

1,166

 

1,162

 

Fragrance

 

442

 

413

 

Hair Care

 

136

 

134

 

Other

 

21

 

17

 

 

 

2,867

 

2,835

 

Returns associated with restructuring activities

 

(2

)

 

Net Sales

 

$

2,865

 

$

2,835

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)

 

 

 

 

 

By Region:

 

 

 

 

 

The Americas

 

$

63

 

$

90

 

Europe, the Middle East & Africa

 

256

 

244

 

Asia/Pacific

 

130

 

119

 

 

 

449

 

453

 

Charges associated with restructuring activities

 

(31

)

 

Operating Income

 

$

418

 

$

453

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Product Category:

 

 

 

 

 

Skin Care

 

$

212

 

$

190

 

Makeup

 

149

 

189

 

Fragrance

 

72

 

66

 

Hair Care

 

13

 

6

 

Other

 

3

 

2

 

 

 

449

 

453

 

Charges associated with restructuring activities

 

(31

)

 

Operating Income

 

$

418

 

$

453

 

 

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The following table presents certain consolidated earnings data as a percentage of net sales:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30

 

 

 

2016

 

2015

 

Net sales

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

Cost of sales

 

20.8

 

20.4

 

Gross profit

 

79.2

 

79.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

63.7

 

63.6

 

Restructuring and other charges

 

0.9

 

 

Total operating expenses

 

64.6

 

63.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

14.6

 

16.0

 

Interest expense

 

0.7

 

0.6

 

Interest income and investment income, net

 

0.2

 

0.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings before income taxes

 

14.1

 

15.5

 

Provision for income taxes

 

3.7

 

4.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

10.3

 

11.0

 

Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 

(0.1

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings attributable to The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

 

10.3

%

10.9

%

 

In order to meet the demands of consumers, we continually introduce new products, support new and established products through advertising, merchandising and sampling, and phase out existing products that no longer meet the needs of our consumers or our objectives.  The economics of developing, producing, launching, supporting and discontinuing products impact our sales and operating performance each period.  The introduction of new products may have some cannibalizing effect on sales of existing products, which we take into account in our business planning.

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

 

We use certain non-GAAP financial measures, among other financial measures, to evaluate our operating performance, which represent the manner in which we conduct and view our business.  Management believes that excluding certain items that are not comparable from period to period helps investors and others compare operating performance between two periods.  While we consider the non-GAAP measures useful in analyzing our results, they are not intended to replace, or act as a substitute for, any presentation included in the consolidated financial statements prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP.  See “Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” beginning on page 39 for reconciliations between non-GAAP financial measures and the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures.

 

We operate on a global basis, with the majority of our net sales generated outside the United States.  Accordingly, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates can affect our results of operations.  Therefore, we present certain net sales, operating results and diluted net earnings per common share information excluding the effect of foreign currency rate fluctuations to provide a framework for assessing the performance of our underlying business outside the United States.  Constant currency information compares results between periods as if exchange rates had remained constant period-over-period.  We calculate constant currency information by translating current year results using prior year weighted-average foreign currency exchange rates.

 

Overview

 

We believe the best way to continue to increase stockholder value is to provide our customers and consumers with superior products and services in the most efficient and profitable manner while recognizing consumers’ changing behaviors and shopping preferences.  We are guided by our long-term strategy through fiscal 2019, which has numerous initiatives across geographic regions, product categories, brands, channels of distribution and functions that are designed to grow our sales, provide cost efficiencies, leverage our strengths and make us more productive and profitable.  We plan to continue to build upon and leverage our history of outstanding creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship, high quality products and services, and engaging communications while investing for long-term sustainable growth.

 

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Our diverse and highly desirable brand portfolio positions us well to capitalize on opportunities in fast growing and profitable areas of prestige beauty. We believe that our range of prestige product offerings allows us to increase our share of a consumer’s beauty routine and source consumers from brands sold in mass distribution.  Skin care, our most profitable product category historically, remains a strategic priority for us, and we continue to support our large, long-standing skin care product lines including Advanced Night Repair from Estée Lauder, Clinique’s 3-Step Skin Care System and Crème de la Mer from La Mer.  We also continue to develop and introduce new products, such as Advanced Night Repair Intensive Recovery Ampoules and Advanced Night Repair Recovery Powerfoil Mask from Estée Lauder, The Pep-Start line of products from Clinique, and the Moisturizing Soft Lotion from La Mer.  While growth in global prestige skin care remained relatively slow, global prestige makeup continued to be the fastest growing category.  We introduced new makeup products, including new collections from our makeup artist brands and Smashbox, Double Wear Nude Cushion Stick Radiant Makeup and Pure Color Envy Hi-Lustre Light Sculpting Lipstick from Estée Lauder, and Superbalanced silk makeup broad spectrum SPF 15 from Clinique.  The continued rapid growth in this category has attracted new competitors as barriers to entry have lowered; however, we continue to believe that the makeup category represents one of our most compelling growth opportunities. Our fragrance category continues to benefit from increased sales of Jo Malone London and Tom Ford fragrances, new launches such as Basil and Neroli from Jo Malone London, and incremental net sales from our fiscal 2016 acquisition of By Kilian.  In addition, we are expanding our hair care brands in salons and other retail channels.  To complement the strategies in our existing business, we are continuously looking to acquire and grow brands that we believe have significant growth potential and may provide unique opportunities for profitable growth in the future.

 

Our global footprint provides many avenues of growth.  We are leveraging our regional organizations and the talents and expertise of our people in an effort to continue to be locally relevant with our products, services, channels, marketing and visual merchandising.  We are seeking share growth in large, image-building core markets such as the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Japan and Korea by strengthening our presence in these areas.  In addition, we are broadening our presence in emerging markets such as China, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Brazil, Russia, India, Mexico and South Africa.  In some markets, we continue to see slow department store traffic, which is particularly affecting Estée Lauder and MžAžC, as well as the impact of a decrease in tourism in the United States that has impacted certain MžAžC freestanding stores.  However, we are growing faster in other channels, where there is continued opportunity to add brands to existing markets and expand into new markets, such as e- and m-commerce and specialty multi-brand retailers.  In October 2016, we signed an agreement to acquire BECCA, a high-growth makeup brand that has a robust presence within specialty multi-brand retailers.

 

In North America, we are hosting targeted in-store events to support key innovations in multiple channels, and we are increasing our presence in specialty multi-brand retailers and freestanding retail stores.  We have opportunities to accelerate our growth within specialty multi-brand retailers by adding brands to existing retail locations and through new doors being opened by such retailers.  Internationally, we are expanding our business in freestanding stores, in European perfumeries and pharmacies, and in department stores, particularly in the United Kingdom and certain markets in Asia.  We approach distribution strategically by brand, as each is at a different stage of development. We seek to optimize distribution in both channels and geographies, matching each brand with appropriate opportunities while maintaining high productivity per door.  We focus on those areas where we believe our brands will expand consumer coverage and gain high-quality distribution consistent with their positioning.  As part of this strategy, we continue to expand brands in our travel retail channel, which benefits from increasing international passenger traffic.  Travel retail continues to be an important channel for brand building and profit margin expansion, although it is susceptible to a number of external factors, including fluctuations in currency exchange rates and consumers’ willingness and ability to travel and spend.  We have strategies focused on consumers who purchase in the travel retail channel, in stores at their travel destinations or when they return to their home market.  This includes partnering with our retailers to open individually branded boutiques within airports to compete more effectively in this channel.  We are broadening our online portfolio around the world by adding brands to existing markets and entering new markets, resulting in strong net sales growth in the online channel, and we continue to develop and test omnichannel concepts to better serve consumers as they shop across channels.  We have identified opportunities to expand our online portfolio around the world, which we expect will result in continued net sales growth in this channel.  Our success in delivering particularly strong online growth in emerging markets is a result of taking key learnings from our online strategy in established markets, such as the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany, and customizing them to meet local market needs.  To further drive our online sales, we are planning new e- and m-commerce site launches in new and existing markets, and we are extending our third-party platform model, which has been successful in China, into certain other international locations.

 

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THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

While our business is performing well overall, we are faced with strong competition globally and economic challenges in certain countries. In particular, we are cautious of the continued slow retail environment in Hong Kong, and the decline in retail traffic primarily related to mid-tier department stores in the United States as a result of the impact of shifts in preferences of certain consumers as to where and how they shop for our products.  We are also cautious of the continued strength of the U.S. dollar in relation to most currencies and its impact on tourism, which has particularly impacted certain MžAžC freestanding stores in the United States.  Additionally, we continue to monitor the effects of the macroeconomic environments in certain countries such as Brazil and in the Middle East, the United Kingdom’s anticipated exit from the European Union, and global security issues.

 

We believe we can, to some extent, offset the impact of these challenges by accelerating areas of strength, utilizing the various growth drivers among our brands, channels and markets.  However, if economic conditions or the degree of uncertainty or volatility worsen, or the adverse conditions previously discussed are further prolonged, then there could be a negative effect on ongoing consumer confidence, demand and spending and, as a result, on our business.  We will continue to monitor these and other risks that may affect our business.

 

We navigate through short-term volatility while focusing on our long-term strategy and using our multiple engines of growth that we believe will promote sustainable results.  We are increasing our presence in emerging markets, continuing efforts to revitalize and accelerate growth in our heritage brands, focusing on key demographics and seeking opportunities to add to our diverse brand portfolio.  We are also strengthening our consumer engagement by leveraging digital marketing and enhancing our social media strategies and execution.  We will continue to drive product, packaging, and conceptual innovation and creativity that we believe will enable us to introduce products that resonate with consumers.  Some initiatives will involve new sub-categories and others may expand key franchises.  We expect to leverage our top line growth through greater productivity due, in part, to cost savings and efficiencies from our Strategic Modernization Initiative (“SMI”).

 

In May 2016, we announced a multi-year initiative (“Leading Beauty Forward”) to build on our strengths and better leverage our cost structure to free resources for investment to continue our growth momentum.  Leading Beauty Forward is designed to enhance our go-to-market capabilities, reinforce our leadership in global prestige beauty and continue creating sustainable value.  We plan to approve specific initiatives under Leading Beauty Forward through fiscal 2019 related to the optimization of select corporate functions, supply chain activities, and corporate and regional market support structures, as well as the exit of underperforming businesses, and expect to complete those initiatives through fiscal 2021.  Inclusive of charges recorded from inception through September 30, 2016, we expect that Leading Beauty Forward will result in related restructuring and other charges totaling between $600 million and $700 million, before taxes, consisting of employee-related costs, asset write-offs and other costs to implement these initiatives.  After its full implementation, we expect Leading Beauty Forward to yield annual net benefits, primarily in Selling, general and administrative expenses, of between $200 million and $300 million, before taxes.  We expect to reinvest a portion behind future growth initiatives.  For additional information about Leading Beauty Forward, see Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 4 — Charges Associated with Restructuring Activities.

 

In addition to Leading Beauty Forward, investment in our global information systems is an ongoing process.  We have implemented initiatives to leverage our SMI foundation that are focused on sustainment and global efficiencies.  As we modernize our key processes, related systems and infrastructure, we continue to develop upgraded capabilities to support our human resource operations and are making investments to upgrade our global technology infrastructure, as well as our retail systems and retail capabilities globally.  These initiatives are expected to improve profitability by enhancing gross margin and supporting efficiencies in select operating expenses and working capital, freeing resources to strategically reinvest in activities to support our future growth.

 

As referenced by the Company, our heritage brands are Estée Lauder, Clinique and Origins.  MžAžC and Bobbi Brown are our makeup artist brands, and our luxury brands are La Mer, Jo Malone London, Tom Ford, RODIN olio lusso, Le Labo, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle and By Kilian.

 

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THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

First Quarter Fiscal 2017 as Compared with First Quarter Fiscal 2016

 

NET SALES

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30

 

($ in millions)

 

2016

 

2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As Reported:

 

 

 

 

 

Net Sales

 

$

2,865

 

$

2,835

 

$ Change from prior-year period

 

30

 

 

 

% Change from prior-year period

 

1

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measure (a):

 

 

 

 

 

% Change from prior-year period in constant currency

 

2

%

 

 

 


(a) See “Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” beginning on page 39 for reconciliations between non-GAAP financial measures and the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures.

 

Reported net sales grew in each product category, with the exception of skin care, and in each geographic region, with the exception of the Americas.  Skin care net sales decreased slightly, due to the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation.  However, this category benefited from increased sales of certain products, particularly from La Mer and Origins.  Net sales increases from Tom Ford, Estée Lauder, Clinique and Smashbox drove growth in the makeup category.  Our fragrance category primarily benefited from net sales increases from Jo Malone London.  Increased sales from our acquisitions during the past two years also contributed to our skin care and fragrance businesses.  The net sales increase in our hair care category was driven by growth from Bumble and bumble in specialty multi-brand retailers, along with strategic targeted consumer reach.  Each of our product categories benefited from brand expansion, comparable door sales growth from certain brands, new product offerings and growth from emerging markets.

 

Returns associated with restructuring activities are not allocated to our product categories or geographic regions because they result from activities that are deemed a company-wide initiative to redesign, resize and reorganize select corporate functions and go-to-market structures.  Accordingly, the following discussions of Net Sales by Product Categories and Geographic Regions exclude impact of returns associated with restructuring activities of $2 million.

 

Product Categories

 

Skin Care

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30

 

($ in millions)

 

2016

 

2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As Reported:

 

 

 

 

 

Net Sales

 

$

1,102

 

$

1,109

 

$ Change from prior-year period

 

(7

)

 

 

% Change from prior-year period

 

(1

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measure (a):

 

 

 

 

 

% Change from prior-year period in constant currency

 

Less than 1

%

 

 

 


(a) See “Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” beginning on page 39 for reconciliations between non-GAAP financial measures and the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures.

 

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Skin care net sales decreased, reflecting approximately $12 million of unfavorable foreign currency translation.  The reported net sales decrease reflected lower net sales from Estée Lauder and Clinique of approximately $45 million, combined. The decrease in net sales of Estée Lauder and Clinique products was due, in part, to lower sales in certain countries within Asia/Pacific, reflecting continued retail softness.  These lower net sales also reflected a difficult comparison with greater launch activity in the prior-year period.  These decreases were partially offset by higher net sales of La Mer, Origins, Aveda and Bobbi Brown products of approximately $33 million, combined.  Net sales of La Mer products grew in all regions, reflecting the launch of The Moisturizing Soft Lotion, brand expansion in the travel retail channel, and increased sales of existing products.  The increase in net sales of Origins products was due, in part, to higher sales of facial mask products.  Net sales growth in skin care from Aveda was due to the introduction of the Tulasara line of products.  The increase in net sales of Bobbi Brown skin care products was due to the launch of the Instant Confident Stick.

 

Makeup

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30

 

($ in millions)

 

2016

 

2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As Reported:

 

 

 

 

 

Net Sales

 

$

1,166

 

$

1,162

 

$ Change from prior-year period

 

4

 

 

 

% Change from prior-year period

 

Less than 1

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measure (a):

 

 

 

 

 

% Change from prior-year period in constant currency

 

1

%

 

 

 


(a) See “Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” beginning on page 39 for reconciliations between non-GAAP financial measures and the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures.

 

Makeup net sales increased slightly despite approximately $10 million of unfavorable foreign currency translation. The reported net sales increase primarily reflected higher net sales from Tom Ford, Estée Lauder, Clinique and Smashbox of approximately $37 million, combined. The increase in Tom Ford net sales was driven by higher sales of lip color products. Net sales of Estée Lauder products improved, partially due to higher sales from the Double Wear line of products and the Pure Color Envy franchise.  The higher net sales from Clinique reflected incremental sales from new launches such as Superbalanced silk makeup broad spectrum SPF 15.  Sales increases from Smashbox were primarily driven by specialty multi-brand retailers, reflecting the overall strength of the makeup category in that channel.  Partially offsetting these increases were lower net sales from MžAžC, and to a lesser extent, Bobbi Brown of approximately $30 million, combined.  The lower net sales from MžAžC primarily reflected the decline in U.S. mid-tier department store traffic and in certain MžAžC freestanding stores in the United States as a result of a decrease in tourism.  The decrease in Bobbi Brown net sales was primarily due to a difficult comparison with the prior-year period that featured greater launch activity.

 

Fragrance

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30

 

($ in millions)

 

2016

 

2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As Reported:

 

 

 

 

 

Net Sales

 

$

442

 

$

413

 

$ Change from prior-year period

 

29

 

 

 

% Change from prior-year period

 

7

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measure (a):

 

 

 

 

 

% Change from prior-year period in constant currency

 

10

%

 

 

 


(a) See “Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” beginning on page 39 for reconciliations between non-GAAP financial measures and the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures.

 

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Fragrance net sales increased despite approximately $11 million of unfavorable foreign currency translation.  The reported net sales increase primarily reflected higher net sales of luxury fragrances from Jo Malone London and Le Labo, as well as incremental sales from By Kilian of approximately $37 million, combined.  The higher net sales from Jo Malone London were, in part, due to strategic targeted consumer reach in the travel retail and department store channels, the recent launch of Basil and Neroli, and increased sales of existing products.  These increases were partially offset by lower net sales from certain designer fragrances of approximately $15 million.

 

Hair Care

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30

 

($ in millions)

 

2016

 

2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As Reported:

 

 

 

 

 

Net Sales

 

$

136

 

$

134

 

$ Change from prior-year period

 

2

 

 

 

% Change from prior-year period

 

1

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measure (a):

 

 

 

 

 

% Change from prior-year period in constant currency

 

1

%

 

 

 


(a) See “Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” beginning on page 39 for reconciliations between non-GAAP financial measures and the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures.

 

Hair care net sales increased, primarily reflecting increased distribution of Bumble and bumble products in specialty multi-brand retailers, along with strategic targeted consumer reach.  Net sales from Aveda were slightly lower due to the planned launch of its hair care initiatives later this fiscal year.

 

Geographic Regions

 

The Americas

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30

 

($ in millions)

 

2016

 

2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As Reported:

 

 

 

 

 

Net Sales

 

$

1,233

 

$

1,268

 

$ Change from prior-year period

 

(35

)

 

 

% Change from prior-year period

 

(3

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measure (a):

 

 

 

 

 

% Change from prior-year period in constant currency

 

(2

)%

 

 

 


(a) See “Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” beginning on page 39 for reconciliations between non-GAAP financial measures and the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures.

 

Net sales in the Americas decreased, primarily reflecting lower sales in the makeup category.  Net sales in the United States decreased approximately $42 million.  The decrease reflected lower makeup net sales from MžAžC, as well as lower net sales from certain designer fragrances. Net sales were impacted by a decline in retail traffic in the United States related primarily to mid-tier department stores that principally affected Estée Lauder and MžAžC, as well as certain MžAžC freestanding stores in the United States as a result of a decrease in tourism.  Partially offsetting this decrease was an increase in net sales in Latin America and Canada of approximately $7 million, combined.  The increase in sales in Latin America primarily reflected higher net sales in Mexico and Chile.

 

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Europe, the Middle East & Africa

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30

 

($ in millions)

 

2016

 

2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As Reported:

 

 

 

 

 

Net Sales

 

$

1,044

 

$

1,017

 

$ Change from prior-year period

 

27

 

 

 

% Change from prior-year period

 

3

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measure (a):

 

 

 

 

 

% Change from prior-year period in constant currency

 

7

%

 

 

 


(a) See “Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” beginning on page 39 for reconciliations between non-GAAP financial measures and the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures.

 

Net sales in Europe, the Middle East & Africa increased despite approximately $43 million of unfavorable foreign currency translation. Higher sales from our travel retail business, and in Italy, Germany, Iberia and the Balkans totaled approximately $67 million, combined.  The sales growth in our travel retail business reflected higher net sales from Jo Malone London, Tom Ford, MžAžC, Bobbi Brown and Aveda, driven in part by strategic targeted consumer reach and new product offerings.  The higher net sales in Italy, Germany, Iberia and the Balkans were primarily driven by increased net sales from Estée Lauder, Clinique, MžAžC and La Mer.  These increases were partially offset by lower net sales in the United Kingdom and the Middle East of approximately $46 million, combined.  The lower net sales in the United Kingdom were due to the negative impact of foreign currency translation.  Excluding this impact, net sales in the United Kingdom increased, primarily driven by higher net sales from Tom Ford, Jo Malone London and Estée Lauder, partially reflecting the timing of new product launches. The lower net sales in the Middle East were primarily driven by the rebalancing of inventory levels by certain of our distributors reflecting the impact of the macroeconomic environment on consumer purchases.

 

Asia/Pacific

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30

 

($ in millions)

 

2016

 

2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As Reported:

 

 

 

 

 

Net Sales

 

$

590

 

$

550

 

$ Change from prior-year period

 

40

 

 

 

% Change from prior-year period

 

7

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measure (a):

 

 

 

 

 

% Change from prior-year period in constant currency

 

5

%

 

 

 


(a) See “Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” beginning on page 39 for reconciliations between non-GAAP financial measures and the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures.

 

Net sales in Asia/Pacific increased, reflecting approximately $14 million of favorable foreign currency translation.  Higher net sales in Japan, Korea and Australia totaled approximately $38 million, combined, partially reflecting the favorable impact of foreign currency translation, as well as increased sales from our makeup artist brands and certain of our luxury brands, including Jo Malone London and Tom Ford.  These increases were partially offset by lower net sales in Hong Kong and China of approximately $9 million, combined.  The lower net sales in Hong Kong were primarily driven by the continued decrease in traveling Chinese consumers and changes in their spending patterns, which particularly impacted the Estée Lauder, Clinique and La Mer brands.  The decrease in net sales in China was driven by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation.  Excluding this impact, net sales in China increased, primarily reflecting successful promotional events both online and in store at specialty multi-brand retailers.

 

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

 

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THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

GROSS PROFIT

 

Gross profit decreased to 79.2% as compared with 79.6% in the prior-year period.

 

Favorable (Unfavorable) Basis Points

 

 

 

Foreign exchange transactions

 

(50

)

Mix of business

 

(20

)

Obsolescence charges

 

(20

)

Manufacturing variances

 

60

 

Subtotal

 

(30

)

Charges associated with restructuring activities

 

(10

)

Total

 

(40

)

 

OPERATING EXPENSES

 

Operating expenses as a percentage of net sales increased to 64.6% as compared with 63.6% in the prior-year period.

 

Favorable (Unfavorable) Basis Points

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation

 

(60

)

Store operating costs

 

(50

)

Selling

 

(40

)

Shipping

 

(20

)

Advertising, merchandising and sampling

 

60

 

Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment

 

40

 

Foreign exchange transactions

 

40

 

Product development and research and development

 

20

 

Subtotal

 

(10

)

Restructuring and other charges

 

(90

)

Total

 

(100

)

 

The increase in operating expenses reflected higher stock-based compensation, primarily related to accounting for grants to retirement-eligible employees, and higher store operating costs related to selective global expansion.  These increases were partially offset by lower advertising, merchandising and sampling costs due, in part, to using media formats that carry lower cost structures.

 

Changes in advertising, merchandising and sampling spending result from the type, timing and level of activities related to product launches and rollouts, as well as the markets and brands being emphasized.

 

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OPERATING RESULTS

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30

 

($ in millions)

 

2016

 

2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As Reported:

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Income

 

$

418

 

$

453

 

$ Change from prior-year period

 

(35

)

 

 

% Change from prior-year period

 

(8

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Margin

 

14.6

%

16.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measure (a):

 

 

 

 

 

% Change in operating income from the prior-year period adjusting for the impact of charges associated with restructuring activities

 

(1

)%

 

 

 


(a) See “Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” beginning on page 39 for reconciliations between non-GAAP financial measures and the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures.

 

The overall operating results and operating margin were impacted by unfavorable foreign currency translation of approximately $10 million, which negatively impacted each product category and geographic region, with the exception of hair care and Asia/Pacific.  In addition, the operating results for the current-year period include the impact of charges associated with restructuring activities of $31 million.  Adjusting for the impact of the charges associated with restructuring activities, operating income would have decreased 1% and operating margin would have decreased 30 basis points.

 

Charges associated with restructuring activities are not allocated to our product categories or geographic regions because they result from activities that are deemed a company-wide initiative to redesign, resize and reorganize select corporate functions and go-to-market structures.  Accordingly, the following discussions of Operating Income by Product Categories and Geographic Regions exclude the impact of charges associated with restructuring activities.

 

Product Categories

 

Skin Care

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30

 

($ in millions)

 

2016

 

2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As Reported:

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Income

 

$

212

 

$

190

 

$ Change from prior-year period

 

22

 

 

 

% Change from prior-year period

 

12

%

 

 

 

Skin care operating income increased, reflecting higher results from Clinique, La Mer and Estée Lauder.  The higher results from Clinique and Estée Lauder were primarily due to a favorable comparison to the higher level of prior-year period support spending behind launches such as New Dimension from Estée Lauder. The increase in operating income from La Mer reflected higher net sales.

 

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THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

Makeup

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30

 

($ in millions)

 

2016

 

2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As Reported:

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Income

 

$

149

 

$

189

 

$ Change from prior-year period

 

(40

)

 

 

% Change from prior-year period

 

(21

)%

 

 

 

Makeup operating income decreased, reflecting lower results from MžAžC primarily due to a decrease in net sales.  These lower results were partially offset by higher results from Estée Lauder, Clinique, Tom Ford and Smashbox, reflecting higher net sales.

 

Fragrance

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30

 

($ in millions)

 

2016

 

2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As Reported:

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Income

 

$

72

 

$

66

 

$ Change from prior-year period

 

6

 

 

 

% Change from prior-year period

 

9

%

 

 

 

Fragrance operating income increased, reflecting higher results from Jo Malone London and Estée Lauder reflecting higher net sales.  The higher results from Estée Lauder also reflected a favorable comparison to the higher level of prior-year period support spending behind launches such as Modern Muse Le Rouge.  Partially offsetting these higher results were lower results from Tom Ford reflecting higher investments behind new products.

 

Hair Care

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30

 

($ in millions)

 

2016

 

2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As Reported:

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Income

 

$

13

 

$

6

 

$ Change from prior-year period

 

7

 

 

 

% Change from prior-year period

 

100+

%

 

 

 

Hair care operating income increased, primarily reflecting higher results from Aveda due to effective expense management.  Operating results from Bumble and bumble also increased, reflecting higher net sales.

 

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THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

Geographic Regions

 

Americas

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30

 

($ in millions)

 

2016

 

2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As Reported:

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Income

 

$

63

 

$

90

 

$ Change from prior-year period

 

(27

)

 

 

% Change from prior-year period

 

(30

)%

 

 

 

Operating income in the Americas decreased, primarily reflecting lower results from MžAžC due to a decrease in net sales.  Operating income was impacted by a decline in retail traffic in the United States related primarily to mid-tier department stores that principally affected Estée Lauder and MžAžC, as well as certain MžAžC freestanding stores in the United States, as a result of a decrease in tourism.

 

Europe, the Middle East & Africa

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30

 

($ in millions)

 

2016

 

2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As Reported:

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Income

 

$

256

 

$

244

 

$ Change from prior-year period

 

12

 

 

 

% Change from prior-year period

 

5

%

 

 

 

In Europe, the Middle East & Africa, operating income increased, primarily reflecting higher results from our travel retail business and Switzerland of approximately $48 million, combined.  The higher results in our travel retail business reflected higher net sales.  The increased operating results in Switzerland were primarily due to a gain on the sale of property, plant and equipment.  These higher results were partially offset by lower results in the Middle East, France and the United Kingdom of approximately $33 million, combined.  The lower results in France were partially due to higher investment spending behind our makeup artist brands and certain of our heritage brands, as well as lower net sales due to a decline in tourism.  The lower results in the United Kingdom were driven by the negative impact of foreign currency.

 

Asia/Pacific

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30

 

($ in millions)

 

2016

 

2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As Reported:

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Income

 

$

130

 

$

119

 

$ Change from prior-year period

 

11

 

 

 

% Change from prior-year period

 

9

%

 

 

 

Operating income increased in Asia/Pacific, reflecting higher results in Japan and China of approximately $12 million, combined, driven by constant currency sales growth.  The results in China also reflected a decrease in advertising, merchandising and sampling costs. These higher results were partially offset by lower results in Hong Kong due to lower net sales and, to a lesser extent, Australia of approximately $5 million, combined.  The lower results in Australia were due to higher selling and store operations costs attributable to increased distribution related to freestanding stores.

 

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THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

INTEREST AND INVESTMENT INCOME

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30

 

(In millions)

 

2016

 

2015

 

Interest expense

 

$

21

 

$

17

 

Interest income and investment income, net

 

$

6

 

$

3

 

 

Interest expense increased as compared with the prior-year period, primarily due to higher short-and long-term debt levels.  Interest and investment income, net increased primarily due to higher cash and long-term investment balances, as well as from an increase in interest rates.

 

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

 

The provision for income taxes represents U.S. federal, foreign, state and local income taxes.  The effective rate differs from the federal statutory rate primarily due to the effect of state and local income taxes, the taxation of foreign income and income tax reserve adjustments, which represent changes in our net liability for unrecognized tax benefits including tax settlements and lapses of the applicable statutes of limitations.  Our effective tax rate will change from quarter to quarter based on recurring and non-recurring factors including, but not limited to, the geographical mix of earnings, enacted tax legislation, state and local income taxes, tax reserve adjustments, the ultimate disposition of deferred tax assets relating to stock-based compensation and the interaction of various global tax strategies.  In addition, changes in judgment from the evaluation of new information resulting in the recognition, derecognition or remeasurement of a tax position taken in a prior annual period are recognized separately in the quarter of change.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30

 

 

 

2016

 

2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effective rate for income taxes

 

26.6

%

29.2

%

Basis-point change from the prior-year period

 

(260

)

 

 

 

The decrease in the effective tax rate was attributable to a lower effective tax rate on our foreign operations, as well as a reduction in income tax reserves.

 

NET EARNINGS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30

 

($ in millions, except per share data)

 

2016

 

2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As Reported:

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings attributable to The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

 

$

294

 

$

309

 

$ Change from prior-year period

 

(15

)

 

 

% Change from prior-year period

 

(5

)%

 

 

Diluted net earnings per common share

 

$

.79

 

$

.82

 

% Change from prior-year period

 

(3

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measure (a):

 

 

 

 

 

% Change in diluted net earnings per common share from the prior-year period adjusting for the impact of charges associated with restructuring activities

 

3

%

 

 

 


(a) See “Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for reconciliations between non-GAAP financial measures and the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures.

 

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THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

RECONCILIATIONS OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

 

We use certain non-GAAP financial measures, among other financial measures, to evaluate our operating performance, which represent the manner in which we conduct and view our business.  Management believes that excluding certain items that are not comparable from period to period helps investors and others compare operating performance between two periods.  While we consider the non-GAAP measures useful in analyzing our results, they are not intended to replace, or act as a substitute for, any presentation included in the consolidated financial statements prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP.  The following tables present Net Sales, Operating Income and Diluted net earnings per common share adjusted to exclude the impact of charges associated with restructuring activities and the effects of foreign currency translation.  The tables provide reconciliations between these non-GAAP financial measures and the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

%
Change

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30

 

 

 

%

 

in
Constant

 

($ in millions)

 

2016

 

2015

 

Variance

 

Change

 

Currency

 

Net Sales, as reported

 

$

2,865

 

$

2,835

 

$

30

 

1

%

2

%

Returns associated with restructuring activities

 

2

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

Net Sales, as adjusted

 

$

2,867

 

$

2,835

 

$

32

 

1

%

2

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

%
Change

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30

 

 

 

%

 

in
Constant

 

($ in millions)

 

2016

 

2015

 

Variance

 

Change

 

Currency

 

Operating Income, as reported

 

$

418

 

$

453

 

$

(35

)

(8

)%

(6

)%

Charges associated with restructuring activities

 

31

 

 

31

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Income, as adjusted

 

$

449

 

$

453

 

$

(4

)

(1

)%

1

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

% Change

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30

 

 

 

%

 

in
Constant

 

 

 

2016

 

2015

 

Variance

 

Change

 

Currency

 

Diluted net earnings per common share, as reported

 

$

.79

 

$

.82

 

$

(.03

)

(3

)%

(1

)%

Charges associated with restructuring activities

 

.05

 

 

.05

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted net earnings per common share, as adjusted

 

$

.84

 

$

.82

 

$

.02

 

3

%

5

%

 

The following table reconciles the change in net sales by product category and geographic region, as reported, to the change in net sales excluding the effects of foreign currency translation:

 

 

 

As Reported

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In millions)

 

Three
Months
Ended
September
30, 2016

 

Three
Months
Ended
September
30, 2015

 

Variance

 

Add:
Impact of
foreign
currency
translation

 

Variance,
as
adjusted

 

%
Change,
as
reported

 

%
Change,
as
adjusted

 

Product Category:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Skin Care

 

$

1,102

 

$

1,109

 

$

(7

)

$

12

 

$

5

 

(1

)%

%

Makeup

 

1,166

 

1,162

 

4

 

10

 

14

 

 

1

 

Fragrance

 

442

 

413

 

29

 

11

 

40

 

7

 

10

 

Hair Care

 

136

 

134

 

2

 

 

2

 

1

 

1

 

Other

 

21

 

17

 

4

 

 

4

 

24

 

24

 

Total

 

$

2,867

 

$

2,835

 

$

32

 

$

33

 

$

65

 

1

%

2

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Region:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Americas

 

$

1,233

 

$

1,268

 

$

(35

)

$

4

 

$

(31

)

(3

)%

(2

)%

Europe, the Middle East & Africa

 

1,044

 

1,017

 

27

 

43

 

70

 

3

 

7

 

Asia/Pacific

 

590

 

550

 

40

 

(14

)

26

 

7

 

5

 

Total

 

$

2,867

 

$

2,835

 

$

32

 

$

33

 

$

65

 

1

%

2

%

 

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THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

Overview

 

Our principal sources of funds historically have been cash flows from operations, borrowings pursuant to our commercial paper program, borrowings from the issuance of long-term debt and committed and uncommitted credit lines provided by banks and other lenders in the United States and abroad.  At September 30, 2016, we had cash and cash equivalents of $664 million compared with $914 million at June 30, 2016.  Our cash and cash equivalents are maintained at a number of financial institutions.  To mitigate the risk of uninsured balances, we select financial institutions based on their credit ratings and financial strength, and we perform ongoing evaluations of these institutions to limit our concentration risk exposure.

 

Our business is seasonal in nature and, accordingly, our working capital needs vary.  From time to time, we may enter into investing and financing transactions that require additional funding.  To the extent that these needs exceed cash from operations, we could, subject to market conditions, issue commercial paper, issue long-term debt securities or borrow under our revolving credit facilities.

 

Based on past performance and current expectations, we believe that cash on hand, cash generated from operations, available-for-sale securities, available credit lines and access to credit markets will be adequate to support currently planned business operations, information systems enhancements, capital expenditures, acquisitions, dividends, stock repurchases, restructuring initiatives, commitments and other contractual obligations on both a near-term and long-term basis.  Our cash and cash equivalents and short- and long-term investment balances at September 30, 2016 include cash and short- and long-term investments in offshore jurisdictions associated with our permanent reinvestment strategy.  We do not believe that the indefinite reinvestment of these funds offshore impairs our ability to meet our domestic debt or working capital obligations.  If these indefinitely reinvested earnings were repatriated into the United States as dividends, we would be subject to additional taxes.

 

The effects of inflation have not been significant to our overall operating results in recent years.  Generally, we have been able to introduce new products at higher prices, increase prices and implement other operating efficiencies to sufficiently offset cost increases, which have been moderate.

 

Credit Ratings

 

Changes in our credit ratings will likely result in changes in our borrowing costs.  Our credit ratings also impact the cost of our revolving credit facility as discussed below.  Downgrades in our credit ratings may reduce our ability to issue commercial paper and/or long-term debt and would likely increase the relative costs of borrowing.  A credit rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold securities, is subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating organization, and should be evaluated independently of any other rating.  As of October 26, 2016, our commercial paper is rated A-1 by Standard & Poor’s and P-1 by Moody’s, and our long-term debt is rated A+ with a stable outlook by Standard & Poor’s and A2 with a stable outlook by Moody’s.

 

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THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

Debt

 

At September 30, 2016, our outstanding borrowings were as follows:

 

($ in millions)

 

Long-term
Debt

 

Current
Debt

 

Total Debt

 

4.375% Senior Notes, due June 15, 2045 (“2045 Senior Notes”) (1), (8)

 

$

455

 

$

 

$

455

 

3.70% Senior Notes, due August 15, 2042 (“2042 Senior Notes”) (2), (8)

 

247

 

 

247

 

6.00% Senior Notes, due May 15, 2037 (“2037 Senior Notes”) (3), (8)

 

293

 

 

293

 

5.75% Senior Notes, due October 15, 2033 (“2033 Senior Notes”) (4)

 

197

 

 

197

 

2.35% Senior Notes, due August 15, 2022 (“2022 Senior Notes”) (5), (8)

 

263

 

 

263

 

1.70% Senior Notes, due May 10, 2021 (“2021 Senior Notes”) (6), (8)

 

448

 

 

448

 

5.55% Senior Notes, due May 15, 2017 (“2017 Senior Notes”) (7), (8)

 

 

305

 

305

 

Commercial paper that matures through November 2016 (0.54% average interest rate)

 

 

270

 

270

 

Other borrowings

 

5

 

17

 

22

 

 

 

$

1,908

 

$

592

 

$

2,500

 

 


(1)             Consists of $450 million principal, net unamortized debt premium of $10 million and debt issuance costs of $5 million.

(2)             Consists of $250 million principal, unamortized debt discount of $1 million and debt issuance costs of $2 million.

(3)             Consists of $300 million principal, unamortized debt discount of $3 million and debt issuance costs of $4 million.

(4)             Consists of $200 million principal, unamortized debt discount of $2 million and debt issuance costs of $1 million.

(5)             Consists of $250 million principal, a $14 million adjustment to reflect the fair value of interest rate swaps and debt issuance costs of $1 million.

(6)             Consists of $450 million principal and debt issuance costs of $2 million.

(7)             Consists of $300 million principal and a $5 million adjustment to reflect the termination value of interest rate swaps.

(8)             The Senior Notes contain certain customary incurrence—based covenants, including limitations on indebtedness secured by liens.

 

In October 2016, we increased the size of our commercial paper program to $1.5 billion (from $1.0 billion) under which we may issue commercial paper in the United States.  At October 26, 2016, we had $305 million of commercial paper outstanding, which we may refinance on a periodic basis, at then-prevailing market interest rates, as it matures.

 

In October 2016, we replaced our undrawn $1.0 billion unsecured revolving credit facility that was set to expire on July 15, 2020 (the “Prior Facility”) with a new $1.5 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility that expires on October 3, 2021, unless extended for up to two additional years in accordance with the terms set forth in the agreement (the “New Facility”).  The New Facility may be used for general corporate purposes.  Up to the equivalent of $500 million of the New Facility is available for multi-currency loans.  Interest rates on borrowings under the New Facility will be based on prevailing market interest rates in accordance with the agreement.  We incurred costs of approximately $1 million to establish the New Facility, which will be amortized over the term of the facility.  The New Facility has an annual fee of approximately $1 million, payable quarterly, based on our current credit ratings.  The New Facility contains a cross-default provision whereby a failure to pay other material financial obligations in excess of $175 million (after grace periods and absent a waiver from the lenders) would result in an event of default and the acceleration of the maturity of any outstanding debt under this facility.

 

Total debt as a percent of total capitalization (excluding noncontrolling interests) increased to 41% at September 30, 2016 from 39% at June 30, 2016, primarily due to the issuance of commercial paper.

 

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THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

Cash Flows

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30

 

(In millions)

 

2016

 

2015

 

Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities

 

$

(150

)

$

8

 

Net cash used for investing activities

 

$

66

 

$

564

 

Net cash used for financing activities

 

$

36

 

$

44

 

 

The decrease in cash flows from operations reflected an unfavorable change in accounts payable, primarily due to the timing of payments.  This decrease also reflected a change in other accrued liabilities, partially reflecting the payment of accrued annual incentive employee compensation and a reduction in accrued income taxes due to the timing of payments.  Also contributing to the decrease was an unfavorable change in inventory and a decrease in net earnings.  These decreases were partially offset by a decrease in accounts receivable, reflecting the timing of shipments and collections, and a decrease in other assets primarily driven by a favorable change in prepaid taxes.

 

The decrease in net cash used for investing activities reflected lower net purchases of investments in connection with our cash investment strategy.

 

The decrease in net cash used for financing activities primarily reflected lower treasury stock purchases, partially offset by a change in short-term debt due to lower commercial paper borrowings in the current-year period.

 

Dividends

 

For a summary of quarterly cash dividends declared per share on our Class A and Class B Common Stock during the three months ended September 30, 2016, see Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 11 — Equity.

 

Pension and Post-retirement Plan Funding

 

There have been no significant changes to our pension and post-retirement funding as discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016.

 

Commitments, Contractual Obligations and Contingencies

 

There have been no significant changes to our commitments and contractual obligations as discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016.  For a discussion of contingencies, see Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 8 — Contingencies.

 

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities

 

For a discussion of our derivative financial instruments and hedging activities, see Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 5 — Derivative Financial Instruments.

 

Foreign Exchange Risk Management

 

For a discussion of foreign exchange risk management, see Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 5 — Derivative Financial Instruments (Cash-Flow Hedges).

 

Credit Risk

 

For a discussion of credit risk, see Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 5 — Derivative Financial Instruments (Credit Risk).

 

Market Risk

 

During the first quarter of fiscal 2017, we changed our market risk assessment model from a value-at-risk model to a sensitivity based model. This sensitivity analysis utilizes hypothetical changes in currency exchange rates and interest rates at the end of the reporting period to express the potential future losses for an instrument or portfolio from adverse changes in market factors.  We believe this model provides greater insight into the impact of market risk exposures on our derivative instruments.

 

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THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

We address certain financial exposures through a controlled program of market risk management that includes the use of foreign currency forward contracts to reduce the effects of fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates and to mitigate the change in fair value of specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet.  To perform a sensitivity analysis of our foreign currency forward contracts, we assess the change in fair values from the impact of hypothetical changes in foreign currency exchange rates.  A hypothetical 10% strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the foreign exchange rates for the currencies in our portfolio would have resulted in a net decrease in the fair value of our portfolio of approximately $15 million and $22 million as of September 30, 2016 and June 30, 2016, respectively.  This potential change does not consider our underlying foreign currency exposures.

 

In addition, we enter into interest rate derivatives to manage the effects of interest rate movements on our aggregate liability portfolio, including future debt issuances.  Based on a hypothetical 100 basis point increase in interest rates, the estimated fair value of our interest rate derivatives would decrease by $14 million and $15 million as of September 30, 2016 and June 30, 2016, respectively.

 

Our sensitivity analysis represents an estimate of reasonably possible net losses that would be recognized on our portfolio of derivative financial instruments assuming hypothetical movements in future market rates and is not necessarily indicative of actual results, which may or may not occur.  It does not represent the maximum possible loss or any expected loss that may occur, since actual future gains and losses will differ from those estimated, based upon actual fluctuations in market rates, operating exposures, and the timing thereof, and changes in our portfolio of derivative financial instruments during the year.  We believe, however, that any such loss incurred would be offset by the effects of market rate movements on the respective underlying transactions for which the derivative financial instrument was intended.

 

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

 

We do not maintain any off-balance sheet arrangements, transactions, obligations or other relationships with unconsolidated entities, other than operating leases, that would be expected to have a material current or future effect upon our financial condition or results of operations.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

As disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016, the discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.  The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses reported in those financial statements.  These judgments can be subjective and complex, and consequently, actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions.  Our most critical accounting policies relate to revenue recognition, inventory, pension and other post-retirement benefit costs, goodwill, other intangible assets and long-lived assets, and income taxes.  Since June 30, 2016, there have been no significant changes to the assumptions and estimates related to our critical accounting policies.

 

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

 

For a discussion regarding the impact of accounting standards that were recently issued but not yet effective, on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, see Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

 

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THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

 

We and our representatives from time to time make written or oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in this and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in our press releases and in our reports to stockholders.  The words and phrases “will likely result,” “expect,” “believe,” “planned,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “forecast” or similar expressions are intended to identify “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  These statements include our expectations regarding sales, earnings or other future financial performance and liquidity, product introductions, entry into new geographic regions, information systems initiatives, new methods of sale, our long-term strategy, restructuring and other charges and resulting cost savings, and future operations or operating results.  Although we believe that our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of our knowledge of our business and operations, actual results may differ materially from our expectations.  Factors that could cause actual results to differ from expectations include, without limitation:

 

(1) increased competitive activity from companies in the skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care businesses;

 

(2) our ability to develop, produce and market new products on which future operating results may depend and to successfully address challenges in our business;

 

(3) consolidations, restructurings, bankruptcies and reorganizations in the retail industry and other factors causing a decrease in the number of stores that sell our products, an increase in the ownership concentration within the retail industry, ownership of retailers by our competitors or ownership of competitors by our customers that are retailers and our inability to collect receivables;

 

(4) destocking and tighter working capital management by retailers;

 

(5) the success, or changes in timing or scope, of new product launches and the success, or changes in the timing or the scope, of advertising, sampling and merchandising programs;

 

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

 

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

 

(8) changes in the laws, regulations and policies (including the interpretations and enforcement thereof) that affect, or will affect, our business, including those relating to our products or distribution networks, changes in accounting standards, tax laws and regulations, environmental or climate change laws, regulations or accords, trade rules and customs regulations, and the outcome and expense of legal or regulatory proceedings, and any action we may take as a result;

 

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

 

(10) changes in global or local conditions, including those due to the volatility in the global credit and equity markets, natural or man-made disasters, real or perceived epidemics, or energy costs, that could affect consumer purchasing, the willingness or ability of consumers to travel and/or purchase our products while traveling, the financial strength of our customers, suppliers or other contract counterparties, our operations, the cost and availability of capital which we may need for new equipment, facilities or acquisitions, the returns that we are able to generate on our pension assets and the resulting impact on funding obligations, the cost and availability of raw materials and the assumptions underlying our critical accounting estimates;

 

(11) shipment delays, commodity pricing, depletion of inventory and increased production costs resulting from disruptions of operations at any of the facilities that manufacture nearly all of our supply of a particular type of product (i.e. focus factories) or at our distribution or inventory centers, including disruptions that may be caused by the implementation of information technology initiatives, or by restructurings;

 

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(12) real estate rates and availability, which may affect our ability to increase or maintain the number of retail locations at which we sell our products and the costs associated with our other facilities;

 

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

 

(14) our ability to acquire, develop or implement new information and distribution technologies and initiatives on a timely basis and within our cost estimates and our ability to maintain continuous operations of such systems and the security of data and other information that may be stored in such systems or other systems or media;

 

(15) our ability to capitalize on opportunities for improved efficiency, such as publicly-announced strategies and restructuring and cost-savings initiatives, and to integrate acquired businesses and realize value therefrom;

 

(16) consequences attributable to local or international conflicts around the world, as well as from any terrorist action, retaliation and the threat of further action or retaliation;

 

(17) the timing and impact of acquisitions, investments and divestitures; and

 

(18) additional factors as described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016.

 

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

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

 

The information required by this item is set forth in Item 2 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q under the caption “Liquidity and Capital Resources - Market Risk” and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

 

(a)   Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission and to ensure that information required to be disclosed is accumulated and communicated to management, including our principal executive and financial officers, to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.  The Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), with assistance from other members of management, have reviewed the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2016 and, based on their evaluation have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of such date due to the material weakness in internal control over financial reporting that was disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016.

 

(b)   Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

As disclosed in Part II. Item 9A. Controls and Procedures in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, we identified a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting related to ineffective general information technology controls in the areas of user access and program change management over certain technology systems that are relevant to our financial reporting processes and system of internal control over financial reporting.

 

Management believes that our consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  Our CEO and CFO have certified that, based on such officer’s knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this Form 10-Q, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as of, and for, the periods presented in this Form 10-Q.  In addition, we continue to implement the remediation plan for this material weakness as disclosed in Part II. Item 9A. Controls and Procedures in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016, which is described below.

 

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(c)    Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting

 

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that occurred during the first quarter of fiscal 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

(d) Remediation Plan

 

Management is continuing to implement the remediation plan as disclosed in Part II. Item 9A. Controls and Procedures in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016 to ensure that control deficiencies contributing to the material weakness are remediated such that these controls will operate effectively.

 

We believe that these actions, and the improvements we expect to achieve as a result, will effectively remediate the material weakness.  However, the material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting will not be considered remediated until the remediated controls operate for a sufficient period of time and management has concluded, through testing, that these controls are operating effectively.  We expect that the remediation of this material weakness will be completed in fiscal 2017.

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

 

For a discussion of legal proceedings, see Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 8 — Contingencies.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

 

Share Repurchase Program

 

We are authorized by our Board of Directors to repurchase up to 216.0 million shares of our Class A Common Stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, depending on market conditions and other factors.  As of September 30, 2016, the cumulative total of acquired shares pursuant to the authorization was 199.8 million, reducing the remaining authorized share repurchase balance to 16.2 million.  During the three months ended September 30, 2016, we purchased approximately 2.2 million shares pursuant to the authorization for $207 million as outlined in the following table:

 

Period

 

Total Number
of Shares
Purchased

 

Average Price
Paid Per
Share

 

Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced
Program

 

Maximum Number
of Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the
Program
(1)

 

July 2016

 

1,725,000

 

$

92.12

 

1,725,000

 

16,767,555

 

August 2016

 

469,547

(2)

92.94

 

441,702

 

16,325,853

 

September 2016

 

217,068

(2)

88.86

 

80,041

 

16,245,812

 

 

 

2,411,615

 

91.98

 

2,246,743

 

 

 

 


(1)             In November 2012, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of 40.0 million shares.

(2)             Includes shares that were repurchased by the Company in connection with shares withheld to satisfy tax obligations upon the vesting of stock-based compensation.

 

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Item 6. Exhibits.

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description

31.1

 

Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) (CEO).

31.2

 

Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) (CFO).

32.1

 

Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (CEO). (furnished)

32.2

 

Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (CFO). (furnished)

101.INS

 

XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.LAB

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

101.DEF

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

 


*  Incorporated herein by reference.

 

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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.

 

 

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

 

 

 

Date: November 2, 2016

By:

/s/TRACEY T. TRAVIS

 

 

 

Tracey T. Travis

 

 

 

Executive Vice President

 

 

 

and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

(Principal Financial and

 

 

 

Accounting Officer)

 

 

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description

31.1

 

Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) (CEO).

31.2

 

Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) (CFO).

32.1

 

Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (CEO). (furnished)

32.2

 

Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (CFO). (furnished)

101.INS

 

XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.LAB

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

101.DEF

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

 


*  Incorporated herein by reference.

 

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