Polo Ralph Lauren Corp. (RL) LONG TERM ATTRACTIVE – $21 11/16
Transcription
Polo Ralph Lauren Corp. (RL) LONG TERM ATTRACTIVE – $21 11/16
CONSUMER PRODUCTS: INITIATING COVERAGE EQUITY RESEARCH November 14, 2000 LONG TERM ATTRACTIVE – $21 11/16 Polo Ralph Lauren Corp. (RL) 12-MONTH PRICE TARGET: $24 INITIATING COVERAGE WITH A LONG TERM ATTRACTIVE RATING AND $24 PRICE TARGET … • Polo Ralph Lauren’s status as a premier lifestyle brand supports higher product margins, product extensions, and consumer loyalty. Darren E. Barker (213) 688-4526 • We expect long-term annual revenue growth of 20% to 30% in Europe as Polo expands distribution and introduces additional labels in under-penetrated markets. • Recent restructuring initiatives and anticipated retail improvements should drive operating margins expansion, resulting in 14% EPS growth over the next several years. • We are establishing a $24 price target based on 5.5x our $4.47 EBITDA per share forecast for FY 2002. [email protected] STOCK DATA EARNINGS PER SHARE $12.75 - $23.19 FYE Mar 2000A 2001E 97.0 Q1 Jun 0.28A $0.25A 2,110 Q2 Sep 0.56A 0.50A Insider Ownership 69% Q3 Dec 0.33A 0.50E Public Float (mil) 30.0 Q4 Mar 0.32A 0.42E $1.49A $1.67E 19% 12% 16% 14.6x 13.0x 11.2x 52 Week Price Range Shares Outstanding (mil) Market Capitalization ($ mil) Total BENCHMARKS Y/Y Change 2000A 2001E Price/Sales 1.1x 0.9x P/E Price/Book Value 2.8x 2.6x Est. 3 YR. Growth Price/EBITDA 6.4x 5.6x Debt/Capital (Q2 FY 2001) 14% FYE Mar 2000A 2001E Q1 Jun 434.4A 487.3A 38.2% Q2 Sep 543.9A 586.2A Return on Avg. Equity Q2 FY 2001 3.5% Q3 Dec 510.3A 621.7E Book Value/Share (Q2 FY 2001) $7.47 Q4 Mar 466.9A 550.7E $1,956A $2,246E EV/EBITDA (LTM) 7.2x $1.94E REVENUE ($ mil) 449.0 VALUATION Total Debt ($ mil) 2002E Total 2002E $2,388E USD 22 20 One Year Price Chart Avg. Daily Volume: 108,668 (1 mos.); 155,826 (1 yr.) 18 16 14 Thousands 909 455 Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Polo Ralph Lauren Corp. is a leader in the design, marketing, and distribution of premium lifestyle products. The Company’s brand names, including Polo, Polo Sport, Ralph Lauren Sport, RLX, Polo Golf, Ralph Lauren Collection/Black Label, Ralph Lauren/Purple Label Collection. The Company operates 242 stores. Source: FactSet The information herein is based on sources which we consider reliable, but its accuracy is not guaranteed. The information contained herein is not a representation by this corporation, nor is any recommendation made herein based on any privileged information. This information is not intended to be nor should it be relied upon as a complete record or analysis; neither is it an offer nor a solicitation of an offer to sell or buy any security mentioned herein. This firm, Wedbush Morgan Securities, its officers, employees, and members of their families, or any one or more of them, and its discretionary and advisory accounts, may have a position in any security discussed herein or in related securities and may make, from time to time, purchases or sales thereof in the open market or otherwise. The information and expressions of opinion contained herein are subject to change without further notice. The herein mentioned securities may be sold to or bought from customers on a principal basis by this firm. Additional information with respect to the information contained herein may be obtained upon request. INVESTMENT THESIS We are initiating coverage of Polo Ralph Lauren with a LONG TERM ATTRACTIVE rating and a twelve-month price target of $24. We believe Polo Ralph Lauren is one of the premier consumer lifestyle brands with considerable brand equity. Profitability fluctuated in recent years due to operational issues and underperforming retail operations. We believe less than solid execution prevented Polo from translating its premier brand equity into above average profitability and premium share valuation. Polo has made considerable management changes and implemented a restructuring plan to improve operations. While we view the restructuring positively, we are cautious regarding the extent and execution given the number of managerial changes. Until profitability and operational improvement materialize, we believe Polo’s shares should be valued inline with its peer group of branded apparel manufacturers. Accordingly, we are establishing a twelve-month price target of $24 based on 5.5x our FY 2002 EBITDA forecast of $4.47 per share, representing 14% upside from the current price. Should profitability improvements exceed our expectations, we believe Polo’s shares should trade at a premium to its peer group. We expect restructuring initiatives to modestly impact FY 2001 results and forecast revenue and EPS growth of 15% and 12%, respectively. We forecast a more meaningful impact on FY 2002, and expect margin expansion to accelerate 6% revenue growth into a 16% increase in EPS. BASIS OF RECOMMENDATION STRONG BRAND EQUITY Strong brand equity supports in consumer loyalty, higher margins, and expanded profitability We believe Polo Ralph Lauren is one of the premier consumer lifestyle brands with considerable consumer awareness and brand equity. The Company has capitalized on its strong fashion design and effective marketing to build a premier lifestyle brand with global revenue exceeding an estimated $5 billion, including licensees. In our opinion, Polo/Ralph Lauren is one of the few brands capable of developing a portfolio of products and brands ranging from the moderately priced Chaps by Ralph Lauren to the luxury priced Purple and Black Labels. We believe strong brand equity sustains high consumer loyalty, reduces price sensitivity, supports higher gross margins, and expands profitability. Polo is leveraging its strong lifestyle brand to expand into additional product categories, roll out new concept stores, and expand into media through its Ralph Lauren Media joint venture. EUROPEAN EXPANSION Polo is underpenetrated in Europe, providing a considerable longterm growth opportunity. 2 Polo Ralph Lauren, Corp. Polo acquired its European licensee, Poloco S.A.S (“Poloco”), in Q4 FY 2000. Prior to the acquisition, Poloco’s sales were less than $190 million and distribution was relatively narrow, indicating to us that the licensee was not realizing the brand’s full potential in the region. Europe represents a potential consumer market similar in size with the U.S., yet Polo sales in the region were less than 15% of the U.S. business. We believe European sales at Poloco could expand 30% to 40% to over $270 million in FY 2002 and drive FY 2002 wholesale revenue to $1.1 billion. We expect European revenue growth to come from product introductions, additional door penetration, and introduction of Polo’s various brand derivatives, including Warnaco’s Chaps by Ralph Lauren, Jones Apparel Group’s Polo Jeans Co., Ralph by Ralph Lauren, and Lauren by Ralph Lauren. Polo is introducing Jones’ Ralph and Lauren lines for women in spring 2001. We also expect Polo to expand the number of Polo stores in Europe from the current nine. The acquisition could facilitate margin expansion Darren E. Barker (213) 688-4526 Rafay Khalid (213) 688-4514 as the Company leverages Poloco’s sourcing with Polo’s U.S. operation; however, we have excluded any meaningful impact from our FY 2002 forecast. RETAIL INITIATIVES We expect retail improvements to result in consolidated operating margin expansion. Polo’s company-owned stores have restrained consolidated profitability growth in recent years as the segment’s operating margin declined from 10.8% in FY 1998 to 3.1% in FY 2000 at a time when sales increased from $571 million to $834 million. The Company recently announced a $73 million after-tax restructuring charge during Q2 FY 2001 to improve retail profitability, the second restructuring attempt since FY 1999. Polo is closing underperforming locations, testing new concept stores, rolling out Club Monaco locations, and increasing the luxury accessories component in its Polo stores, all of which should boost margins. We believe the critical difference with this restructuring compared to FY 1999’s attempt is the considerable managerial changes over the past 12 to 18 months, including a new COO with over 25 years retail experience and a new CEO for Club Monaco. We estimate Polo’s retail operating margin will expand at least 390 basis points from 3.1% in FY 2000 to 7.0% in FY 2002, primarily due to closing underperforming stores. Additionally, Polo is testing new retail concepts and rolling out additional Club Monaco and Polo Sport locations, which should drive high-single digit to low-double digit revenue growth over the next few years. In our opinion, Club Monaco has the potential to grow to approximately 200 stores from the current 70 stores. ACCELERATED PROFIT GROWTH Accelerated profit growth from margin expansion and share repurchases should drive sustainable EPS growth of 14%. Polo is implementing multiple initiatives to improve operating profitability. During Q2 FY 2001, the Company posted a $112 million after-tax charge associated with planned store closures ($73 million), inventory valuation adjustments ($23 million), and reserves for SG&A reductions ($16 million). Initially, we expect a 170 basis point reduction in operating margins during the second half of FY 2001; however, the anticipated improvement will be more than offset by lower profitability during the first half of FY 2001. We estimate these improvements could reduce FY 2002 SG&A expenses by more than 90 basis points to 35.5% of sales, providing operating margin expansion of 14.1% from an estimated 13.1% in FY 2001. We expect expanded profitability to accelerate a modest 6% revenue increase during FY 2002 into a 16% EPS growth. We believe additional FY 2002 EPS growth could come from equity shrink as Polo buys back shares under the remaining $32 million repurchase authorization. Nevertheless, we excluded share repurchases from our forecast. CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC We are cautiously optimistic Polo can simultaneously improve operations while executing growth initiatives. Polo has articulated a four-pronged growth strategy including Europe, additional Polo locations, Club Monaco store openings, and Ralph Lauren Media. Additionally, Polo has implemented a considerable number of management changes over the past 12 to 18 months. While we view the announced restructuring initiatives positively, we are cautious regarding the extent and execution given the change in management. This is Polo’s second attempt at an operational improvement in three years. We advise prudence until initial signs of operational improvements materialize. Until improvements translate into expanded profitability and EPS growth, we believe shares should be valued inline with other branded apparel manufacturers, suggesting shares are appropriately valued at the current level. VALUATION Polo’s valuation has been negatively impacted by a difficult retail environment (throughout calendar 2000), along with other branded apparel companies. The stock rebounded recently Darren E. Barker (213) 688-4526 Rafay Khalid (213) 688-4514 Polo Ralph Lauren, Corp. 3 with the announcement of the recent restructuring, rising 11% to the current $21.00. The stock’s valuation is inline with the average for its peer group of branded apparel manufacturers on most metrics including P/E, price/EBITDA, price/sales, etc. (Refer to Exhibit I on page 16). Polo trades at a discount relative to luxury goods companies such as Movado, Tiffany, and Gucci. Establishing a $24 price target based on 5.5x our FY 2002 EBITDA forecast Near term, we are cautious regarding the upcoming holiday 2000 selling season. Additionally, we are guarded in our turnaround expectations for Polo until signs of sustainable improvements materialize, which could be as early as spring/summer 2001. As Polo grows its luxury business, expands profitability, and demonstrates sustained improvements, we believe Polo’s valuation multiples could expand to reflect a blend of branded apparel makers and pure luxury goods companies. We are cautiously optimistic that Polo can execute on these issues, but we are choosing to sit on the sidelines until we see sufficient signs of sustained improvements. Until then, we believe enough uncertainties exist to warrant caution, and value the stock inline with our universe of branded apparel manufacturers. We are establishing a $24 price target based a 5.5x our FY 2002 EBITDA forecast of $4.47 per share, representing a 15% appreciation from the current share price of $21.00. INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS FASHION/APPAREL INDUSTRY Unpredictable consumer buying patterns due to changes in the economy or consumer confidence could affect apparel industry sales. If the Company misjudges the market for its products, it could have significant excess inventories that would need to be cleared, typically at lower than expected gross margins. Accordingly, Polo’s sales and profitability could be at risk if consumer tastes shift quickly and management fails to anticipate and react appropriately. In our view, Polo’s strong brand equity and emphasis on classic styling should partially mitigate fashion risk. CONSUMER SPENDING Polo operates in a cyclical industry. Given interest rate uncertainty, stock market volatility, and fluctuating consumer confidence, consumer spending could decelerate. If consumer spending decreases, it will negatively impact sales and earnings. Accordingly, Polo’s shares could experience downward pressure due to negative sentiment surrounding apparel and footwear stocks. However, we believe the brand’s position as a luxury brand targeting a consumer base with higher than average net income, partially insulates sales and earnings as these consumers tend to be less sensitive to economic cycles. DEPENDENCE ON RALPH LAUREN Ralph Lauren remains a driving force behind Polo’s lifestyle image and strong brand equity and is the largest shareholder at approximately 44%. His leadership is an important factor in the Company’s success; the unexpected loss of which could have an adverse affect on the Company. In addition, any negative market or industry perception due to the loss of Mr. Lauren’s services could unfavorably affect the brand’s image and stock price. 4 Polo Ralph Lauren, Corp. Darren E. Barker (213) 688-4526 Rafay Khalid (213) 688-4514 CUSTOMER CONCENTRATION Department stores are Polo’s largest customer group. Approximately 65% of FY 2000 wholesale net sales were concentrated among three accounts – Dillard Department Stores, Inc. (23%), Federated Department Stores (22%), and The May Department Stores Company (20%). This concentration reflects the consolidation trend among department store retailers. However, these three department stores generated 29% of FY 2000 consolidated sales. The planned retail expansion should reduce this concentration further. COMPANY OVERVIEW Polo is a leading designer, marketer, and distributor of premium lifestyle products. In 1967, Ralph Lauren introduced the first Polo neckwear collection. For more than 30 years, Polo’s reputation and distinctive image has grown and now spans many products, brands, and markets. Polo generated net revenues of $2 billion in FY 2000, increasing 13% from the previous year. The business consists of three integrated operations including wholesale, retail, and licensing. The wholesale and retail segments provided 45% and 43%, respectively, of FY 2000 net revenues. Licensing revenue contributed 12% of net revenues in FY 2000. Polo Ralph Lauren is a premier global luxury brand built around the image of the classic American lifestyle. The Company markets its products primarily through print media; however, it is expanding into broadcast as part of its joint venture with NBC. Polo sells its products through multiple distribution channels including golf/pro shops, department, specialty, outlet, and Polo stores. The Company combines its consumer insight and design, marketing, and brand equity to offer broad lifestyle product collections under multiple labels and in product categories including apparel, home, accessories, and fragrance. Apparel products include extensive collections of menswear, womenswear, and children’s clothing. The Ralph Lauren Home Collection offers coordinated products for the home, including bedding and bath products, interior décor, furniture and tabletop, and gift items. Accessories encompass a broad range of products such as footwear, eyewear, jewelry, and leather goods (including handbags and luggage). Polo sells fragrance and skin care products under the Company’s Polo, Lauren, Romance, Safari, Polo Sport, and Club Monaco Cosmetics brands. Darren E. Barker (213) 688-4526 Rafay Khalid (213) 688-4514 Polo Ralph Lauren, Corp. 5 FIGURE I POLO RALPH LAUREN – REVENUE SEGMENTS $2,500 $2,000 $1,500 $1,000 $500 Amount in $ millions $0 Licensing Retail Wholesale FY97A FY98A FY99A FY00A FY01E FY02E $137 $380 $671 $167 $570 $742 $208 $659 $860 $236 $834 $885 $245 $967 $1,054 $260 $1,045 $1,095 Source: Company Documents, WMS estimates POLO RALPH LAUREN BRANDS Polo’s brands are divided into two groups, Polo Brands and Ralph Lauren Collection Brands. Each group conceives, develops, and merchandises its product group to convey a variety of different design concepts. The Polo Brands Group includes Polo by Ralph Lauren, Polo Sport, Ralph Lauren Sport, RLX, and Polo Golf. Polo Brands span prices from moderate to better and sell primarily through department and specialty stores. The Collection Brands Group consists of luxury products (at designer and above price points) under the Ralph Lauren Collection, Ralph Lauren Black Label, and the Purple Label Collection. Polo’s Collection Brands generally garner luxury prices and designer margins. While these brands are more profitable, their distribution is limited to only higher-end department stores and specialty stores. 6 Polo Ralph Lauren, Corp. Darren E. Barker (213) 688-4526 Rafay Khalid (213) 688-4514 FIGURE II POLO RALPH LAUREN BRAND TABLE Brands Men’s Collection • Purple Label • • • Polo by Ralph Lauren Polo Sport RLX • Polo Golf • Chaps‡ • Polo Jeans Co. † • Polo Ralph Lauren Underwear # Polo Licensed Women’s • Ralph Lauren Collection • Ralph Lauren Black Label • Ralph Lauren Sport • RLX • Polo Golf • • • • • RALPH by Ralph Lauren† Lauren by Ralph Lauren† Polo Jeans Co. † Ralph Lauren Swimwear‡ Ralph Lauren Underwear and Intimates # † Licensed by Jones Apparel Group ‡ Warnaco, Inc. # Division of Sara Lee Source: Company Documents Darren E. Barker (213) 688-4526 Rafay Khalid (213) 688-4514 • Polo by Ralph Lauren. The Polo by Ralph Lauren menswear collection is a complete men’s wardrobe consisting of products related by theme, style, color, and fabric. The Company prices Polo by Ralph Lauren at a range of price points within the men’s premium ready-to-wear apparel market. Polo sells this collection through approximately 2,200 department stores, specialty stores, and Polo stores in the U.S. • Polo Sport. The Company designed the Polo Sport collection of men’s active wear and sportswear for the active lifestyle. Polo offers Polo Sport at a range of price points within the men’s premium ready-to-wear apparel market. This collection sells through approximately 2,200 department stores, specialty stores, and Polo stores in the U.S. • Ralph Lauren Sport. The Ralph Lauren Sport collection for women includes active wear and weekend sportswear. Polo prices Ralph Lauren Sport at a wide range of bridge prices. • RLX. Introduced in spring 1999, the RLX collection of menswear and womenswear consists of sport and outdoor apparel with an emphasis on technical features and functions. RLX is competitively priced against other authentic sports apparel companies. • Polo Golf. The Company targets the Polo Golf collection of men’s and women’s golf apparel at the golf and resort markets. Polo markets this collection at price points within the men’s premium ready-to-wear market. This collection sells through approximately 2,150 golf/pro shops, resorts, department stores, specialty stores, and Polo stores. Polo Ralph Lauren, Corp. 7 • Ralph Lauren Collection and Ralph Lauren Black Label. The Ralph Lauren Collection expresses Polo’s current fashion for women, while the Ralph Lauren Black Label includes classic styles. The Ralph Lauren Collection and the Ralph Lauren Black Label sell at price points at the upper-end or luxury ranges. The Company distributes the Ralph Lauren Collection and Ralph Lauren Black Label through approximately 95 U.S. stores and 245 international stores. • Ralph Lauren/Purple Label Collection. In fall 1995, Polo introduced its Purple Collection of men’s tailored clothing. The Company expanded the line in fall 1997 to include sportswear. The Ralph Lauren Collection and the Ralph Lauren Purple Label sell at price points at the upper-end or luxury ranges in premier retailers. The Company distributes this collection in less than 100 U.S. and international stores. WHOLESALE Polo distributes wholesale products through approximately 5,000 stores in the United States, including department stores, golf/pro shops, specialty stores, and company-owned stores. Wholesale revenues accounted for $878 million or 45% of FY 2000 net sales, a $33 million increase over FY 1999. Wholesale revenue declined as a percentage of net sales from 49% in FY 1999 to 45% in FY 2000, due to an increase in net revenues at Polo’s stores. The wholesale segment’s operating margins expanded 220 basis points from 7.0% in FY 1999 to 9.2% in FY 2000, accounting for almost one-third of operating profits. Improved sourcing and a shifting merchandise mix favoring higher margin products have boosted the wholesale operating profit 270 basis points since FY 1997. The three largest department store customers (Dillard Department Stores, Inc., Federated Department Stores, Inc., and The May Department Stores Company) accounted for $567 million or 65% of FY 2000 wholesale net revenues. Shop-within-shops are a critical element of Polo’s wholesale distribution strategy. These shop-within-shops enhance brand recognition, secure valuable selling floor space, and permit more complete merchandising of the Company’s lines. As of October 2000, department stores in the U.S. installed over 2,300 shop-within-shops dedicated to the Company’s products (representing more than 2.0 million square feet) and over 2,300 shop-within-shops dedicated to Polo’s licensed products. We believe Polo has practically saturated department stores with shop-within-shops and expect only modest installations going forward. RETAIL Polo currently operates 242 stores, including 70 Club Monaco stores, 125 outlet stores, and 35 full-price stores, representing approximately 1.8 million square feet Additionally, the Company granted licenses to independent parties to operate 4 stores in the U.S. and 111 stores internationally. Polo sells products (included in wholesale net revenues) to these licensed stores, receives royalties (included in licensing revenue) from its licensing partners who sell to these stores, and a percentage of retail sales from these locations. Retail accounts for 43% of sales. 8 Polo Ralph Lauren, Corp. Retail revenues accounted for $834 million or 43% of FY 2000 net sales, increasing $175 million from the previous year. The increase was due to opening approximately 14 new Polo stores in FY 2000 and the Club Monaco acquisition during Q1 FY 2000. In FY 2000, retail operating margins declined 170 basis points to 3.1%. This continues the retail segment’s downward trend in operating margins from 10.8% in FY 1998 to 3.1% in FY 2000. In Q4 FY Darren E. Barker (213) 688-4526 Rafay Khalid (213) 688-4514 1999, the Company restructured its retail operations to reduce its overall costs, improve sales, and increase profitability. However, meaningful improvements did not materialize and Polo announced a second retail overhaul in Q2 FY 2001. Under the plan, Polo booked a $73 million after-tax charge during Q2 FY 2001 related to the closure of all 12 full-price Polo Jeans Co. stores and 11 older, under-performing Club Monaco stores. We believe Polo Jean Co. stores were marginally profitable because of the higher cost structure associated with buying products from licensees (i.e. Jones Apparel Group) and a difficult specialty store environment. The underperforming Club Monaco stores are located in rural, less fashion conscious locations within Canada. While we are optimistic that Polo’s revamped management can revive retail profitability through better execution, we are adopting a cautious stance given previous initiatives. Polo Full-Price Stores. Polo utilizes its full-price stores to generate revenue, test products, and reinforce the brand. There are approximately 35 full-price Polo stores, including 29 Polo brand and 6 Polo concept stores (e.g. Children’s), excluding the 12 Polo Jean Co. stores slated for closure. The Polo Ralph Lauren stores feature Polo’s luxury line with an increasing focus on accessories, which have considerably higher gross margins. The non-flagship stores are generally located in upscale regional malls and major high street locations in large urban markets. Polo is testing new retail concepts (e.g. Children’s) in an effort to find new growth vehicles. Polo Sport stores are also showing promise. Outlet Stores. Polo extends its reach to additional consumer groups through approximately 125 company-owned outlet stores. There are 91 Polo Ralph Lauren Factory, 26 Polo Jeans Co. Factory, and 8 European Factory Stores. Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Stores offer selections of the Company’s menswear, womenswear, children’s apparel, accessories, home furnishings, and fragrances. Polo sells select current season merchandise through its outlets, in addition to clearing prior season products. Club Monaco is key to Polo’s retail growth. Club Monaco. In Q1 FY 2000, Polo acquired Club Monaco Corp. for $87 million in cash and assumed debt, valuing the transaction at 1.0x FY 1999 sales of about $90 million. Founded in 1985, Club Monaco is an international vertically integrated, specialty retailer of casual apparel and other accessories for men, women, and children under the “Club Monaco” brand name. Club Monaco is a unique, fashionable concept attracting fashion forward consumers. Polo operates Club Monaco’s 70 stores as a separate subsidiary. Eleven of the Club Monaco stores, located in smaller markets throughout Canada, are closing under the Q2 FY 2001 restructuring plan. We believe this acquisition is a key growth driver for the Company’s retail segment and expect Polo to increase Club Monaco’s market penetration in key cities, such as Los Angeles, New York, and South Miami Beach. We believe Polo can expand the Club Monaco concept from the current 70 stores to over 200 stores. Additionally, we are encouraged by the recent announcement of John Mehas as President and CEO of Club Monaco, replacing the previous management team that resigned in August 2000. LICENSING Licensing accounts for 12% of revenues, but 63% of operating profit. Darren E. Barker (213) 688-4526 Rafay Khalid (213) 688-4514 We believe Polo’s brands have considerable brand equity. Polo was ranked the number one designer brand, according to Women’s Wear Daily’s annual ranking of the 100 most recognizable brand names. The Company leverages its strong brand equity by licensing product categories outside of its core competencies. Licensing revenue accounted for $236 million or 12% of FY 2000 net revenues, increasing $28 million from the previous year. This increase is primarily attributable to an increase in sales of existing licensed products, specifically Lauren, Polo Jeans Co., and Home Collection. The licensing segment is highly Polo Ralph Lauren, Corp. 9 profitable. Operating margins of the licensing business segment increased 450 basis points, from 58.9% in FY 1999 to 63.4% in FY 2000 due to revenue growth and SG&A leverage. We believe the licensing segment will expand operating margins in conjunction with licensing revenue growth. The Company’s licensing partners are often leaders in their respective markets. The licensing partners generally contribute the majority of product development costs and provide the operational infrastructure required to support the business and own the inventory, while Polo controls the designs. Each licensing partner generally pays 5%-8% royalties and allocates between 2%-4% of wholesale sales to advertising. The licensing arrangement for Ralph Lauren Home brands is structured differently (15%-20% royalties) due to the broader range of services Polo provides. Polo designs, merchandises, and develops the various products as a complete home furnishing collection. Polo then markets and sells the products to domestic customers and certain international accounts. The Company’s Home product licensing partners’ manufacture, inventory, and ship the products. Polo has 20 licensees for apparel, footwear, and personal accessories and 10 international licensing partners. The Company’s largest licensing partners by licensing revenue include Jones Apparel Group, Inc., WestPoint Stevens, Inc., and Seibu Department Stores Ltd., which accounted for 28%, 11%, and 11%, respectively, of licensing revenue in FY 2000. Jones Apparel Group, Inc. licenses the Ralph by Ralph Lauren, Lauren by Ralph Lauren, and Polo Jean Co. label, generating over $1 billion in wholesale revenue. EUROPE We expect 20%-50% revenue growth in Europe over the next few years. During Q4 FY 2000, Polo acquired Poloco S.A.S. (“Poloco”) for $220 million in cash and assumed debt. The purchase price valued Poloco at 1.1x FY 1999 sales of $188 million. Poloco sells men’s and boys’ Polo apparel, men’s and women’s Polo Jeans apparel, and certain Polo accessories in Europe. In addition to the wholesale business, Polo acquired one flagship store in Paris and six outlet stores located in France, the United Kingdom, and Austria. The European market represents a potential consumer market similar in size with the U.S., yet Polo sales in the region were less than 15% of the U.S. wholesale business. Before the acquisition, less than half of Polo’s products were available in Europe. We expect this acquisition to facilitate expanded European distribution and product introductions throughout Europe, resulting in more than 30% sales growth in FY 2002, the first full year under Polo’s control. In addition, the acquisition will allow Polo to leverage sourcing, distribution, and marketing throughout Europe. RALPH LAUREN MEDIA LLC In Q4 FY 2000, Polo Ralph Lauren, NBC, and its affiliates (ValueVision International, NBC Internet Inc., and CNBC.com) announced a joint venture creating Ralph Lauren Media. This joint venture is designed to leverage Polo’s strong brand equity over multiple media platforms, including the Internet, broadcast, cable, and print. Under the 30-year Ralph Lauren Media joint venture, Polo owns 50%, NBC owns 25%, ValueVision owns 12.5%, NBCi owns 10%, and CNBC.com owns 2.5%. Initially, Polo’s financial exposure will be minimal as the Company is shielded from any losses up to the first $50 million. Nonetheless, Polo will proportionately share in the net income or loss thereafter. In addition, Polo will receive royalties (0%-15%) based on Polo.com’s net sales. We are intrigued by the initiative. We believe it has the potential to leverage Polo’s brands into new revenue sources with minimal initial expenditures and financial exposure. The road to leveraging branding into multimedia is well paved by the likes of Martha Stewart’s television programs, magazines, catalogs, and 10 Polo Ralph Lauren, Corp. Darren E. Barker (213) 688-4526 Rafay Khalid (213) 688-4514 line of home goods. While we are cautiously optimistic, we are adopting a wait and see position, given the current e-commerce environment. The first initiative out of the joint venture is Polo.com, a destination site dedicated to Polo Ralph Lauren’s lifestyle including original content, e-commerce, and a community component. Polo.com launched in Q3 FY 2001 and includes an assortment of men’s, women’s, and children’s products across the Ralph Lauren family of brands. Polo will market Polo.com through print advertising, supply Polo products, and provide customer service through its retail stores in the U.S. Polo.com is an anchor-shopping tenant on NBCi’s portal service. NBC and its affiliates will provide approximately $150 million in television and online advertising, while ValueVision will handle fulfillment, customer service, and contribute up to $50 million in cash. The new Polo.com web site is the first part of the Company’s initiative to leverage its solid brand beyond apparel, footwear, and accessories. The web site goes beyond e-commerce and includes content, wardrobe advice, music, travel, and more. We believe it is well constructed, laid out nicely, and easily navigable. In our opinion, this is an encouraging first effort, particularly at showcasing the Polo Ralph Lauren lifestyle. However, we have reservations about how effectively the site can reach Polo’s core consumer, particularly with luxury items. MANAGEMENT We believe Mr. Lauren’s strong direction and guidance has been key to building a solid brand. In our opinion, execution has lagged behind design and brand building. Polo made considerable management additions and changes over the past 12 to 18 months to improve its execution. We are highlighting select key personnel who we believe are crucial to future success in the areas of retail, logistics, and finance. We are encouraged by the extent and depth of management changes, believing Polo has assembled a strong team that may differentiate the current improvement initiatives from those announced in FY 1999. Ralph Lauren is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, the creative force behind the Company, and a 44% owner. In 1967, he introduced the first Polo neckwear collection. Mr. Lauren created the Polo brand based on the American lifestyle through natural elegance and an enduring style. His vision and influence spreads beyond the fashion world and into advertising, interior design, and retailing. We believe his continued leadership in design and marketing is a critical element of the Company’s success. F. Lance Isham is Vice Chairman and a Director of the Board. Mr. Isham joined Polo in 1982 and held a variety of sales positions in the Company including Executive Vice President of Sales and Merchandising. Most recently, Mr. Isham was President of the Company from November 1998 to April 2000. We believe Mr. Isham, with almost 20 years experience at Polo, is an integral part of the Company’s continued success. Roger Farah, President and Chief Operating Officer, joined Polo in April 2000 with 25 years of retailing experience. Mr. Farah began his retailing career at Saks Fifth Avenue in 1975 and was the youngest president of Rich’s, a Southern department store chain, at age 34. In 1991, he was Chairman and CEO of Federated Merchandising Services. Prior to joining Polo, Mr. Darren E. Barker (213) 688-4526 Rafay Khalid (213) 688-4514 Polo Ralph Lauren, Corp. 11 Farah was Chairman and CEO of Venator Corporation. We believe Mr. Farah is a key member in developing and executing the Company’s new retail concepts and operational improvements. Doug Williams was appointed Group President of Global Business Development in April 2000. His career spans 12 years with the Company. He has held various sales and merchandising positions including Vice President of Men’s Sales from 1993 to 1997, Divisional President of Product Licensing, and President of Global Licensing and New Business Development. We believe Mr. Williams is instrumental in increasing Polo’s presence in European markets to maximize the return on the Poloco acquisition. Gerald M. Chaney was appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective November 2000. Mr. Chaney has over 15 years experience, most recently as CFO of Kellwood Company. Mr. Chaney held various positions with Petrie Retail, Inc., Canadians Corporation, and Crystal Brands, Inc. John Mehas was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Club Monaco in November 2000. Mr. Mehas was a senior merchandising executive and held various merchandising positions at The Gap, Inc. Prior to that time, Mr. Mehas was responsible for men’s and women’s merchandising at Bloomingdale’s. Mr. Mehas replaces the Club Monaco management team that resigned in August 2000, shortly after Mr. Farah’s arrival. FINANCIALS OVERVIEW Fundamentally, Polo’s financials are solid. The Company’s current ratio is 2.0x, with $146 million in cash ($1.50 per share), and debt-to-total capital of 38%, which we expect to decline to approximately 30% at the end of FY 2001. Polo’s approximately $450 million of debt is primarily related to the Club Monaco and Poloco acquisitions. The Company funded the Poloco acquisition with a November 1999 €275 million Eurobond offering of 6.125% notes due in 2006. As with other branded apparel companies, Polo generates considerable operating cash flow, which we estimate to exceed $200 million or $2.00 per share in FY 2001, excluding the $112 million after-tax charge. We forecast cash from operations to increase to $330 million or $3.39 per share in FY 2002. We believe that Polo’s EBITDA/interest ratio (14x) is more than sufficient. In our opinion, continued share repurchases are a more effective use of free cash flow than debt reduction. Since the initial $100 million authorization in April 1998, Polo has repurchased approximately 3.6 million shares with $32 million remaining. Surprisingly, Polo’s strong brand equity has not fully translated into a significantly higher net margin relative to other branded apparel manufacturers. The Company’s net margin over the past twelve months was 6.7% versus a peer group average of 6.8%. Gross margin is above average for branded apparel companies. However, declining operating margin in its retail business and a higher than average cost structure restrained Polo’s profitability. Polo’s retail operating margin has declined 770 basis points over the past three years to 3.1% in FY 2000, despite a 30% CAGR in retail sales, including acquisitions. Conversely, wholesale and licensing operating margins have steadily improved over the past three years (Figure III). 12 Polo Ralph Lauren, Corp. Darren E. Barker (213) 688-4526 Rafay Khalid (213) 688-4514 Wholesale operating margins grew due to the growing luxury component of the merchandise product mix and licensing margin benefited from leveraging the 20% CAGR in licensing revenue. Going forward, we believe improving retail operations, closing underperforming retail locations, and opening new stores in attractive markets (Polo and Club Monaco) will expand retail’s profitability and drive consolidated profit expansion. We expect a modest 120 basis point operating margin improvement in the second half of FY 2001 and another 100 basis point expansion to 14.1% in FY 2002. FIGURE III POLO RALPH LAUREN – OPERATING MARGINS 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% FY97A* FY98A* FY99A^ FY00A^ FY01E^ FY02E Wholesale 6.5% 6.6% 7.0% 9.2% 9.0% 9.0% Retail 10.8% 10.8% 4.8% 3.1% 4.8% 7.0% Licensing 53.0% 53.4% 58.9% 63.4% 62.5% 63.0% * Pro Forma ^ Excluding Non-recurring items Source: Company Documents, WMS estimates Polo has three classes of common stock, comprising approximately 96.8 million basic shares outstanding. There are approximately 30.8 million tradable class A shares, 43.3 million class B shares controlled by Mr. Lauren, and 22.7 million class C shares held by Goldman Sachs. Each class B and C share is convertible into one Class A share upon change of ownership. Mr. Lauren is the largest individual shareholder with 43 million class A and B shares, representing 44% of the Company and Goldman Sachs owns 22.7 million class B shares, representing 23% of the Company. RECENT RESULTS Second quarter net revenue increased 8% to $586 million from the previous year. Wholesale revenue increased 6% year-over-year to $261 million due to increased sales from European operations. Retail revenue increased 14% over last year to $256 million, driven by 33 net new stores over the last twelve months, which offset a consolidated 5% decrease in same store sales. The outlet stores’ negative high-single digit and Club Monaco’s flat same store sales more than offset the Polo stores’ high-single digit comps. The Polo stores registered highsingle digit comps driven by sales of both men’s and women’s Collection Brands. The Club Monaco stores’ flat comps were due to the U.S. stores’ high-single digit comps offsetting the Darren E. Barker (213) 688-4526 Rafay Khalid (213) 688-4514 Polo Ralph Lauren, Corp. 13 high-single digit negative comps for Canadian stores. The outlet stores posted high-single digit negative comps due to the promotion environment in department stores and less traffic in outlet centers. During the second quarter, Polo opened two net new stores, increasing its store count to 242. In addition, Polo is closing all 12 Polo Jeans Co. stores and 11 underperforming Club Monaco stores. Licensing revenue decreased 5% to $68 million due to the timing of domestic licensing payments, transitioning the European business from a licensee to a wholly owned subsidiary, and softness in the Pacific Rim. EPS (excluding restructuring charges) declined 11% to $0.50 versus $0.56 the previous year. The planned reduction in year-over-year EPS comparisons was due to the three-month lag in recognizing Polo’s European operating results and a partial shift of shipments to Q3 as department stores delay product receipt until closer to the selling season. Net income (before restructuring charges) declined 12% to $49 million versus $55 million last year. Polo booked a $112 million after-tax charge for Polo’s second restructuring, which included the writedown of the store assets to fair value, the closures of under-performing stores, the write-down of aged inventory, the consolidation of overseas sourcing operations, and employee-related costs. Gross margin decreased 40 basis points to 49.1% from 49.5% the previous year. FY 2001 OUTLOOK We expect FY 2001 sales and recurring EPS to increase 14.8% and 12.1%, respectively. For FY 2001, we forecast a 15% net revenue increase to $2.2 billion. We expect wholesale revenue to increase 19% to just over $1 billion, primarily due to the timing of the Poloco acquisition in Q4 FY 2000. We estimate Polo’s retail revenue to increase low double-digits as additional sales from new store openings partially offset lost sales from closing underperforming locations. We believe a shifting product mix favoring higher margin luxury goods and improved inventory management will provide an 80 basis point gross margin increase to 49.5%. However, we forecast Polo’s FY 2001 operating margin to decline 40 basis points to 13.1%, as higher SG&A expenses related to Poloco’s inclusion offsets the anticipated gross margin expansion. We do not expect the restructuring initiatives to fully impact full year results until FY 2002. We have excluded additional share repurchases from our forecast, although $32 million remains under the current authorization. FIGURE IV $ in millions Wholesale Retail Licensing Other Total Revenue POLO RALPH LAUREN – FY 2001 REVENUE FORECASTS Yr/Yr 2000 2001 Change % of Growth $878 $1,042 19% 46% 834 956 15% 43% 236 243 3% 11% 7 5 -29% 0% $1,956 $2,246 15% 100% Source: Company Documents, WMS estimates Totals may not add due to rounding FY 2002 OUTLOOK For FY 2002, we expect operating margin expansion to accelerate a modest 6% revenue increase into a 16% EPS growth. 14 Polo Ralph Lauren, Corp. Our FY 2002 forecast includes a modest 6% revenue growth to $2.4 billion. We expect wholesale and retail revenue to increase 4% and 8%, respectively. Our wholesale growth expectations are primarily due to European sales growth as Polo is fairly well distributed throughout the U.S. Our retail sales forecast assumes Polo opens at least 15 to 20 retail locations during FY 2002 and a modest 2% same store sales increase. Darren E. Barker (213) 688-4526 Rafay Khalid (213) 688-4514 FIGURE V $ in millions Wholesale Retail Licensing Other Total Revenue POLO RALPH LAUREN – FY 2002 REVENUE FORECASTS Yr/Yr 2001 2002 Change % of Growth $1,42 $1,084 4% 45% 956 1,037 8% 43% 243 263 8% 11% 5 5 0% 0% $2,246 $2,388 6% 100% Source: Company Documents, WMS estimates Totals may not add due to rounding We believe the impact from the announced restructuring and operational improvements will materialize during FY 2002 with a 100 basis point operating margin increase to 14.1%. Our conservative model assumes only a slight gross margin increase to 49.6% in FY 2002. We believe our gross margin assumption may prove conservative as Polo increases its merchandise mix in favor of higher margin luxury goods, particularly accessories at its Polo stores. We expect most of the operating margin expansion to result from cost reductions and improved operations. We have excluded from our forecast any meaningful savings from consolidating Poloco’s and Polo U.S.’ sourcing, as well as additional share repurchases. Darren E. Barker Research Analyst (213) 688-4526 [email protected] Rafay Khalid Research Associate (213) 688-4514 [email protected] Additional information is available upon request. WMS may or may not have a position in the stock at any given time. RL may not be exempt from Blue Sky regulations in Guam. Please contact your state’s securities commission prior to purchasing. Priced as of close on November 14, 2000. Companies Mentioned in this Report: Sara Lee Corp. WestPoint Stevens, Inc. Warnaco Group, Inc. Jones Apparel Group, Inc. May Departm ent Stores Company Federated Department Stores Dillard’s Inc. Movado Group, Inc. Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. Tiffany & Company Gucci Group N.V. Darren E. Barker (213) 688-4526 Rafay Khalid (213) 688-4514 (Not Rated) (Not Rated) (Not Rated) (BUY) (Not Rated) (Not Rated) (Not Rated) (Not Rated) (Not Rated) (LTA) (Not Rated) SLE WXS WAC JNY MAY FD DDS MOVA MSO TIF GUC $ 21.75 $ 7.56 $ 3.38 $ 29.94 $ 28.63 $ 33.13 $ 10.88 $ 13.00 $ 26.19 $ 35.25 $101.00 Polo Ralph Lauren, Corp. 15 EXHIBIT I Company Name PEER GROUP ANALYSIS Donna Karan DK Not Rated December Gucci Group GUC Not Rated January Price Data Closing Price 11/13/00 52-Week High 52-Week Low $6.13 $9.38 $5.13 $97.01 $121.50 $72.94 $5.63 $33.00 $4.25 $29.19 $32.56 $20.13 $41.81 $48.31 $30.94 $13.81 $14.75 $8.38 $21.00 $23.19 $12.75 $12.38 $27.25 $6.31 $3.25 $15.44 $1.88 Sales Information^ LTM Net Sales (mill) Yr./Yr. % Change $667.4 11.3% $1,732.8 59.6% $778.0 44.9% $4,095.0 50.0% $3,027.3 10.5% $636.7 15.3% $2,050.0 6.8% $1,930.0 3.5% $2,388.9 18.2% $1,922.9 24.5% Margin Analysis (LTM)^ Net Sales COGS Gross Margin SG&A Operating Income Net Income* 100.0% 67.9% 32.1% 28.9% 3.2% 1.8% 100.0% 31.7% 68.3% 52.1% 16.2% 18.5% 100.0% 58.4% 41.6% 28.7% 12.9% 6.8% 100.0% 58.9% 41.1% 25.9% 15.2% 8.0% 100.0% 60.4% 39.6% 29.2% 10.4% 6.3% 100.0% 54.7% 45.3% 37.5% 7.8% 4.8% 100.0% 50.9% 49.1% 36.9% 12.2% 6.7% 100.0% 58.4% 41.6% 29.8% 11.8% 7.7% 100.0% 68.8% 31.2% 22.6% 8.6% 0.6% 100.0% 56.7% 43.3% 32.4% 10.9% 6.8% Valuation Analysis Calendar 1999A Calendar 2000E Calendar 2001E $0.40 $0.65 $0.95 $3.48 $3.21 $3.76 $1.19 $0.85 $0.99 $2.02 $2.50 $3.00 $3.12 $3.59 $4.05 $1.45 $1.26 $1.39 $1.44 $1.57 $1.89 $2.30 $1.42 $1.48 $1.90 ($0.33) $0.24 ------------- P/E - 1999 EPS P/E - 2000 EPS P/E - 2001 EPS 15.3x 9.4x 6.4x 27.9x 30.2x 25.8x 4.7x 6.6x 5.7x 14.4x 11.7x 9.7x 13.4x 11.6x 10.3x 9.5x 11.0x 9.9x 14.6x 13.4x 11.1x 5.4x 8.7x 8.4x 1.7x n/m 13.5x 11.9x 12.8x 11.2x Price/Sales (LTM) Price/Book Price/EBITDA (LTM) EV/EBITDA (LTM) 0.2x 0.9x 6.0x 6.5x 5.7x 10.3x 30.5x 6.0x 0.3x 1.3x 1.8x 2.9x 0.9x 2.5x 5.6x 7.6x 0.7x 2.6x 5.7x 6.2x 0.7x 1.7x 5.8x 5.4x 1.0x 2.8x 6.3x 7.2x 0.6x 0.9x 4.4x 5.8x 0.1x 0.5x 0.6x 5.1x 1.1x 2.6x 7.4x 5.9x EPS Growth Rate CAGR P/E to CAGR - 2001 16.0% 40.3% 15.5% 166.4% 15.0% 37.8% 18.0% 54.0% 14.0% 73.8% 14.0% 71.0% 14.0% 79.4% 14.0% 59.7% 13.0% 104.2% 14.8% 76.3% 9.6% 4.3% 14.2% 12.0% 32.8% 13.5% 25.2% 10.5% 21.0% 11.5% 12.2% 8.7% 18.8% 9.6% 11.8% 6.3% -27.8% -5.1% 13.1% 7.9% Ticker Symbol Rating Fiscal Year End Profitability Analysis (LTM) Return on Avg Equity* Return on Avg Assets* Guess GES Hold December Jones Apparel JNY Buy December Liz Claiborne LIZ Buy December Nautica Ent. NAUT LTA February Polo/Ralph Lauren RL LTA March Tommy Hilfiger TOM Buy March Warnaco WAC Not Rated December Average ^As of 9/30/2000, except DK (6/30/2000), GUC (8/30/2000), WAC (6/30/2000) * Excluding Non-Recurring items Source: Company Reports, First Call, FactSet and Wedbush Morgan Securities estimates 16 Polo Ralph Lauren, Corp. Darren E. Barker (213) 688-4526 Rafay Khalid (213) 688-4514 Polo/Ralph Lauren Income Statement $ Millions Jun-98 Sep-98 Dec-98 Mar-99 1Q99 2Q99 3Q99 4Q99 FY 1999 Jun-99 Sep-99 Dec-99 Mar-00 Jun-00 Sep-00 Dec-00 1Q00 2Q00 3Q00 4Q00 FY 2000A 1Q01a 2Q01a 3Q01e 1-Mar 4Q01e FY 2001E Net Revenues $358.8 $474.8 $447.5 $445.7 $1,726.9 $434.4 $543.9 $510.3 $466.9 $1,955.5 $487.3 $586.2 $621.7 $550.7 176.2 241.1 240.7 246.7 904.6 217.4 274.5 $270.7 $239.8 1,002.4 234.8 298.2 322.1 279.2 1,134.3 182.6 233.7 206.9 199.1 822.3 217.0 269.4 239.6 227.2 953.1 252.5 288.0 299.7 271.5 1,111.62 145.0 148.8 163.0 151.4 608.1 167.1 172.3 181.7 168.1 689.2 206.4 200.5 212.6 198.0 817.5 37.7 85.0 43.9 47.7 214.2 49.9 97.1 57.9 59.0 263.9 46.1 87.4 87.0 73.5 294.1 Cost of Sales Gross Profit Selling, General and Admin Expenses Operating Income $2,245.9 Non-operating Income/(Expense) Interest Income (Expense), net 0.7 (0.7) (1.1) (1.7) (2.8) (2.5) (3.7) (3.4) (5.4) (15.0) (6.5) (6.8) (7.0) (6.0) (26.3) 38.3 84.3 42.8 46.0 211.4 47.4 93.4 54.5 53.6 248.9 39.6 80.7 80.0 67.5 267.8 15.6 34.3 17.4 18.8 86.1 19.3 38.1 22.2 21.8 101.4 15.7 31.9 31.6 26.6 105.8 Net Income, excl. Non-Recurring items $22.7 $49.9 $25.4 $27.3 $125.3 $28.1 $55.3 $32.3 $31.8 $147.5 $23.9 $48.8 $48.5 $40.9 $162.0 Diluted EPS, excl. Non-Recurring items $0.23 $0.50 $0.25 $0.27 $1.25 $0.28 $0.56 $0.33 $0.32 $1.49 $0.25 $0.50 $0.50 $0.42 $1.67 (34.7) (34.7) (4.0) Net Income (as reported) $22.7 $49.9 $25.4 ($7.4) $90.6 $24.1 $55.3 $32.3 $31.8 $143.5 $23.9 ($62.9) $48.5 $40.9 $50.4 Diluted EPS, as reported $0.23 $0.50 $0.25 ($0.07) $0.91 $0.24 $0.56 $0.33 $0.32 $1.45 $0.25 ($0.65) $0.50 $0.42 $0.52 Diluted Shares 100.6 99.9 99.7 99.6 100.0 99.7 99.3 98.9 98.3 99.0 97.4 97.3 97.3 97.3 97.3 50.9% 49.2% 46.2% 44.7% 47.6% 49.9% 49.5% 46.9% 48.7% 48.7% 51.8% 49.1% 48.2% 49.3% 49.5% 40.4% 31.3% 36.4% 34.0% 35.2% 38.5% 31.7% 35.6% 36.0% 35.2% 42.4% 34.2% 34.2% 36.0% 36.4% 10.5% 17.9% 9.8% 10.7% 12.4% 11.5% 17.9% 11.3% 12.6% 13.5% 9.5% 14.9% 14.0% 13.4% 13.1% 0.2% -0.1% -0.2% -0.4% -0.2% -0.6% -0.7% -0.7% -1.2% -0.8% -1.3% -1.2% -1.1% -1.1% -1.2% 6.3% 10.5% 5.7% 6.1% 7.3% 6.5% 10.2% 6.3% 6.8% 7.5% 4.9% 8.3% 7.8% 7.4% 7.2% Net Revenues 23.9% 12.1% 9.6% 24.1% 16.6% 21.1% 14.6% 14.0% 4.8% 13.2% 12.2% 7.8% 21.8% 17.9% 14.8% Gross Profit 24.5% 12.2% 7.2% 15.3% 14.1% 18.8% 15.3% 15.8% 14.1% 15.9% 16.4% 6.9% 25.1% 19.5% 16.6% Operating Income 30.7% 11.9% -10.9% 3.9% 7.2% 32.5% 14.3% 32.0% 23.8% 23.2% -7.6% -9.9% 50.4% 24.5% 11.4% Net Income, excl. Non-Recurring items 61.1% 11.0% -13.5% -14.5% 4.2% 23.5% 10.7% 27.3% 16.8% 17.7% -14.9% -11.8% 50.1% 28.4% 9.9% Diluted EPS, excl. Non-Recurring items 64.3% 11.1% -13.8% -15.6% 4.2% 21.7% 12.0% 32.0% 18.5% 19.2% -10.7% -10.7% 51.5% 31.3% 12.1% Pretax Income Total Income Tax Unusual Item, after tax (4.0) (111.6) (111.6) Margin Analysis Gross Profit, % of revenue Selling, General and Admin Expenses Operating Income Interest Income (Expense), net Net Income, excl. Non-Recurring items Period/Period Change 1 - Pro forma to include fully taxed rate (40.8%) and reduced interest expense dut ot debt reduction from the use of IPO proceeds Darren E. Barker (213) 688-4526 Rafay Khalid (213) 688-4514 Polo Ralph Lauren, Corp. 17 Polo/Ralph Lauren Income Statement $ Millions 1 1 Net Revenues $1,019.9 $1,180.4 Cost of Sales 586.3 433.6 Gross Profit Selling, General and Admin Expenses Operating Income Non-operating Income/(Expense) 1 Pro Forma Pro Forma Pro Forma FY 1998 FY 1996P FY 1997P FY 1999 FY 2000A FY 2001E FY 2002E $1,480.6 $1,726.9 $1,955.5 $2,245.9 $2,388.3 652.0 760.0 904.6 1,002.4 1,134.3 1,203.7 528.4 720.60 822.3 953.1 1,111.62 1,184.59 312.7 378.9 520.8 608.1 689.2 817.5 847.8 120.9 149.6 199.8 214.2 263.9 294.1 336.7 (1.1) (3.6) (16.3) (13.7) 3.1 (15.0) (26.3) (25.0) 103.5 132.3 202.9 211.4 248.9 267.8 311.7 41.4 52.9 82.6 86.1 101.4 105.8 123.1 Net Income, excl. Non-Recurring items $62.1 $79.4 $120.3 $125.3 $147.5 $162.0 $188.6 Diluted EPS, excl. Non-Recurring items $0.62 $0.79 $1.20 $1.25 $1.49 $1.67 $1.94 (4.0) (111.6) 0.0 Net Income (as reported) $62.1 $79.4 $120.3 $90.6 $143.5 $50.4 $188.6 Diluted EPS, as reported $0.62 $0.79 $1.20 $0.91 $1.45 $0.52 $1.94 Diluted Shares 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 99.0 97.3 97.3 42.5% 44.8% 48.7% 47.6% 48.7% 49.5% 49.6% 30.7% 32.1% 35.2% 35.2% 35.2% 36.4% 35.5% 11.9% 12.7% 13.5% 12.4% 13.5% 13.1% 14.1% -1.6% -1.2% 0.2% -0.2% -0.8% -1.2% -1.0% 6.1% 6.7% 8.1% 7.3% 7.5% 7.2% 7.9% Net Revenues 20.5% 15.7% 25.4% 16.6% 13.2% 14.8% 6.3% Gross Profit 16.7% 21.9% 36.4% 14.1% 15.9% 16.6% 6.6% 9.8% 23.7% 33.6% 7.2% 23.2% 11.4% 14.5% Net Income, excl. Non-Recurring items 10.8% 27.8% 51.5% 4.2% 17.7% 9.9% 16.4% Diluted EPS, excl. Non-Recurring items 10.7% 27.4% 51.9% 4.2% 19.2% 12.1% 16.2% $131 $163 $199 $261 $330 $376 $435 12.8% 13.8% 13.5% 15.1% 16.9% 16.7% 18.2% 8.8% 25.0% 22.0% 30.8% 26.7% 13.8% 15.7% 120.9 149.6 199.8 214.2 263.9 294.1 336.7 (41.4) (52.9) (82.6) (86.1) (101.4) (105.8) (123.1) + Depreciation & Amortization 9.7 13.8 27.4 46.4 66.3 81.8 + Non-recurring 0.0 0.0 0.0 34.7 4.0 111.6 0.0 89.2 110.4 144.6 209.2 232.7 381.7 311.6 11.9% 17.0% Interest Income (Expense), net Pretax Income Total Income Tax Unusual Item, after tax (2.8) (34.7) Margin Analysis Gross Profit, % of revenue Selling, General and Admin Expenses Operating Income Interest Income (Expense), net Net Income, excl. Non-Recurring items Period/Period Change Operating Income EBITDA Analysis LTM EBITDA EBITDA Margin Yr/Yr % Change NOPAT Calculation Operating Income - Tax Provision NOPAT Nopat Margin 8.8% 9.4% 9.8% 12.1% 98.0 13.0% 1 - Pro forma to include fully taxed rate (40.8%) and reduced interest expense dut ot debt reduction from the use of IPO proceeds 18 Polo Ralph Lauren, Corp. Darren E. Barker (213) 688-4526 Rafay Khalid (213) 688-4514 Polo/Ralph Lauren Balance Sheet $ Millions FY 1996P FY 1997P FY 1998 FY 1999 FY 2000A FY 2001E FY 2002E Assets Cash $14 $30 $59 $44 $165 $155 $264 Accounts Receivables 145 144 149 157 204 236 234 Inventories 269 222 298 377 391 437 439 32 40 50 101 93 90 90 460 436 556 679 853 917 1,028 49 83 175 262 373 350 410 224 Other Current Assets Total Current Assets Net Property, Plant and Equipment Goodwill, Net 27 278 252 55 57 93 136 117 125 125 $564 $577 $825 $1,105 $1,621 $1,644 $1,787 $74 $27 $0 $116 $86 $101 $0 Current Portion of Long-Term Debt 12 42 - - - - Accounts Payable 74 89 100 89 151 136 181 Other LT Assets Total Assets - - - Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Short-term borrowings Accrued expenses and Other Current Liabilities - 37 66 102 144 169 164 164 197 224 202 348 406 402 345 Long-Term Debt 114 72 44 343 323 323 Other Liabilities 15 20 39 53 99 100 100 326 316 241 446 848 825 768 Total Current Liabilities Total Liabilities Total Shareholders' Equity - 238 261 584 659 772 819 1,019 $564 $577 $825 $1,105 $1,621 $1,644 $1,787 Return on Capital, NOPAT/(Capital - Cash) 42.1% 27.8% 32.2% 21.5% 24.8% 14.9% 28.8% Return on Average Assets 11.0% 13.9% 17.2% 9.4% 10.5% 3.1% 11.0% Return on Average Equity 26.6% 33.3% 28.5% 14.6% 20.1% 6.3% 20.5% Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Profitability Analysis EBIT/Total Sales 11.9% 12.7% 13.5% 12.4% 13.5% 13.1% 14.1% Total Sales/Avg. Assets 180.9% 207.0% 211.2% 179.0% 143.5% 137.6% 139.2% Avg. Assets/Avg. Equity 237.2% 228.9% 165.9% 155.2% 190.4% 205.1% 186.7% Pre-Tax Income/EBIT 85.6% 88.5% 101.6% 98.7% 94.3% 91.1% 92.6% Net Income/Pre-Tax Income 60.0% 60.0% 59.3% 42.9% 57.7% 18.8% 60.5% Ratio Analysis Receivables Turnover n/a 8.2 10.1 11.3 10.8 10.2 10.2 Days Sales Outstanding n/a 44.7 36.2 32.4 33.8 35.8 35.9 Inventory Turnover n/a 2.7 2.9 2.7 2.6 2.7 2.7 Days COGS in Inventory n/a 137.5 125.0 136.2 139.8 133.2 132.8 Days Payables in COGS n/a 45.8 45.5 38.1 43.7 46.2 48.0 Net Working Capital 262.9 212.4 354.2 331.5 446.7 515.3 682.8 Working Capital per Share $2.63 $2.12 $3.54 $3.31 $4.51 $5.30 $7.02 Current Ratio 2.3 1.9 Total Debt/Total Capital 45.7% 35.1% Book Value per Share $2.38 $2.61 Darren E. Barker (213) 688-4526 Rafay Khalid (213) 688-4514 2.8 2.0 2.1 0.0% 19.5% 35.7% 34.1% $6.59 $7.80 $8.42 $5.84 2.3 3.0 24.1% $10.47 Polo Ralph Lauren, Corp. 19 Polo/Ralph Lauren Statement of Cash Flows $ Millions FY 1996P FY 1997P FY 1998 FY 1999 FY 2000A FY 2001E FY 2002E Cash Flow from Operations Net Income $98.8 $117.3 13.8 $147.6 $90.6 $143.5 $50.5 $188.6 27.4 46.4 66.3 81.8 98.0 (28.0) (25.8) - - - 111.6 - (1.6) 14.6 10.8 - 12.0 (84.3) Depreciation/Amortization 9.7 Deferred Taxes - - Provision for Special Charges - - Other (0.4) 4.4 13.9 (29.5) 33.0 (74.2) (120.6) 12.7 35.1 9.5 30.5 91.3 203.6 96.2 38.5 (Increase)/Decrease in Assets Increase/(Decrease) in Liabilities Net Cash from Operations - 19.0 6.8 (0.5) 242.7 (0.9) 4.1 44.4 174.5 330.2 Cash Flow from Investing Acquisition of businesses, net of cash (39.7) Purchases of property and equipment (5.6) (35.3) Other (3.7) (3.2) (49.0) Consolidated Debt, net 12.4 Proceeds from equity issuance 10.0 Net Cash Used by Investing - (8.6) (7.0) (235.1) (21.6) - (63.1) (141.7) (122.0) (134.3) (130.0) 2.6 (47.6) 38.8 (38.6) (74.9) (196.2) (318.3) (58.7) (161.9) 159.4 242.9 (1.1) - (157.1) (130.0) (5.5) (101.2) Cash Flow from Financing Repurchase of common stock Other Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing - - 268.8 0.1 - - (16.1) (41.3) (56.3) (90.3) (99.1) - - (33.9) (149.0) 7.8 143.4 201.6 - - (5.8) (11.0) (16.5) - (101.2) Effect of exchange rates on cash - Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash 8.4 16.0 29.2 (14.3) 120.1 0.9 98.9 Beginning Cash 5.1 13.6 29.6 58.8 44.5 164.6 165.5 $13.6 $29.6 $58.8 $44.5 $164.6 $165.5 $264.4 Ending Cash - - - FREE CASH FLOW Net Income Depreciation/Amortization Change in Working Capital, ex cash $98.8 $117.3 $147.6 $90.6 $143.5 $50.5 $188.6 9.7 13.8 27.4 46.4 66.3 81.8 98.0 (112.7) (31.1) 66.5 Operating Cash Flow 77.5 197.6 Capital Expenditures (5.6) Free Cash Flow Free cash flow margin $71.9 7.0% (35.3) $162.2 13.7% 8.4 4.9 62.3 145.4 214.7 53.7 228.9 (63.1) (141.7) (122.0) (134.3) (130.0) ($0.8) $3.7 $92.7 ($80.7) $98.9 -0.1% 0.2% 4.7% (78.6) -3.6% (57.7) 4.1% Per Share Information Sales $10.20 $11.80 $14.81 $17.27 $19.75 $23.08 $24.55 Earnings $0.62 $0.79 $1.20 $1.25 $1.49 $1.67 $1.94 Cash Earnings (Net income + Dep/Amort) $0.72 $0.93 $1.48 $1.72 $2.16 $2.51 $2.95 EBITDA $1.31 $1.63 $1.99 $2.61 $3.34 $3.86 $4.47 Cash From Operations $0.91 $2.04 $0.96 $0.39 $2.45 $1.79 $3.39 Free Cash Flow $0.72 $1.62 ($0.01) $0.04 $0.94 ($0.83) $1.02 Book Value $2.38 $2.61 $5.84 $6.59 $7.80 $8.42 $10.47 20 Polo Ralph Lauren, Corp. Darren E. Barker (213) 688-4526 Rafay Khalid (213) 688-4514 (This page intentionally left blank.) Darren E. Barker (213) 688-4526 Rafay Khalid (213) 688-4514 Polo Ralph Lauren, Corp. 21 (This page intentionally left blank.) 22 Polo Ralph Lauren, Corp. Darren E. Barker (213) 688-4526 Rafay Khalid (213) 688-4514 (This page intentionally left blank.) Darren E. Barker (213) 688-4526 Rafay Khalid (213) 688-4514 Polo Ralph Lauren, Corp. 23 WEDBUSH MORGAN SECURITIES MANAGING DIRECTOR OF CAPITAL MARKETS Michael G. Gardner, CFA (213) 688-4551 RESEARCH DEPARTMENT (866) 855-4529 toll free DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH Michael Pachter (213) 688-4474 CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND SERVICES NEW MEDIA ENTERTAINMENT Branded Apparel and Footwear Darren E. Barker …………...……. (213) 688-4526 Rafay Khalid ……………………… (213) 688-4514 Interactive Entertainment Miguel Iribarren, CFA ………….... (213) 688-4558 Philip A. Saunders …….……….... (213) 688-4427 Specialty Retail: Hardlines Joan L. Bogucki-Storms, CFA …. (213) 688-4537 Spurgeon F. Johnson III……..….. (213) 688-4523 Specialty Retail: Softlines Elizabeth O. Pierce, CFA ……..... (213) 688-4504 Nadine Francis …………………… (213) 688-4538 Marsha Jong ……………………... (213) 688-4459 Niche Broadcasting/Internet Content Anne E. Thompson …………...…. (213) 688-4518 Daniel S. Kim ……………...…….. (213) 688-4371 FINANCIAL SERVICES Specialty Finance/Banks Derek S. Derman, CFA …...…….. (213) 688-4524 Lis Jayaputra ………………..…… (213) 688-4529 LIFE SCIENCES Biotechnology Holly E. Hartman, Ph.D. …...……. (213) 688-4382 Medical Devices Keay T. Nakae ………………….... (213) 688-4344 F. Tucker Oakley IV…………….... (213) 688-4370 TECHNOLOGY Alternative Energy Technology Gary J. Holdsworth, CFA ….……. (213) 688-4519 Internet B2B eCommerce George Santana, CFA ………….. (213) 688-4505 Nathan S. Schneiderman ……….. (213) 688-4501 Internet Enabling Technologies/Communications Scott P. Sutherland, CFA ……….. (213) 688-4522 Tim S. Leehealey….…....…..……. (213) 688-4539 Internet Infrastructure Adam J. Holiber, CFA ………..….. (213) 688-4521 Edmund H. Gee ………………….. (213) 688-4507 Stephen F. Franklin ……………… (213) 688-4427 RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS Vincent J. Moy (213) 688-4528 Kyung H. Kim (213) 688-4428 INSTITUTIONAL SALES INSTITUTIONAL SALES TRADING Los Angeles (213) 688-4470 / (800) 444-8076 Los Angeles (213) 688-4470 / (800) 421-0178 CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 1000 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90017-2465 Mailing Address: PO Box 30014, Los Angeles, CA 90030-0014 Tel: (213) 688-8000 Fax: (213) 688-6629 www.wedbush.com Member New York Stock Exchange RETAIL OFFICES ALASKA Anchorage ………………………………………………………. (907) 273-2300 Fairbanks ………………………………………………………...(907) 452-2101 ARIZONA Phoenix …………………………………………………………. (602) 956-9470 CALIFORNIA Gilroy ……………………………………………………………..(408) 847-8263 Los Angeles …………………………………………………….. (213) 688-8031 Menlo Park ……………………………………………………… (650) 323-5173 Newport Beach …………………………………………………. 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