NEW YORK — November 8, 2023 — Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE:RL), a global leader in the design, marketing, and distribution of luxury lifestyle products, today reported earnings per diluted share of $2.19 on a reported basis and $2.10 on an adjusted basis, excluding restructuring-related and other net charges and one-time tax events for the second quarter of Fiscal 2024. This compared to earnings per diluted share of $2.18 on a reported basis and $2.23 on an adjusted basis, excluding restructuring-related and other net charges for the second quarter of Fiscal 2023.
"We inspire people to embrace their sense of individual style through a timeless, elegant way of living," said Ralph Lauren, Executive Chairman and Chief Creative Officer. "From our recent fashion show in Brooklyn to championing the resilience of sport at the U.S. Open, Wimbledon and Ryder Cup, there is a spirit of authenticity to everything we do and it endures beyond any economic or fashion cycle."
"Our teams delivered solid second quarter performance ahead of our commitments with stronger top-line growth across all regions, supported by our iconic brand, pricing power and continued strategic investments," said Patrice Louvet, President and Chief Executive Officer. "While we continue to navigate an uncertain macro environment, we are driving offense across our Next Great Chapter: Accelerate plan's multiple growth drivers with agility, discipline and a clear focus on what we can control."
Key Achievements in Second Quarter Fiscal 2024
We delivered the following highlights across our Next Great Chapter: Accelerate priorities in the second quarter of Fiscal 2024:
Our business is supported by our fortress foundation, which we define through our five key enablers, including: our people and culture, best-in-class digital technology and analytics, superior operational capabilities, a powerful balance sheet, and leadership in citizenship and sustainability.
Second Quarter Fiscal 2024 Income Statement Review
Net Revenue. In the second quarter of Fiscal 2024, revenue increased 3% to $1.6 billion on a reported basis and was up 2% in constant currency. Foreign currency favorably impacted revenue growth by approximately 170 basis points in the second quarter.
Revenue performance for the Company's reportable segments in the second quarter compared to the prior year period was as follows:
Gross Profit. Gross profit for the second quarter of Fiscal 2024 was $1.1 billion and gross margin was 65.5%. Adjusted gross margin was 65.4%, 80 basis points above the prior year on both a reported and constant currency basis. Gross margins were driven by strong AUR growth across all regions, lower freight and favorable channel and geographic mix shifts, more than offsetting continued pressure from raw material costs.
Operating Expenses. Operating expenses in the second quarter of Fiscal 2024 were $906 million on a reported basis. On an adjusted basis, operating expenses were $897 million, up 11% to last year. Adjusted operating expense rate was 54.9%, compared to 51.2% in the prior year period. The increase was driven by higher compensation and rent & occupancy costs, along with higher digital and marketing investments in the quarter due to the planned timing of key marketing campaigns.
Operating Income. Operating income for the second quarter of Fiscal 2024 was $164 million and operating margin was 10.1% on a reported basis. Adjusted operating income was $172 million and operating margin was 10.5%, 290 basis points below the prior year. Operating income for the Company's reportable segments in the second quarter compared to the prior year period was as follows:
Net Income and EPS. Net income in the second quarter of Fiscal 2024 was $147 million, or $2.19 per diluted share on a reported basis. On an adjusted basis, net income was $141 million, or $2.10 per diluted share. This compared to net income of $151 million, or $2.18 per diluted share on a reported basis, and net income of $154 million, or $2.23 per diluted share on an adjusted basis, for the second quarter of Fiscal 2023.
In the second quarter of Fiscal 2024, the Company had an effective tax rate of approximately 11% on a reported basis and 18% on an adjusted basis. This compared to an effective tax rate of approximately 25% on both a reported basis and adjusted basis in the prior year period.
Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Review
The Company ended the second quarter of Fiscal 2024 with $1.5 billion in cash and short-term investments and $1.1 billion in total debt, compared to $1.4 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively, at the end of the second quarter of Fiscal 2023.
Inventory at the end of the second quarter of Fiscal 2024 was $1.2 billion, down 5% compared to the prior year period, with a decline in North America partly offset by an increase in Asia to support growth initiatives and Europe aligned with revenue growth expectations.
The Company repurchased approximately $125 million of Class A Common Stock in the second quarter.
Full Year Fiscal 2024 and Third Quarter Outlook
The Company's outlook is based on its best assessment of the current geopolitical and macroeconomic environment, including inflationary pressures and other consumer spending-related headwinds, and foreign currency volatility, among others. The full year Fiscal 2024 and third quarter guidance excludes any potential restructuring-related and other net charges that may be incurred in future periods, as described in the "Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Measures" section of this press release.
For Fiscal 2024, the Company continues to expect revenues to increase approximately low-single digits to last year on a constant currency basis, centering around 1% to 2%. This outlook reflects slightly increased caution around the wholesale channel. Based on current exchange rates, foreign currency is now expected to negatively impact revenue growth by approximately 50 basis points in Fiscal 2024.
The Company continues to expect operating margin for Fiscal 2024 to expand approximately 30 to 50 basis points in constant currency to 12.3% to 12.5%, driven by gross margin expansion. Foreign currency is expected to negatively impact operating margin by about 10 basis points in Fiscal 2024. Gross margin is now expected to increase approximately 120 to 170 basis points in constant currency, up from the prior outlook of 100 basis points, with reduced freight costs, favorable channel and geographic mix and continued growth in AUR more than offsetting product cost inflation. Foreign currency is still expected to negatively impact gross margins by approximately 30 basis points in Fiscal 2024. Gross margin expansion is expected to more than offset higher operating expenses as a percent of revenue due to channel mix shifts and as the Company invests in long-term strategic growth initiatives, notably digital and key city ecosystem expansion.
For the third quarter, the Company expects revenue to be up approximately 1% to 2% to last year in constant currency. Foreign currency is expected to negatively impact revenue growth by approximately 30 basis points.
Operating margin for the third quarter is expected to be roughly flat in constant currency, with about 10 basis points of foreign currency benefit. The Company expects constant currency gross margin expansion of approximately 100 to 150 basis points to be largely offset by higher operating expenses due to the timing of strategic investments in the period, with a higher proportion of marketing and ecosystem investments planned in the second and third quarters of the fiscal year. Foreign currency is expected to negatively impact gross margin by approximately 20 basis points in the third quarter.
Full year Fiscal 2024 tax rate is now expected in the range of approximately 22% to 23%, assuming a continuation of current tax laws, while third quarter tax rate is expected in the range of 23% to 24%.
The Company expects capital expenditures for Fiscal 2024 of approximately $250 million.
Conference Call
As previously announced, the Company will host a conference call and live online webcast today, Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at 9:00 A.M. Eastern. Listeners may access a live broadcast of the conference call on the Company investor relations website at http://investor.ralphlauren.com or by dialing 517-623-4963 or 800-857-5209. To access the conference call, listeners should dial in by 8:45 A.M. Eastern and request to be connected to the Ralph Lauren Second Quarter 2024 conference call.
An online archive of the broadcast will be available by accessing the Company's investor relations website at http://investor.ralphlauren.com. A telephone replay of the call will be available from 12:00 P.M. Eastern, Wednesday, November 8, 2023 through 6:00 P.M. Eastern, Wednesday, November 15, 2023 by dialing 203-369-3269 or 800-391-9853 and entering passcode 3954.
ABOUT RALPH LAUREN
Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE:RL) is a global leader in the design, marketing and distribution of luxury lifestyle products in five categories: apparel, footwear & accessories, home, fragrances, and hospitality. For more than 50 years, Ralph Lauren has sought to inspire the dream of a better life through authenticity and timeless style. Its reputation and distinctive image have been developed across a wide range of products, brands, distribution channels and international markets. The Company's brand names — which include Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Collection, Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Polo Ralph Lauren, Double RL, Lauren Ralph Lauren, Polo Ralph Lauren Children and Chaps, among others — constitute one of the world's most widely recognized families of consumer brands. For more information, go to https://investor.ralphlauren.com.
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release, and oral statements made from time to time by representatives of the Company, may contain certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding our current expectations about the Company's future operating results and financial condition, the implementation and results of our strategic plans and initiatives, store openings and closings, capital expenses, our plans regarding our quarterly cash dividend and Class A common stock repurchase programs, and our ability to meet environmental, social, and governance goals. Forward looking statements are based on current expectations and are indicated by words or phrases such as "aim," "anticipate," "outlook," "estimate," "ensure," "commit," "expect," "project," "believe," "envision," "goal," "target," "can," "will," and similar words or phrases. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the future results, performance or achievements expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. The factors that could cause actual results to materially differ include, among others: the loss of key personnel, including Mr. Ralph Lauren, or other changes in our executive and senior management team or to our operating structure, including any potential changes resulting from the execution of our long-term growth strategy, and our ability to effectively transfer knowledge and maintain adequate controls and procedures during periods of transition; the potential impact to our business resulting from inflationary pressures, including increases in the costs of raw materials, transportation, wages, healthcare, and other benefit-related costs; the impact of economic, political, and other conditions on us, our customers, suppliers, vendors, and lenders, including potential business disruptions related to the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas wars, civil and political unrest, diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and other countries, rising interest rates, and bank failures, among other factors described herein; the potential impact to our business resulting from supply chain disruptions, including those caused by capacity constraints, closed factories and/or labor shortages (stemming from pandemic diseases, labor disputes, strikes, or otherwise), scarcity of raw materials, port congestion, and scrutiny or detention of goods produced in certain territories resulting from laws, regulations, or trade restrictions, such as those imposed by the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act ("UFLPA") or the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act ("CAATSA"), which could result in shipment approval delays leading to inventory shortages and lost sales; our ability to effectively manage inventory levels and the increasing pressure on our margins in a highly promotional retail environment; our exposure to currency exchange rate fluctuations from both a transactional and translational perspective; our ability to recruit and retain employees to operate our retail stores, distribution centers, and various corporate functions; the impact to our business resulting from a recession or changes in consumers' ability, willingness, or preferences to purchase discretionary items and luxury retail products, which tends to decline during recessionary periods, and our ability to accurately forecast consumer demand, the failure of which could result in either a build-up or shortage of inventory; our ability to successfully implement our long-term growth strategy; our ability to continue to expand and grow our business internationally and the impact of related changes in our customer, channel, and geographic sales mix as a result, as well as our ability to accelerate growth in certain product categories; our ability to open new retail stores and concession shops, as well as enhance and expand our digital footprint and capabilities, all in an effort to expand our direct-to-consumer presence; our ability to respond to constantly changing fashion and retail trends and consumer demands in a timely manner, develop products that resonate with our existing customers and attract new customers, and execute marketing and advertising programs that appeal to consumers; our ability to competitively price our products and create an acceptable value proposition for consumers; our ability to continue to maintain our brand image and reputation and protect our trademarks; our ability to achieve our goals regarding environmental, social, and governance practices, including those related to climate change and our human capital; our ability and the ability of our third-party service providers to secure our respective facilities and systems from, among other things, cybersecurity breaches, acts of vandalism, computer viruses, ransomware, or similar Internet or email events; our efforts to successfully enhance, upgrade, and/or transition our global information technology systems and digital commerce platforms; the potential impact to our business if any of our distribution centers were to become inoperable or inaccessible; the potential impact to our business resulting from pandemic diseases such as COVID-19, including periods of reduced operating hours and capacity limits and/or temporary closure of our stores, distribution centers, and corporate facilities, as well as those of our customers, suppliers, and vendors, and potential changes to consumer behavior, spending levels, and/or shopping preferences, such as willingness to congregate in shopping centers or other populated locations; the potential impact on our operations and on our suppliers and customers resulting from man-made or natural disasters, including pandemic diseases, severe weather, geological events, and other catastrophic events, such as terrorist attacks and military conflicts; our ability to achieve anticipated operating enhancements and cost reductions from our restructuring plans, as well as the impact to our business resulting from restructuring-related charges, which may be dilutive to our earnings in the short term; the impact to our business resulting from potential costs and obligations related to the early or temporary closure of our stores or termination of our long-term, non-cancellable leases; our ability to maintain adequate levels of liquidity to provide for our cash needs, including our debt obligations, tax obligations, capital expenditures, and potential payment of dividends and repurchases of our Class A common stock, as well as the ability of our customers, suppliers, vendors, and lenders to access sources of liquidity to provide for their own cash needs; the potential impact to our business resulting from the financial difficulties of certain of our large wholesale customers, which may result in consolidations, liquidations, restructurings, and other ownership changes in the retail industry, as well as other changes in the competitive marketplace, including the introduction of new products or pricing changes by our competitors; our ability to access capital markets and maintain compliance with covenants associated with our existing debt instruments; a variety of legal, regulatory, tax, political, and economic risks, including risks related to the importation and exportation of products which our operations are currently subject to, or may become subject to as a result of potential changes in legislation, and other risks associated with our international operations, such as compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act or violations of other anti-bribery and corruption laws prohibiting improper payments, and the burdens of complying with a variety of foreign laws and regulations, including tax laws, trade and labor restrictions, and related laws that may reduce the flexibility of our business; the impact to our business resulting from the potential imposition of additional duties, tariffs, taxes, and other charges or barriers to trade, including those resulting from trade developments between the U.S. and China or other countries, and any related impact to global stock markets, as well as our ability to implement mitigating sourcing strategies; changes in our tax obligations and effective tax rate due to a variety of factors, including potential changes in U.S. or foreign tax laws and regulations, accounting rules, or the mix and level of earnings by jurisdiction in future periods that are not currently known or anticipated; the potential impact to the trading prices of our securities if our operating results, Class A common stock share repurchase activity, and/or cash dividend payments differ from investors' expectations; our ability to maintain our credit profile and ratings within the financial community; our intention to introduce new products or brands, or enter into or renew alliances; changes in the business of, and our relationships with, major wholesale customers and licensing partners; our ability to make strategic acquisitions and successfully integrate the acquired businesses into our existing operations; and other risk factors identified in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Prepared in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
