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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-K

 

(Mark One)

 

x       ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010

 

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

 

10153

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code 212-572-4200

 


 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Name of each exchange
on which registered

Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value

 

New York Stock Exchange

 


 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes  x   No  o

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes  o   No  x

 

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  o   No  o

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x

 

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

 

Smaller reporting company o

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

 

 

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

 

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $5.43 billion at December 31, 2009 (the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second quarter).*

 

At August 13, 2010, 119,750,963 shares of the registrant’s Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value, and 77,082,041 shares of the registrant’s Class B Common Stock, $.01 par value, were outstanding.

 

Documents Incorporated by Reference

 

Document

 

Where Incorporated

Proxy Statement for Annual Meeting of
Stockholders to be held November 9, 2010

 

Part III

 


* Calculated by excluding all shares held by executive officers and directors of registrant and certain trusts without conceding that all such persons are “affiliates” of registrant for purposes of the Federal securities laws.

 

 

 



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

 

 

 

Page

Part I:

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Business

2

 

 

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

11

 

 

 

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

15

 

 

 

Item 2.

Properties

16

 

 

 

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

16

 

 

 

Item 4.

Removed and Reserved

16

 

 

 

Part II:

 

 

 

 

 

Item 5.

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

17

 

 

 

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data

18

 

 

 

Item 7.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

19

 

 

 

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

44

 

 

 

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

44

 

 

 

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

44

 

 

 

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

45

 

 

 

Item 9B.

Other Information

45

 

 

 

Part III:

 

 

 

 

 

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

45

 

 

 

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

45

 

 

 

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

45

 

 

 

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

45

 

 

 

Item 14.

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

45

 

 

 

Part IV:

 

 

 

 

 

Item 15.

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

46

 

 

Signatures

51

 



Table of Contents

 

Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors

 

This Annual Report on Form 10-K includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Such statements include, without limitation, our expectations regarding sales, earnings or other future financial performance and liquidity, our long-term strategy, restructuring and other initiatives, product introductions, entry into new geographic regions, information systems initiatives, new methods of sale 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, we cannot assure that actual results will not differ materially from our expectations.  Factors that could cause actual results to differ from expectations are described herein; in particular, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Forward-Looking Information.”  In addition, there is a discussion of risks associated with an investment in our securities, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors.”

 

Unless the context requires otherwise, references to “we,” “us,” “our” and the “Company” refer to The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. and its subsidiaries.

 

PART I

 

Item 1.  Business.

 

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., founded in 1946 by Estée and Joseph Lauder, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products.  Our products are sold in over 150 countries and territories under a number of well-known brand names including: Estée Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Origins, M ž A ž C, Bobbi Brown, La Mer and Aveda.  We are also the global licensee for fragrances and/or cosmetics sold under brand names such as Tommy Hilfiger, Donna Karan, Michael Kors, Sean John and Coach.  Each brand is distinctly positioned within the market for cosmetics and other beauty products.

 

We are a pioneer in the cosmetics industry and believe we are a leader in the industry due to the global recognition of our brand names, our leadership in product innovation, our strong market position in key geographic markets and the consistently high quality of our products.  We sell our prestige products principally through limited distribution channels to complement the images associated with our brands.  These channels, encompassing over 30,000 points of sale, consist primarily of upscale department stores, specialty retailers, upscale perfumeries and pharmacies and prestige salons and spas.  In addition, our products are sold in freestanding company-owned stores and spas, our own and authorized retailer websites, stores on cruise ships, direct response television (“DRTV”), in-flight and duty-free shops and certain fragrances are sold in self-select outlets.  We believe that our strategy of pursuing limited distribution strengthens our relationships with retailers, enables our brands to be among the best selling product lines at the stores and heightens the aspirational quality of our brands.

 

For a discussion of recent developments, see “ Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Results of Operations — Overview .”

 

For segment and geographical area financial information, see “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data — Note 20 — Segment Data and Related Information .”

 

We have been controlled by the Lauder family since the founding of our Company.  Members of the Lauder family, some of whom are directors, executive officers and/or employees, beneficially own, directly or indirectly, as of August 13, 2010, shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock having approximately 87.1% of the outstanding voting power of the Common Stock.

 

Products

 

Skin Care - Our broad range of skin care products addresses various skin care needs for women and men.  These products include moisturizers, creams, lotions, cleansers, sun screens and self-tanning products, a number of which are developed for use on particular areas of the body, such as the face or the hands or around the eyes.  Skin care products accounted for approximately 41% of our net sales in fiscal 2010.

 

Makeup - We manufacture, market and sell a full array of makeup products, including lipsticks, lip glosses, mascaras, foundations, eyeshadows, nail polishes and powders.  Many of the products are offered in an extensive array of shades and colors.  We also sell related items such as compacts, brushes and other makeup tools.  Makeup products accounted for approximately 38% of our net sales in fiscal 2010.

 

Fragrance - We offer a variety of fragrance products for women and men.  The fragrances are sold in various forms, including eau de parfum sprays and colognes, as well as lotions, powders, creams and soaps that are based on a particular fragrance.  Fragrance products accounted for approximately 15% of our net sales in fiscal 2010.

 

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Hair Care - Hair care products are offered mainly in salons and in freestanding retail stores and include hair color and styling products, shampoos, conditioners and finishing sprays.  In fiscal 2010, hair care products accounted for approximately 5% of our net sales.

 

Given the personal nature of our products and the wide array of consumer preferences and tastes, as well as competition for the attention of consumers, our strategy has been to market and promote our products through distinctive brands seeking to address broad preferences and tastes.  Each brand has a single global image that is promoted with consistent logos, packaging and advertising designed to enhance its image and differentiate it from other brands.

 

Estée Lauder - Estée Lauder brand products, which have been sold since 1946, are technologically advanced and high performance products with a reputation for innovation, sophistication, and superior quality.  The broad product line principally consists of skin care, makeup and fragrance products that are presented in high quality packaging.

 

Aramis and Designer Fragrances - Our Aramis and Designer Fragrances division creates, markets and distributes fragrance and skin care products, including the following brand names:

 

·                   Aramis - We pioneered the marketing of prestige men’s fragrance, grooming and skin care products with the introduction of Aramis products in 1964.

·                   Lab Series - Lab Series Skincare for Men, introduced in 1987, offers a full range of products for cleansing, shaving, treatment and body that are especially formulated to answer the unique needs of men’s skin.

·                   Tommy Hilfiger - We have an exclusive global license arrangement for a line of men’s and women’s fragrances and cosmetics under the Tommy Hilfiger brand name.  We launched the line in 1995 with a men’s fragrance, tommy .  Today, we manufacture and sell a variety of fragrances and ancillary products for men and women.

·                   Donna Karan Cosmetics - In November 1997, we obtained the exclusive global license for a line of fragrances and other cosmetics under the Donna Karan New York and DKNY brand names, including certain products that were originally sold by The Donna Karan Company.  We launched the first DKNY women’s fragrance in fiscal 2000 and the first DKNY men’s fragrance in fiscal 2001.  Under this license, fragrances have been expanded to include extensive lines of companion bath and body products.

·                   Michael Kors - In May 2003, we entered into an exclusive global license agreement for fragrances and beauty products under the Michael Kors brand name.  The fragrances, as well as ancillary bath and body products, are sold primarily in department stores, specialty stores and freestanding Michael Kors boutiques.

·                   Sean John Fragrances - In 2005, we entered into an exclusive license agreement to develop fragrances and other beauty products under the Sean John brand name.  Sean “Diddy” Combs played an active role in creating the signature scent, “Unforgivable.”  The Unforgivable fragrance, as well as other fragrances and ancillary products, are primarily available at select department and specialty stores as well as travel retail outlets around the world.

·                   Missoni - In 2006, we launched fragrance and ancillary products under our exclusive global licensing arrangement with Milan-based fashion house, Missoni.  Missoni products are sold in select distribution channels worldwide.

·                   Kiton - We have been marketing and selling Kiton fragrances under an exclusive global license agreement we first signed in 1995.  Kiton is a prestigious Italian menswear company that combines the traditions of fine Italian tailoring with a reverence for luxury and elegance.

·                   Coach - In 2006, we began creating fragrances and related products for Coach which were sold exclusively in Coach stores.  In 2010, we converted the arrangement to a license.  The collection is available in department stores, Coach stores in the United States, retail stores in Japan and Hong Kong, and online at coach.com.  We launched the first Coach fragrance in Spring 2007 which embodies the many personalities of the Coach woman--timeless, chic and sophisticated.  The signature fragrance launch has since been followed with ancillary beauty products.

 

Clinique - First introduced in 1968, Clinique skin care and makeup products are all allergy tested and 100% fragrance free and have been designed to address individual skin types and needs.  The products are based on the research and related expertise of leading dermatologists.  Clinique skin care products are generally marketed as part of the 3-Step System: Cleanse, Exfoliate, Moisturize.  Other Clinique skin care products include de-aging solutions to help prevent, halt and diminish the visible effects of sun, wind, stress and pollution and assist in repair to help visibly restore contour, minimize the look of lines and wrinkles.  Clinique also offers lines of fragrances.

 

Prescriptives - Prescriptives was introduced in 1979 featuring custom color for women.  In the third quarter of fiscal 2010, we closed the global wholesale distribution of the brand.  Select Prescriptives makeup and skin care products remain available for sale at Prescriptives.com.

 

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Origins - Origins was introduced in 1990.  Origins seeks to create high-performance natural skin care that is “powered by nature and proven by science.”  Origins sells its products at our freestanding Origins stores and through stores-within-stores (which are designed to replicate the Origins store environment within a department store), at traditional retail counters and in perfumeries.  Origins also has a license agreement to develop and sell products using the name of Dr. Andrew Weil.

 

M ž A ž C - M ž A ž C products comprise a broad line of color-oriented, professional cosmetics and professional makeup tools targeting makeup artists and fashion-conscious consumers.  The products are sold primarily through a limited number of department and specialty stores and at our freestanding M ž A ž C stores.  We acquired the companies behind M ž A ž C in three stages: in December 1994, March 1997 and February 1998.

 

Bobbi Brown - Acquired in October 1995, Bobbi Brown is an exclusive beauty line developed by celebrated makeup artist Bobbi Brown with a focus on service and teaching women to be their own makeup artists.  The Bobbi Brown line includes color cosmetics, skin care, professional makeup brushes and tools, accessories and fragrances.  Bobbi Brown products are primarily sold through a limited number of department and specialty stores.

 

La Mer - La Mer products primarily consist of moisturizing creams, lotions, cleansers, toners and other skin care products.  The line, which is available in very limited distribution in the United States and certain other countries, is an extension of the initial Crème de la Mer product that we acquired in 1995.

 

Aveda - We acquired the Aveda business in December 1997 and have since acquired selected Aveda distributors and retail stores.  Aveda, a prestige hair care leader, is a manufacturer and marketer of plant-based hair care, skin care, makeup and fragrance products.  We sell Aveda products to third-party distributors, prestige salons and spas, cosmetology schools and Aveda Experience Centers, certain non-U.S. department stores and specialty retailers and directly to consumers at our freestanding Aveda Experience Centers and certain Aveda Institutes.

 

Jo Malone - We acquired London-based Jo Malone Limited in October 1999.  Jo Malone is known for its unique fragrance portfolio and luxury products for the bath, body and home.  Products are also available through a company catalogue, at our freestanding stores and at a very limited group of specialty stores, primarily in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

 

Bumble and bumble - In September 2006, we acquired the then-outstanding minority equity interest in Bumble and bumble.  We acquired a controlling majority equity interest in June 2000.  Bumble and bumble is a New York-based hair care company with two salons that creates high-quality hair care and styling products distributed through top-tier salons and select prestige retailers.  We also provide business and hair design education to the Bumble and bumble network of independent salons.

 

Darphin - In April 2003, we acquired Laboratoires Darphin, the Paris-based company dedicated to the development, manufacture and marketing of prestige skin care products which are distributed primarily through high-end independent pharmacies and specialty stores.

 

BeautyBank - BeautyBank is our entrepreneurial think tank division whose mission is to develop brands and products for consumers shopping outside of the traditional department store channel on a worldwide basis.  Brands developed under the BeautyBank umbrella include:

 

·                   American Beauty - Launched in 2004, the luxurious fragrance, makeup and advanced skin care line celebrates the beauty of American style.  These products, which are sold in the United States at Kohl’s Department Stores and Kohls.com, have been developed to meet the needs of the modern American woman, with a straightforward makeup and skin care appeal.

·                   Flirt! - Launched in 2004 and sold in the United States at Kohl’s Department Stores and Kohls.com, this makeup line is all about experimenting with color, pop culture and trends.

·                   GoodSkin Labs - Launched initially as Good Skin™ in 2004 and sold in the United States at Kohl’s Department Stores and Kohls.com, this line of skin care products was created with the expertise of a dermatologist.  Select products of this brand are now available in a number of countries around the world.

·                   grassroots research labs - Introduced in March 2008, grassroots research labs uses natural ingredients to develop products that are “Pure, powerful and effective.”

·                   Daisy Fuentes - In early fiscal 2007, we launched Dianoche, the first fragrance under our license agreement with Daisy Fuentes, which holds two scents that connect in a single bottle.  Dianoche, as well as other fragrances and ancillary products, are available exclusively at Kohl’s Department Stores and at Kohls.com.

 

Tom Ford Beauty - In 2006, we entered into a license agreement to develop and distribute fragrances and other beauty products under the Tom Ford brand name.  In fiscal 2007, we introduced Tom Ford Black Orchid, his first signature fragrance.  Tom Ford products are available in department stores, perfumeries, pharmacies and select Tom Ford retail stores.

 

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Ojon - In 2007, we acquired Ojon Corporation, a company based in Canada which markets naturally-derived, wildcrafted hair and skin care beauty products using ingredients found in the world’s rainforests.  Ojon products are sold through direct response television and specialty stores.

 

Smashbox - In July 2010, we acquired Smashbox Beauty Cosmetics, a privately held, photo studio inspired prestige cosmetics company based in Los Angeles.  Smashbox sells its products principally in the United States through specialty stores and the Internet, as well as internationally through distributors and select retailers.

 

Our heritage brands are Estée Lauder, Aramis and Designer Fragrances, Clinique, Prescriptives and Origins.  M ž A ž C and Bobbi Brown are our makeup artist brands.

 

Distribution

 

We sell our products principally through limited distribution channels to complement the images associated with our brands.  These channels include more than 30,000 points of sale in over 150 countries and territories and consist primarily of upscale department stores, specialty retailers, upscale perfumeries and pharmacies and prestige salons and spas.  In addition, our products are sold in freestanding company-owned stores and spas, our own and authorized retailer websites, stores on cruise ships, DRTV, in-flight and duty-free shops and certain fragrances are sold in self-select outlets.

 

We maintain a dedicated sales force which sells to our retail accounts in North America and in the major overseas markets, such as Western Europe and Japan.  We have wholly-owned operations in over 40 countries, and a controlling interest in a joint venture that operates in three countries, through which we market, sell and distribute our products.  In certain countries, we sell our products through selected local distributors under contractual arrangements designed to protect the image and position of the brands.  In addition, we sell certain products in select domestic and international military locations.  For information regarding our net sales and long-lived assets by geographic region, see “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data — Note 20 — Segment Data and Related Information .”

 

We sell Aveda products principally to independent salons and spas, cosmetology schools, third-party distributors and specialty retailers and directly to consumers at our freestanding Aveda Experience Centers and certain Aveda Institutes.  There are currently about 7,700 points of sale, primarily in the United States, that sell Aveda products.  Bumble and bumble products are principally sold to about 2,300 independent salons, primarily in the United States.  Darphin products are principally sold through high-end independent pharmacies, principally in Europe, representing approximately 3,000 points of sale.

 

As part of our strategy to diversify our distribution, we have been selectively opening new single-brand, freestanding stores that we operate.  The Origins, Aveda and M ž A ž C brands are the primary focus for this method of distribution.  At this time, we operate over 600 single-brand, freestanding stores worldwide, the majority of which are in the United States, and expect that number to increase moderately over the next several years.  We also operate over 100 multi-brand stores.

 

We sell American Beauty, Flirt!, GoodSkin Labs, grassroots research labs and Daisy Fuentes in approximately 1,100 Kohl’s Department Stores in the United States.

 

We currently sell products from 16 of our brands directly to consumers over the Internet through our own e-commerce sites.  Some or all of these brands are sold over the Internet in the following countries: the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Australia, Korea, China, and Japan.

 

As is customary in the cosmetics industry, our practice is to accept returns of our products from retailers if properly requested, authorized and approved.  In accepting returns, we typically provide a credit to the retailer against accounts receivable from that retailer.  In recognition of this practice, and in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, we report revenues on a net sales basis, which reflects the amount of actual returns received and an amount established for anticipated returns.  As a percentage of gross sales, returns were 4.3%, 4.4% and 4.4% in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 

Customers

 

Our strategy is to build strong relationships with selected retailers globally.  Senior management works with executives of our major retail accounts on a regular basis and we believe we are viewed as an important supplier to these customers.  Our largest customer, Macy’s Inc., sells products primarily within the United States and accounted for 11%, 12% and 12% of our consolidated net sales for the years ended June 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and 11% of our accounts receivable as of June 30, 2010 and 2009.

 

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Marketing

 

Our marketing strategy is built around our mission statement: “Bringing the Best to Everyone We Touch.”  Mrs. Estée Lauder formulated this marketing philosophy to provide high-quality service and products as the foundation for a solid and loyal consumer base.  Our marketing efforts focus principally on promoting the quality, value and benefits of our products.  Each of our brands is distinctively positioned, has a single global image, and is promoted with consistent logos, packaging and advertising designed to enhance its image and differentiate it from other brands.  We regularly advertise our products on television and radio, in upscale magazines and newspapers, the Internet, and through direct mail and photo displays at international airports.  In addition, our products receive extensive editorial coverage in prestige publications and other media worldwide.  Promotional activities and in-store displays are designed to introduce existing consumers to different products in the line and to attract new consumers.  Our marketing efforts also benefit from cooperative advertising programs with retailers, some of which are supported by coordinated promotions, such as purchase with purchase and gift with purchase.  Our marketing and sales executives spend considerable time in the field meeting with consumers and key retailers and consulting with demonstrators at the points of sale.  These include Estée Lauder Beauty Advisors, Clinique Consultants, Aramis Selling Specialists, Origins Guides, M ž A ž C and Bobbi Brown Makeup Artists.  At in-store counters, demonstrators offer consumers a “High-Touch” experience with personal demonstrations to market individual products as well as to provide education on basic skin care and makeup application.  We conduct extensive sampling programs and we pioneered gift with purchase as a sampling program.  We believe that the quality and perceived benefits of sample products have been effective inducements to purchases by new and existing consumers.

 

Our High-Touch approach promotes the total value we offer, by leveraging our in-person and virtual assets, as well as merchandising and education, to provide a customized consumer experience.  To support this initiative, we are expanding our efforts to evolve our e-commerce-based online strategy into a multi-pronged digital strategy encompassing e-commerce, as well as digital and social media.  We have dedicated resources to implement coordinated, brand-enhancing strategies across all online activities.  We use the Internet to educate and inform consumers about certain of our brands.  Currently, 18 of our brands have marketing sites, 16 of which have e-commerce capabilities.  In order to continue to offer unparalleled customer service and set the standard for prestige beauty shopping online, we partner with key “brick and mortar” retailers to strengthen their e-commerce business and drive sales of our brands on their sites, continue to innovate to better meet consumer online shopping preferences (e.g., Spanish language sites in the United States and mobile phone transactions), and support e-commerce business via digital and social marketing activities designed to build brand equity and consumer engagement.

 

Most of our creative marketing work is done by in-house creative teams.  The creative staff designs and produces the sales materials, advertisements and packaging for products in each brand.

 

Global net expenses for advertising, merchandising, sampling, promotion and product development costs were $2,015.9 million, $1,878.8 million and $2,034.6 million in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  These amounts include activities relating to purchase with purchase and gift with purchase promotions that are reflected in net sales and cost of sales.

 

Information Systems

 

Information systems support business processes including product development, marketing, sales, order processing, production, distribution and finance.  Of the many systems currently being utilized, the most significant to our business needs are: (i) a centralized data repository of essential attributes for each of the products we offer, or plan to offer, which enables us to globally manufacture and market products of consistent quality; (ii) a sales analysis system to track weekly sales at the stock keeping unit (“SKU”) level at most significant retail sales locations (i.e., sell-through data), increasing our understanding of consumer preferences and enabling us to coordinate more effectively our product development, manufacturing and marketing strategies; (iii) an automated replenishment system with many of our key domestic customers, allowing us to replenish inventories for individual points of sale automatically, with minimal paperwork; and (iv) an inventory management system to provide us with a global view of finished goods availability relative to actual requirements.

 

We expect that these systems will continue to provide pertinent inventory and sales data in the short term.  However, as part of our long-term effort to enhance these systems and increase productivity, we are implementing our Strategic Modernization Initiative (“SMI”), which includes an enterprise-wide global program that we expect will deliver a single set of integrated data, processes and technologies, which would be scalable and used to standardize business processes across brands, operating units and sales affiliates.  As part of SMI, we anticipate the continued migration of our operations to SAP, with the majority of our locations being implemented through fiscal 2012.

 

In parallel with our SAP deployment, we are creating a more focused global information technology organization utilizing industry standard processes.  We are also taking this opportunity to rebalance our information technology resources to better align with our global business growth.  We plan to continue to explore opportunities to create a more efficient organization.

 

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Research and Development

 

We believe that we are an industry leader in the development of new products.  Marketing, product development and packaging groups work with our research and development group to identify shifts in consumer preferences, develop new products and improve, redesign or reformulate existing products.  In addition, research and development personnel work closely with quality assurance and manufacturing personnel on a worldwide basis to provide ongoing technical assistance and know-how, to ensure consistent global standards for our products and to deliver products with attributes that fulfill consumer expectations.  The research and development group has long-standing working relationships with several U.S. and international medical and educational facilities, which supplement internal capabilities.  Members of the group are also responsible for regulatory compliance matters.

 

We do not conduct animal testing on our products or ingredients, nor ask others to test on our behalf, except when required by law.  We evaluate our finished products in clinical tests on volunteer panels.

 

As of June 30, 2010, we had approximately 440 employees engaged in research and development.  Research and development expenditures totaled $79.5 million, $81.6 million and $80.9 million in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  We maintain research and development programs at certain of our principal facilities, see “ Item 2. Properties.

 

Manufacturing, Warehousing and Raw Materials

 

We manufacture our products primarily in the United States, Belgium, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada.  We continue to streamline our manufacturing processes and identify sourcing opportunities to improve innovation, increase efficiencies and reduce costs.  Our major manufacturing facilities operate as “focus” plants that primarily manufacture one type of product (e.g., lipsticks) for all of the principal brands.  Our plants are modern and our manufacturing processes are substantially automated.  While we believe that our manufacturing facilities are sufficient to meet current and reasonably anticipated manufacturing requirements, we continue to identify opportunities to make significant improvements in capacity and productivity.  To capitalize on innovation and other supply chain benefits, we continue to utilize third parties on a global basis for finished goods production, including an increased percentage of volume in Asia/Pacific to support our growth.

 

We have established a global distribution network designed to meet the changing demands of our customers while maintaining service levels.  We are continuously evaluating and restructuring this physical distribution network.  We have begun to establish regional distribution centers strategically positioned throughout the world in order to facilitate efficient delivery of our products to our customers.

 

The principal raw materials used in the manufacture of our products are essential oils, alcohol and specialty chemicals.  We also purchase packaging components that are manufactured to our design specifications.  Procurement of materials for all manufacturing facilities is generally made on a global basis through our Global Supplier Relations department.  We are making a concentrated effort in supplier rationalization with the specific objective of reducing costs, increasing innovation and speed to market and improving quality.  In addition, we continue to focus on supply sourcing within the region of manufacture to allow for improved supply chain efficiencies.  As a result of sourcing initiatives, there is increased dependency on certain suppliers, but we believe that our portfolio of these suppliers has adequate resources and facilities to overcome any unforeseen interruption of supply.  In the past, we have been able to obtain an adequate supply of essential raw materials and currently believe we have adequate sources of supply for virtually all components of our products.

 

We are continually benchmarking the performance of the supply chain and will change suppliers, and adjust our distribution networks and manufacturing footprint based upon the changing needs of the business.  As we integrate acquired brands, we continually seek new ways to leverage our production and sourcing capabilities to improve our overall supply chain performance.

 

Competition

 

The skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care businesses are characterized by vigorous competition throughout the world.  Brand recognition, quality, performance and price have a significant impact on consumers’ choices among competing products and brands.  Advertising, promotion, merchandising, the pace and timing of new product introductions, line extensions and the quality of in-store demonstrations also have a significant impact on consumers’ buying decisions.  With our numerous brands, sold in various channels, we are one of the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products.  We compete against a number of companies, some of which have substantially greater resources than we do.

 

Our principal competitors consist of large, well-known, multinational manufacturers and marketers of skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products, most of which market and sell their products under multiple brand names.  They include, among others, L’Oreal S.A.; Shiseido Company, Ltd.; LVMH Moët Hennessey Louis Vuitton; Coty, Inc.; The Procter & Gamble Company; and Avon Products, Inc.  We also face competition from a number of independent brands, as well as some retailers that have developed their own beauty brands.  Certain of our competitors also have ownership interests in retailers that are customers of ours.

 

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Trademarks, Patents and Copyrights

 

The trademarks used in our business include the brand names Estée Lauder, Clinique, Aramis, Prescriptives, Lab Series, Origins, Tommy Hilfiger, Donna Karan, DKNY, M ž A ž C, Bobbi Brown, La Mer, Aveda, Jo Malone, Bumble and bumble, Darphin, Michael Kors, American Beauty, Flirt!, Good Skin Labs, grassroots research labs, Ojon, Smashbox and the names of many of the products sold under these brands.  We own the material trademark rights used in connection with the manufacturing, marketing and distribution of most of our major products both in the United States and in the other principal countries where such products are sold.  We are the exclusive worldwide licensee for fragrances, cosmetics and/or related products for Tommy Hilfiger, Donna Karan New York, DKNY, Kiton, Michael Kors, Sean John, Missoni, Daisy Fuentes, Tom Ford and Coach.  Origins sells products using the name of Dr. Andrew Weil.  For further discussion on license arrangements, including their duration, see “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data — Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — License Arrangments .”  We protect our trademarks for our principal products in the United States and significant markets worldwide.  We consider the protection of our trademarks to be important to our business.

 

A number of our products incorporate patented, patent-pending or proprietary technology in formulations or packaging.  In addition, several products are covered by design patents, patent applications or copyrights.  While we consider these patents and copyrights, and the protection thereof, to be important, no single patent or copyright, or group of patents or copyrights, is considered material to the conduct of our business.

 

Employees

 

At June 30, 2010, we had approximately 31,200 full-time employees worldwide (including certain demonstrators at points of sale who are employed by us), of whom approximately 11,900 are employed in the United States and Canada.  None of our employees in the United States is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.  In certain other countries, a limited number of employees are covered by a works council agreement or other syndicate arrangements.  We believe that relations with our employees are good.  We have never encountered a material strike or work stoppage in the United States or in any other country where we have a significant number of employees.

 

Government Regulation

 

We and our products are subject to regulation by the Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission in the United States, as well as by various other Federal, state, local and international regulatory authorities and the regulatory authorities in the countries in which our products are produced or sold.  Such regulations principally relate to the ingredients, labeling, packaging and marketing of our products.  We believe that we are in substantial compliance with such regulations, as well as with applicable Federal, state, local and international and other countries’ rules and regulations governing the discharge of materials hazardous to the environment or that relate to climate change.  There are no significant capital expenditures for environmental control or climate change matters either planned in the current year or expected in the near future.

 

Seasonality

 

Our results of operations in total, by region and by product category, are subject to seasonal fluctuations, with net sales in the first half of the fiscal year typically being slightly higher than in the second half of the fiscal year.  The higher net sales in the first half of the fiscal year are attributable to the increased levels of purchasing by retailers for the holiday selling season and for fall fashion makeup introductions.  Many of our customers that are retailers follow a 4-4-5 retail calendar which may influence the amount and timing of their order placement and receipt of goods in any fiscal quarter.  In a traditional 4-4-5 retail calendar, each fiscal quarter is comprised of two 4-week periods and one 5-week period, with one extra week in one quarter every seven years.  As a result, the retail quarter-end and the fiscal quarter-end may be different by up to six days.  Fluctuations in net sales and operating income in total and by geographic region and product category in any fiscal quarter may be attributable to the level and scope of new product introductions.  Additionally, gross margins and operating expenses are impacted on a quarter-by-quarter basis by variations in our launch calendar and the timing of promotions, including purchase with purchase and gift with purchase promotions.

 

Availability of Reports

 

We make available financial information, news releases and other information on our website at www.elcompanies.com.  There is a direct link from the website to our Securities and Exchange Commission filings via the EDGAR database at www.sec.gov, where our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to these reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are available free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable after we file such reports and amendments with, or furnish them to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Stockholders may also contact Investor Relations at 767 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10153 or call 800-308-2334 to obtain a hard copy of these reports without charge.

 

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Corporate Governance Guidelines and Code of Conduct

 

The Board of Directors has developed corporate governance practices to help it fulfill its responsibilities to stockholders in providing general direction and oversight of management.  These practices are set forth in our Corporate Governance Guidelines.  We also have a Code of Conduct (“Code”) applicable to all employees, officers and directors of the Company, including, without limitation, the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and other senior financial officers.  These documents, the charters for the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and Board Affairs Committee, and any waiver of a provision of the Code granted to any senior officer or director or material amendment to the Code, if any, may be found in the “Investors” section of our website: www.elcompanies.com under the heading “Corporate Governance.”  Stockholders may also contact Investor Relations at 767 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10153 or call 800-308-2334 to obtain a hard copy of these documents without charge.

 

Executive Officers

 

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to our executive officers:

 

Name

 

Age

 

Position(s) Held

John Demsey

 

54

 

Group President

Amy DiGeso

 

58

 

Executive Vice President — Global Human Resources

Fabrizio Freda

 

52

 

President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director

Harvey Gedeon

 

67

 

Executive Vice President — Research & Development and Product Innovation

Richard W. Kunes

 

57

 

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Evelyn H. Lauder

 

74

 

Senior Corporate Vice President

Leonard A. Lauder

 

77

 

Chairman Emeritus and a Director

Ronald S. Lauder

 

66

 

Chairman of Clinique Laboratories, LLC

William P. Lauder

 

50

 

Executive Chairman and a Director

Sara E. Moss

 

63

 

Executive Vice President and General Counsel

Gregory F. Polcer

 

55

 

Executive Vice President — Global Supply Chain

Cedric Prouvé

 

50

 

Group President — International

Alexandra C. Trower

 

46

 

Executive Vice President — Global Communications

 

John Demsey was appointed Group President in July 2006.  In this role, he is currently responsible for the Estée Lauder, M·A·C, Prescriptives, Smashbox, Tom Ford Beauty, Bobbi Brown, Jo Malone and La Mer brands.  In January 2005, Mr. Demsey became Global Brand President of Estée Lauder after serving as President and Managing Director of M × A × C since 1998.  From 1991 to 1998, he held several positions with Estée Lauder, including Senior Vice President of Sales and Education for Estée Lauder USA and Canada.  Before joining us, he worked in sales and marketing for Revlon, Borghese, Alexandra de Markoff Cosmetics, and Lancaster Cosmetics.  He also held various executive retail positions at Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, Benetton and Saks Fifth Avenue.  Mr. Demsey serves as Chairman of the M × A × C AIDS Fund and is active in many other AIDS-related organizations.

 

Amy DiGeso became Executive Vice President - Global Human Resources in May 2006.  From May 2005, when she joined us, to May 2006 she was Senior Vice President - Global Human Resources.  She was Senior Partner - Global Human Resource in charge of the Human Resources Department at PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLP from May 2001 through June 2003.  From April 1999 through April 2001, Ms. DiGeso was President of the Popular Club Plan, a direct sales subsidiary of Federated Department Stores, and from May 1992 through December 1998, she served in various executive capacities at Mary Kay, Inc., including Chief Executive Officer from November 1996 through December 1998.  Since June 2003, Ms. DiGeso has been engaged in various philanthropic activities.

 

Fabrizio Freda is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.  From March 2008 through June 2009, he was President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company where he was instrumental in designing the Company’s long-term strategic plan and oversaw Clinique, Bobbi Brown, La Mer, Jo Malone, Aveda, Bumble and bumble and the Aramis and Designer Fragrances Division.  He also was responsible for the Company’s International Division, as well as Global Operations, Research and Development, Packaging, Quality Assurance, Merchandise Design, Corporate Store Design and Retail Store Operations.  Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Freda served in a number of positions of increasing responsibility at The Procter & Gamble Company (“P&G”), where he was responsible for various operating, marketing and key strategic efforts for over 20 years.  From 2001 through 2007 Mr. Freda was President, Global Snacks, at P&G. Mr. Freda also spent more than a decade in the Health and Beauty Care division at P&G.  From 1986 to 1988 he directed marketing and strategic planning for Gucci SpA.

 

Harvey Gedeon became Executive Vice President - Research and Development in July 2004 and added responsibilities for Corporate Product Innovation in 2007 and Package Development in 2008.  From January 2000 to July 2004, he was Senior Vice President - Research and Development.  Prior to joining us in January 2000, Mr. Gedeon was Executive Vice President and General Manager, Research and Development and Quality Assurance for Revlon, Inc. from 1997 through 1999.

 

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Richard W. Kunes became Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in November 2004.  Prior thereto, he was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since October 2000.  He joined us in 1986 and served in various finance-related positions until November 1993, when he was named Vice President — Operations Finance Worldwide.  From January 1998 through September 2000, Mr. Kunes was Vice President — Financial Administration and Corporate Controller.  Prior to joining us, he held finance and controller positions at the Colgate-Palmolive Company.

 

Evelyn H. Lauder has been Senior Corporate Vice President since 1989, and previously served as Vice President and in other executive capacities since first joining us in 1959 as Education Director.  She is a member of the Board of Overseers of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, a member of the Boards of Trustees of Central Park Conservancy, Inc., The Trinity School in New York City (Trustee Emirata), a member of the Board of Directors of New Yorkers for Parks, an Honorary Board Member of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories and the Founder and Chairman of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

 

Leonard A. Lauder is Chairman Emeritus and a member of the Board of Directors.  He was Chairman of the Board of Directors from 1995 through June 2009 and served as our Chief Executive Officer from 1982 through 1999 and President from 1972 until 1995.  Mr. Lauder formally joined us in 1958 after serving as an officer in the United States Navy.  Since joining, he has held various positions, including executive officer positions other than those described above.  He is Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Trustees of the Whitney Museum of American Art, a Charter Trustee of the University of Pennsylvania, a Trustee of The Aspen Institute and the co-founder and director of the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation.  He also served as a member of the White House Advisory Committee on Trade Policy and Negotiations under President Reagan.

 

Ronald S. Lauder has served as Chairman of Clinique Laboratories, LLC since returning from government service in 1987 and was Chairman of Estee Lauder International, Inc. from 1987 through 2002.  He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Company from 1968 to 1986 and again from 1988 to July 2009.  Mr. Lauder joined the Company in 1964 and has served in various capacities.  From 1983 to 1986, Mr. Lauder served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for European and NATO Affairs.  From 1986 to 1987, he was U.S. Ambassador to Austria.  He is non-executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Central European Media Enterprises Ltd.  He is also an Honorary Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Museum of Modern Art and President of the Neue Galerie.

 

William P. Lauder is Executive Chairman and, in such role, he is Chairman of the Board of Directors.  He was Chief Executive Officer of the Company from March 2008 through June 2009 and President and Chief Executive Officer from July 2004 through February 2008.  From January 2003 through June 2004, he was Chief Operating Officer.  From July 2001 through 2002, he was Group President responsible for the worldwide business of Clinique and Origins and the Company’s retail store and on-line operations.  From 1998 to 2001, he was President of Clinique Laboratories, LLC.  Prior to 1998, he was President of Origins Natural Resources Inc., and he had been the senior officer of that division since its inception in 1990.  Prior thereto, he served in various positions since joining the Company in 1986.  He is a member of the Boards of Trustees of The University of Pennsylvania and The Trinity School in New York City and the Boards of Directors of the Fresh Air Fund, the 92 nd  Street Y, the Partnership for New York City, GLG Partners Inc. (since 2006) and the Advisory Board of Zelnick Media.  He was a director of True Temper Sports Inc. from 2004 to 2009.

 

Sara E. Moss is Executive Vice President and General Counsel.  She became Executive Vice President in November 2004.  She joined us as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary in September 2003.  She was Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Pitney Bowes Inc. from 1996 to February 2003, and Senior Litigation Partner for Howard, Smith & Levin (now Covington & Burling) in New York from 1984 to 1996.  Prior to 1984, Ms. Moss served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Criminal Division in the Southern District of New York, was an associate at the law firm of Davis, Polk & Wardwell and was Law Clerk to the Honorable Constance Baker Motley, a U.S. District Judge in the Southern District of New York.

 

Gregory F. Polcer became Executive Vice President - Global Supply Chain in July 2008.  He is responsible for Global Direct and Indirect Procurement, Manufacturing, Logistics, Quality Assurance and Environmental Affairs and Safety.  From 1988 to 2008, he worked for Unilever where he designed and implemented global, regional and local initiatives.  Most recently, from 2006 to 2008, he served as the Senior Vice President, Supply Chain for Unilever where he integrated the North and Latin American Supply Chains, provided senior leadership for all global supply management and established a global outsourcing plan.  He served as Senior Vice President, Supply Chain - North America from 2005 to 2006 and Senior Vice President, Supply Chain, Home and Personal Care — North America from 2002 to 2004.

 

Cedric Prouvé became Group President - International in January 2003.  He is responsible for sales and profits in our International Division, which includes all markets outside of North America, our Travel Retail business worldwide and all of the activities of our sales affiliates and distributor relationships.  From August 2000 through December 2002 he was the General Manager of our Japanese sales affiliate.  From January 1997 to August 2000, he was Vice President, General Manager, Travel Retail.  He started with us in 1994 as General Manager, Travel Retailing - Asia Pacific Region and was given the added responsibility of General Manager of our Singapore affiliate in 1995.  Prior to joining us he worked at L’Oreal in sales and management positions in the Americas and Asia/Pacific.

 

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Alexandra C. Trower became Executive Vice President - Global Communications in April 2008.  She directs the Company’s overall communications strategy, oversees brand communications, corporate communications, internal communications and consumer communications.  Before joining us, Ms. Trower was Senior Vice President, Media Relations for Bank of America from January 2004 to March 2008.  From 1997 to 2002, she worked at JPMorgan Chase, where she was responsible for corporate communications at JPMorgan Fleming Asset Management.

 

Each executive officer serves for a one-year term ending at the next annual meeting of the Board of Directors, subject to his or her applicable employment agreement and his or her earlier death, resignation or removal.

 

Item 1A.  Risk Factors.

 

There are risks associated with an investment in our securities.

 

Please consider the following risks and all of the other information in this annual report on Form 10-K and in our subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  Our business may also be adversely affected by risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial.  If any of the events contemplated by the following discussion of risks should occur or other risks arise or develop, our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations, as well as the trading prices of our securities, may be adversely affected.

 

The beauty business is highly competitive, and if we are unable to compete effectively our results will suffer.

 

We face vigorous competition from companies throughout the world, including multinational consumer product companies.  Some of these competitors have greater resources than we do and may be able to respond to changing business and economic conditions more quickly than us.  Competition in the beauty business is based on pricing of products, innovation, perceived value, service to the consumer, promotional activities, advertising, special events, new product introductions, e-commerce and mobile-commerce initiatives and other activities.  It is difficult for us to predict the timing and scale of our competitors’ actions in these areas.  In particular, the fragrance category in the United States has in the past been influenced by the high volume of new product introductions by diverse companies across several different distribution channels.  Also, the trend toward consolidation in the retail trade, particularly in developed markets such as the United States and Western Europe, has resulted in us becoming increasingly dependent on key retailers, including large-format retailers, who have increased their bargaining strength.  This trend has also resulted in an increased risk related to the concentration of our customers.  A severe adverse impact on their business operations could have a corresponding material adverse effect on us.  Our ability to compete also depends on the continued strength of our brands, our ability to attract and retain key talent and other personnel, the efficiency of our manufacturing facilities and distribution network, and our ability to protect our intellectual property.  Our inability to continue to compete effectively in countries around the world could have an adverse impact on our business.

 

Our inability to anticipate and respond to market trends and changes in consumer preferences could adversely affect our financial results.

 

Our continued success depends on our ability to anticipate, gauge and react in a timely and cost-effective manner to changes in consumer tastes for skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products, their attitudes toward our industry and brands, as well as to where and how consumers shop for those products.  We must continually work to develop, produce and market new products, maintain and enhance the recognition of our brands, achieve a favorable mix of products, and refine our approach as to how and where we market and sell our products.  While we devote considerable effort and resources to shape, analyze and respond to consumer preferences, we recognize that consumer tastes cannot be predicted with certainty and can change rapidly.  The issue is compounded by the increasing use of social and digital media by consumers and the speed by which information and opinions are shared.  If we are unable to anticipate and respond to sudden challenges that we may face in the marketplace, trends in the market for our products and changing consumer demands and sentiment, our financial results will suffer.

 

Our future success depends on our ability to achieve our long-term strategy.

 

Achieving our long-term objectives will require investment in new capabilities, brands, categories, distribution channels, technologies and geographic markets.  These investments may result in short-term costs without any current revenues and, therefore, may be dilutive to our earnings, at least in the short term.  In addition, we may dispose of or discontinue select brands or streamline operations and incur costs or special charges in doing so.  Although we believe that our strategy will lead to long-term growth in revenue and profitability, we may not realize, in full or in part, the anticipated benefits.  The failure to realize benefits, which may be due to our inability to execute plans, global economic conditions, competition, changes in the beauty industry and the other risks described herein, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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Acquisitions may expose us to additional risks.

 

We continuously review acquisition opportunities that would expand our current product offerings, our distribution channels, increase the size and geographic scope of our operations or otherwise offer growth and operating efficiency opportunities.  If required, the financing for any of these acquisitions could result in an increase in our indebtedness, dilute the interests of our stockholders or both.  Acquisitions may entail numerous risks, including:

 

·                   difficulties in assimilating acquired operations or products, including the loss of key employees from or customers of acquired businesses;

·                   diversion of management’s attention from our core businesses;

·                   adverse effects on existing business relationships with suppliers and customers; and

·                   risks of entering distribution channels, categories or markets in which we have limited or no prior experience.

 

Our failure to successfully complete the integration of any acquired business could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.  In addition, there can be no assurance that we will be able to identify suitable acquisition candidates or consummate acquisitions on favorable terms.

 

We are required at least annually, or as facts and circumstances warrant, to test goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives to determine if impairment has occurred.  If the testing performed indicates that impairment has occurred, we are required to record a non-cash impairment charge for the difference between the carrying value of the goodwill or other intangible assets with indefinite lives and the implied fair value of the goodwill or the fair value of other intangible assets with indefinite lives in the period the determination is made.  We cannot accurately predict the amount and timing of any impairment of assets.  Should the value of goodwill or other intangible assets become impaired, there will be an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

A general economic downturn or sudden disruption in business conditions may affect consumer purchases of discretionary items and/or the financial strength of our customers that are retailers, which could adversely affect our financial results.

 

The general level of consumer spending is affected by a number of factors, including general economic conditions, inflation, interest rates, energy costs, and consumer confidence generally, all of which are beyond our control.  Consumer purchases of discretionary items tend to decline during recessionary periods, when disposable income is lower, and may impact sales of our products.  A decline in consumer purchases of discretionary items also tends to impact our customers that are retailers.  We generally extend credit to a retailer based on an evaluation of its financial condition, usually without requiring collateral.  However, the financial difficulties of a retailer could cause us to curtail or eliminate business with that customer.  We may also assume more credit risk relating to the receivables from that retailer.  Our inability to collect the receivable from one of our largest customers or from a group of customers could have a material adverse effect on our business and our financial condition.  If a retailer was to liquidate, we may incur additional costs if we choose to purchase the retailer’s inventory of our products to protect brand equity.

 

In addition, sudden disruptions in business conditions, for example, as a consequence of events such as a pandemic or those that are currently taking place in the Middle East, or as a result of a terrorist attack, retaliation and the threat of further attacks or retaliation, or as a result of adverse weather conditions or climate changes, can have a short and, sometimes, long-term impact on consumer spending.

 

Events that impact consumers’ willingness or ability to travel and/or purchase our products while traveling may impact our travel retail business, which is a significant contributor to our overall results.

 

A downturn in the economies in which we sell our products or a sudden disruption of business conditions in those economies could adversely affect our sales and profitability.

 

Volatility in the financial markets and a related economic downturn in key markets or markets generally throughout the world could have a material adverse effect on our business.  While we currently generate significant cash flows from our ongoing operations and have access to global credit markets through our various financing activities, credit markets may experience significant disruptions.  Deterioration in global financial markets could make future financing difficult or more expensive.  If any financial institutions that are parties to our undrawn revolving credit facility supporting our commercial paper program or other financing arrangements, such as interest rate or foreign exchange hedging instruments, were to declare bankruptcy or become insolvent, they may be unable to perform under their agreements with us.  This could leave us with reduced borrowing capacity or unhedged against certain interest rate or foreign currency exposures which could have an adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

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Changes in laws, regulations and policies that affect our business could adversely affect our financial results.

 

Our business is subject to numerous laws, regulations and policies.  Changes in the laws, regulations and policies, including the interpretation or enforcement thereof, that affect, or will affect, our business, including 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 could adversely affect our financial results.

 

Our success depends, in part, on the quality and safety of our products.

 

Our success depends, in part, on the quality and safety of our products.  If our products are found to be defective or unsafe, or if they otherwise fail to meet our consumers’ standards, our relationships with customers or consumers could suffer, the appeal of one or more of our brands could be diminished, and we could lose sales and/or become subject to liability claims, any of which could result in a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Our success depends, in part, on our key personnel.

 

Our success depends, in part, on our ability to retain our key personnel, including our executive officers and senior management team.  The unexpected loss of one or more of our key employees could adversely affect our business.  Our success also depends, in part, on our continuing ability to identify, hire, train and retain other highly qualified personnel.  Competition for these employees can be intense.  We may not be able to attract, assimilate or retain qualified personnel in the future, and our failure to do so could adversely affect our business.  This risk may be exacerbated by the stresses associated with the implementation of our strategic plan and other initiatives.

 

We are subject to risks related to our international operations.

 

We operate on a global basis, with approximately 62% of our fiscal 2010 net sales generated outside the United States.  We maintain offices in over 40 countries and have key operational facilities located outside the United States that manufacture, warehouse or distribute goods for sale throughout the world.  Foreign operations are subject to many risks and uncertainties, including:

 

·                   fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, which can affect our results of operations, the value of our foreign assets, the relative prices at which we and foreign competitors sell products in the same markets and the cost of certain inventory and non-inventory items required in our operations;

·                   changes in foreign laws, regulations and policies, including restrictions on trade, import and export license requirements, and tariffs and taxes, as well as changes in United States laws and regulations relating to foreign trade and investment; and

·                   adverse weather conditions, social, economic and geopolitical conditions, such as terrorist attacks, war or other military action.

 

These risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations and financial condition.

 

A disruption in operations could adversely affect our business and financial results.

 

As a company engaged in manufacturing and distribution on a global scale, we are subject to the risks inherent in such activities, including industrial accidents, environmental events, strikes and other labor disputes, disruptions in supply chain or information systems, loss or impairment of key manufacturing sites, product quality control, safety, licensing requirements and other regulatory issues, as well as natural disasters and other external factors over which we have no control.  If such an event were to occur, it could have an adverse affect on our business and financial results.

 

Our information systems and websites may be susceptible to outages and other risks.

 

We have information systems that support our business processes, including product development, marketing, sales, order processing, production, distribution, finance and intracompany communications throughout the world.  We have e-commerce and other Internet websites in the United States and many other countries.  These systems may be susceptible to outages due to fire, floods, power loss, telecommunications failures, break-ins and similar events.  Despite the implementation of network security measures, our systems may be vulnerable to computer viruses, break-ins and similar disruptions from unauthorized tampering.  The occurrence of these or other events could disrupt or damage our information systems and adversely affect our business and results of operations.

 

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We are subject to risks associated with implementing global information systems.

 

As part of SMI, we are implementing enterprise-wide global programs intended to deliver a single set of integrated data, processes and technologies, which would be scalable and used to standardize business processes across brands, operating units and sales affiliates.  We anticipate the continued migration of our operations to SAP, with the majority of our locations to be implemented through fiscal 2012.  Like most entity-wide changes to software systems, the implementation of SMI involves risks and uncertainties.  Failure to implement SMI as planned, in terms of timing, specifications and/or costs could have an adverse impact on our business and results of operations.

 

The trading prices of our securities periodically may rise or fall based on the accuracy of predictions of our earnings or other financial performance.

 

Our business planning process is designed to maximize our long-term strength, growth and profitability, not to achieve an earnings target in any particular fiscal quarter.  We believe that this longer-term focus is in the best interests of the Company and our stockholders.  At the same time, however, we recognize that it may be helpful to provide investors with guidance as to our forecast of net sales and earnings per share.  Accordingly, when we announced our year-end financial results for fiscal 2010, we provided guidance as to our expected net sales and earnings per share for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2011 and the quarter ending September 30, 2010.  While we generally expect to provide updates to our guidance when we report our results each fiscal quarter, we assume no responsibility to update any of our forward-looking statements at such times or otherwise.  In addition, the longer-term guidance we provide is based on goals that we believe, at the time guidance is given, are reasonably attainable for growth and performance over a number of years.  Such targets are more difficult to predict than our current quarter and fiscal year expectations.

 

In all of our public statements when we make, or update, a forward-looking statement about our sales and/or earnings expectations or expectations regarding restructuring or other initiatives, we accompany such statements directly, or by reference to a public document, with a list of factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those we expect.  Such a list is included, among other places, in our earnings press release and in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (e.g., in our reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q).  These and other factors may make it difficult for outside observers, such as research analysts, to predict what our earnings will be in any given fiscal quarter or year.

 

Outside analysts and investors have the right to make their own predictions of our financial results for any future period.  Outside analysts, however, have access to no more material information about our results or plans than any other public investor, and we do not endorse their predictions as to our future performance.  Nor do we assume any responsibility to correct the predictions of outside analysts or others when they differ from our own internal expectations.  If and when we announce actual results that differ from those that outside analysts or others have been predicting, the market price of our securities could be affected.  Investors who rely on the predictions of outside analysts or others when making investment decisions with respect to our securities do so at their own risk.  We take no responsibility for any losses suffered as a result of such changes in the prices of our securities.

 

Failure to adequately maintain the security of our electronic and other confidential information could materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

We are dependent upon automated information technology processes.  As part of our normal business activities, we collect and store certain confidential information, including personal information with respect to customers and employees.  We may share some of this information with vendors who assist us with certain aspects of our business.  Moreover, the success of our e-commerce operations depends upon the secure transmission of confidential and personal data over public networks, including the use of cashless payments.  Any failure on the part of us or our vendors to maintain the security of our confidential data and our employees’ and customers’ personal information, including via the penetration of our network security and the misappropriation of confidential and personal information, could result in business disruption, damage to our reputation, financial obligations to third parties, fines, penalties, regulatory proceedings and private litigation with potentially large costs, and also result in deterioration in our employees’ and customers’ confidence in us and other competitive disadvantages, and thus could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, a security breach could require that we expend significant additional resources to enhance our information security systems and could result in a disruption to our operations.

 

As we outsource more functions, we will become more dependent on the entities performing those functions.

 

As part of our long-term strategy, we are continually looking for opportunities to provide essential business services in a more cost-effective manner.  In some cases, this requires the outsourcing of functions or parts of functions that can be performed more effectively by external service providers.  These include certain information systems functions such as information technology operations, and certain human resource functions such as employee benefit plan administration.  While we believe we conduct appropriate due diligence before entering into agreements with the outsourcing entity, the failure of one or more entities to provide the expected services, provide them on a timely basis or to provide them at the prices we expect may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

 

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We are controlled by the Lauder family.  As a result of their control of us, the Lauder family has the ability to prevent or cause a change in control or approve, prevent or influence certain actions by us.

 

As of August 13, 2010, members of the Lauder family beneficially own, directly or indirectly, shares of Class A Common Stock (with one vote per share) and Class B Common Stock (with 10 votes per share) having approximately 87.1% of the outstanding voting power of the Common Stock.  In addition, there are six members of the Lauder family who are employees, including four who are members of our Board of Directors.  As a result of the stock ownership and their positions at the Company, the Lauder family has the ability to exercise significant control and influence over our business, including, without limitation, all matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors, amendments to the certificate of incorporation and significant corporate transactions, such as a merger or other sale of our Company or its assets, for the foreseeable future.

 

We are a “controlled company” within the meaning of the New York Stock Exchange rules and, as a result, are relying on exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements that are designed to provide protection to stockholders of companies that are not “controlled companies.”

 

The Lauder family and their related entities own more than 50% of the total voting power of our common shares and, as a result, we are a “controlled company” under the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance standards.  As a controlled company, we are exempt under the New York Stock Exchange standards from the obligation to comply with certain New York Stock Exchange corporate governance requirements, including the requirements:

 

·                   that a majority of our board of directors consists of independent directors;

·                   that we have a nominating committee that is composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities; and

·                   that we have a compensation committee that is composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities.

 

While we have voluntarily caused our Board to have a majority of independent directors and the written charters of our Nominating and Board Affairs Committee and the Compensation Committee to have the required provisions, we are not requiring our Nominating and Board Affairs Committee and Compensation Committee to be comprised solely of independent directors.  As a result of our use of the “controlled company” exemptions, investors will not have the same protection afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all of the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance requirements.

 

Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments.

 

As of the filing of this annual report on Form 10-K, there were no unresolved comments from the Staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

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Item 2.  Properties .

 

The following table sets forth our principal owned and leased manufacturing, assembly, research and development and distribution facilities as of August 13, 2010.  The leases expire at various times through 2026 subject to certain renewal options.

 

Location

 

Use

 

Approximate
Square Footage

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Americas

 

 

 

 

 

Blaine, Minnesota (owned)

 

Manufacturing and R&D

 

275,000

 

Blaine, Minnesota (leased)

 

Distribution

 

126,000

 

Oakland, New Jersey (leased)

 

Manufacturing

 

148,000

 

Hauppauge, New York (leased)

 

Manufacturing / Assembly

 

140,000

 

Melville, New York (owned)

 

Manufacturing

 

353,000

 

Melville, New York (owned)

 

R&D

 

134,000

 

Bristol, Pennsylvania (leased)

 

Manufacturing

 

67,000

 

Bristol, Pennsylvania (leased)

 

Distribution

 

243,000

 

Bristol, Pennsylvania (leased)

 

Distribution

 

243,000

 

Trevose, Pennsylvania (leased)

 

Manufacturing / Assembly

 

140,000

 

Agincourt, Ontario, Canada (owned)

 

Manufacturing

 

96,000

 

Markham, Ontario, Canada (leased)

 

Manufacturing

 

58,000

 

Markham, Ontario, Canada (leased)

 

R&D

 

26,000

 

Markham, Ontario, Canada (leased)

 

Manufacturing

 

79,000

 

Toronto, Ontario, Canada (leased)

 

Distribution

 

186,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Europe, the Middle East & Africa

 

 

 

 

 

Oevel, Belgium (owned)

 

Manufacturing

 

113,000

 

Oevel, Belgium (leased)

 

Manufacturing and R&D

 

70,000

 

Oevel, Belgium (leased)

 

Distribution

 

100,000

 

Kerpen, Germany (leased)

 

Distribution

 

98,000

 

Sandton, South Africa (leased)

 

Distribution

 

63,750

 

Madrid, Spain (leased)

 

Distribution

 

90,000

 

Lachen, Switzerland (owned)

 

Manufacturing

 

53,000

 

Lachen, Switzerland (owned)

 

Distribution

 

125,000

 

Hampshire, United Kingdom (leased)

 

Distribution

 

203,000

 

Petersfield, United Kingdom (owned)

 

Manufacturing

 

225,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asia/Pacific

 

 

 

 

 

Rosebury, Australia (leased)

 

Distribution

 

104,000

 

Shanghai, China (leased)

 

Distribution and R&D

 

57,000

 

Tokyo, Japan (leased)

 

Distribution and R&D

 

147,600

 

Yongin, Korea (leased)

 

Distribution

 

160,000

 

Tanjong Penjuru, Singapore (leased)

 

Distribution

 

56,000

 

 

We own, lease and occupy numerous offices, assembly and distribution facilities and warehouses in the United States and abroad.  We consider our properties to be generally in good condition and believe that our facilities are adequate for our operations and provide sufficient capacity to meet anticipated requirements.  We lease approximately 280,000 square feet of rentable space for our principal offices in New York, New York and own an office building of approximately 57,000 square feet in Melville, New York.  As of August 13, 2010, we operated over 700 freestanding retail stores.

 

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings .

 

We are involved, from time to time, in litigation and other legal proceedings incidental to our business.  Management believes that the outcome of current litigation and legal proceedings will not have a material adverse effect upon our results of operations or financial condition.  However, management’s assessment of our 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 us not presently known to us 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.

 

Item 4.  Removed and Reserved.

 

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PART II

 

Item 5.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

 

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

 

Our Class A Common Stock is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “EL.”  The following table shows the high and low sales prices as reported on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape and the cash dividends per share declared in fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009:

 

 

 

Fiscal 2010

 

Fiscal 2009

 

 

 

High

 

Low

 

Cash
Dividends

 

High

 

Low

 

Cash
Dividends

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

$

38.21

 

$

30.00

 

$

 

$

54.75

 

$

40.75

 

$

 

Second Quarter

 

50.57

 

35.60

 

.55

 

50.89

 

24.24

 

.55

 

Third Quarter

 

65.75

 

47.65

 

 

32.83

 

19.81

 

 

Fourth Quarter

 

71.29

 

54.17

 

 

37.00

 

24.03

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal Year

 

71.29

 

30.00

 

$

.55

 

54.75

 

19.81

 

$

.55

 

 

We expect to continue the payment of cash dividends in the future, but there can be no assurance that the Board of Directors will continue to declare them.  In November 2009 and 2008, the Board of Directors declared an annual dividend of $.55, which was paid in December 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 

As of August 13, 2010, there were approximately 8,235 record holders of Class A Common Stock and 17 record holders of Class B Common Stock.

 

Share Repurchase Program

 

We are authorized by the Board of Directors to repurchase up to 88.0 million shares of Class A Common Stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, depending on market conditions and other factors.  As of June 30, 2010, the cumulative total of acquired shares pursuant to the authorization was 70.0 million, reducing the remaining authorized share repurchase balance to 18.0 million.  During fiscal 2010, we purchased approximately 4.7 million shares pursuant to the authorization for $257.7 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 2009

 

 

 

 

22,734,432

 

August 2009

 

 

 

 

22,734,432

 

September 2009

 

11,688

(2)

$

34.21

 

 

22,734,432

 

October 2009

 

 

 

 

22,734,432

 

November 2009

 

526,386

(3)

$

46.06

 

330,000

 

22,404,432

 

December 2009

 

1,098,463

 

$

48.61

 

1,098,463

 

21,305,969

 

January 2010

 

450,000

 

$

49.20

 

450,000

 

20,855,969

 

February 2010

 

635,000

 

$

57.55

 

635,000

 

20,220,969

 

March 2010

 

180,300

 

$

60.61

 

180,300

 

20,040,669

 

April 2010

 

 

 

 

20,040,669

 

May 2010

 

1,169,600

 

$

60.53

 

1,169,600

 

18,871,069

 

June 2010

 

830,400

 

$

58.06

 

830,400

 

18,040,669

 

Year-to-date

 

4,901,837

 

$

54.40

 

4,693,763

 

18,040,669

 

 


(1)

The initial program covering the repurchase of 8.0 million shares was announced in September 1998 and increased by 20.0 million shares each in November 2007, February 2007 and May 2005 and 10.0 million shares in both May 2004 and October 2002.

(2)

Includes shares that were repurchased by the Company in connection with shares withheld to satisfy tax obligations upon the settlement of performance share units earned as of June 30, 2009.

(3)

Represents shares that were repurchased by the Company in connection with shares withheld to satisfy tax obligations upon the vesting of restricted stock units.

 

Subsequent to June 30, 2010, we purchased approximately 1.0 million additional shares of Class A Common Stock for $60.7 million pursuant to our share repurchase program.

 

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Sales of Unregistered Securities

 

Shares of Class B Common Stock may be converted immediately into Class A Common Stock on a one-for-one basis by the holder and are automatically converted into Class A Common Stock on a one-for-one basis upon transfer to a person or entity that is not a “Permitted Transferee” or soon after a record date for a meeting of stockholders where the outstanding Class B Common Stock constitutes less than 10% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company.  There is no cash or other consideration paid by the holder converting the shares and, accordingly, there is no cash or other consideration received by the Company.  The shares of Class A Common Stock issued by the Company in such conversions are exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, pursuant to Section 3(a)(9) thereof.

 

During the three months ended June 30, 2010, the stockholders set forth in the table below converted shares of Class B Common Stock into Class A Common Stock on the dates set forth below:

 

Stockholder That Converted Class B
Common Stock to Class A Common
Stock

 

Date of Conversion

 

Number of Shares
Converted/ Received

 

Ronald S. Lauder

 

May 6, 2010

 

420,000

 

 

The Estee Lauder 2002 Trust

 

May 20, 2010

 

40,220

 

 

Ronald S. Lauder

 

June 3, 2010

 

125,000

 

 

 

Item 6.  Selected Financial Data .

 

The table below summarizes selected financial information.  For further information, refer to the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto beginning on page F-1 of this report.

 

 

 

Year Ended or at June 30

 

 

 

2010 (a)

 

2009 (a)

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006(b)

 

 

 

(In millions, except per share data)

 

Statement of Earnings Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

7,795.8

 

$

7,323.8

 

$

7,910.8

 

$

7,037.5

 

$

6,463.8

 

Gross profit

 

5,966.4

 

5,442.2

 

5,914.0

 

5,262.7

 

4,777.2

 

Operating income

 

789.9

 

418.4

 

810.7

 

749.9

 

619.6

 

Interest expense, net (c)

 

74.3

 

75.7

 

66.8

 

38.9

 

23.8

 

Interest expense on debt extinguishment (d)

 

27.3

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings before income taxes and discontinued operations

 

688.3

 

342.7

 

743.9

 

711.0

 

595.8

 

Provision for income taxes

 

205.9

 

115.9

 

259.9

 

255.2

 

259.7

 

Net earnings from continuing operations

 

482.4

 

226.8

 

484.0

 

455.8

 

336.1

 

Discontinued operations, net of tax (e)

 

 

 

 

0.5

 

(80.3

)

Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

(4.1

)

(8.4

)

(10.2

)

(7.1

)

(11.6

)

Net earnings attributable to The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

 

478.3

 

218.4

 

473.8

 

449.2

 

244.2

 

Cash Flow Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash flows provided by operating activities

 

$

956.7

 

$

696.0

 

$

690.1

 

$

661.6

 

$

709.8

 

Net cash flows used for investing activities

 

(281.4

)

(339.5

)

(478.5

)

(373.8

)

(303.2

)

Net cash flows provided by (used for) financing activities

 

(406.1

)

125.8

 

(78.1

)

(411.6

)

(594.6

)

Per Share Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings per common share from continuing operations (e):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

2.44

 

$

1.16

 

$

2.50

 

$

2.23

 

$

1.56

 

Diluted

 

$

2.40

 

$

1.15

 

$

2.46

 

$

2.19

 

$

1.55

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

2.42

 

$

1.11

 

$

2.44

 

$

2.20

 

$

1.14

 

Diluted

 

$

2.38

 

$

1.10

 

$

2.40

 

$

2.16

 

$

1.12

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding (f):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

197.7

 

196.3

 

193.9

 

204.3

 

215.0

 

Diluted

 

200.7

 

197.7

 

197.1

 

207.8

 

217.4

 

Cash dividends declared per common share

 

$

.55

 

$

.55

 

$

.55

 

$

.50

 

$

.40

 

Balance Sheet Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Working capital

 

$

1,548.8

 

$

1,453.3

 

$

1,088.0

 

$

738.7

 

$

738.7

 

Total assets

 

5,335.6

 

5,176.6

 

5,011.2

 

4,125.7

 

3,784.1

 

Total debt (c) (d)

 

1,228.4

 

1,421.4

 

1,196.9

 

1,088.5

 

521.5

 

Stockholders’ equity - The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (f)

 

1,948.4

 

1,640.0

 

1,653.2

 

1,199.0

 

1,622.3

 

 


(a) Fiscal 2010 results included $55.9 million, after tax, or $.28 per diluted share related to total charges associated with restructuring activities.  Fiscal 2009 results included $61.7 million, after tax, or $.31 per diluted share related to total charges associated with restructuring activities.

 

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(b) Fiscal 2006 results included $93.0 million, after tax, or $.43 per diluted share in special charges related to our cost savings initiative and tax-related matters.  Included in the charges was an operating expense charge of $92.1 million, equal to $.27 per diluted common share related to the cost savings initiative.  The results also included a special tax charge related to a settlement with the Internal Revenue Service regarding an examination of our consolidated Federal income tax returns for fiscal years 1998 through 2001, and represents the aggregate earnings impact of the settlement through fiscal 2006.  The settlement resulted in an increase to our fiscal 2006 income tax provision and a corresponding decrease in fiscal 2006 net earnings of approximately $46 million, or approximately $.21 per diluted common share.  During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006, we completed the repatriation of foreign earnings through intercompany dividends under the provisions of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the “AJCA”).  In connection with the repatriation, we updated the computation of the related aggregate tax impact, resulting in a favorable adjustment of approximately $11 million, or approximately $.05 per diluted common share, to our initial tax charge of $35 million recorded in fiscal 2005.  The tax settlement, coupled with the AJCA favorable tax adjustment, resulted in a net increase to our fiscal 2006 income tax provision and a corresponding decrease in fiscal 2006 net earnings of approximately $35 million, or approximately $.16 per diluted common share.

 

(c) In November 2008, we issued and sold $300.0 million of 7.75% Senior Notes due November 1, 2013 in a public offering.  We used the net proceeds of this offering to repay then-outstanding commercial paper balances upon their maturity.  In May 2007, we issued and sold $300.0 million of 5.55% Senior Notes due May 15, 2017 and $300.0 million of 6.00% Senior Notes due May 15, 2037 in a public offering.  We used the net proceeds of this offering to repay long-term commercial paper, which was used to fund our accelerated stock repurchase program, and to pay transaction fees and expenses related to this offering.

 

(d) On May 24, 2010, we completed a cash tender offer for $130.0 million principal amount of our 2012 Senior Notes at a price of 108.500% of the principal amount and for $69.9 million principal amount of our 2013 Senior Notes at a tender price of 118.813% of the principal amount.  During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, we recorded a pre-tax expense on the extinguishment of debt of $27.3 million representing the tender premium, the pro-rata write-off of unamortized terminated interest rate swap, issuance costs and debt discount, and tender offer costs associated with both series of notes.

 

(e) In April 2006, we completed the sale of certain assets and operations of the reporting unit that marketed and sold Stila brand products.  As a result, all consolidated statements of earnings information for all periods presented have been restated for comparative purposes to reflect those reporting units as discontinued operations.

 

(f) During fiscal 2007, we repurchased 22,461,642 shares of our outstanding common stock, of which 15,960,842 shares were purchased for $750.0 million through an accelerated stock repurchase program with a financial counterparty.

 

Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations .

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

 

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition at June 30, 2010 and our results of operations for the three fiscal years ended June 30, 2010 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 amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses reported in those financial statements.  These estimates and assumptions can be subjective and complex and, consequently, actual results could differ from those estimates.  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, income taxes and derivatives.

 

Management of the Company has discussed the selection of significant accounting policies and the effect of estimates with the Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Revenues from merchandise sales are recognized upon transfer of ownership, including passage of title to the customer and transfer of the risk of loss related to those goods.  In the Americas region, sales are generally recognized at the time the product is shipped to the customer and in the Europe, Middle East & Africa and Asia/Pacific regions sales are generally recognized based upon the customer’s receipt.  In certain circumstances, transfer of title takes place at the point of sale, for example, at our retail stores.  Sales at our retail stores and online are recognized in accordance with a traditional 4-4-5 retail calendar, where each fiscal quarter is comprised of two 4-week periods and one 5-week period, with one extra week in one quarter every seven years.  As a result, the retail quarter-end and the fiscal quarter-end may be different by up to six days.

 

Revenues are reported on a net sales basis, which is computed by deducting from gross sales the amount of actual product returns received, discounts, incentive arrangements with retailers and an amount established for anticipated product returns.  Our practice is to accept product returns from retailers only if properly requested, authorized and approved.  In accepting returns, we typically provide a credit to the retailer against accounts receivable from that retailer.  As a percentage of gross sales, returns were 4.3%, 4.4% and 4.4% in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 

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Our sales return accrual is a subjective critical estimate that has a direct impact on reported net sales.  This accrual is calculated based on a history of actual returns, estimated future returns and information provided by retailers regarding their inventory levels.  Consideration of these factors results in an accrual for anticipated sales returns that reflects increases or decreases related to seasonal fluctuations.  Experience has shown a relationship between retailer inventory levels and sales returns in the subsequent period, as well as a consistent pattern of returns due to the seasonal nature of our business.  In addition, as necessary, specific accruals may be established for significant future known or anticipated events.  The types of known or anticipated events that we have considered, and will continue to consider, include, but are not limited to, the financial condition of our customers, store closings by retailers, changes in the retail environment and our decision to continue or support new and existing products.

 

In the ordinary course of business, we have established an allowance for doubtful accounts and customer deductions based upon the evaluation of accounts receivable aging, specific exposures and historical trends.  Our allowance for doubtful accounts and customer deductions is a subjective critical estimate that has a direct impact on reported net earnings.  The allowance for doubtful accounts was $34.3 million and $41.4 million as of June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The allowance for doubtful accounts was reduced by $15.8 million, $14.1 million and $10.2 million for customer deductions and write-offs in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and increased by $8.7 million, $29.2 million and $13.2 million for additional provisions in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 

Inventory

 

We state our inventory at the lower of cost or fair market value, with cost being determined on the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method.  We believe FIFO most closely matches the flow of our products from manufacture through sale.  The reported net value of our inventory includes saleable products, promotional products, raw materials and componentry and work in process that will be sold or used in future periods.  Inventory cost includes raw materials, direct labor and overhead, as well as inbound freight.  Manufacturing overhead is allocated to the cost of inventory based on the normal production capacity.  Unallocated overhead during periods of abnormally low production levels are recognized as cost of sales in the period in which they are incurred.

 

We also record an inventory obsolescence reserve, which represents the difference between the cost of the inventory and its estimated realizable value, based on various product sales projections.  This reserve is calculated using an estimated obsolescence percentage applied to the inventory based on age, historical trends and requirements to support forecasted sales.  In addition, and as necessary, we may establish specific reserves for future known or anticipated events.

 

Pension and Other Post-retirement Benefit Costs

 

We offer the following benefits to some or all of our employees: a domestic trust-based noncontributory qualified defined benefit pension plan  (“U.S. Qualified Plan”) and an unfunded, non-qualified domestic noncontributory pension plan to provide benefits in excess of statutory limitations (collectively with the U.S. Qualified Plan, the “Domestic Plans”); a domestic contributory defined contribution plan; international pension plans, which vary by country, consisting of both defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans; deferred compensation arrangements; and certain other post-retirement benefit plans.

 

The amounts needed to fund future payouts under these plans are subject to numerous assumptions and variables.  Certain significant variables require us to make assumptions that are within our control such as an anticipated discount rate, expected rate of return on plan assets and future compensation levels.  We evaluate these assumptions with our actuarial advisors and select assumptions that we believe reflect the economics underlying our pension and post-retirement obligations.  While we believe these assumptions are within accepted industry ranges, an increase or decrease in the assumptions or economic events outside our control could have a direct impact on reported net earnings.

 

The discount rate for each plan used for determining future net periodic benefit cost is based on a review of highly rated long-term bonds.  For fiscal 2010, we used a discount rate for our Domestic Plans of 6.50% and varying rates on our international plans of between 1.75% and 8.75%.  The discount rate for our Domestic Plans is based on a bond portfolio that includes only long-term bonds with an Aa rating, or equivalent, from a major rating agency.  We believe the timing and amount of cash flows related to the bonds included in this portfolio is expected to match the estimated defined benefit payment streams of our Domestic Plans.  For fiscal 2010, we used an expected return on plan assets of 7.75% for our U.S. Qualified Plan and varying rates of between 2.75% and 8.75% for our international plans.  In determining the long-term rate of return for a plan, we consider the historical rates of return, the nature of the plan’s investments and an expectation for the plan’s investment strategies, see “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data — Note 13 — Pension, Deferred Compensation and Post-retirement Benefit Plans ” for details regarding the nature of our pension and post-retirement plan investments.  The difference between actual and expected return on plan assets is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income.  Those gains/losses that are subject to amortization over future periods will be recognized as a component of the net periodic benefit cost in such future periods.  For fiscal 2010, our pension plans had actual return on assets of approximately $101 million as compared with expected return on assets of approximately $52 million, which resulted in a net deferred gain of approximately $49 million, substantially all of which is currently subject to be amortized over periods ranging from approximately 4 to 26 years.  The actual return on assets was primarily related to the performance of equity markets during the past fiscal year.

 

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A 25 basis-point change in the discount rate or the expected rate of return on plan assets would have had the following effect on fiscal 2010 pension expense:

 

(In millions)

 

25 Basis-Point
Increase

 

25 Basis-Point
Decrease

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discount rate

 

$

(1.5

)

$

3.3

 

Expected return on assets

 

$

(1.9

)

$

1.9

 

 

Our post-retirement plans are comprised of health care plans that could be impacted by health care cost trend rates, which may have a significant effect on the amounts reported.  A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates for fiscal 2010 would have had the following effects:

 

(In millions)

 

One-Percentage-Point
Increase

 

One-Percentage-Point
Decrease

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect on total service and interest costs

 

$

1.1

 

$

(1.0

)

Effect on post-retirement benefit obligations

 

$

9.4

 

$

(9.0

)

 

For fiscal 2011, we are using a discount rate for the Domestic Plans of 5.30% and varying rates for our international plans of between 1.25% and 8.00%.  We are using an expected return on plan assets of 7.75% for the U.S. Qualified Plan and varying rates for our international pension plans of between 2.50% and 8.00%.  The net change in these assumptions from those used in fiscal 2010 will result in an increase in pension expense of approximately $11.4 million in fiscal 2011.  We will continue to monitor the market conditions relative to these assumptions and adjust them accordingly.

 

Goodwill, Other Intangible Assets and Long-Lived Assets

 

Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the cost of purchased businesses over the fair value of their underlying net assets.  Other indefinite-lived intangible assets principally consist of trademarks.  Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized.

 

We assess goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangibles at least annually for impairment as of the beginning of the fiscal fourth quarter, or more frequently if certain events or circumstances warrant.  We test goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is one level below our operating segments.  We identify our reporting units by assessing whether the components of our operating segments constitute businesses for which discrete financial information is available and management of each reporting unit regularly reviews the operating results of those components.  We make certain judgments and assumptions in allocating assets and liabilities to determine carrying values for our reporting units.  Impairment testing is performed in two steps: (i) we determine impairment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying value, and (ii) if there is an impairment, we measure the amount of impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill.  The impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets encompasses calculating a fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset and comparing the fair value to its carrying value.  If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, impairment is recorded.

 

Testing goodwill for impairment requires us to estimate fair values of reporting units using significant estimates and assumptions.  The assumptions made will impact the outcome and ultimate results of the testing.  We use industry accepted valuation models and set criteria that are reviewed and approved by various levels of management and, in certain instances, we engage third-party valuation specialists to advise us.  To determine fair value of the reporting unit, we generally use an equal weighting of the income and market approaches.  In certain circumstances, equal weighting will not be applied if one of these methods may be less applicable (e.g., only the income approach would be used for reporting units with existing negative margins).  We believe both approaches are equally relevant and the most reliable indications of fair value because the fair value of product or service companies is more dependent on the ability to generate earnings than on the value of the assets used in the production process.

 

Under the income approach, we determine fair value using a discounted cash flow method, projecting future cash flows of each reporting unit, as well as terminal value, and discounting such cash flows at a rate of return that reflects the relative risk of the cash flows.

 

Under the market approach, we utilize information from comparable publicly traded companies with similar operating and investment characteristics as the reporting units, which creates valuation multiples that are applied to the operating performance of the reporting unit being tested, to value the reporting unit.

 

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The key estimates and factors used in these two approaches include, but are not limited to, revenue growth rates and profit margins based on internal forecasts, terminal value, the weighted-average cost of capital used to discount future cash flows and comparable market multiples.  The fiscal 2010 compound annual growth rate of sales for the first four to eight years of our projections, as considered appropriate for the individual reporting units, ranged between 3% and 24% with the higher growth rates in those reporting units that start with the smallest base in fiscal 2010.  The fiscal 2009 compound annual growth rate of sales for the first eight years of our projections ranged between 6% and 19% with the higher growth rates in those reporting units that start with the smallest base in fiscal 2009.  For reporting units with positive earnings, growth in the corresponding earnings before interest and taxes ranged from 9% to 161% in fiscal 2010 as compared with 6% to 46% in fiscal 2009.  The terminal growth rates were projected at 3% after four to eight years in fiscal 2010 as compared with 3% after eight years in fiscal 2009, which reflects our estimate of long term market and gross domestic product growth.  The weighted-average cost of capital used to discount future cash flows ranged from 9% to 17% in fiscal 2010 as compared with 11% to 17% in fiscal 2009.  The range of market multiples used in our fiscal 2010 impairment testing was from 0.5 to 3 times trailing-twelve-month sales and 9 to 12 times trailing-twelve-month earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation and amortization.  The range of market multiples used in our fiscal 2009 impairment testing was from 2 to 3 times trailing-twelve-month sales and 10 times trailing-twelve-month earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation and amortization.  Future changes in these estimates and assumptions could materially affect the results of our reviews for impairment of goodwill.  However, a decrease of 30 basis points in our terminal growth rate or an increase of 30 basis points in our weighted-average cost of capital would still result in a fair value calculation exceeding our book value for each of our reporting units, except for the Ojon reporting unit, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Goodwill, Other Intangible Assets and Long-Lived Assets.”   Changes in the valuation assumptions from those used in the prior year primarily reflect the impact of the current economic environment on the reporting units and their projected future results of operations.

 

To determine fair value of other indefinite-lived intangible assets, we use an income approach, the relief-from-royalty method.  This method assumes that, in lieu of ownership, a third party would be willing to pay a royalty in order to obtain the rights to use the comparable asset.  Other indefinite-lived intangible assets’ fair values require significant judgments in determining both the assets’ estimated cash flows as well as the appropriate discount and royalty rates applied to those cash flows to determine fair value.  Changes in such estimates or the application of alternative assumptions could produce significantly different results.

 

We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.  When such events or changes in circumstances occur, a recoverability test is performed comparing projected undiscounted cash flows from the use and eventual disposition of an asset or asset group to its carrying value.  If the projected undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value, an impairment would be recorded for the excess of the carrying value over the fair value, which is determined by discounting future cash flows.

 

Income Taxes

 

We account for income taxes using an asset and liability approach that requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns.  As of June 30, 2010, we have current net deferred tax assets of $269.0 million and non-current net deferred tax assets of $104.8 million.  The net deferred tax assets assume sufficient future earnings for their realization, as well as the continued application of currently anticipated tax rates.  Included in net deferred tax assets is a valuation allowance of $38.5 million for deferred tax assets, where management believes it is more-likely-than-not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized in the relevant jurisdiction.  Based on our assessments, no additional valuation allowance is required.  If we determine that a deferred tax asset will not be realizable, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset will result in a reduction of net earnings at that time.

 

We provide tax reserves for federal, state, local and international exposures relating to periods subject to audit.  The development of reserves for these exposures requires judgments about tax issues, potential outcomes and timing, and is a subjective critical estimate.  We assess our tax positions and record tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon management’s evaluation of the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting dates.  For those tax positions where it is more-likely-than-not that a tax benefit will be sustained, we have recorded the largest amount of tax benefit with a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement with a tax authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information.  For those tax positions where it is not more-likely-than-not that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit has been recognized in the financial statements.  We classify applicable interest and penalties as a component of the provision for income taxes.  Although the outcome relating to these exposures is uncertain, in management’s opinion adequate provisions for income taxes have been made for estimable potential liabilities emanating from these exposures.  In certain circumstances, the ultimate outcome of exposures and risks involves significant uncertainties which render them inestimable.  If actual outcomes differ materially from these estimates, they could have a material impact on our results of operations.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Derivatives

 

We address certain financial exposures through a controlled program of risk management that includes the use of derivative financial instruments.  We primarily enter into foreign currency forward and option contracts to reduce the effects of fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates and interest rate derivatives to manage the effects of interest rate movements on our aggregate liability portfolio.  We also enter 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.  We do not utilize derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.  Hedge effectiveness is documented, assessed and monitored by employees who are qualified to make such assessments and monitor the instruments.  Variables that are external to us such as social, political and economic risks may have an impact on our hedging program and the results thereof.

 

Our derivative financial instruments are recorded as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and measured at fair value.  All derivatives outstanding as of June 30, 2010 are (i) designated as a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment (“fair-value” hedge), (ii) designated as a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (“foreign currency cash-flow” hedge), or (iii) not designated as a hedging instrument.  Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is designated and qualifies as a fair-value hedge that is highly effective are recorded in current-period earnings, along with the loss or gain on the hedged asset or liability that is attributable to the hedged risk (including losses or gains on unrecognized firm commitments).  Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is designated and qualifies as a foreign currency cash-flow hedge of a foreign-currency-denominated forecasted transaction that is highly effective are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”).  Gains and losses deferred in OCI are then recognized in current-period earnings when earnings are affected by the variability of cash flows of the hedged foreign-currency-denominated forecasted transaction (e.g., when periodic settlements on a variable-rate asset or liability are recorded in earnings).  Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments are reported in current-period earnings.

 

For a discussion on the quantitative impact of market risks related to our derivative financial instruments, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Market Risk.”

 

Quantitative Analysis

 

During the three-year period ended June 30, 2010 there have not been material changes in the assumptions underlying these critical accounting policies, nor to the related significant estimates.  The results of our business underlying these assumptions have not differed significantly from our expectations.

 

While we believe that the estimates that we have made are proper and the related results of operations for the period are presented fairly in all material respects, other assumptions could reasonably be justified that would change the amount of reported net sales, cost of sales, operating expenses or our provision for income taxes as they relate to the provisions for anticipated sales returns, allowance for doubtful accounts, inventory obsolescence reserve and income taxes.  For fiscal 2010, had these estimates been changed simultaneously by 2.5% in either direction, our reported gross profit would have increased or decreased by approximately $4.8 million, operating expenses would have changed by approximately $0.9 million and the provision for income taxes would have increased or decreased by approximately $1.3 million.  The collective impact of these changes on operating income, net earnings attributable to The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., and net earnings attributable to The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. per diluted common share would be an increase or decrease of approximately $5.7 million, $7.0 million and $.03, respectively.

 

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Table of Contents

 

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 from continuing operations for fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008 and reflects the basis of presentation described in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data — Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 20 — Segment Data and Related Information ” for all periods presented.  Products and services that do not meet our definition of skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care have been included in the “other” category.

 

 

 

Year Ended June 30

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

 

(In millions)

 

NET SALES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Region:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Americas

 

$

3,442.1

 

$

3,421.2

 

$

3,711.5

 

Europe, the Middle East & Africa

 

2,859.3

 

2,611.3

 

3,006.7

 

Asia/Pacific

 

1,510.1

 

1,299.4

 

1,192.6

 

 

 

7,811.5

 

7,331.9

 

7,910.8

 

Returns associated with restructuring activities

 

(15.7

)

(8.1

)

 

 

 

$

7,795.8

 

$

7,323.8

 

$

7,910.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Product Category:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Skin Care

 

$

3,227.1

 

$

2,886.0

 

$

2,996.8

 

Makeup

 

2,978.2

 

2,830.9

 

3,000.4

 

Fragrance

 

1,136.9

 

1,150.9

 

1,432.0

 

Hair Care

 

413.9

 

402.4

 

427.1

 

Other

 

55.4

 

61.7

 

54.5

 

 

 

7,811.5

 

7,331.9

 

7,910.8

 

Returns associated with restructuring activities

 

(15.7

)

(8.1

)

 

 

 

$

7,795.8

 

$

7,323.8

 

$

7,910.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Region:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Americas

 

$

161.5

 

$

115.2

 

$

228.3

 

Europe, the Middle East & Africa

 

500.8

 

229.7

 

433.1

 

Asia/Pacific

 

212.3

 

165.2

 

149.7

 

 

 

874.6

 

510.1

 

811.1

 

Total charges associated with restructuring activities

 

(84.7

)

(91.7

)

(0.4

)

 

 

$

789.9

 

$

418.4

 

$

810.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Product Category:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Skin Care

 

$

434.3

 

$

294.1

 

$

405.6

 

Makeup

 

416.8

 

279.8

 

359.4

 

Fragrance

 

26.3

 

(60.8

)

36.2

 

Hair Care

 

(6.2

)

1.1

 

11.5

 

Other

 

3.4

 

(4.1

)

(1.6

)

 

 

874.6

 

510.1

 

811.1

 

Total charges associated with restructuring activities

 

(84.7

)

(91.7

)

(0.4

)

 

 

$

789.9

 

$

418.4

 

$

810.7

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

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

 

 

 

Year Ended June 30

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

Cost of sales

 

23.5

 

25.7

 

25.2

 

Gross profit

 

76.5

 

74.3

 

74.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

65.0

 

66.7

 

64.3

 

Restructuring and other special charges

 

0.8

 

1.0

 

 

Goodwill impairment

 

0.2

 

0.2

 

 

Impairment of other intangible and long-lived assets

 

0.4

 

0.7

 

0.2

 

 

 

66.4

 

68.6

 

64.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

10.1

 

5.7

 

10.3

 

Interest expense, net

 

1.0

 

1.0

 

0.9

 

Interest expense on debt extinguishment

 

0.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings before income taxes

 

8.8

 

4.7

 

9.4

 

Provision for income taxes

 

2.6

 

1.6

 

3.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

6.2

 

3.1

 

6.1

 

Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

(0.1

)

(0.1

)

(0.1

)

Net earnings attributable to The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

 

6.1

%

3.0

%

6.0

%

 

In order to meet the demands of consumers, we continually introduce new products, support new and established products through advertising, sampling and merchandising and phase out existing products that no longer meet the needs of our consumers.  The economics of developing, producing, launching and supporting products influence 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.

 

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 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-period results using prior-year period weighted average foreign currency exchange rates.

 

Overview

 

We believe that the best way to increase stockholder value is to provide our customers and consumers with the products and services that they have come to expect from us in the most efficient and profitable manner while recognizing their changing shopping habits.  To achieve our goal to be the global leader in prestige beauty, we are implementing a long-term strategy to guide the Company through fiscal 2013.  The plan has numerous initiatives across regions, product categories, brands and functions that are designed to leverage our strengths, make us more cost efficient and grow our sales.

 

As part of our strategy, we plan to shift our category mix towards higher margin categories with greater global growth potential.  Skin care, our most profitable category, is a strategic priority for our innovation and investment spending, particularly in the Asia/Pacific region.  We also plan to strengthen our geographic presence by seeking share growth in large, image-building cities within core markets such as the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Japan.  In addition, we will continue to prioritize efforts to expand our presence and accelerate share growth in emerging markets such as China, Russia, the Middle East and Eastern Europe.  While we expect the retail environment in North America to continue to be challenging, we recognize the need to restore profitable growth in our traditional department store channel.  We have implemented changes to reshape our organization to meet the needs of the changing retail landscape.  Internationally, we plan to achieve profitable growth in European perfumeries and pharmacies and in department stores in Asia, while accentuating our makeup and skin care initiatives to boost our travel retail business and continuing efforts to grow online, specialty retailers and prestige salons.  To optimize our portfolio, we will focus on improving our margins and share in our distribution channels.  We plan to re-energize certain of our brands through the introduction of products that feature advances in research and technology.  At the same time, we will be investing in initiatives to incubate and develop next generation products and brands, as well as driving turnaround brands toward sustainable profitability levels.  We intend to leverage our regional organizations to increase effectiveness and efficiencies while utilizing strategic partnerships, alliances and licensing to build scale in research and development, distribution and third-party manufacturing.

 

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Table of Contents

 

During fiscal 2010, the first year of our strategy, our business continued to rebound from the global economic challenges and uncertainties that had a significant impact on our results during the prior fiscal year.  Despite these conditions, some of which continue to exist, our results for the year ended June 30, 2010 exceeded our net sales and profitability expectations that we had at the beginning of the fiscal year.  These results, in part, stem from stronger net sales, and savings achieved in connection with our multi-faceted cost savings program, including favorable product mix (which reflects our strategic emphasis on skin care products), resizing, restructuring and other cost containment initiatives.  The improved net sales reflected growth in our three largest brands, continued strong growth in Asia, a substantial rebound in the Company’s travel retail business and a better-than-expected holiday selling season in the United States and the United Kingdom.  Net sales also benefited from further favorability in foreign currency translation.

 

During most of fiscal 2010, we engaged in a more strategically focused approach to spending in light of the global economic downturn and the management of several external potential risks which did not materialize in the current year.  This was accomplished, in part, by executing on certain initiatives designed to drive out non-value added costs, optimize productivity and increase financial discipline.  Although we remain cautious regarding global economic uncertainties and other risks that may affect our business, we accelerated investment spending behind our brands and key priorities during the latter part of the fiscal year.

 

In the Americas region, the increase in net sales during the current-year period was primarily attributable to growth in Canada and Latin America.  Net sales in the United States benefited from new skin care and makeup product offerings and an increase in sales of certain designer fragrances through self-select outlets.  We have also seen an improvement in the net sales of many of our higher-end prestige products, which were negatively impacted by a change in spending patterns of consumers as a result of the economic downturn in the prior year.  Offsetting these improvements were lower net sales due to our exit from the global wholesale distribution of the Prescriptives brand.  In addition, the U.S. department store channel continues to be negatively impacted by a soft retail environment, low store traffic and competitive pressures, particularly in the fragrance product category.  Net sales results in alternative channels within the region were generally mixed.  In our freestanding retail stores, net sales growth was fueled by new product launches from M ž A ž C, partially offset by lower sales resulting from the closing of certain underperforming stores for various brands.  We had strong growth in net sales of our products sold over the Internet, while direct response television sales declined.

 

Our business in Europe, the Middle East & Africa generated a strong net sales increase during fiscal 2010, aided by the favorable impact of foreign currency translation.  Sales and profits in our travel retail business have exceeded our expectations as a result of successful product launches, higher global airline passenger traffic, select trade re-stocking and new points of distribution.  The travel retail business has also begun to reap the benefits of the implementation of many programs designed to enhance the consumer’s High-Touch experience.  Our High-Touch approach promotes the total value we offer, by leveraging our in-person and virtual assets, as well as merchandising and education, to provide a customized consumer experience.  Net sales in most markets also increased during the current year, reflecting an improving retail environment, new product launches and rebounding sales from many of our higher-end prestige products.  Despite these positive results, the impact of the global economic uncertainties are still being felt in certain countries where there remain soft retail environments, select retailer destocking and tight working capital management activities by retailers.

 

At this time, our business in the Asia/Pacific region has been least affected by the global economic uncertainties, with net sales growing in all countries in the region, several of which reflected significant favorable impact of foreign currency translation.  Net sales in China rose at a fast pace as we continue our growth in this emerging market.  New skin care product launches and an improving retail environment helped most countries in the region generate strong net sales increases during fiscal 2010.  Our business in Japan continued to be challenging due to difficult economic conditions, as reported net sales increases were generated by the strengthening of the Japanese yen.

 

Looking ahead to fiscal 2011, we believe we have a strong, diverse brand portfolio with global reach and potential.  We have a history of outstanding creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship, and initial successes in expanding our High-Touch service model beyond department stores, and believe we have a passionate, highly-talented workforce to help us achieve our long-term strategy.  Our balance sheet, cash flows and gross margin are strong.  However, we continue to operate in a challenging environment.  We have a number of areas to improve, including further enhancements to our cost structure, sharing operational best practices internally, increasing traffic to where our products are sold, and further diversification of distribution channels.

 

Charges Associated with Restructuring Activities

 

In an effort to drive down costs and achieve synergies within our organization, in February 2009, we announced the implementation of a multi-faceted cost savings program (the “Program”) to position the Company to achieve long-term profitable growth.  We anticipate the Program will result in related restructuring and other special charges, inclusive of cumulative charges recorded to date and over the next few fiscal years, totaling between $350 million and $450 million before taxes.

 

We expect that the implementation of this Program, combined with other on-going cost savings efforts, will result in savings of approximately $450 million to $550 million (beginning with approximately $360 million of savings in fiscal 2010) including the reduction of certain costs relative to an assumed normalized spending pattern.  Our long-range forecast for operating margin reflects these anticipated savings, net of strategic investments.

 

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Table of Contents

 

The Program focuses on a redesign of our organizational structure in order to integrate the Company in a more cohesive way and operate more globally across brands and functions.  A principal aspect of the Program is the reduction of the workforce by approximately 2,000 employees.  Specific actions taken during the year ended June 30, 2010 included:

 

·                   Resize and Reorganize the Organization — We continued the realignment and optimization of our organization to better leverage scale, improve productivity and reduce complexity in each region and across various functions.  This included reduction of the workforce which occurred through the consolidation of certain functions through a combination of normal attrition and job eliminations.

 

·                   Turnaround or Exit Unprofitable Operations — To improve the profitability in certain of our brands and regions, we have selectively exited certain channels of distribution, categories and markets.  During the first quarter of fiscal 2010, we approved the exit from the global wholesale distribution of our Prescriptives brand, which was completed during the fiscal year.  In connection with these activities, we recorded a reserve for product returns, wrote off inventory and incurred costs to reduce workforce and other exit costs.  Also during fiscal 2010, we approved a restructuring initiative that included the reformulation of Ojon brand products.

 

·                   Outsourcing — In order to balance the growing need for information technology support with our efforts to provide the most efficient and cost effective solutions, we continued the outsourcing of certain information technology processes.  We incurred costs to transition services to an outsource provider.

 

The following table presents aggregate restructuring charges related to the Program:

 

( In millions)

 

Employee-
Related

Costs

 

Asset
Write-offs

 

Contract
Terminations

 

Other Exit
Costs

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal 2009

 

$

60.9

 

$

4.2

 

$

3.4

 

$

1.8

 

$

70.3

 

Fiscal 2010

 

29.3

 

11.0

 

2.3

 

6.2

 

48.8

 

Charges recorded through June 30, 2010

 

$

90.2

 

$

15.2

 

$

5.7

 

$

8.0

 

$

119.1

 

 

The total amount of restructuring charges expected to be incurred (including those recorded as set forth in the table above), plus other initiatives approved through August 17, 2010, include approximately $112 million to $113 million for employee-related costs, approximately $18 million in asset write-offs, which includes $8.8 million related to the impairment of other intangible assets, and approximately $23 million of contract terminations and other exit costs.

 

The following table presents accrued restructuring and the related activity under the Program:

 

( In millions)

 

Employee-
Related

Costs

 

Asset
Write-offs

 

Contract
Terminations

 

Other Exit
Costs

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charges

 

$

60.9

 

$

4.2

 

$

3.4

 

$

1.8

 

$

70.3

 

Cash payments

 

(7.5

)

 

(0.5

)

(1.6

)

(9.6

)

Non-cash write-offs

 

 

(4.2

)

 

 

(4.2

)

Translation adjustments

 

0.6

 

 

 

 

0.6

 

Other adjustments

 

(2.4

)

 

 

 

(2.4

)

Balance at June 30, 2009

 

51.6

 

 

2.9

 

0.2

 

54.7

 

Charges

 

29.3

 

11.0

 

2.3

 

6.2

 

48.8

 

Cash payments

 

(49.5

)

 

(5.1

)

(6.0

)

(60.6

)

Non-cash write-offs

 

 

(11.0

)

 

 

(11.0

)

Translation adjustments

 

(0.8

)

 

 

 

(0.8

)

Balance at June 30, 2010

 

$

30.6

 

$

 

$

0.1

 

$

0.4

 

$

31.1

 

 

Accrued restructuring charges at June 30, 2010 are expected to result in cash expenditures funded from cash provided by operations of approximately $25 million and $6 million in fiscal 2011 and 2012, respectively.

 

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We recorded other special charges in connection with the implementation of the Program for the years ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 of $12.3 million and $10.1 million, respectively, related to consulting, other professional services, and accelerated depreciation.  The total amount of other special charges expected to be incurred to implement these initiatives, including those recorded through June 30, 2010 plus other initiatives approved through August 17, 2010 is approximately $41 million.  For the year ended June 30, 2010, and primarily related to the exit from the global wholesale distribution of Prescriptives products, we recorded $15.7 million reflecting sales returns (less a related cost of sales of $2.5 million) and a write-off of inventory associated with exiting unprofitable operations of $10.4 million.  For the year ended June 30, 2009, we recorded $8.1 million reflecting sales returns (less a related cost of sales of $1.2 million) and a write-off of inventory of $8.0 million associated with exiting unprofitable operations.  The total amounts expected to be incurred, including those recorded through June 30, 2010 plus other initiatives approved through August 17, 2010 is between $35 million and $39 million related to sales returns and approximately $15 million related to inventory write-offs.

 

Total charges associated with restructuring activities included in operating income for the years ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 was $84.7 million and $91.7 million, respectively.

 

Goodwill, Other Intangible Asset and Long-Lived Asset Impairments

 

During the second quarter of fiscal 2010, the Darphin reporting unit identified issues related to the planned streamlining of its distribution process, resulting in revisions to its internal forecasts.  We concluded that these changes in circumstances in the Darphin reporting unit triggered the need for an interim impairment test of its trademark and goodwill.  We determined that the trademark was impaired, with fair value estimated based upon the relief-from-royalty method, and therefore recorded an impairment charge of $5.8 million, at the exchange rate in effect at that time, in the skin care product category and in the Europe, the Middle East & Africa region.  After adjusting the carrying value of the trademark, we completed step one of the impairment test for goodwill and concluded that the fair value of the Darphin reporting unit was substantially in excess of its carrying value including goodwill.  The fair value of the reporting unit was based upon the income approach, utilizing estimated cash flows and a terminal value, discounted at a rate of return that reflects the relative risk of the cash flows.

 

During the second quarter of fiscal 2010, the Ojon reporting unit altered and delayed certain components of its future expansion plans, resulting in revisions to its internal forecasts.  We concluded that these changes in circumstances in the Ojon reporting unit triggered the need for an interim impairment review of its goodwill and trademark.  Additionally, these changes in circumstances were also an indicator that the carrying amount of the product formulation intangible asset and customer list may not be recoverable.  We performed an interim impairment test for the trademark and a recoverability test for the product formulation intangible asset and customer list as of December 31, 2009.  For the product formulation intangible asset, we concluded that the carrying amount of this asset was recoverable.  However, for the Ojon trademark and customer list, we concluded that the carrying values exceeded their estimated fair values, which were determined based on the application of a royalty rate to discounted projected future cash flows (“relief-from-royalty method”) for the trademark and discounted projected future cash flows for the customer list.  As a result, we recognized asset impairment charges of $6.0 million for the trademark and $17.2 million for the customer list, at the exchange rate in effect at that time.  After adjusting the carrying value of the trademark and customer list, we completed an interim impairment test for goodwill and recorded a goodwill impairment charge related to the Ojon reporting unit of $16.6 million at the exchange rate in effect at that time.  The fair value of the reporting unit was based upon weighting of the income and market approaches, utilizing estimated cash flows and a terminal value, discounted at a rate of return that reflects the relative risk of the cash flows, as well as valuation multiples derived from comparable publicly traded companies that are applied to operating performance of the reporting unit.  These impairment charges were reflected in the hair care and skin care product categories and in the Americas region.

 

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, we approved a restructuring initiative that included the reformulation of Ojon brand products.  We concluded that this change in the formulation was an indicator that the carrying amount of the product formulation intangible asset may not be recoverable.  We performed an impairment test of the product formulation intangible asset and concluded that the carrying value of this intangible asset exceeded its estimated fair value, which was determined based on discounted projected future cash flows.  As a result, we recognized an asset impairment charge of $8.8 million, which is included in Restructuring and other special charges in the consolidated statement of earnings.

 

As of our annual step-one goodwill impairment test on April 1, 2010, t he closest margin for fair value exceeding carrying value was approximately 1% for the Ojon reporting unit.  As of June 30, 2010, the carrying value of goodwill related to the Ojon reporting unit was $28.0 million.  The fair value of the reporting unit was based upon weighting of the income and market approaches, utilizing estimated cash flows and a terminal value, discounted at a rate of return that reflects the relative risk of the cash flows, as well as valuation multiples derived from comparable publicly traded companies that are applied to operating performance of the reporting unit.  The key assumptions that were used to determine the estimated fair value of the reporting unit were predicated on planned new market initiatives, including the rollout of reformulated product lines and expanded international distribution.  If such plans do not materialize, if there is a delay in new market initiatives, or if there is a decline in the business environment in which this reporting unit operates, a resulting change in the key assumptions, including a decrease in the terminal value or increase in the discount rate, could have a negative impact on the estimated fair value of the reporting unit and it is possible we could recognize an impairment charge in the future.  All other reporting units’ fair values substantially exceeded their respective carrying values.

 

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As of our annual indefinite-lived asset impairment test on April 1, 2010, we determined that the fair values of two trademarks were equal to their carrying values.  As of June 30, 2010, the carrying values of these trademarks were $19.0 million and $17.0 million.  The fair values of these trademarks were based upon the relief-from-royalty method.  The key assumptions that were used to determine the estimated fair value of one trademark were predicated on expanded distribution in the salon channel and into other channels.  The key assumptions that were used to determine the estimated fair value of the other trademark were predicated on planned new market initiatives, including the rollout of reformulated product lines and expanded international distribution.  If such plans do not materialize, if there is a delay in new market initiatives, or if there is a decline in the business environment, a resulting change in the key assumptions could have a negative impact on the estimated fair values of these trademarks and it is possible we could recognize an impairment charge in the future.  The fair values of all other indefinite-lived intangible assets substantially exceeded their respective carrying values.

 

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, we recorded non-cash impairment charges of $2.7 million to reduce the net carrying value of certain retail store and counter assets to their estimated fair value, which was determined based on discounted projected future cash flows.  Lower than expected operating cash flow performance relative to the affected assets, revisions in internal forecasts and the impact of the current economic environment on their projected future results of operations indicated that the carrying value of the related long-lived assets were not recoverable.  These long-lived asset impairment charges primarily related to the Company’s skin care and makeup businesses in the Americas and the Europe, Middle East and Africa regions and are included in Impairment of other intangible and long-lived assets in the consolidated statements of earnings.

 

Although our financial performance reflected improved economic conditions, we expect global economic uncertainties to continue to impact our business.  As the duration and magnitude of the volatility of the current economic conditions remain uncertain, we will continue to monitor and evaluate the potential impact on our business and on our interim and annual impairment testing.  Accordingly, it is possible that we would recognize an impairment charge in the future with respect to goodwill, other intangible assets and long-lived assets.

 

Impact of Recent Economic Events in Venezuela

 

Cumulative inflation in Venezuela has exceeded 100% over the three-year period ended December 31, 2009, as measured using the blended Consumer Price Index/National Consumer Price Index.  As a result, Venezuela has been designated as a highly inflationary economy effective January 1, 2010 and, as such, the U.S. dollar has become the functional currency of our subsidiary in Venezuela.  Prior to being designated as highly inflationary, we translated the financial statements of our subsidiary in Venezuela using the official exchange rate of 2.15.  Beginning January 1, 2010, currency remeasurement adjustments for this subsidiary’s financial statements and other transactional foreign exchange gains and losses were reflected in earnings.  Translation adjustments that were recorded through December 31, 2009 (prior to being designated as highly inflationary) remain in equity as part of other comprehensive income.

 

On January 8, 2010, the Venezuelan government announced the devaluation of its currency from an official exchange rate of 2.15 bolivars per U.S. dollar to a dual-rate regime of 2.60 bolivars per U.S. dollar for goods deemed “essential” and 4.30 bolivars per U.S. dollar for most other imports and repatriation of dividends by foreign investors (the “official rate”).  From January 2010 through May 2010, we remeasured bolivar-denominated monetary assets and liabilities at the official exchange rate of 4.30 bolivars per U.S. dollar, as none of our transactions fell into the essential classification.  In June 2010, the Venezuelan government created a third, officially-sanctioned exchange rate based on trading bands determined by the Central Bank of Venezuela.  In light of the Venezuelan government’s recent actions, we determined that the settlement of bolivar-denominated transactions could only be achieved using the third officially-sanctioned rate.  Accordingly, beginning June 1, 2010, the bolivar-denominated monetary assets and liabilities of our subsidiary in Venezuela were remeasured at the third officially-sanctioned rate, which was 5.30 bolivars per U.S. dollar at June 30, 2010.  Concurrent with the establishment of the third officially-sanctioned rate, the Venezuelan government also instituted a cap on companies exchanging bolivars for U.S. dollars of $350,000 per month.  While these sanctions do not have an immediate significant impact on our ability to do business in Venezuela, they may limit our growth opportunities there in the future.

 

As a result of the change to highly inflationary accounting, the prior use of different translating and remeasuring exchange rates for U.S. dollar-denominated net liabilities, and the devaluation of the bolivar and remeasurement at the third officially-sanctioned rate, we recorded higher costs and net charges of approximately $9 million for the year ended June 30, 2010.  This amount includes increased cost of sales associated with historical dollar costs of inventory.  As of June 30, 2010, our subsidiary in Venezuela had approximately $4 million of net monetary assets denominated in bolivars.  We do not expect the change to highly inflationary accounting to have a significant impact on our ongoing future consolidated net sales or operating income since we expect to derive less than 1% of our future consolidated net sales and operating income from our business in Venezuela.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Impact of New Federal Legislation

 

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (the “PPACA”) became law on March 23, 2010, and on March 30, 2010 the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (“H.R. 4872”) became law, which makes various amendments to certain aspects of the PPACA.  Certain of the provisions of this legislation that became effective during fiscal 2010 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.  The potential impact of other facets of the legislation that are not yet effective, but applicable to our post-retirement benefit plans, was evaluated and determined to not have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements.  We will continue to monitor the issuance of further health care reform guidance from regulators to determine the potential impact on our business and consolidated financial statements, if any.

 

Compliance Assurance Program

 

During the third quarter of fiscal 2010, we accepted an invitation from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) to join the Compliance Assurance Program (“CAP”) beginning with the fiscal year ending June 30, 2011.  The objective of CAP is to reduce taxpayer burden and uncertainty while assuring the IRS of the accuracy of income tax returns prior to filing, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for post-filing examinations.

 

Fiscal 2010 as Compared with Fiscal 2009

 

NET SALES

 

Net sales increased 6%, or $472.0 million, to $7,795.8 million, reflecting increases in Asia/Pacific and Europe, the Middle East & Africa, and, to a lesser extent, the Americas.  Net sales increases in the skin care, makeup and hair care product categories were partially offset by declines in the fragrance category.  Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, net sales increased 5%.  The following discussions of Net Sales by Product Categories and Geographic Regions exclude the impact of returns associated with restructuring activities of $15.7 million recorded during the current year.  We believe the following analysis of net sales better reflects the manner in which we conduct and view our business.

 

Product Categories

 

Skin Care

 

Net sales of skin care products increased 12%, or $341.1 million, to $3,227.1 million, primarily reflecting our strategic focus on growing this category through creativity and innovation, particularly high growth segments, such as products that address the visible signs of aging.  The recent launches of Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex, Advanced Night Repair Eye Synchronized Complex, and Hydrationist Maximum Moisture Crème and Lotion from Estée Lauder contributed incremental sales of approximately $247 million, combined.  Also contributing to the category were the introductions of Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector, Youth Surge Night Age Decelerating Night Moisturizer, and Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer SPF 20 from Clinique, and The Regenerating Serum from La Mer, of approximately $88 million, combined.  Higher sales from existing products in Clinique’s 3-Step Skin Care System and the Re-Nutriv line of products from Estée Lauder contributed approximately $31 million to the increase.  These increases were partially offset by approximately $92 million of lower sales from existing products in the Advanced Night Repair and Perfectionist lines from Estée Lauder and in the Superdefense line from Clinique.  Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, skin care net sales increased 9%.

 

Makeup

 

Makeup net sales increased 5%, or $147.3 million, to $2,978.2 million, primarily reflecting an increase of approximately $135 million from our makeup artist brands, driven by higher net sales outside the United States.  The recent launches of Even Better Makeup SPF 15 and Superbalanced Powder Makeup SPF 15 from Clinique and Resilience Lift Extreme Radiant Lifting Makeup SPF 15 from Estée Lauder, as well as higher sales of Double Wear Foundation from Estée Lauder and Vitamin C Lip Smoothie Antioxidant Lip Colour from Clinique, contributed approximately $74 million, combined, to the increase.  These increases were partially offset by lower sales of Prescriptives products due to the exit from the global wholesale distribution of the brand, as well as lower sales of High Impact Lip Color SPF 15 from Clinique and Artist’s Eye Pencils from Estée Lauder of approximately $50 million, combined.  During the current year, we undertook an initiative to identify certain underperforming stock keeping units (“SKU”) for the purposes of evaluating their relevance to our long-term perfumery strategy in the Europe, the Middle East & Africa region.  Based on this evaluation, we decided to discontinue certain of these products in perfumeries and recorded a charge of approximately $27 million to reflect the anticipated returns of makeup products from participating retailers, subject to our returns approval policy.  Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, makeup net sales increased 4%.

 

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Fragrance

 

Net sales of fragrance products decreased 1%, or $14.0 million, to $1,136.9 million.  This decline was largely due to lower sales of certain designer fragrances, of which approximately $54 million was attributable to DKNY Delicious Night, Hilfiger Men, Sean John Unforgivable Woman, Sean John Unforgivable and DKNY Men.  Also contributing to the decrease were lower sales of Estée Lauder Sensuous and Clinique Happy of approximately $15 million, combined.  These declines were partially offset by incremental sales from the recent launches of pure DKNY, Very Hollywood Michael Kors and DKNY Delicious Candy Apples, as well as higher sales of DKNY Be Delicious Fresh Blossom, of approximately $53 million, combined.  The decrease in net sales was due in part to a more strategically focused approach to investment spending in this category.  Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, fragrance net sales decreased 2%.

 

Hair Care

 

Hair care net sales increased 3%, or $11.5 million, to $413.9 million, primarily reflecting an increase in net sales of certain styling and hair color products, the recent launches of Smooth Infusion Glossing Straightener and Control Force from Aveda and sales generated from expanded distribution outside the United States.  This increase was partially offset by lower net sales in North America resulting from a soft salon retail environment and the closing of certain underperforming freestanding retail stores.  Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, hair care net sales increased 2%.

 

Geographic Regions

 

Net sales in the Americas increased 1%, or $20.9 million, to $3,442.1 million.  This increase was primarily attributable to higher net sales of approximately $39 million in Canada and Latin America, reflecting a better-than-expected holiday selling season, new points of distribution and the favorable impact of foreign currency translation.  In the United States, net sales increases of Clinique skin care products, various designer fragrances and from our makeup artist brands were partially offset by lower sales of various Estée Lauder fragrances and from our hair care brands.  Together with the impact of the exit from the global wholesale distribution of the Prescriptives brand, all of these factors resulted in lower net sales in the United States of approximately $10 million.  Despite restocking to more normal levels by certain retailers, economic conditions in the Americas region, particularly in the department store channel, have negatively impacted our business.  Ongoing challenges faced by certain of our department store customers in the United States may continue to affect our net sales for the short and medium term.  To address these concerns, we are introducing new High-Touch concepts and working with retailers in the channel to improve consumer traffic.  Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, net sales in the Americas were flat as compared with the prior year.

 

In Europe, the Middle East & Africa, net sales increased 9%, or $248.0 million, to $2,859.3 million, reflecting growth from travel retail and from virtually all countries in the region and in each product category.  This reflects our strategy to strengthen our geographic presence and to succeed in the travel retail channel.  The region also benefited from the favorable impact of foreign currency translation.  Net sales increases of approximately $250 million were driven by our travel retail business, the United Kingdom, Russia, South Africa, Germany and Turkey, reflecting an improved retail environment, successful launches of skin care products and higher combined sales from our makeup artist brands.  The net sales improvement in our travel retail business also reflected a favorable comparison to the prior year due to an increase in global airline passenger traffic, new points of distribution, select customer restocking and benefits of programs designed to enhance the consumer’s High-Touch experience.  Partially offsetting these increases were lower net sales of approximately $13 million in the Balkans, primarily reflecting the economic situation in Greece.  We continue to experience select customer destocking in continental Europe.  During the current year, we undertook an initiative to identify certain underperforming SKUs for the purposes of evaluating their relevance to our long-term perfumery strategy.  Based on this evaluation, we decided to discontinue certain of these products in perfumeries and recorded a charge of approximately $31 million to reflect the anticipated returns of these products from participating retailers, subject to our returns approval policy.  Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, net sales in Europe, the Middle East & Africa increased 8%.

 

Net sales in Asia/Pacific increased 16%, or $210.7 million, to $1,510.1 million, reflecting growth from all countries in the region and each product category.  This reflects our strategy to strengthen and expand our geographic presence in Asia particularly in China.  The region also benefited from the favorable impact of foreign currency translation.  Approximately $184 million of this increase was generated in China, Korea, Hong Kong, Australia and Taiwan primarily reflecting strong sales of skin care products.  Australia and Korea also benefited significantly from foreign currency translation.  Our business in Japan continued to be challenged due to difficult economic conditions, as reported net sales increases were generated from the strengthening of the Japanese yen.  Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, Asia/Pacific net sales increased 10%.

 

Although our financial performance reflected improved economic conditions in certain geographies, we expect the global economic uncertainties to continue to impact our business.  We cannot predict with certainty the magnitude or duration of the impact or how it will vary across each of our geographic regions.

 

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

 

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Table of Contents

 

COST OF SALES

 

Cost of sales as a percentage of total net sales decreased to 23.5% as compared with 25.7% in the prior year.  This improvement primarily reflected our efforts in connection with the Program, including favorable changes in the mix of our business of approximately 70 basis points, a decrease in obsolescence charges of approximately 60 basis points and favorable manufacturing variances of 40 basis points.  Also contributing to the improvement in cost of sales margin were the favorable comparison to the prior year when we recorded excess overhead costs that were not expected to be recovered of approximately 30 basis points, and the favorable effect of exchange rates and a decrease in the timing and level of promotional activities of approximately 10 basis points, each.

 

Since certain promotional activities are a component of sales or cost of sales and the timing and level of promotions vary with our promotional calendar, we have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, fluctuations in the cost of sales percentage.  In addition, future cost of sales mix may be impacted by the inclusion of potential new brands or channels of distribution which have margin and product cost structures different from those of our current mix of business.

 

OPERATING EXPENSES

 

Operating expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 66.4% as compared with 68.6% in the prior year, and reflects the impact of the strong growth in net sales during fiscal 2010.  This improvement primarily reflected lower selling, shipping, general and administrative costs as a percentage of net sales of approximately 180 basis points due to various cost containment efforts implemented as part of the Program and a strategically focused approach to spending, lower charges associated with restructuring activities of 30 basis points, the favorable comparison to the prior year related to other intangible asset impairment charges of approximately 20 basis points and lower net losses from foreign exchange transactions of approximately 10 basis points.  Partially offsetting these improvements were higher strategic investment spending of approximately 10 basis points and higher advertising, sampling and merchandising costs of approximately 10 basis points.

 

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

 

OPERATING RESULTS

 

Operating income increased 89%, or $371.5 million, to $789.9 million.  Operating margin improved to 10.1% of net sales as compared with 5.7% in the prior year, reflecting our strategy to drive out non-value-added costs and increase financial discipline.  This, along with relatively strong net sales growth, resulted in a higher gross margin and the decrease in our operating expense margin as previously discussed.  While operating results improved dramatically from fiscal 2009, we do not expect the same levels of year-over-year improvements to continue.  The following discussions of Operating Results by Product Categories and Geographic Regions exclude the impact of total charges associated with restructuring activities of $84.7 million, or 1.1% of net sales, in fiscal 2010 and $91.7 million, or 1.3% of net sales, in fiscal 2009.  We believe the following analysis of operating results better reflects the manner in which we conduct and view our business.

 

Product Categories

 

All product categories benefited from initiatives we implemented as part of the Program including a more strategically focused approach to spending, as well as significant improvement in cost of sales from favorable product mix and enhanced inventory management.  Skin care operating income increased 48%, or $140.2 million, to $434.3 million, primarily reflecting improved results from certain of our heritage brands driven by increased net sales primarily from recently-launched products with higher margins.  While the current year skin care results reflected charges of approximately $11 million related to goodwill, other intangible asset and long-lived asset impairments, it was a favorable comparison to the prior year when we recorded similar charges of approximately $36 million.  Makeup operating income increased 49%, or $137.0 million, to $416.8 million, primarily reflecting improved results from certain of our heritage brands and from our makeup artist brands.  The operating results for the makeup category also reflected the majority of the impact of the charge related to the discontinuation of certain SKUs, as previously discussed, which reflects the anticipated returns, as well as the write-off of related inventory on hand of approximately $30 million, combined.  Fragrance operating results improved over 100%, or $87.1 million, from a loss in the prior fiscal year to $26.3 million, primarily reflecting higher net sales of designer fragrances, a more strategically focused approach to spending reflecting our strategy to improve profitability, and a favorable comparison to the prior year when we recorded approximately $13 million of other intangible asset impairment charges.  Hair care operating results decreased over 100% or $7.3 million, to a loss of $6.2 million, primarily reflecting higher goodwill and other intangible asset impairments of approximately $27 million, partially offset by net sales growth outside the United States, the closing of certain underperforming retail stores in the prior year and savings generated from cost containment initiatives.

 

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Geographic Regions

 

Operating results in each of our geographic regions benefited from the initiatives we implemented as part of the Program and a more strategically focused approach to spending, as well as significant improvement in cost of sales from favorable product mix and enhanced inventory management, resulting in significant improvements in their operating income.

 

Operating income in the Americas increased 40%, or $46.3 million, to $161.5 million, driven by the Program and a more measured approach to spending, particularly from our heritage brands and our makeup artist brands.  The increase also reflected a favorable comparison to the prior year when we recorded an excess overhead charge and a charge related to the degradation of a certain retailer of approximately $27 million, combined.  The increase in profitability was partially offset by lower net sales from the exit of the wholesale distribution of Prescriptives products, higher charges for goodwill, other intangible asset and long-lived asset impairments, and the impact of the recent economic events in Venezuela, as previously discussed.

 

In Europe, the Middle East & Africa, operating income increased over 100%, or $271.1 million, to $500.8 million, reflecting improvements in travel retail and virtually all countries in the region.  Higher results from our travel retail business and in Spain, Russia, the United Kingdom, Italy, France and Germany totaled approximately $243 million.  While the current year results reflected a charge of approximately $6 million related to other intangible asset impairment, it was a favorable comparison to the prior year when we recorded goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges of approximately $25 million.  In addition, as previously discussed, we recorded a charge in fiscal 2010 related to the discontinuation of certain SKUs which reflects the anticipated returns, as well as the write-off of related inventory on hand of approximately $34 million, combined.

 

In Asia/Pacific, operating income increased 29%, or $47.1 million, to $212.3 million.  Virtually all countries in the region reported higher operating results, led by Hong Kong, China, Japan, Taiwan, and Australia, which combined for approximately $39 million of the improvement.

 

INTEREST EXPENSE, NET

 

Net interest expense was $74.3 million as compared with $75.7 million in the prior year.  Interest expense decreased primarily due to lower average debt balances and lower average interest rates on borrowings.  This change was partially offset by lower interest income due to lower average investment rates, partially offset by higher average investment balances.

 

INTEREST EXPENSE ON DEBT EXTINGUISHMENT

 

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, we completed a cash tender offer for $130.0 million principal amount of our 2012 Senior Notes at a price of 108.500% of the principal amount and for $69.9 million principal amount of our 2013 Senior Notes at a tender price of 118.813% of the principal amount.  We recorded a pre-tax expense on the extinguishment of debt of $27.3 million representing the tender premium of $24.2 million, the pro-rata write-off of $2.4 million of unamortized terminated interest rate swap, issuance costs and debt discount, and $0.7 million in tender offer costs associated with both series of notes.

 

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

 

The provision for income taxes represents federal, foreign, state and local income taxes.  The effective rate differs from statutory rates primarily due to the effect of state and local income taxes, tax rates in foreign jurisdictions 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 year to year 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.

 

The effective rate for income taxes for the year ended June 30, 2010 was 29.9% as compared with 33.8% in the prior year.  The decrease in the effective income tax rate of 390 basis points was primarily attributable to tax reserve adjustments including favorable tax settlements as well as lapses of statutes of limitations partially offset by a higher effective tax rate related to our foreign operations.

 

NET EARNINGS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

Net earnings attributable to The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. as compared with fiscal 2009 increased over 100%, or $259.9 million, to $478.3 million and diluted net earnings per common share increased over 100% from $1.10 to $2.38.  The results in the current year include the impact of total charges associated with restructuring activities of $55.9 million, after tax, or $.28 per diluted common share and interest expense on debt extinguishment of $17.5 million, after tax, or $.09 per diluted common share.  The results in fiscal 2009 include the impact of total charges associated with restructuring activities of $61.7 million, after tax, or $.31 per diluted common share.

 

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Fiscal 2009 as Compared with Fiscal 2008

 

NET SALES

 

Net sales decreased 7%, or $587.0 million, to $7,323.8 million, reflecting declines in each of our major product categories.  Net sales decreases in Europe, the Middle East & Africa and the Americas reflected customer destocking in all of our major product categories.  These declines were partially offset by growth in Asia/Pacific.  Excluding the $389.4 million impact of foreign currency translation, net sales decreased 2%.  The following discussions of Net Sales by Product Categories and Geographic Regions exclude the impact of returns associated with restructuring activities of $8.1 million incurred in fiscal 2009.  We believe the following analysis of net sales better reflects the manner in which we conduct and view our business.

 

Product Categories

 

Skin Care

 

Net sales of skin care products decreased 4%, or $110.8 million, to $2,886.0 million, primarily reflecting declines in net sales from our heritage brands.  Despite the difficult economic environment and the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation, we continued to enhance select product lines to address the needs of our consumers.  The fiscal 2009 launches of Perfectionist [CP+] Wrinkle Lifting Serum and the new Time Zone line of moisturizing products from Estée Lauder and Superdefense SPF 25 Age Defense Moisturizer and Youth Surge SPF 15 Age Decelerating Moisturizer from Clinique contributed incremental sales of approximately $181 million, combined.  While these product launches contributed favorably to the category, they were partially offset by lower sales from other existing products in the Perfectionist, Idealist and Re-Nutriv lines from Estée Lauder and the Superdefense and Repairwear lines from Clinique of approximately $163 million, combined.  Net sales of most other product lines in this category also experienced declines, particularly in Europe, the Middle East & Africa and the Americas, partially offset by double-digit growth in Asia/Pacific.  Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, skin care net sales increased 2%.

 

Makeup

 

Makeup net sales decreased 6%, or $169.5 million, to $2,830.9 million, primarily reflecting lower net sales from our heritage brands of approximately $162 million.  Lower net sales in the makeup product category also reflected a net decrease from our makeup artist brands of approximately $14 million, driven by the Americas region, partially offset by additional points of distribution internationally.  These declines were mitigated in part by fiscal 2009 product launches of reformulated Superfit Makeup and High Impact Lip Colour SPF 15 from Clinique, as well as Estée Lauder Signature Blush, which contributed incremental sales to the category of approximately $82 million, combined.  Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, makeup net sales decreased 1%.

 

Fragrance

 

Net sales of fragrance products decreased 20%, or $281.1 million, to $1,150.9 million.  This decline was largely due to lower sales of designer fragrances, of which approximately $181 million was attributable to certain DKNY, Tommy Hilfiger and Sean John fragrances.  Also contributing to the decrease were lower sales of certain Estée Lauder and Clinique fragrances of approximately $132 million, combined.  The fiscal 2009 launches of Estée Lauder Sensuous, Hilfiger Men, the new DKNY Men fragrance and I Am King Sean John partially offset these declines by collectively contributing sales of approximately $88 million to the category.  Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, fragrance net sales decreased 14%.

 

Hair Care

 

Hair care net sales decreased 6%, or $24.7 million, to $402.4 million, primarily reflecting a soft salon retail environment and a reduction in points of distribution in the United States.  Net sales were also negatively impacted as a result of the conclusion of a hotel amenities program in the third quarter of fiscal 2008.  These declines were partially offset by incremental sales of approximately $13 million from new products, such as Dry Remedy Shampoo and Conditioner and the Sun Care line of products from Aveda.  The category also benefited from improved sales of hair color products, as well as an increase in points of distribution outside of the United States, including the acquisition of an independent distributor in Australia.  Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, hair care net sales decreased 3%.

 

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Geographic Regions

 

Net sales in the Americas decreased 8%, or $290.3 million, to $3,421.2 million.  Lower net sales in the United States from our heritage and makeup artist brands as well as our hair care businesses contributed approximately $275 million to the decrease.  Net sales declines in Canada of approximately $36 million were partially offset by growth in Latin America of approximately $3 million.  Net sales in these markets reflected the adverse impact of the strengthening of the U.S. dollar.  Economic conditions in the Americas region, particularly in the department store channel, have negatively impacted our businesses.  Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, net sales in the Americas decreased 7%.

 

In Europe, the Middle East & Africa, net sales decreased 13%, or $395.4 million, to $2,611.3 million, primarily reflecting the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation.  Net sales decreases of approximately $323 million were driven by the United Kingdom, our travel retail business, Spain, France and Italy.  These performances reflected retailer destocking and tighter working capital management by certain key retailers.  Net sales in our travel retail business also declined due to a significant slowdown in global airline passenger traffic and the impact of weaker currencies in certain key markets.  Partially offsetting these decreases were higher net sales of approximately $11 million in the Middle East and Israel.  Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, net sales in Europe, the Middle East & Africa decreased 4%.

 

Net sales in Asia/Pacific increased 9%, or $106.8 million, to $1,299.4 million, reflecting higher net sales of approximately $109 million in China, Japan and Hong Kong.  Net sales growth in China and Hong Kong benefited from the launches of new skin care products while Japan’s increase was generated from the strengthening of the Japanese yen.  Partially offsetting these increases were lower net sales of approximately $13 million in Australia, New Zealand and Korea, reflecting the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against their respective local currencies.  Despite the overall net sales increase in this region, growth has been tempered by a softer retail environment.  Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, Asia/Pacific net sales increased 14%.

 

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

 

COST OF SALES

 

Cost of sales as a percentage of total net sales increased to 25.7% as compared with 25.2% in fiscal 2008.  This change reflected an increase in obsolescence charges of approximately 40 basis points, excess overhead costs that were not recovered due to lower production levels of approximately 30 basis points and the negative effect of exchange rates of approximately 20 basis points.  The increase in cost of sales margin also reflected the fiscal 2009 impact of charges associated with restructuring activities and an increase in the level and timing of promotional activities of approximately 10 basis points, each.  Partially offsetting these increases were favorable changes in the mix of our business and from other manufacturing variances of approximately 50 basis points and 10 basis points, respectively.

 

Since certain promotional activities are a component of sales or cost of sales and the timing and level of promotions vary with our promotional calendar, we have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, fluctuations in the cost of sales percentage.  In addition, future cost of sales mix may be impacted by the inclusion of new brands or channels of distribution which have margin and product cost structures different from those of our current mix of business.

 

OPERATING EXPENSES

 

Operating expenses increased to 68.6% of net sales as compared with 64.5% of net sales in fiscal 2008.  In light of the then current economic conditions, we applied various cost-containment measures to maintain expenses in line with our business needs.  While the implementation of these initiatives helped reduce total operating expenses as compared with fiscal 2008, the dramatic decline in net sales during fiscal 2009 was the principal factor that negatively impacted our operating expense margin.  In addition to the decline in net sales, operating expense margin increased by approximately 110 basis points due to charges associated with restructuring activities, as previously discussed.

 

During fiscal 2009, we evaluated our goodwill, other intangible assets and long-lived assets based upon certain triggering events as well as our annual impairment test of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets.  Inclusive of the impairment charges incurred during the third quarter of fiscal 2009, we recorded impairment charges of approximately $14 million related to goodwill, approximately $23 million related to trademarks with indefinite lives, approximately $17 million related to other amortizable intangible assets and approximately $9 million related to property, plant and equipment for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009.  The principal factors that contributed to these impairment charges were lower than expected operating cash flow performance relative to the reporting unit and/or affected assets being tested and the impact of the current economic environment on their projected future results of operations.  Collectively, these charges resulted in an increase to our operating expense margin of approximately 90 basis points.  For further detailed discussion, refer to “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data — Note 4 — Property, Plant and Equipment and Note 5 — Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets .”

 

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Despite a reduction in actual selling, advertising, merchandising and sampling spending, operating expense margin increased by approximately 60 basis points driven by the decline in consumer demand in the economic environment.  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 being emphasized.

 

Other factors that contributed to the increase in operating expense margin were higher costs of global information technology systems and infrastructure of approximately 50 basis points, net losses from foreign exchange transactions of approximately 40 basis points, and charges resulting from the degradation of the businesses of certain of our retail customers of approximately 20 basis points.

 

OPERATING RESULTS

 

Operating income decreased 48%, or $392.3 million, to $418.4 million.  Operating margin decreased to 5.7% of net sales as compared with 10.3% in fiscal 2008, reflecting our lower gross margin and the increase in our operating expense margin as previously discussed.  The following discussions of Operating Results by Product Categories and Geographic Regions exclude the impact of total charges associated with restructuring activities of $91.7 million, or 1.3% of net sales.  We believe the following analysis of operating results better reflects the manner in which we conduct and view our business.

 

Product Categories

 

Skin care operating income decreased 27%, or $111.5 million, to $294.1 million and makeup operating income decreased 22%, or $79.6 million, to $279.8 million.  The reduced operating results for the skin care and makeup categories primarily reflected the decline in net sales and charges for goodwill, other intangible asset and long-lived asset impairments, as well as the majority of the impact of the excess overhead charge, loss from foreign exchange transactions and certain other operating expenses as described above.  Fragrance operating results decreased over 100%, or $97.0 million, to an operating loss of $60.8 million primarily reflecting lower net sales of designer fragrance products and certain fragrances from our heritage brands as well as a charge for intangible asset impairment, which were partially offset by a reduction in selling, advertising, merchandising and sampling spending.  Hair care operating income decreased 90%, or $10.4 million, to $1.1 million primarily reflecting lower net sales and a charge for intangible asset impairment.

 

Geographic Regions

 

Operating income in the Americas decreased 50%, or $113.1 million, to $115.2 million.  This decline reflected charges for goodwill, other intangible asset and long-lived asset impairments, the majority of the impact of the excess overhead charge and the charge related to the degradation of a certain retailer of approximately $66 million, combined.  Also contributing to the decline were lower sales experienced by the majority of our businesses in the region due to current economic conditions, partially offset by cost containment and contingency plan efforts.

 

In Europe, the Middle East & Africa, operating income decreased 47%, or $203.4 million, to $229.7 million.  This decrease primarily reflected lower results of approximately $156 million in our travel retail business, Spain, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and Italy, of which approximately $34 million related to charges for goodwill and other intangible asset impairments and the degradation of certain retailers.

 

In Asia/Pacific, operating income increased 10%, or $15.5 million, to $165.2 million.  Most of our affiliates in this region experienced an increase despite a softer retail environment in certain countries.  Approximately $20 million of this increase was generated in Hong Kong, China, Korea and Japan.  Partially offsetting these improvements were lower results in Australia, Singapore and New Zealand of approximately $5 million, combined.

 

INTEREST EXPENSE, NET

 

Net interest expense was $75.7 million as compared with $66.8 million in fiscal 2008.  Interest expense increased primarily due to higher average debt balances, which include an additional $300.0 million of senior notes issued in November 2008, partially offset by lower average interest rates on pre-existing borrowings.  In addition, interest income decreased primarily due to lower average investment rates.

 

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

 

The provision for income taxes represents federal, foreign, state and local income taxes.  The effective rate differs from statutory rates due to the effect of state and local income taxes, tax rates in foreign jurisdictions and certain nondeductible expenses.  Our effective tax rate will change from year to year 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 audit settlements and the interaction of various global tax strategies.

 

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The effective rate for income taxes for the year ended June 30, 2009 was 33.8% as compared with 34.9% in fiscal 2008.  The decrease in the effective income tax rate of 110 basis points was primarily attributable to a favorable settlement with the Appeals Division of the IRS (560 basis points), partially offset by an increase in non-deductible expenses and an increase in state and local income tax expense (450 basis points).

 

NET EARNINGS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

Net earnings attributable to The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. as compared with fiscal 2008 decreased 54%, or $255.4 million, to $218.4 million and diluted net earnings per common share declined 54% from $2.40 to $1.10.  These results include the impact of total charges associated with restructuring activities of $61.7 million, after tax, or $.31 per diluted common share.

 

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 June 30, 2010, we had cash and cash equivalents of $1,120.7 million compared with $864.5 million at June 30, 2009.  Our cash and cash equivalents are maintained at a number of financial institutions.  As of June 30, 2010, less than 10% of our total cash was insured by governmental agencies.  To mitigate the risk of uninsured balances, we select financial institutions based on their credit ratings and financial strength and 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.

 

On May 24, 2010, we completed a cash tender offer for $130.0 million principal amount of our 2012 Senior Notes at a price of 108.500% of the principal amount and for $69.9 million principal amount of our 2013 Senior Notes at a tender price of 118.813% of the principal amount.  During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, we recorded a pre-tax expense on the extinguishment of debt of $27.3 million representing the tender premium, the pro-rata write-off of unamortized terminated interest rate swap, issuance costs and debt discount, and tender offer costs associated with both series of notes.

 

Based on past performance and current expectations, we believe that cash on hand, cash generated from operations, available credit lines and access to credit markets will be adequate to support currently planned business operations, information systems enhancements, capital expenditures, potential stock repurchases, commitments and other contractual obligations on both a near-term and long-term basis.

 

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 or increase prices sufficiently to 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 August 13, 2010, 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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Debt

 

At June 30, 2010, our outstanding borrowings were as follows:

 

 

 

Long-term
Debt

 

Short-term
Debt

 

Total Debt

 

 

 

(In millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.00% Senior Notes, due May 15, 2037 (“2037 Senior Notes”) (1) (7)

 

$

296.3

 

$

 

$

296.3

 

5.75% Senior Notes, due October 15, 2033 (“2033 Senior Notes”) (2)

 

197.6

 

 

197.6

 

5.55% Senior Notes, due May 15, 2017 (“2017 Senior Notes”) (3) (7)

 

338.3

 

 

338.3

 

7.75% Senior Notes, due November 1, 2013 (“2013 Senior Notes”) (4) (7)

 

230.0

 

 

230.0

 

6.00% Senior Notes, due January 15, 2012 (“2012 Senior Notes”) (5)

 

118.3

 

 

118.3

 

Promissory note due August 31, 2012 (6)

 

7.3

 

 

7.3

 

Turkish lira overdraft facility

 

 

4.6

 

4.6

 

Other borrowings

 

17.2

 

18.8

 

36.0

 

 

 

$

1,205.0

 

$

23.4

 

$

1,228.4

 

 


(1)              Consists of $300.0 million principal and unamortized debt discount of $3.7 million.

(2)              Consists of $200.0 million principal and unamortized debt discount of $2.4 million.

(3)              Consists of $300.0 million principal, unamortized debt discount of $0.4 million and a $38.7 million adjustment to reflect the fair value of outstanding interest rate swaps.

(4)              Consists of $230.1 million principal and unamortized debt discount of $0.1 million.

(5)              Consists of $120.0 million principal, unamortized debt discount of $0.1 million and a $1.6 million adjustment to reflect the remaining termination value of an interest rate swap that is being amortized to interest expense over the life of the debt.

(6)              Consists of $6.8 million face value and unamortized premium of $0.5 million.  On July 30, 2010, we repaid $3.4 million (plus $0.7 million of accrued interest) at the request of the holder.

(7)              As of June 30, 2010, we were in compliance with all restrictive covenants, including limitations on indebtedness and liens, and expect continued compliance.

 

We have a $750.0 million commercial paper program under which we may issue commercial paper in the United States.  At June 30, 2010, there was no commercial paper outstanding.  We also have $189.5 million in additional uncommitted credit facilities, of which $10.3 million was used as of June 30, 2010.  We do not anticipate difficulties in securing this form of working capital financing.

 

We have an undrawn $750.0 million senior unsecured revolving credit facility that expires on April 26, 2012.  This facility may be used primarily to provide credit support for our commercial paper program, to repurchase shares of our common stock and for general corporate purposes.  Up to the equivalent of $250 million of the credit facility is available for multi-currency loans.  The interest rate on borrowings under the credit facility is based on LIBOR or on the higher of prime, which is the rate of interest publicly announced by the administrative agent, or ½% plus the Federal funds rate.  We incurred costs of approximately $0.3 million to establish the facility which will be amortized over the term of the facility.  The credit facility has an annual fee of $0.4 million, payable quarterly, based on our current credit ratings.  This facility also contains a cross-default provision whereby a failure to pay other material financial obligations in excess of $50.0 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.  As of June 30, 2010, we were in compliance with all related financial and other restrictive covenants, including limitations on indebtedness and liens, and expect continued compliance.  The financial covenant of this facility requires an interest expense coverage ratio of greater than 3:1 as of the last day of each fiscal quarter.  The interest expense coverage ratio is defined in the credit agreement as the ratio of Consolidated EBITDA (which does not represent a measure of our operating results as defined under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles) to Consolidated Interest Expense and is calculated as stipulated in the agreement as follows:

 

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Twelve Months Ended
June 30, 2010
(1)

 

 

 

($ in millions)

 

Consolidated EBITDA:

 

 

 

Net earnings attributable to The Estee Lauder Companies Inc.

 

$

478.3

 

Add:

 

 

 

Provision for income taxes

 

205.9

 

Interest expense, net (2)

 

101.6

 

Depreciation and amortization (3)

 

260.9

 

Extraordinary non-cash charges (4) (5)

 

69.8

 

Less:

 

 

 

Extraordinary non-cash gains (5)

 

 

 

 

$

1,116.5

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Interest Expense:

 

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

$

101.6

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense coverage ratio

 

11 to 1

 

 


(1)         In accordance with the credit agreement, this period represents the four most recent quarters.

(2)         Includes interest expense, net and interest expense on debt extinguishment.

(3)         Excludes amortization of debt discount, and derivative and debt issuance costs as they are already included in interest expense, net.

(4)         Includes goodwill, other intangible asset and long-lived asset impairments and non-cash charges associated with restructuring activities.

(5)         As provided for in the credit agreement.

 

We have a fixed rate promissory note agreement with a financial institution pursuant to which we may borrow up to $150.0 million in the form of loan participation notes through one of our subsidiaries in Europe.  The interest rate on borrowings under this agreement is at an all-in fixed rate determined by the lender and agreed to by us at the date of each borrowing.  At June 30, 2010, no borrowings were outstanding under this agreement.  Debt issuance costs incurred related to this agreement were de minimis.

 

We have an overdraft borrowing agreement with a financial institution pursuant to which our subsidiary in Turkey may be credited to satisfy outstanding negative daily balances arising from its business operations.  The total balance outstanding at any time shall not exceed 40.0 million Turkish lira ($25.3 million at the exchange rate at June 30, 2010).  The interest rate applicable to each such credit shall be up to a maximum of 175 basis points per annum above the spot rate charged by the lender or the lender’s floating call rate agreed to by us at each borrowing.  There were no debt issuance costs incurred related to this agreement.  The outstanding balance at June 30, 2010 ($4.6 million at the exchange rate at June 30, 2010) is classified as short-term debt in our consolidated balance sheet.

 

We have a 1.5 billion Japanese yen ($16.9 million at the exchange rate at June 30, 2010) revolving credit facility that expires on March 31, 2011 and a 1.5 billion Japanese yen ($16.9 million at the exchange rate at June 30, 2010) revolving credit facility that expires on March 31, 2012.  The interest rates on borrowings under these credit facilities are based on TIBOR (Tokyo Interbank Offered Rate) plus .45% and .75%, respectively and the facility fees incurred on undrawn balances are 15 basis points and 25 basis points, respectively.  At June 30, 2010, no borrowings were outstanding under these facilities.

 

Total debt as a percent of total capitalization (excluding noncontrolling interest) decreased to 39% at June 30, 2010 from 46% at June 30, 2009, primarily as a result of the debt extinguishment, as previously discussed, coupled with an increase in stockholders’ equity, driven by higher net earnings during fiscal 2010.

 

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Cash Flows

 

Net cash provided by operating activities was $956.7 million, $696.0 million and $690.1 million in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  The increase in operating cash flows in fiscal 2010 as compared with fiscal 2009 primarily reflected higher net earnings, an increase in accounts payable due to the timing of payments and, to a lesser extent, a decrease in accounts receivable.  This increase also reflected higher accrued employee compensation and advertising, merchandising and sampling, partially offset by higher cash paid in fiscal 2010 for restructuring and severance.  These changes were partially offset by the building of safety stock for the April 2010 implementation of SAP at our North American manufacturing plants and the prior-year period impact of significant inventory reductions.  Also partially offsetting the improvements were higher discretionary pension contributions as described in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Pension and Post-retirement Plan Funding. ”  Approximately $60 million of the change in deferred income taxes was offset by a correlative change in noncurrent accrued income taxes, reflecting the balance sheet presentation of unrecognized tax benefits.  The increase in operating cash flows in fiscal 2009 as compared with fiscal 2008 primarily reflected a decrease in inventory, due in part to then-planned reductions in SKUs, as well as lower accounts receivable as a result of lower sales and an improvement in days sales outstanding.  These activities were partially offset by lower net earnings and an increase in income tax receivables as compared with fiscal 2008, as well as a reduction in cash provided by certain working capital components, including payments for accounts payable and other liabilities.

 

Net cash used for investing activities was $281.4 million, $339.5 million and $478.5 million in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  The decrease in investing cash outflows during fiscal 2010 primarily reflected lower acquisition activity in the current year as compared with the acquisitions of Applied Genetics Incorporated Dermatics (“AGI”) and businesses engaged in the wholesale distribution and retail sale of Aveda products in the prior year.  The change also reflected lower cash payments in the current year related to counters and leasehold improvements.  The decrease in investing activities during fiscal 2009 primarily reflected lower capital expenditure activity and the fiscal 2008 acquisition of Ojon Corporation, partially offset by the fiscal 2009 acquisitions of AGI and Aveda distributors.

 

Net cash used for financing activities was $406.1 million in fiscal 2010, net cash provided by financing activities was $125.8 million in fiscal 2009 and net cash used for financing activities was $78.1 million in fiscal 2008.  The change in net cash flows used for financing activities as compared with net cash flows provided by financing activities in fiscal 2009 was primarily driven by the prior year’s net proceeds from the issuance of the 2013 Senior Notes and the current year’s partial redemption of the 2012 and 2013 Senior Notes.  Also contributing to this change was an increase in treasury stock purchases and repayments related to Ojon promissory notes, partially offset by higher cash inflows from stock option exercises and the prior year’s repayment of commercial paper borrowings.  The fiscal 2009 increase in cash provided by financing activities primarily reflected the issuance of the 2013 Senior Notes and a decrease in treasury stock purchases, partially offset by repayments of outstanding commercial paper.

 

Dividends

 

On November 13, 2009, the Board of Directors declared an annual dividend of $.55 per share on our Class A and Class B common stock, of which an aggregate of $109.1 million was paid on December 16, 2009 to stockholders of record at the close of business on November 30, 2009.  The annual common stock dividend declared during fiscal 2009 was $.55 per share, of which an aggregate of $108.4 million was paid on December 17, 2008 to stockholders of record at the close of business on December 1, 2008.

 

Pension and Post-retirement Plan Funding

 

Several factors influence the annual funding requirements for our pension plans.  For the U.S. Qualified Plan, our funding policy consists of annual contributions at a rate that provides for future plan benefits and maintains appropriate funded percentages.  Such contribution is not less than the minimum required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and subsequent pension legislation, and is not more than the maximum amount deductible for income tax purposes.  For each international plan, our funding policies are determined by local laws and regulations.  In addition, amounts necessary to fund future obligations under these plans could vary depending on estimated assumptions as detailed in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates. ”  The effect of our pension plan funding on future operating results will depend on economic conditions, employee demographics, mortality rates, the number of participants electing to take lump-sum distributions, investment performance and funding decisions.

 

The unprecedented economic downturn that started in fiscal 2009 created a difficult investment environment.  For the U.S. Qualified Plan, we maintain an investment strategy of matching the duration of a substantial portion of the plan assets with the duration of the underlying plan liabilities.  This strategy, as well as the recovery of equity investments in fiscal 2010, helped mitigate the negative effects of the downturn and assisted in maintaining a funded ratio of more than 100% as of June 30, 2010.  For fiscal 2010 and 2009, there was no minimum contribution to the U.S. Qualified Plan required by ERISA.  We made discretionary contributions totaling $39.0 million and $17.0 million to the U.S. Qualified Plan during fiscal 2010 and 2009, respectively.  We made a discretionary contribution to our post-retirement plan in the United States of $6.0 million during fiscal 2010.  At this time, we do not expect to make cash contributions to the U.S. Qualified Plan or our post-retirement plan in the United States during fiscal 2011.  However, as we continue to monitor the performance of our plan assets, we may decide to make discretionary contributions.

 

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For fiscal 2010 and 2009, we made benefit payments under our non-qualified domestic noncontributory pension plan of $7.7 million and $8.1 million, respectively.  We expect to make benefit payments under this plan during fiscal 2011 of approximately $8 million.  For fiscal 2010 and 2009, we made cash contributions to our international defined benefit pension plans of $68.2 million and $41.8 million, respectively.  We expect to make contributions under these plans during fiscal 2011 of approximately $21 million.

 

Commitments and Contingencies

 

Certain of our business acquisition agreements include “earn-out” provisions.  These provisions generally require that we pay to the seller or sellers of the business additional amounts based on the performance of the acquired business.   Since the size of each payment depends upon performance of the acquired business, we do not expect that such payments will have a material adverse impact on our future results of operations or financial condition.

 

For additional contingencies refer to “Item 3. Legal Proceedings.”

 

Contractual Obligations

 

The following table summarizes scheduled maturities of our contractual obligations for which cash flows are fixed and determinable as of June 30, 2010:

 

 

 

 

 

Payments Due in Fiscal

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

2011

 

2012

 

2013

 

2014

 

2015

 

Thereafter

 

 

 

(In millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debt service (1)

 

$

2,072.6

 

$

84.1

 

$

188.7

 

$

67.2

 

$

277.5

 

$

35.1

 

$

1,420.0

 

Operating lease commitments (2)

 

1,203.3

 

200.2

 

175.7

 

152.3

 

131.9

 

115.8

 

427.4

 

Unconditional purchase obligations (3)

 

2,212.9

 

1,302.3

 

214.6

 

204.1

 

94.8

 

96.2

 

300.9

 

Gross unrecognized tax benefits and interest — current (4)

 

41.3

 

41.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total contractual obligations

 

$

5,530.1

 

$

1,627.9

 

$

579.0

 

$

423.6

 

$

504.2

 

$

247.1

 

$

2,148.3

 

 


(1)         Includes long-term and short-term debt and the related projected interest costs, and to a lesser extent, capital lease commitments. Interest costs on long-term and short-term debt are projected to be $60.6 million in fiscal 2011, $60.8 million in fiscal 2012, $53.6 million in fiscal 2013, $44.0 million in fiscal 2014, $35.0 million in fiscal 2015 and $619.8 million thereafter.  Projected interest costs on variable rate instruments were calculated using market rates at June 30, 2010.  Refer to “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data — Note 10 - Debt .”

(2)         Minimum operating lease commitments only include base rent.  Certain leases provide for contingent rents that are not measurable at inception and primarily include rents based on a percentage of sales in excess of stipulated levels, as well as common area maintenance.  These amounts are excluded from minimum operating lease commitments and are included in the determination of total rent expense when it is probable that the expense has been incurred and the amount is reasonably measurable.

(3)         Unconditional purchase obligations primarily include inventory commitments, estimated future earn-out payments, estimated royalty payments pursuant to license agreements, advertising commitments, capital improvement commitments, planned funding of pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations, commitments pursuant to executive compensation arrangements, obligations related to our cost savings initiatives and acquisitions.  In July 2010, we acquired Smashbox Beauty Cosmetics for a purchase price of approximately $250 million, which was funded by cash provided by operations.  Future earn-out payments and future royalty and advertising commitments were estimated based on planned future sales for the term that was in effect at June 30, 2010, without consideration for potential renewal periods.

(4)         Refer to “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data — Note 8 — Income Taxes” for information regarding unrecognized tax benefits.  During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, we made a cash payment of $20.5 million to the U.S. Treasury as an advance deposit, which is not reflected as a reduction to the $41.3 million.  As of June 30, 2010, the noncurrent portion of our unrecognized tax benefits, including related accrued interest and penalties was $152.7 million.  At this time, the settlement period for the noncurrent portion of the unrecognized tax benefits, including related accrued interest and penalties, cannot be determined and therefore was not included.

 

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities

 

We address certain financial exposures through a controlled program of risk management that includes the use of derivative financial instruments.  We primarily enter into foreign currency forward and option contracts to reduce the effects of fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates and interest rate derivatives to manage the effects of interest rate movements on our aggregate liability portfolio.  We also enter into foreign currency forward and option contracts, not designated as hedging instruments, to mitigate the change in fair value of specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet.  We do not utilize derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.  Costs associated with entering into these derivative financial instruments have not been material to our consolidated financial results.

 

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For each derivative contract entered into where we look to obtain special hedge accounting treatment, we formally document all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as our 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.  We also formally assess, both at the hedge’s inception 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, we will be required to discontinue hedge accounting with respect to that derivative prospectively.

 

Foreign Exchange Risk Management

 

We enter into foreign currency forward contracts to hedge anticipated transactions, as well as receivables and payables denominated in foreign currencies, for periods consistent with our 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 we receive from foreign subsidiaries.  The majority of foreign currency forward contracts are denominated in currencies of major industrial countries.  We may also enter into foreign currency option contracts to hedge anticipated transactions.  The foreign currency forward contracts entered into to hedge anticipated transactions have been designated as foreign currency cash-flow hedges and have varying maturities through the end of June 2011.  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.  The ineffective portion of both foreign currency forward and option contracts is recorded in current-period earnings.  For hedge contracts that are no longer deemed highly effective, hedge accounting is discontinued and gains and losses accumulated in other comprehensive income (loss) 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 accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are reclassified to current-period earnings.  As of June 30, 2010, these foreign currency cash-flow hedges were highly effective in all material respects.

 

At June 30, 2010, we had foreign currency forward contracts in the amount of $1,348.8 million.  The foreign currencies included in foreign currency forward contracts (notional value stated in U.S. dollars) are principally the Swiss franc ($257.5 million), British pound ($241.9 million), Canadian dollar ($152.2 million), Euro ($148.0 million), Hong Kong dollar ($97.3 million), Australian dollar ($88.3 million) and Japanese yen ($62.3 million).

 

Interest Rate Risk Management

 

We enter into interest rate derivative contracts to manage the exposure to interest rate fluctuations on our funded indebtedness and anticipated issuance of debt for periods consistent with the identified exposures.  We have interest rate swap agreements, with a notional amount totaling $250.0 million, to effectively convert the fixed rate interest on our 2017 Senior Notes to variable interest rates based on six-month LIBOR.  These interest rate swap agreements are designated as fair-value hedges of the related long-term debt and meet the accounting criteria that permit changes in the fair values of the interest rate swap agreements to exactly offset changes in the fair value of the underlying long-term debt.  As of June 30, 2010, these fair-value hedges were highly effective in all material respects.

 

Credit Risk

 

As a matter of policy, we only enter into derivative contracts with counterparties that have at least an “A” (or equivalent) credit rating.  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 $57.7 million at June 30, 2010.  To manage this risk, we have established strict counterparty credit guidelines that are continually monitored and reported to management.  Accordingly, management believes risk of loss under these hedging contracts is remote.

 

Certain of our derivative financial instruments contain credit-risk-related contingent features.  As of June 30, 2010, we were in compliance with such features and there were no derivative financial instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features that were in a net liability position.

 

Market Risk

 

We use a value-at-risk model to assess the market risk of our derivative financial instruments.  Value-at-risk represents the potential losses for an instrument or portfolio from adverse changes in market factors for a specified time period and confidence level.  We estimate value-at-risk across all of our derivative financial instruments using a model with historical volatilities and correlations calculated over the past 250-day period.  The high, low and average measured value-at-risk for the twelve months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 related to our foreign exchange and interest rate contracts are as follows:

 

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June 30, 2010

 

June 30, 2009

 

(In millions)

 

High

 

Low

 

Average

 

High

 

Low

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign exchange contracts

 

$

31.7

 

$

19.0

 

$

22.7

 

$

28.4

 

$

14.2

 

$

21.6

 

Interest rate contracts

 

31.3

 

10.5

 

18.1

 

34.3

 

23.0

 

29.5

 

 

The change in the average value-at-risk measures from the prior year related to our foreign exchange contracts reflected a different size and mix of the portfolio.  The change in the average value-at-risk measures from the prior year related to our interest rate contracts reflected lower interest rate volatilities.  The model estimates were made assuming normal market conditions and a 95 percent confidence level.  We used a statistical simulation model that valued our derivative financial instruments against one thousand randomly generated market price paths.

 

Our calculated value-at-risk exposure 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 that would be expected to have a material current or future effect upon our financial condition or results of operations.

 

RECENTLY ADOPTED AND RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

 

Refer to “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data — Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” for discussion regarding the impact of recently adopted accounting standards, as well as the impact of accounting standards that were recently issued but not yet effective, on our consolidated financial statements.

 

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, without limitation, 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 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, some of which have greater resources than we do;

 

(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 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;

 

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(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, 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, 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 SAP as part of our Strategic Modernization Initiative or by restructurings;

 

(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;

 

(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 the events that are currently taking place in the Middle East, including terrorist attacks, retaliation and the threat of further attacks or retaliation;

 

(17) the timing and impact of acquisitions and divestitures, which depend on willing sellers and buyers, respectively; and

 

(18) additional factors as described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010.

 

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

 

Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

 

The information required by this item is set forth in Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the caption “ Liquidity and Capital Resources - Market Risk ” and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

 

The information required by this item appears beginning on page F-1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

 

None.

 

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Item 9A.  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 and the Chief Financial Officer, with assistance from other members of management, have reviewed the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of June 30, 2010 and, based on their evaluation, have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of such date.

 

As part of our Strategic Modernization Initiative, we anticipate the continued migration of our operations to SAP, with the majority of our locations being implemented through fiscal 2012.  In April 2010, we implemented SAP at our North American manufacturing plants.  Based on management’s evaluation, the necessary steps were taken to monitor and maintain appropriate internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended June 30, 2010.

 

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 fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting and the report of independent registered public accounting firm on our internal control over financial reporting are incorporated herein from pages F-2 and F-3, respectively.

 

Item 9B.  Other Information.

 

None.

 

PART III

 

Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

 

The information required by this Item, not already provided herein under “Item 1. Business — Executive Officers,” will be included in our Proxy Statement for the 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “2010 Proxy Statement”).  The 2010 Proxy Statement will be filed within 120 days after the close of the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010 and such information is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 11.  Executive Compensation.

 

The information required by this Item 11 (Executive Compensation) of Form 10-K will be included in the 2010 Proxy Statement.  The 2010 Proxy Statement will be filed within 120 days after the close of the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010 and such information is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

 

The information required by this Item will be included in the 2010 Proxy Statement.  The 2010 Proxy Statement will be filed within 120 days after the close of the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010 and such information is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

 

The information required by this Item will be included in the 2010 Proxy Statement.  The 2010 Proxy Statement will be filed within 120 days after the close of the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010 and such information is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 14.  Principal Accounting Fees and Services.

 

The information required by this Item will be included in the 2010 Proxy Statement.  The 2010 Proxy Statement will be filed within 120 days after the close of the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010 and such information is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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Table of Contents

 

PART IV

 

Item 15.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.

 

(a)                 1 and 2.  Financial Statements and Schedules - See index on Page F-1.

3. Exhibits:

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description

3.1

 

Restated Certificate of Incorporation, dated November 16, 1995 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on September 15, 2003) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

3.2

 

Certificate of Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on January 27, 2000) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

3.3

 

Certificate of Designations for the Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on January 29, 2004) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

3.4

 

Amended and Restated Bylaws (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 12, 2009) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

4.1

 

Indenture, dated November 5, 1999, between the Company and State Street Bank and Trust Company, N.A. (filed as Exhibit 4 to Amendment No. 1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-85947) filed on November 5, 1999) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

4.2

 

Officers’ Certificate, dated January 10, 2002, defining certain terms of the 6% Senior Notes due 2012 (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on January 31, 2002) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

4.3

 

Global Note for the 6% Senior Notes due 2012 (filed as Exhibit 4.3 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on January 31, 2002) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

4.4

 

Officers’ Certificate, dated September 29, 2003, defining certain terms of the 5.75% Senior Notes due 2033 (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 29, 2003) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

4.5

 

Global Note for 5.75% Senior Notes due 2033 (filed as Exhibit 4.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 29, 2003) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

4.6

 

Officers’ Certificate, dated May 1, 2007, defining certain terms of the 5.550% Senior Notes due 2017 (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 1, 2007) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

4.7

 

Global Note for 5.550% Senior Notes due 2017 (filed as Exhibit 4.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 1, 2007) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

4.8

 

Officers’ Certificate, dated May 1, 2007, defining certain terms of the 6.000% Senior Notes due 2037 (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 1, 2007) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

4.9

 

Global Note for 6.000% Senior Notes due 2037 (filed as Exhibit 4.4 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 1, 2007) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

4.10

 

Officers’ Certificate, dated November 4, 2008, defining certain terms of the 7.750% Senior Notes due 2013 (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 4, 2008) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

4.11

 

Global Note for 7.750% Senior Notes due 2013 (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 4, 2008) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

10.1

 

Stockholders’ Agreement, dated November 22, 1995 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on September 15, 2003) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

10.1a

 

Amendment No. 1 to Stockholders’ Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 30, 1996) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

10.1b

 

Amendment No. 2 to Stockholders’ Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on January 28, 1997) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

10.1c

 

Amendment No. 3 to Stockholders’ Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on April 29, 1997) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

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Table of Contents

 

10.1d

 

Amendment No. 4 to Stockholders’ Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.1d to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on September 18, 2000) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

10.1e

 

Amendment No. 5 to Stockholders’ Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.1e to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on September 17, 2002) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

10.1f

 

Amendment No. 6 to Stockholders’ Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on January 27, 2005) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

10.1g

 

Amendment No. 7 to Stockholders’ Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.7 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 30, 2009) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

10.2

 

Registration Rights Agreement, dated November 22, 1995 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on September 15, 2003) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

10.2a

 

First Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on September 10, 1996) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

10.2b

 

Second Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on April 29, 1997) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

10.2c

 

Third Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.2c to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on September 17, 2001) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

10.2d

 

Fourth Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on January 29, 2004) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

10.3

 

Fiscal 1999 Share Incentive Plan dated November 5, 1998 (filed as Exhibit 4(c) to our Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-66851) filed on November 5, 1998) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.3a

 

Form of Stock Option Agreement under Fiscal 1999 Share Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.3b to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on September 3, 2004) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.4

 

The Estee Lauder Companies Retirement Growth Account Plan, as amended.†

 

 

 

10.5

 

The Estee Lauder Inc. Retirement Benefits Restoration Plan.†

 

 

 

10.6

 

Executive Annual Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 14, 2008) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.7

 

Employment Agreement with Leonard A. Lauder (filed as Exhibit 10.8 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on September 17, 2001) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.7a

 

Amendment to Employment Agreement with Leonard A. Lauder (filed as Exhibit 10.8a to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on September 17, 2002) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.7b

 

Amendment to Employment Agreement with Leonard A. Lauder (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 10, 2005) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.7c

 

Amendment to Employment Agreement with Leonard A. Lauder (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on February 5, 2009) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.7d

 

Amendment to Employment Agreement with Leonard A. Lauder (filed as Exhibit 10.8 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 30, 2009) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.8

 

Employment Agreement with William P. Lauder (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 3, 2007) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.8a

 

Amendment to Employment Agreement with William P. Lauder (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 14, 2007) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.8b

 

Amendment to Employment Agreement with William P. Lauder (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 27, 2009) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

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Table of Contents

 

10.9

 

Employment Agreement with Fabrizio Freda (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 14, 2007) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.9a

 

Amendment to Employment Agreement with Fabrizio Freda (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 27, 2009) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.10

 

Employment Agreement with Richard W. Kunes (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 2, 2009) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.11

 

Employment Agreement with John Demsey (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 28, 2008) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.12

 

Employment Agreement with Cedric Prouvé (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 28, 2008) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.12a

 

Amendment to Employment Agreement with Cedric Prouvé (filed as Exhibit 10.9 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 30, 2009) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.13

 

Form of Deferred Compensation Agreement (interest-based) with Outside Directors (filed as Exhibit 10.14 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on September 17, 2001) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.14

 

Form of Deferred Compensation Agreement (stock-based) with Outside Directors (filed as Exhibit 10.15 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on September 17, 2001) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.15

 

The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Non-Employee Director Share Incentive Plan (as amended and restated on November 9, 2007) (filed as Exhibit 99.1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on November 9, 2007) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†

 

 

 

10.16

 

Form of Stock Option Agreement for Annual Stock Option Grants under Non-Employee Director Share Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 99.2 to our Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on November 9, 2007) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†

 

 

 

10.16a

 

Form of Stock Option Agreement for Elective Stock Option Grants under Non-Employee Director Share Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 99.3 to our Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on November 9, 2007) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†

 

 

 

10.17

 

The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 25, 2007) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.17a

 

Form of Stock Option Agreement under Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 4, 2006) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.17b

 

Form of Performance Share Unit Award Agreement under The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 25, 2006) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†

 

 

 

10.17c

 

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan for Executive Officers (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 25, 2006) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†

 

 

 

10.17d

 

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan for Employees other than Executive Officers (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 25, 2006) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†

 

 

 

10.17e

 

Form of Stock Option Agreement under The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 25, 2007) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.17f

 

Form of Performance Share Unit Award Agreement under The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 25, 2007) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.17g

 

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan for Executive Officers (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 25, 2007) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

48



Table of Contents

 

10.17h

 

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan for Employees other than Executive Officers (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 25, 2007) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.17i

 

Form of Stock Option Agreement under The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 28, 2008) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.17j

 

Form of Performance Share Unit Award Agreement under The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 28, 2008) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.17k

 

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan for Executive Officers (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 28, 2008) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.17l

 

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan for Employees other than Executive Officers (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 28, 2008) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.17m

 

Form of Stock Option Agreement under The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 30, 2009) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.17n

 

Form of Performance Share Unit Award Agreement under The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan for Executive Officers (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 30, 2009) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.17o

 

Form of Performance Share Unit Agreement under The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan for Employees other than Executive Officers (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 30, 2009) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.17p

 

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan for Executive Officers (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 30, 2009) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.17q

 

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan for Executive Officers for grants related to bonuses (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 30, 2009) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.17r

 

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan for Employees other than Executive Officers (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 30, 2009) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.18

 

Summary of Compensation For Non-Employee Directors of the Company (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 17, 2005) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.19

 

$750 Million Credit Agreement, dated April 26, 2007, by and among The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., Estee Lauder Inc., the Eligible Subsidiaries, as defined therein, the lenders listed therein, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (“JPMCB”), Bank of America, N.A. and Citibank, N.A., as syndication agents, Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi Trust Company and BNP Paribas, as documentation agents and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and JPMCB, as joint book runners and joint lead arrangers (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on January 28, 2010) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

10.20

 

Services Agreement, dated January 1, 2003, among Estee Lauder Inc., Melville Management Corp., Leonard A. Lauder, and William P. Lauder (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on January 28, 2010) (SEC file No. 1014064)*

 

 

 

10.21

 

Services Agreement, dated November 22, 1995, between Estee Lauder Inc. and RSL Investment Corp. (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on January 28, 2010) (SEC file No. 1014064).*

 

49



Table of Contents

 

10.22

 

Agreement of Sublease and Guarantee of Sublease, dated April 1, 2005, among Aramis Inc., RSL Management Corp., and Ronald S. Lauder (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on January 28, 2010).*

 

 

 

10.22a

 

First Amendment to Sublease, dated February 28, 2007, between Aramis Inc. and RSL Management Corp. (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on January 28, 2010).*

 

 

 

10.22b

 

Second Amendment to Sublease, dated January 27, 2010, between Aramis Inc. and RSL Management Corp. (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on January 28, 2010).*

 

 

 

10.23

 

Form of Art Loan Agreement between Lender and Estee Lauder Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.7 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on January 28, 2010).*

 

 

 

21.1

 

List of significant subsidiaries.

 

 

 

23.1

 

Consent of KPMG LLP.

 

 

 

24.1

 

Power of Attorney.

 

 

 

31.1

 

Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (CEO).

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (CFO).

 

 

 

32.1

 

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

 


*  Incorporated herein by reference.

†  Exhibit is a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

 

50



Table of Contents

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

 

 

 

By

/s/ RICHARD W. KUNES

 

 

Richard W. Kunes

 

 

Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer

 

Date:  August 19, 2010

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

Signature

 

Title (s)

 

Date

 

 

 

 

 

FABRIZIO FREDA*

 

President, Chief Executive Officer

 

August 19, 2010

Fabrizio Freda

 

and a Director

 

 

 

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WILLIAM P. LAUDER*

 

Executive Chairman

 

August 19, 2010

William P. Lauder

 

and a Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LEONARD A. LAUDER*

 

Director

 

August 19, 2010

Leonard A. Lauder

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHARLENE BARSHEFSKY*

 

Director

 

August 19, 2010

Charlene Barshefsky

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ROSE MARIE BRAVO*

 

Director

 

August 19, 2010

Rose Marie Bravo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PAUL J. FRIBOURG*

 

Director

 

August 19, 2010

Paul J. Fribourg

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MELLODY HOBSON*

 

Director

 

August 19, 2010

Mellody Hobson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IRVINE O. HOCKADAY, JR.*

 

Director

 

August 19, 2010

Irvine O. Hockaday, Jr.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AERIN LAUDER*

 

Director

 

August 19, 2010

Aerin Lauder

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JANE LAUDER*

 

Director

 

August 19, 2010

Jane Lauder

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RICHARD D. PARSONS*

 

Director

 

August 19, 2010

Richard D. Parsons

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LYNN FORESTER DE ROTHSCHILD*

 

Director

 

August 19, 2010

Lynn Forester de Rothschild

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BARRY S. STERNLICHT*

 

Director

 

August 19, 2010

Barry S. Sternlicht

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RICHARD F. ZANNINO*

 

Director

 

August 19, 2010

Richard F. Zannino

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ RICHARD W. KUNES

 

Executive Vice President and

 

August 19, 2010

Richard W. Kunes

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

(Principal Financial and

 

 

 

 

Accounting Officer)

 

 

 


* By signing his name hereto, Richard W. Kunes signs this document in the capacities indicated above and on behalf of the persons indicated above pursuant to powers of attorney duly executed by such persons and filed herewith.

 

 

By

/s/ RICHARD W. KUNES

 

 

Richard W. Kunes

 

 

(Attorney-in-Fact)

 

51



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Page

Financial Statements:

 

 

 

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

F-2

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

F-3

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

F-4

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Earnings

F-5

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

F-6

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Equity

F-7

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

F-8

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

F-9

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

F-10

 

 

Financial Statement Schedule:

 

 

 

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

S-1

 

All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.

 

F-1



Table of Contents

 

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Management of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (including its subsidiaries) (the “Company”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules13a-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended).

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.  A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

Under the supervision of and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, the Company’s management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on the framework and criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework , issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  Based on this assessment, the Company’s management has concluded that, as of June 30, 2010, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective.

 

 

/s/ Fabrizio Freda

 

/s/ Richard W. Kunes

Fabrizio Freda

 

Richard W. Kunes

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

August 19, 2010

 

 

 

F-2



Table of Contents

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.:

 

We have audited The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.’s (“the Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).  The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.  Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk.  Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances.  We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

In our opinion, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the COSO.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. and subsidiaries as of June 30, 2010 and 2009, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, equity, comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended June 30 2010, and our report dated August 19, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

 

 

/s/ KPMG LLP

 

 

 

New York, New York

 

August 19, 2010

 

 

F-3



Table of Contents

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.:

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. and subsidiaries (“the Company”) as of June 30, 2010 and 2009, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, equity, comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended June 30, 2010.  In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the financial statement schedule as listed on the index on page F-1.  These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. and subsidiaries as of June 30, 2010 and 2009, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended June 30, 2010, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.  Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated August 19, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

As discussed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its methods of accounting for business combinations and non-controlling interests in fiscal 2010. The Company changed its method of accounting for uncertainty in income taxes in fiscal 2008.

 

 

/s/ KPMG LLP

 

 

 

New York, New York

 

August 19, 2010

 

 

F-4



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

 

 

 

Year Ended June 30

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

 

(In millions, except per share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Sales

 

$

7,795.8

 

$

7,323.8

 

$

7,910.8

 

Cost of sales

 

1,829.4

 

1,881.6

 

1,996.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross Profit

 

5,966.4

 

5,442.2

 

5,914.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

5,067.0

 

4,883.9

 

5,088.9

 

Restructuring and other special charges

 

61.1

 

76.8

 

0.4

 

Goodwill impairment

 

16.6

 

14.3

 

 

Impairment of other intangible and long-lived assets

 

31.8

 

48.8

 

14.0

 

 

 

5,176.5

 

5,023.8

 

5,103.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Income

 

789.9

 

418.4

 

810.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

74.3

 

75.7

 

66.8

 

Interest expense on debt extinguishment

 

27.3

 

 

 

Earnings before Income Taxes

 

688.3

 

342.7

 

743.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for income taxes

 

205.9

 

115.9

 

259.9

 

Net Earnings

 

482.4

 

226.8

 

484.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

(4.1

)

(8.4

)

(10.2

)

Net Earnings Attributable to The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

 

$

478.3

 

$

218.4

 

$

473.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

2.42

 

$

1.11

 

$

2.44

 

Diluted

 

$

2.38

 

$

1.10

 

$

2.40

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

197.7

 

196.3

 

193.9

 

Diluted

 

200.7

 

197.7

 

197.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash dividends declared per common share

 

$

.55

 

$

.55

 

$

.55

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-5



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

 

June 30

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

(In millions)

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

1,120.7

 

$

864.5

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

746.2

 

853.3

 

Inventory and promotional merchandise, net

 

826.6

 

795.0

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

427.5

 

399.7

 

Total current assets

 

3,121.0

 

2,912.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, Plant and Equipment, net

 

1,023.6

 

1,026.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Investments, at cost or market value

 

12.2

 

12.7

 

Goodwill

 

752.5

 

759.9

 

Other intangible assets, net

 

109.5

 

150.1

 

Other assets

 

316.8

 

314.7

 

Total other assets

 

1,191.0

 

1,237.4

 

Total assets

 

$

5,335.6

 

$

5,176.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term debt

 

$

23.4

 

$

33.8

 

Accounts payable

 

425.2

 

329.8

 

Accrued income taxes

 

5.6

 

33.2

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

1,118.0

 

1,062.4

 

Total current liabilities

 

1,572.2

 

1,459.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noncurrent Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

1,205.0

 

1,387.6

 

Accrued income taxes

 

163.3

 

259.1

 

Other noncurrent liabilities

 

429.7

 

406.7

 

Total noncurrent liabilities

 

1,798.0

 

2,053.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 14)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $.01 par value; 650,000,000 shares Class A authorized; shares issued: 190,767,435 at June 30, 2010 and 183,921,350 at June 30, 2009; 240,000,000 shares Class B authorized; shares issued and outstanding: 77,082,041 at June 30, 2010 and 78,067,261 at June 30, 2009

 

2.7

 

2.6

 

Paid-in capital

 

1,428.7

 

1,145.6

 

Retained earnings

 

3,564.0

 

3,195.0

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(196.7

)

(117.1

)

 

 

4,798.7

 

4,226.1

 

Less: Treasury stock, at cost; 70,125,805 Class A shares at June 30, 2010 and 65,294,477 Class A shares at June 30, 2009

 

(2,850.3

)

(2,586.1

)

Total stockholders’ equity — The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

 

1,948.4

 

1,640.0

 

Noncontrolling interests

 

17.0

 

24.0

 

Total equity

 

1,965.4

 

1,664.0

 

Total liabilities and equity

 

$

5,335.6

 

$

5,176.6

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-6



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

 

 

 

Year Ended June 30

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

 

(In millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, beginning of year

 

$

2.6

 

$

2.6

 

$

2.6

 

Stock-based compensation

 

0.1

 

 

 

Common stock, end of year

 

2.7

 

2.6

 

2.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paid-in capital, beginning of year

 

1,145.6

 

979.0

 

801.7

 

Stock-based compensation

 

283.7

 

166.6

 

172.7

 

Settlement of accelerated share repurchase program

 

 

 

4.6

 

Purchase of noncontrolling interest

 

(0.6

)

 

 

Paid-in capital, end of year

 

1,428.7

 

1,145.6

 

979.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retained earnings, beginning of year

 

3,195.0

 

3,085.1

 

2,731.5

 

Cumulative effect of adjustments resulting from adoption of new accounting standards

 

 

 

(13.1

)

Adjusted retained earnings, beginning of year

 

3,195.0

 

3,085.1

 

2,718.4

 

Common stock dividends

 

(109.3

)

(108.5

)

(106.8

)

Stock-based compensation

 

 

 

(0.3

)

Net earnings attributable to The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

 

478.3

 

218.4

 

473.8

 

Retained earnings, end of year

 

3,564.0

 

3,195.0

 

3,085.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning of year

 

(117.1

)

110.8

 

54.7

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

(79.4

)

(227.9

)

56.1

 

Purchase of noncontrolling interest

 

(0.2

)

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), end of year

 

(196.7

)

(117.1

)

110.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Treasury stock, beginning of year

 

(2,586.1

)

(2,524.3

)

(2,391.5

)

Acquisition of treasury stock

 

(257.8

)

(55.2

)

(129.1

)

Stock-based compensation

 

(6.4

)

(6.6

)

(3.7

)

Treasury stock, end of year

 

(2,850.3

)

(2,586.1

)

(2,524.3

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity — The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

 

1,948.4

 

1,640.0

 

1,653.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noncontrolling interests, beginning of year

 

24.0

 

26.6

 

21.3

 

Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

4.1

 

8.4

 

10.2

 

Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders

 

(7.7

)

(8.3

)

(9.2

)

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

(3.4

)

(2.7

)

4.3

 

Noncontrolling interests, end of year

 

17.0

 

24.0

 

26.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total equity

 

$

1,965.4

 

$

1,664.0

 

$

1,679.8

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-7



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

 

 

Year Ended June 30

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

 

(In millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

$

482.4

 

$

226.8

 

$

484.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net unrealized investment gain (loss), net of tax

 

0.4

 

(0.5

)

(0.5

)

Net derivative instrument gain (loss), net of tax

 

12.8

 

(6.4

)

(0.3

)

Net actuarial gain (loss), net of tax

 

(32.4

)

(87.4

)

(17.8

)

Net prior service credit (cost), net of tax

 

5.5

 

5.5

 

(23.7

)

Net transition asset (obligation), net of tax

 

 

 

0.1

 

Translation adjustments, net of tax

 

(69.3

)

(141.8

)

102.6

 

 

 

(83.0

)

(230.6

)

60.4

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

 

399.4

 

(3.8

)

544.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

(4.1

)

(8.4

)

(10.2

)

Translation adjustments, net of tax

 

3.4

 

2.7

 

(4.3

)

 

 

(0.7

)

(5.7

)

(14.5

)

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

 

$

398.7

 

$

(9.5

)

$

529.9

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-8



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

 

 

Year Ended June 30

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

 

(In millions)

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

$

482.4

 

$

226.8

 

$

484.0

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

263.7

 

254.0

 

250.7

 

Deferred income taxes

 

(24.7

)

(108.2

)

(115.6

)

Non-cash stock-based compensation

 

57.0

 

51.5

 

47.2

 

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation arrangements

 

(10.8

)

(1.4

)

(1.1

)

Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

 

23.0

 

11.4

 

12.5

 

Goodwill, other intangible asset and long-lived asset impairments

 

48.4

 

63.1

 

14.0

 

Non-cash charges associated with restructuring activities

 

21.4

 

12.2

 

 

Non-cash charge on debt extinguishment

 

2.4

 

 

 

Pension and post-retirement benefit expense

 

61.6

 

52.0

 

51.8

 

Pension and post-retirement benefit contributions

 

(125.7

)

(71.3

)

(71.5

)

Other non-cash items

 

0.6

 

1.2

 

1.7

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable, net

 

79.2

 

103.8

 

(86.5

)

Decrease (increase) in inventory and promotional merchandise, net

 

(60.8

)

125.7

 

(70.7

)

Decrease (increase) in other assets, net

 

29.3

 

(72.2

)

(5.7

)

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable

 

103.6

 

(11.9

)

17.1

 

Increase (decrease) in accrued income taxes

 

(78.8

)

24.5

 

122.6

 

Increase in other liabilities

 

84.9

 

34.8

 

39.6

 

Net cash flows provided by operating activities

 

956.7

 

696.0

 

690.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

(270.6

)

(279.8

)

(357.8

)

Acquisition of businesses and other intangible assets, net of cash acquired

 

(10.7

)

(68.5

)

(116.0

)

Proceeds from the disposition of long-term investments

 

 

9.2

 

 

Purchases of long-term investments

 

(0.1

)

(0.4

)

(4.7

)

Net cash flows used for investing activities

 

(281.4

)

(339.5

)

(478.5

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in short-term debt, net

 

(7.5

)

(93.5

)

54.8

 

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net

 

 

297.7

 

 

Repayments and redemptions of long-term debt

 

(227.2

)

(10.1

)

(5.9

)

Net proceeds from stock-based compensation transactions

 

205.0

 

109.6

 

117.3

 

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation arrangements

 

10.8

 

1.4

 

1.1

 

Payments to acquire treasury stock

 

(266.7

)

(62.6

)

(129.6

)

Dividends paid to stockholders

 

(109.1

)

(108.4

)

(106.6

)

Payments to noncontrolling interest holders

 

(11.4

)

(8.3

)

(9.2

)

Net cash flows provided by (used for) financing activities

 

(406.1

)

125.8

 

(78.1

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

(13.0

)

(19.5

)

14.5

 

Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

256.2

 

462.8

 

148.0

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year

 

864.5

 

401.7

 

253.7

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year

 

$

1,120.7

 

$

864.5

 

$

401.7

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-9



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 1 — DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

 

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. manufactures, markets and sells skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products around the world.  Products are marketed under the following brand names:  Estée Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Prescriptives, Lab Series, Origins, M ž A ž C, Bobbi Brown , La Mer , Aveda, Jo Malone, Bumble and bumble, Darphin, American Beauty, Flirt!, GoodSkin Labs, grassroots research labs and Ojon.  The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. is also the global licensee of the Tommy Hilfiger, Kiton, Donna Karan, Michael Kors, Sean John, Missoni, Daisy Fuentes, Tom Ford and Coach brand names for fragrances and/or cosmetics.

 

NOTE 2 — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

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.

 

In accordance with recently adopted accounting guidance, net earnings attributable to The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. and net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests are disclosed separately on the face of the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings.  In addition, noncontrolling interests are reported as a separate component of equity in the consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of equity.

 

Certain amounts in the consolidated financial statements of prior periods have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation.

 

Management Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“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, income taxes and derivatives.  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 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 year-end rates of exchange, while revenue and expenses are translated at weighted average rates of exchange for the year.  Unrealized translation gains or losses are reported as cumulative translation adjustments through other comprehensive income (loss).  Such adjustments amounted to $65.9 and $139.1 million of unrealized translation losses, net of tax, in fiscal 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $98.3 million of unrealized translation gains, net of tax, in fiscal 2008.  For the Company’s subsidiary operating in a highly inflationary economy, the U.S. dollar is the functional currency.  Remeasurement adjustments in financial statements in a highly inflationary economy and other transactional gains and losses are reflected in earnings.

 

The Company enters into foreign currency forward and 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) of $(33.3) million, $(20.0) million and $3.9 million in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents include $534.5 million and $239.8 million of short-term time deposits at June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.  Approximately 16% and 14% of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents are held by two counterparties.

 

F-10



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Accounts Receivable

 

Accounts receivable is stated net of the allowance for doubtful accounts and customer deductions of $34.3 million and $41.4 million as of June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  This reserve is based upon the evaluation of accounts receivable aging, specific exposures and historical trends.

 

Inventory and Promotional Merchandise

 

Inventory and promotional merchandise only includes inventory considered saleable or usable in future periods, and is stated at the lower of cost or fair-market value, with cost being determined on the first-in, first-out method.  Cost components include raw materials, componentry, direct labor and overhead (e.g., indirect labor, utilities, depreciation, purchasing, receiving, inspection and warehousing) as well as inbound freight.  Manufacturing overhead is allocated to the cost of inventory based on the normal production capacity.  Unallocated overhead during periods of abnormally low production levels are recognized as cost of sales in the period in which they are incurred.  Promotional merchandise is charged to expense at the time the merchandise is shipped to the Company’s customers.  Included in inventory and promotional merchandise is an inventory obsolescence reserve, which represents the difference between the cost of the inventory and its estimated realizable value, based on various product sales projections.  This reserve is calculated using an estimated obsolescence percentage applied to the inventory based on age, historical trends and requirements to support forecasted sales.  In addition, and as necessary, specific reserves for future known or anticipated events may be established.

 

Derivative Financial Instruments

 

The Company’s derivative financial instruments are recorded as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and measured at fair value.  All derivatives outstanding as of June 30, 2010 are (i) designated as a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment (“fair-value” hedge), (ii) designated as a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (“foreign currency cash-flow” hedge), or (iii) not designated as a hedging instrument.  Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is designated and qualifies as a fair-value hedge that is highly effective are recorded in current-period earnings, along with the loss or gain on the hedged asset or liability that is attributable to the hedged risk (including losses or gains on unrecognized firm commitments).  Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is designated and qualifies as a foreign currency cash-flow hedge of a foreign-currency-denominated forecasted transaction that is highly effective are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”).  Gains and losses deferred in OCI are then recognized in current-period earnings when earnings are affected by the variability of cash flows of the hedged foreign-currency-denominated forecasted transaction (e.g., when periodic settlements on a variable-rate asset or liability are recorded in earnings).  Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments are reported in current-period earnings.

 

Property, Plant and Equipment

 

Property, plant and equipment, including leasehold and other improvements that extend an asset’s useful life or productive capabilities, are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization.  Costs incurred for computer software developed or obtained for internal use are capitalized as part of machinery and equipment during the application development stage and expensed as incurred during the preliminary project and post-implementation stages.  For financial statement purposes, depreciation is provided principally on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets ranging from 3 to 40 years.  Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the lives of the respective leases or the expected useful lives of those improvements.

 

Investments

 

The Company’s investments consist principally of available-for-sale securities and equity-method investments.  Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value.  Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of the related tax effect, on available-for-sale securities are excluded from earnings and are reported as a component of stockholders’ equity until realized.  Investments in affiliated companies, which are not controlled by the Company but where the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over, are accounted for using the equity-method where the earnings and losses attributable to the investment are recorded in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings.

 

Goodwill and Other Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets

 

Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the cost of purchased businesses over the fair value of their underlying net assets.  Other indefinite-lived intangible assets principally consist of trademarks.  Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized.

 

F-11



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The Company assesses goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangibles at least annually for impairment as of the beginning of the fiscal fourth quarter, or more frequently if certain events or circumstances warrant.  The Company tests goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is one level below the Company’s operating segments.  The Company identifies its reporting units by assessing whether the components of its operating segments constitute businesses for which discrete financial information is available and management of each reporting unit regularly reviews the operating results of those components.  Impairment testing is performed in two steps: (i) the Company determines impairment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying value, and (ii) if there is an impairment, the Company measures the amount of impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill.  The impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets encompasses calculating a fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset and comparing the fair value to its carrying value.  If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, impairment is recorded.

 

Testing goodwill for impairment requires the Company to estimate fair values of reporting units using significant estimates and assumptions.  The assumptions made will impact the outcome and ultimate results of the testing.  The Company uses industry accepted valuation models and set criteria that are reviewed and approved by various levels of management and, in certain instances, the Company engages third-party valuation specialists for advice.  To determine fair value of the reporting unit, the Company generally uses an equal weighting of the income and market approaches.  In certain circumstances, equal weighting will not be applied if one of these methods may be less reliable (e.g., only the income approach would be used for reporting units with existing negative margins).  The Company believes both approaches are equally relevant and the most reliable indications of fair value because the fair value of product or service companies is more dependent on the ability to generate earnings than on the value of the assets used in the production process.

 

Under the income approach, the Company determines fair value using a discounted cash flow method, projecting future cash flows of each reporting unit, as well as terminal value, and discounting such cash flows at a rate of return that reflects the relative risk of the cash flows.  Under the market approach, the Company utilizes information from comparable publicly traded companies with similar operating and investment characteristics as the reporting units, which creates valuation multiples that are applied to the operating performance of the reporting unit being tested, to value the reporting unit.  The key estimates and factors used in these two approaches include, but are not limited to, revenue growth rates and profit margins based on internal forecasts, terminal value, the weighted-average cost of capital used to discount future cash flows and comparable market multiples.

 

To determine fair value of other indefinite-lived intangible assets, the Company uses an income approach, the relief-from-royalty method.  This method assumes that, in lieu of ownership, a third party would be willing to pay a royalty in order to obtain the rights to use the comparable asset.  Other indefinite-lived intangible assets’ fair values require significant judgments in determining both the assets’ estimated cash flows as well as the appropriate discount and royalty rates applied to those cash flows to determine fair value.  Changes in such estimates or the application of alternative assumptions could produce significantly different results.

 

Long-Lived Assets

 

The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.  When such events or changes in circumstances occur, a recoverability test is performed comparing projected undiscounted cash flows from the use and eventual disposition of an asset or asset group to its carrying value.  If the projected undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value, an impairment would be recorded for the excess of the carrying value over the fair value, which is determined by discounting future cash flows.

 

Concentration of Credit Risk

 

The Company is a worldwide manufacturer, marketer and distributor of skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products.  Domestic and international sales are made primarily to department stores, perfumeries and specialty retailers.  The Company grants credit to all qualified customers and does not believe it is exposed significantly to any undue concentration of credit risk.

 

The Company’s largest customer sells products primarily within the United States and accounted for $876.3 million or 11%, $907.3 million, or 12%, and $951.4 million, or 12%, of the Company’s consolidated net sales in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  This customer accounted for $84.3 million and $97.1 million, or 11%, of the Company’s accounts receivable at June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

 

F-12



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Revenues from merchandise sales are recognized upon transfer of ownership, including passage of title to the customer and transfer of the risk of loss related to those goods.  In the Americas region, sales are generally recognized at the time the product is shipped to the customer and in the Europe, the Middle East & Africa and Asia/Pacific regions, sales are generally recognized based upon the customer’s receipt.  In certain circumstances, transfer of title takes place at the point of sale, for example, at the Company’s retail stores.  Sales at the Company’s retail stores and online are recognized in accordance with a traditional 4-4-5 retail calendar, where each fiscal quarter is comprised of two 4-week periods and one 5-week period, with one extra week in one quarter every seven years.  As a result, the retail quarter-end and the fiscal quarter-end may be different by up to six days.

 

Revenues are reported on a net sales basis, which is computed by deducting from gross sales the amount of actual product returns received, discounts, incentive arrangements with retailers and an amount established for anticipated product returns.  The Company’s practice is to accept product returns from retailers only if properly requested, authorized and approved.  In accepting returns, the Company typically provides a credit to the retailer against accounts receivable from that retailer.  As a percentage of gross sales, returns were 4.3%, 4.4% and 4.4% in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 

Payments to Customers

 

The Company records revenues generated from purchase with purchase promotions as sales and the costs of its purchase with purchase and gift with purchase promotions as cost of sales.  Certain other incentive arrangements require the payment of a fee to customers based on their attainment of pre-established sales levels.  These fees have been recorded as a reduction of Net sales in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings and were not material to the results of operations in any period presented.

 

The Company enters into transactions related to advertising, product promotions and demonstrations, some of which involve cooperative relationships with customers.  These activities may be arranged either with unrelated third parties or in conjunction with the customer.  The Company’s share of the cost of these transactions (regardless of to whom they were paid) are reflected in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings and were approximately $1,070 million, $1,074 million and $1,098 million in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 

Advertising and Promotion

 

Global net expenses for advertising, merchandising, sampling, promotion and product development costs were $2,015.9 million, $1,878.8 million and $2,034.6 million in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and are expensed as incurred.  These amounts include activities relating to purchase with purchase and gift with purchase promotions that are reflected in Net sales and Cost of sales.  Excluding the impact of purchase with purchase and gift with purchase promotions, advertising, merchandising, sampling and promotion expenses included in operating expenses were $1,818.5 million, $1,693.1 million and $1,836.1 million in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 

Research and Development

 

Research and development costs amounted to $79.5 million, $81.6 million and $80.9 million in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.

 

Shipping and Handling

 

Shipping and handling expenses of $263.3 million, $268.6 million and $284.4 million in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, are recorded in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings and include distribution center costs, third-party logistics costs and outbound freight.

 

Operating Leases

 

The Company recognizes rent expense from operating leases with periods of free and scheduled rent increases on a straight-line basis over the applicable lease term.  The Company considers lease renewals in the useful life of its leasehold improvements when such renewals are reasonably assured.  From time to time, the Company may receive capital improvement funding from its lessors.  These amounts are recorded as deferred liabilities and amortized over the remaining lease term as a reduction of rent expense.

 

F-13



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

License Arrangements

 

The Company’s license agreements provide the Company with worldwide rights to manufacture, market and sell beauty and beauty-related products (or particular categories thereof) using the licensors’ trademarks.  The licenses typically have an initial term of approximately 3 years to 11 years, and are renewable subject to the Company’s compliance with the license agreement provisions.  The remaining terms, including the potential renewal periods, range from approximately 2 years to 20 years.  Under each license, the Company is required to pay royalties to the licensor, at least annually, based on net sales to third parties.

 

Most of the Company’s licenses were entered into to create new business.  In some cases, the Company acquired, or entered into, a license where the licensor or another licensee was operating a pre-existing beauty products business.  In those cases, other intangible assets are capitalized and amortized over their useful lives.

 

Certain license agreements may require minimum royalty payments, incremental royalties based on net sales levels and minimum spending on advertising and promotional activities.  Royalty expenses are accrued in the period in which net sales are recognized while advertising and promotional expenses are accrued at the time these costs are incurred.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company records stock-based compensation, measured at the fair value of the award, as an expense in the consolidated financial statements.  Upon the exercise of stock options or the vesting of restricted stock units and performance share units, the resulting excess tax benefits, if any, are credited to additional paid-in capital.  Any resulting tax deficiencies will first be offset against those cumulative credits to additional paid-in capital.  If the cumulative credits to additional paid-in capital are exhausted, tax deficiencies will be recorded to the provision for income taxes.  Excess tax benefits are required to be reflected as financing cash inflows in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company accounts for income taxes using an asset and liability approach that requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in its financial statements or tax returns.  The net deferred tax assets assume sufficient future earnings for their realization, as well as the continued application of currently anticipated tax rates.  Included in net deferred tax assets is a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets, where management believes it is more-likely-than-not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized in the relevant jurisdiction.  Based on the Company’s assessments, no additional valuation allowance is required.  If the Company determines that a deferred tax asset will not be realizable, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset will result in a reduction of net earnings at that time.

 

The Company provides tax reserves for federal, state, local and international exposures relating to periods subject to audit.  The development of reserves for these exposures requires judgments about tax issues, potential outcomes and timing, and is a subjective critical estimate.  The Company assesses its tax positions and records tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon management’s evaluation of the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting dates.  For those tax positions where it is more-likely-than-not that a tax benefit will be sustained, the Company has recorded the largest amount of tax benefit with a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement with a tax authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information.  For those tax positions where it is not more-likely-than-not that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit has been recognized in the financial statements.  The Company classifies applicable interest and penalties as a component of the provision for income taxes.  Although the outcome relating to these exposures is uncertain, in management’s opinion adequate provisions for income taxes have been made for estimable potential liabilities emanating from these exposures.  In certain circumstances, the ultimate outcome of exposures and risks involves significant uncertainties which render them inestimable.  If actual outcomes differ materially from these estimates, they could have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations.

 

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THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

 

In May 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) amended its authoritative guidance related to foreign currency issues that were discussed at the FASB’s Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) meeting in March 2010 where the staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) announced temporary guidance on certain exchange rate issues.  Prompted by the use of multiple currency exchange rates in Venezuela, the use of different rates for remeasurement and translation purposes has caused reported balances for financial reporting purposes and the actual U.S. dollar denominated balances to be different.  The SEC staff indicated that any differences between the amounts reported for financial reporting purposes and actual U.S. dollar denominated balances that may have existed prior to the application of highly inflationary accounting requirements on January 1, 2010 should be recognized in the income statement upon adoption, unless the issuer can document that the difference was previously recognized as a cumulative translation adjustment (“CTA”), in which case the difference should be recognized as an adjustment to CTA.  The adoption of this guidance, effective March 31, 2010, did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In February 2010, the FASB amended its authoritative guidance related to subsequent events to alleviate potential conflicts with current SEC guidance.  Effective immediately, these amendments remove the requirement that an SEC filer disclose the date through which it has evaluated subsequent events.  The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In January 2010, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that will require entities to make new disclosures about recurring or nonrecurring fair-value measurements of assets and liabilities, including (i) the amounts of significant transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair-value measurements and the reasons for the transfers, (ii) the reasons for any transfers in or out of Level 3, and (iii) information on purchases, sales, issuances and settlements on a gross basis in the reconciliation of recurring Level 3 fair value measurements.  The FASB also clarified existing fair-value measurement disclosure guidance about the level of disaggregation of assets and liabilities, and information about the valuation techniques and inputs used in estimating Level 2 and Level 3 fair-value measurements.  Except for certain detailed Level 3 disclosures, which are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010 and interim periods within those years, the new guidance became effective for the Company’s fiscal 2010 third quarter.  The Company did not have transfers of assets and liabilities in or out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair-value measurements.  The adoption of this disclosure-only guidance is included in Note 12 — Fair Value Measurements and Note 13 — Pension, Deferred Compensation and Post-retirement Benefit Plans and did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial results.

 

In August 2009, the FASB issued authoritative guidance to provide clarification on measuring liabilities at fair value when a quoted price in an active market is not available.  In these circumstances, a valuation technique should be applied that uses either the quote of the liability when traded as an asset, the quoted prices for similar liabilities or similar liabilities when traded as assets, or another valuation technique consistent with existing fair value measurement guidance, such as an income approach or a market approach.  The new guidance also clarifies that when estimating the fair value of a liability, a reporting entity is not required to include a separate input or adjustment to other inputs relating to the existence of a restriction that prevents the transfer of the liability.  This guidance became effective for the Company’s fiscal 2010 second quarter and did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In June 2009, the FASB established the FASB Accounting Standards Codification TM  (the “Codification”) as the single source of authoritative U.S. GAAP recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities.  Rules and interpretive releases of the SEC under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative U.S. GAAP for SEC registrants.  The Codification did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements upon adoption.  Accordingly, the Company’s notes to consolidated financial statements will explain accounting concepts rather than cite the topics of specific U.S. GAAP.

 

In April 2009, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that principally requires publicly traded companies to provide disclosures about fair value of financial instruments in interim financial information.  The adoption of this disclosure-only guidance in the Company’s fiscal 2010 first quarter did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial results.

 

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Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

In April 2009, the FASB issued authoritative guidance to require that assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination that arise from contingencies be recognized at fair value if fair value can be reasonably determined.  If the fair value of such assets or liabilities cannot be reasonably determined, then they would generally be recognized in accordance with certain other pre-existing accounting standards.  This guidance also amends the subsequent accounting for assets and liabilities arising from contingencies in a business combination and certain other disclosure requirements.  This guidance became effective for assets or liabilities arising from contingencies in business combinations that are consummated on or after the beginning of the Company’s fiscal 2010 and did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In December 2008, the FASB issued authoritative guidance to require employers to provide additional disclosures about plan assets of a defined benefit pension or other post-retirement plan.  These disclosures should principally include information detailing investment policies and strategies, the major categories of plan assets, the inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of plan assets and an understanding of significant concentrations of risk within plan assets.  While earlier application of this guidance is permitted, the required disclosures shall be provided for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009 (i.e., the Company’s fiscal 2010).  Upon initial application, this guidance is not required to be applied to earlier periods that are presented for comparative purposes.  The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.  See Note 13 — Pension, Deferred Compensation and Post-retirement Benefit Plans.

 

In November 2008, the FASB issued authoritative guidance regarding the accounting for defensive intangible assets.  Defensive intangible assets are assets acquired in a business combination that the acquirer (a) does not intend to use or (b) intends to use in a way other than the assets’ highest and best use as determined by an evaluation of market participant assumptions.  While defensive intangible assets are not being actively used, they are likely contributing to an increase in the value of other assets owned by the acquiring entity.  This guidance will require defensive intangible assets to be accounted for as separate units of accounting at the time of acquisition and the useful life of such assets would be based on the period over which the assets will directly or indirectly affect the entity’s cash flows.  This guidance is to be applied prospectively for defensive intangible assets acquired on or after the beginning of the Company’s fiscal 2010 and did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In November 2008, the FASB issued authoritative guidance to address questions about equity-method accounting.  The primary issues include how the initial carrying value of an equity method investment should be determined, how to account for any subsequent purchases and sales of additional ownership interests, and whether the investor must separately assess its underlying share of the investee’s indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment.  This guidance became effective beginning in the Company’s fiscal 2010 and did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In April 2008, the FASB issued authoritative guidance to amend the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset and to require additional disclosures.  The guidance for determining useful lives must be applied prospectively to intangible assets acquired after the effective date.  The disclosure requirements must be applied prospectively to all intangible assets recognized as of the effective date.  This guidance became effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning in the Company’s fiscal 2010 and did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In February 2008, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that permitted the delayed application of fair value measurement accounting to nonrecurring nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities.  The Company’s nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities principally consist of (i) goodwill, other intangible assets and long-lived assets when assessing potential impairment, (ii) intangible assets acquired through business combinations, and (iii) liabilities associated with restructuring activities.  This guidance became effective beginning in the Company’s fiscal 2010.  See Note 12 — Fair Value Measurements for further discussion on the application of fair value measurements.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued authoritative guidance to affirm that the acquisition method of accounting (previously referred to as the purchase method) be used for all business combinations and for an acquirer to be identified for each business combination.  This guidance defines the acquirer as the entity that obtains control of one or more businesses in the business combination and establishes the acquisition date as the date that the acquirer achieves control.  Among other requirements, this guidance requires the acquiring entity in a business combination to recognize the identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at their acquisition-date fair values, with limited exceptions; acquisition-related costs generally will be expensed as incurred.  This guidance requires certain financial statement disclosures to enable users to evaluate and understand the nature and financial effects of the business combination.  This guidance must be applied prospectively to business combinations that are consummated on or after July 1, 2009.  During the year ended June 30, 2010, the Company did not have significant business combinations.  Accordingly, the adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

F-16



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued authoritative guidance to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary.  Among other requirements, this guidance clarifies that a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary, which is sometimes referred to as minority interest, is to be reported as a separate component of equity in the consolidated financial statements.  This guidance also requires consolidated net income to include the amounts attributable to both the parent and the noncontrolling interest and to disclose those amounts on the face of the consolidated statement of earnings.  This guidance must be applied prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning in the Company’s fiscal 2010, except for the presentation and disclosure requirements, which will be applied retrospectively for all periods presented.  The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued authoritative guidance to address accounting for collaborative arrangement activities that are conducted without the creation of a separate legal entity for the arrangement.  Revenues and costs incurred with third parties in connection with the collaborative arrangement should be presented gross or net by the collaborators pursuant to pre-existing accounting standards.  Payments to or from collaborators should be presented in the income statement based on the nature of the arrangement, the nature of the company’s business and whether the payments are within the scope of other accounting literature.  Other detailed information related to the collaborative arrangement is also required to be disclosed.  The requirements under this guidance must be applied to collaborative arrangements in existence at the beginning of the Company’s fiscal 2010 using a modified version of retrospective application.  The Company is currently not a party to significant collaborative arrangement activities, as defined by this guidance, and therefore the adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

 

In June 2009, the FASB issued authoritative guidance to eliminate the exception to consolidate a qualifying special-purpose entity, change the approach to determining the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity and require companies to more frequently re-assess whether they must consolidate variable interest entities.  Under the new guidance, the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity is identified qualitatively as the enterprise that has both (a) the power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance, and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity that could potentially be significant to the variable interest entity or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the variable interest entity.  This guidance becomes effective for the Company’s fiscal 2011 year end and interim reporting periods thereafter.  The Company does not maintain any variable interests with unconsolidated entities that would be expected to have a material impact on its financial condition or results of operations.  Accordingly, the Company does not expect this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

 

NOTE 3 — INVENTORY AND PROMOTIONAL MERCHANDISE

 

 

 

June 30

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

(In millions)

 

Inventory and promotional merchandise, net consists of:

 

 

 

 

 

Raw materials

 

$

206.0

 

$

188.5

 

Work in process

 

78.6

 

43.8

 

Finished goods

 

377.8

 

375.6

 

Promotional merchandise

 

164.2

 

187.1

 

 

 

$

826.6

 

$

795.0

 

 

NOTE 4 — PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

 

 

June 30

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

(In millions)

 

Asset (Useful Life)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Land

 

$

14.3

 

$

14.5

 

Buildings and improvements (10 to 40 years)

 

172.5

 

183.2

 

Machinery and equipment (3 to 10 years)

 

1,174.9

 

1,080.2

 

Furniture and fixtures (5 to 10 years)

 

82.1

 

86.1

 

Leasehold improvements

 

1,081.2

 

1,112.8

 

 

 

2,525.0

 

2,476.8

 

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

1,501.4

 

1,450.1

 

 

 

$

1,023.6

 

$

1,026.7

 

 

F-17



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The cost of assets related to projects in progress of $160.4 million and $144.9 million as of June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, is included in their respective asset categories above.  Depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment was $251.8 million, $240.2 million and $233.9 million in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, 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.

 

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 and 2009, the Company recorded non-cash impairment charges of $2.7 million and $8.5 million, respectively, to reduce the net carrying value of certain retail store and counter assets to their estimated fair value, which was determined based on discounted projected future cash flows.  Lower than expected operating cash flow performance relative to the affected assets, restructuring activities, revisions in internal forecasts and the impact of the economic environment on their projected future results of operations indicated that the carrying value of the related long-lived assets were not recoverable.  These asset impairment charges primarily related to the Company’s skin care and makeup businesses in the Americas and the Europe, Middle East and Africa regions and are included in Impairment of other intangible and long-lived assets in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings.

 

NOTE 5 — GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

During fiscal 2009, the Company acquired Applied Genetics Incorporated Dermatics (“AGI”), a manufacturer of cosmetics ingredients.  In addition, the Company acquired businesses engaged in the wholesale distribution and retail sale of Aveda products.  These activities were predominantly related to the Company’s skin care and hair care businesses and resulted in increases to goodwill of $42.5 million and other intangible assets of $19.9 million as of June 30, 2009.

 

Goodwill

 

The Company assigns goodwill of a reporting unit to the product category in which that reporting unit predominantly operates at the time of its acquisition.  The change in the carrying amount of goodwill is as follows:

 

(In millions)

 

Skin Care

 

Makeup

 

Fragrance

 

Hair Care

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of June 30, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

$

29.7

 

$

252.4

 

$

54.9

 

$

379.2

 

$

716.2

 

Accumulated impairments

 

(7.3

)

 

 

 

(7.3

)

 

 

22.4

 

252.4

 

54.9

 

379.2

 

708.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill acquired during the year

 

42.6

 

6.1

 

0.1

 

26.2

 

75.0

 

Impairment charges

 

(14.3

)

 

 

 

(14.3

)

Translation and other adjustments

 

(1.5

)

(0.4

)

(0.3

)

(7.5

)

(9.7

)

 

 

26.8

 

5.7

 

(0.2

)

18.7

 

51.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of June 30, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

69.5

 

258.1

 

54.7

 

397.9

 

780.2

 

Accumulated impairments

 

(20.3

)

 

 

 

(20.3

)

 

 

49.2

 

258.1

 

54.7

 

397.9

 

759.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill acquired during the year

 

0.2

 

7.2

 

0.2

 

1.1

 

8.7

 

Impairment charges

 

(1.5

)

 

 

(15.1

)

(16.6

)

Translation and other adjustments

 

(0.9

)

(0.2

)

(0.1

)

1.7

 

0.5

 

 

 

(2.2

)

7.0

 

0.1

 

(12.3

)

(7.4

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of June 30, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

67.9

 

265.1

 

54.8

 

400.6

 

788.4

 

Accumulated impairments

 

(20.9

)

 

 

(15.0

)

(35.9

)

 

 

$

47.0

 

$

265.1

 

$

54.8

 

$

385.6

 

$

752.5

 

 

F-18



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THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Other Intangible Assets

 

Other intangible assets include trademarks and patents, as well as license agreements and other intangible assets resulting from or related to businesses and assets purchased by the Company.  Indefinite-lived intangible assets (e.g., trademarks) are not subject to amortization and are assessed at least annually for impairment during the fiscal fourth quarter, or more frequently if certain events or circumstances warrant.  Other intangible assets (e.g., non-compete agreements, customer lists) are amortized on a straight-line basis over their expected period of benefit, approximately 5 years to 13 years.  Intangible assets related to license agreements were amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives based on the terms of the respective agreements.  The Company did not incur costs to extend or renew the term of acquired intangible assets during fiscal 2010.

 

Other intangible assets consist of the following:

 

 

 

June 30, 2010

 

June 30, 2009

 

(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

 

$

205.0

 

$

151.0

 

$

54.0

 

$

199.2

 

$

115.9

 

$

83.3

 

License agreements

 

43.0

 

43.0

 

 

43.2

 

43.0

 

0.2

 

 

 

248.0

 

194.0

 

54.0

 

242.4

 

158.9

 

83.5

 

Non-amortizable intangible assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trademarks and other

 

61.0

 

5.5

 

55.5

 

73.4

 

6.8

 

66.6

 

Total intangible assets

 

$

309.0

 

$

199.5

 

$

109.5

 

$

315.8

 

$

165.7

 

$

150.1

 

 

The aggregate amortization expense related to amortizable intangible assets for the years ended June 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $9.1 million, $11.5 million and $14.0 million, respectively.  The estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the next five fiscal years is as follows:

 

 

 

Estimated Expense in Fiscal

 

 

 

2011

 

2012

 

2013

 

2014

 

2015

 

 

 

(In millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aggregate amortization expense

 

$

7.3

 

$

6.7

 

$

6.7

 

$

6.6

 

$

6.6

 

 

Fiscal 2010 Impairments

 

During the second quarter of fiscal 2010, the Darphin reporting unit identified issues related to the planned streamlining of its distribution process, resulting in revisions to its internal forecasts.  The Company concluded that these changes in circumstances in the Darphin reporting unit triggered the need for an interim impairment test of its trademark and goodwill.  The Company determined that the trademark was impaired, with fair value estimated based upon the relief-from-royalty method, and therefore recorded an impairment charge of $5.8 million, at the exchange rate in effect at that time, in the skin care product category and in the Europe, the Middle East & Africa region.  After adjusting the carrying value of the trademark, the Company completed step one of the impairment test for goodwill and concluded that the fair value of the Darphin reporting unit was in excess of its carrying value including goodwill.  The fair value of the reporting unit was based upon the income approach, utilizing estimated cash flows and a terminal value, discounted at a rate of return that reflects the relative risk of the cash flows.  As of June 30, 2010, the carrying value of goodwill related to the Darphin reporting unit was $9.2 million.

 

F-19



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

During the second quarter of fiscal 2010, the Ojon reporting unit altered and delayed certain components of its future expansion plans, resulting in revisions to its internal forecasts.  The Company concluded that these changes in circumstances in the Ojon reporting unit triggered the need for an interim impairment review of its goodwill and trademark.  Additionally, these changes in circumstances were also an indicator that the carrying amount of the product formulation intangible asset and customer list may not be recoverable.  The Company performed an interim impairment test for the trademark and a recoverability test for the product formulation intangible asset and customer list as of December 31, 2009.  For the product formulation intangible asset, the Company concluded that the carrying amount of this asset was recoverable.  However, for the Ojon trademark and customer list, the Company concluded that the carrying values exceeded their estimated fair values, which were determined based on the application of a royalty rate to discounted projected future cash flows (relief-from-royalty method) for the trademark and discounted projected future cash flows for the customer list.  As a result, the Company recognized asset impairment charges of $6.0 million for the trademark and $17.2 million for the customer list, at the exchange rate in effect at that time.  After adjusting the carrying value of the trademark and customer list, the Company completed an interim impairment test for goodwill and recorded a goodwill impairment charge related to the Ojon reporting unit of $16.6 million at the exchange rate in effect at that time.  The fair value of the reporting unit was based upon weighting of the income and market approaches, utilizing estimated cash flows and a terminal value, discounted at a rate of return that reflects the relative risk of the cash flows, as well as valuation multiples derived from comparable publicly traded companies that are applied to operating performance of the reporting unit.  These impairment charges were reflected in the hair care and skin care product categories and in the Americas region.  As of June 30, 2010, the carrying value of goodwill related to the Ojon reporting unit was $28.0 million.

 

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company approved a restructuring initiative that included the reformulation of Ojon brand products.  The Company concluded that this change in the formulation was an indicator that the carrying amount of the product formulation intangible asset may not be recoverable.  The Company performed an impairment test of the product formulation intangible asset and concluded that the carrying value of this intangible asset exceeded its estimated fair value, which was determined based on discounted projected future cash flows.  As a result, the Company recognized an asset impairment charge of $8.8 million, which is included in Restructuring and other special charges in the accompanying consolidated statement of earnings.

 

Fiscal 2009 Impairments

 

During the third quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company concluded that the Darphin reporting unit met certain indicators triggering an interim impairment review of goodwill and trademarks.  Those indicators included a decline in recent operating activities, restructuring activities, revisions in internal forecasts and an application of the Company’s continued decline in market capitalization to this reporting unit.  The Company performed an interim impairment test for goodwill and trademarks as of March 31, 2009 on this reporting unit.  The Company concluded that the carrying value of the Darphin trademark exceeded its estimated fair value and, as a result, recognized an impairment charge of $12.3 million at the exchange rate in effect at that time.  This charge was reflected in the skin care product category and in the Europe, the Middle East & Africa region.  After adjusting the carrying value of the trademark, the Company completed step one of the impairment test for goodwill and concluded that the fair value of the Darphin reporting unit was in excess of its carrying value including goodwill.

 

In addition, during the third quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company identified a license agreement intangible asset which was tested for impairment based upon a history of operating losses in excess of projections and revisions in internal forecasts.  The Company determined that the intangible asset was impaired and therefore recorded an asset impairment charge of $2.3 million in the fragrance product category and in the Americas region.

 

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company identified other intangible assets related to the Michael Kors license agreement, as well as distributor relationships and core ingredients technology, to test for impairment due to lower than expected operating cash flow performances and the impact of the current economic environment on their projected future operating results.  The Company determined that the other intangible assets were impaired and therefore recorded asset impairment charges of $14.7 million in the fragrance and skin care product categories and in the Americas region.

 

The Company completed its annual impairment test of indefinite-lived intangible assets during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.  Due to the economic environment and revised expectations regarding future net sales generated from the use of Ojon and Bumble and bumble trademarks, the Company determined that their carrying values exceeded the estimated fair value, by approximately $9.8 million, predominantly in the hair care product category and in the Americas region.  Additionally, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company wrote-off approximately $1.2 million of trademarks, primarily in the makeup and skin care product categories and in the Americas region, which are no longer expected to generate operating cash flows.

 

F-20



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company completed its annual goodwill impairment test and, due to a continued decline in operating results during the fourth quarter and additional revisions to internal forecasts, recorded a goodwill impairment charge related to the Darphin reporting unit of $12.5 million at the exchange rate in effect at that time, primarily in the skin care product category and in the Europe, the Middle East & Africa region.  Due to the same factors, the Company recorded other goodwill impairment charges of $1.8 million, primarily in the skin care product category and in the Americas region.

 

NOTE 6 — ACQUISITION OF BUSINESSES

 

During fiscal 2009, the Company acquired AGI.  The purchase price was paid in cash at closing.  In addition, at various times during fiscal 2010 and 2009, the Company also acquired businesses engaged in the wholesale distribution and retail sale of the Company’s products in the United States and other countries and made earn-out payments related to the acquisition of the Bobbi Brown brand.

 

The aggregate cost for these activities, which includes purchase price, earn-out payments and acquisition costs (related to the fiscal 2009 acquisitions), was $10.7 million and $68.4 million in fiscal 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The results of operations for each of the acquired businesses are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements commencing with its date of original acquisition.  Pro forma results of operations as if each of such businesses had been acquired as of the beginning of the year of acquisition and as of the prior-year period have not been presented, as the impact on the Company’s consolidated financial results would not have been material.

 

NOTE 7 — CHARGES ASSOCIATED WITH RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES

 

In an effort to drive down costs and achieve synergies within the organization, in February 2009, the Company announced the implementation of a multi-faceted cost savings program (the “Program”) to position itself to achieve long-term profitable growth.  The Company anticipates the Program will result in related restructuring and other special charges, inclusive of cumulative charges recorded to date and over the next few fiscal years, totaling between $350 million and $450 million before taxes.

 

The Program focuses on a redesign of the Company’s organizational structure in order to integrate the Company in a more cohesive way and operate more globally across brands and functions.  A principal aspect of the Program is the reduction of the workforce by approximately 2,000 employees.  Specific actions taken during the year ended June 30, 2010 included:

 

·                   Resize and Reorganize the Organization — The Company continued the realignment and optimization of its organization to better leverage scale, improve productivity and reduce complexity in each region and across various functions.  This included reduction of the workforce which occurred through the consolidation of certain functions through a combination of normal attrition and job eliminations.

 

·                   Turnaround or Exit Unprofitable Operations — To improve the profitability in certain of the Company’s brands and regions, the Company has selectively exited certain channels of distribution, categories and markets.  During the first quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company approved the exit from the global wholesale distribution of the Prescriptives brand, which was completed during the fiscal year.  In connection with these activities, the Company recorded a reserve for product returns, wrote off inventory and incurred costs to reduce workforce and other exit costs.  Also during fiscal 2010, the Company approved a restructuring initiative that included the reformulation of Ojon brand products.

 

·                   Outsourcing — In order to balance the growing need for information technology support with the Company’s efforts to provide the most efficient and cost effective solutions, the Company continued the outsourcing of certain information technology processes.  The Company incurred costs to transition services to an outsource provider.

 

F-21



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The following table presents aggregate restructuring charges related to the Program:

 

( In millions)

 

Employee-
Related
Costs

 

Asset
Write-offs

 

Contract
Terminations

 

Other Exit
Costs

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal 2009

 

$

60.9

 

$

4.2

 

$

3.4

 

$

1.8

 

$

70.3

 

Fiscal 2010

 

29.3

 

11.0

 

2.3

 

6.2

 

48.8

 

Charges recorded through June 30, 2010

 

$

90.2

 

$

15.2

 

$

5.7

 

$

8.0

 

$

119.1

 

 

The total amount of restructuring charges expected to be incurred (including those recorded as set forth in the table above), plus other initiatives approved through June 30, 2010, include approximately $111 million to $112 million for employee-related costs, approximately $18 million in asset write-offs, which includes $8.8 million related to the impairment of other intangible assets, and approximately $23 million of contract terminations and other exit costs.

 

The following table presents accrued restructuring and the related activity under the Program:

 

( In millions)

 

Employee-
Related
Costs

 

Asset
Write-offs

 

Contract
Terminations

 

Other Exit
Costs

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charges

 

$

60.9

 

$

4.2

 

$

3.4

 

$

1.8

 

$

70.3

 

Cash payments

 

(7.5

)

 

(0.5

)

(1.6

)

(9.6

)

Non-cash write-offs

 

 

(4.2

)

 

 

(4.2

)

Translation adjustments

 

0.6

 

 

 

 

0.6

 

Other adjustments

 

(2.4

)

 

 

 

(2.4

)

Balance at June 30, 2009

 

51.6

 

 

2.9

 

0.2

 

54.7

 

Charges

 

29.3

 

11.0

 

2.3

 

6.2

 

48.8

 

Cash payments

 

(49.5

)

 

(5.1

)

(6.0

)

(60.6

)

Non-cash write-offs

 

 

(11.0

)

 

 

(11.0

)

Translation adjustments

 

(0.8

)

 

 

 

(0.8

)

Balance at June 30, 2010

 

$

30.6

 

$

 

$

0.1

 

$

0.4

 

$

31.1

 

 

Accrued restructuring charges at June 30, 2010 are expected to result in cash expenditures funded from cash provided by operations of approximately $25 million and $6 million in fiscal 2011 and 2012, respectively.

 

The Company recorded other special charges in connection with the implementation of the Program for the years ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 of $12.3 million and $10.1 million, respectively, related to consulting, other professional services, and accelerated depreciation.  The total amount of other special charges expected to be incurred to implement these initiatives, including those recorded through June 30, 2010 plus other initiatives approved through June 30, 2010 is approximately $41 million.  For the year ended June 30, 2010, and primarily related to the exit from the global wholesale distribution of Prescriptives products, the Company recorded $15.7 million reflecting sales returns (less a related cost of sales of $2.5 million) and a write-off of inventory associated with exiting unprofitable operations of $10.4 million.  For the year ended June 30, 2009, the Company recorded $8.1 million reflecting sales returns (less a related cost of sales of $1.2 million) and a write-off of inventory of $8.0 million associated with exiting unprofitable operations.  The total amounts expected to be incurred, including those recorded through June 30, 2010 plus other initiatives approved through June 30, 2010 is between $35 million and $39 million related to sales returns and approximately $15 million related to inventory write-offs.

 

Total charges associated with restructuring activities included in operating income for the years ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 was $84.7 million and $91.7 million, respectively.

 

F-22



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 8 — INCOME TAXES

 

The provision for income taxes is comprised of the following:

 

 

 

Year Ended June 30

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

 

(In millions)

 

Current:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

$

16.0

 

$

42.6

 

$

141.4

 

Foreign

 

205.6

 

174.5

 

214.1

 

State and local

 

9.0

 

7.0

 

20.0

 

 

 

230.6

 

224.1

 

375.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

(16.4

)

(84.0

)

(110.9

)

Foreign

 

(7.5

)

(23.6

)

(4.1

)

State and local

 

(0.8

)

(0.6

)

(0.6

)

 

 

(24.7

)

(108.2

)

(115.6

)

 

 

$

205.9

 

$

115.9

 

$

259.9

 

 

A reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate to our actual effective tax rate on earnings before income taxes is as follows:

 

 

 

Year Ended June 30

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for income taxes at statutory rate

 

35.0

%

35.0

%

35.0

%

Increase (decrease) due to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit

 

1.5

%

2.0

%

1.0

%

Effect of foreign operations

 

(0.9

)%

(4.4

)%

(0.1

)%

Income tax reserve adjustments

 

(5.6

)%

0.1

%

(0.9

)%

Other, net

 

(0.1

)%

1.1

%

(0.1

)%

Effective tax rate

 

29.9

%

33.8

%

34.9

%

 

Income tax reserve adjustments represent changes in the Company’s net liability for unrecognized tax benefits related to prior-year tax positions including tax settlements and lapses of the applicable statutes of limitations.

 

Federal income and foreign withholding taxes have not been provided on approximately $1,068 million of undistributed earnings of international subsidiaries at June 30, 2010.  The Company intends to reinvest these earnings in its foreign operations indefinitely, except where it is able to repatriate these earnings to the United States without material incremental tax provision.  As of June 30, 2009 and 2008, the Company had not provided federal income and foreign withholding taxes on approximately $975 million and $813 million, respectively, of undistributed earnings of international subsidiaries.  The determination and estimation of the future income tax consequences in all relevant taxing jurisdictions involves the application of highly complex tax laws in the countries involved, particularly in the United States, and is based on the tax profile of the Company in the year of earnings repatriation.  Accordingly, it is not practicable to determine the amount of tax associated with such undistributed earnings.

 

F-23



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Significant components of the Company’s deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of June 30, 2010 and 2009 were as follows:

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

(In millions)

 

Deferred tax assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Compensation related expenses

 

$

122.0

 

$

84.0

 

Inventory obsolescence and other inventory related reserves

 

62.0

 

59.5

 

Retirement benefit obligations

 

99.7

 

88.1

 

Various accruals not currently deductible

 

146.9

 

131.3

 

Net operating loss, credit and other carryforwards

 

42.3

 

27.1

 

Unrecognized state tax benefits and accrued interest

 

34.7

 

45.8

 

Other differences between tax and financial statement values

 

89.9

 

74.7

 

 

 

597.5

 

510.5

 

Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets

 

(38.5

)

(23.5

)

Total deferred tax assets

 

559.0

 

487.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred tax liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

(182.8

)

(127.8

)

Other differences between tax and financial statement values

 

(2.4

)

(0.5

)

Total deferred tax liabilities

 

(185.2

)

(128.3

)

Total net deferred tax assets

 

$

373.8

 

$

358.7

 

 

As of June 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company had current net deferred tax assets of $269.0 million and $202.7 million, respectively, substantially all of which are included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  In addition, the Company had noncurrent net deferred tax assets of $104.8 million and $156.0 million as of June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, substantially all of which are included in Other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

As of June 30, 2010 and 2009, certain subsidiaries had net operating loss and other carryforwards for tax purposes of approximately $154 million and $96 million, respectively.  With the exception of $135.3 million of net operating loss and other carryforwards with an indefinite carryforward period as of June 30, 2010, these carryforwards expire at various dates through fiscal 2030.  Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances, in the amount of $3.9 million and $4.2 million as of June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, have been recorded to reflect the tax benefits of the carryforwards not utilized to date.

 

A full valuation allowance has been provided for those deferred tax assets for which, in the opinion of management, it is more-likely-than-not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

 

Earnings before income taxes include amounts contributed by the Company’s international operations of approximately $966 million, $674 million and $905 million for fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  A portion of these earnings are taxed in the United States.

 

As of June 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits of $157.3 million and $259.1 million, respectively.  The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate was $80.6 million.

 

F-24



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The Company classifies applicable interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of the provision for income taxes.  During fiscal 2010, the Company recognized a gross interest and penalty benefit of $11.9 million in the accompanying consolidated statement of earnings.  The total gross interest and penalty expense during fiscal 2009 in the accompanying consolidated statement of earnings was $17.2 million.  The total gross accrued interest and penalties in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at June 30, 2010 and 2009 were $36.7 million and $67.9 million, respectively.  A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

 

 

 

June 30, 2010

 

 

 

(In millions)

 

 

 

 

 

Balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits as of July 1, 2009

 

$

259.1

 

Gross amounts of increases as a result of tax positions taken during a prior period

 

22.3

 

Gross amounts of decreases as a result of tax positions taken during a prior period

 

(76.8

)

Gross amounts of increases as a result of tax positions taken during the current period

 

9.4

 

Amounts of decreases in the unrecognized tax benefits relating to settlements with taxing authorities

 

(51.8

)

Reductions to unrecognized tax benefits as a result of a lapse of the applicable statutes of limitations

 

(4.9

)

Balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits as of June 30, 2010

 

$

157.3

 

 

Included in the balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits at June 30, 2010 are $27.4 million of tax positions for which the ultimate deductibility is highly certain but for which there is uncertainty about the timing of such deductibility.  Because of the impact of deferred tax accounting, other than interest and penalties, the disallowance of the shorter deductibility period would not affect the annual effective tax rate but would accelerate the payment of cash to the taxing authority to an earlier period.

 

Earnings from the Company’s global operations are subject to tax in various jurisdictions both within and outside the United States.  The Company is routinely audited and examined in these jurisdictions.  The Company provides tax reserves for U.S. federal, state, local and international unrecognized tax benefits for periods subject to audit.  The development of reserves for these exposures requires judgments about tax issues, potential outcomes and timing, and is a subjective critical estimate.  The Company assesses its tax positions and records tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon management’s evaluation of the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting dates.  For those tax positions where it is more-likely-than-not that a tax benefit will be sustained, the Company has recorded the largest amount of tax benefit with a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement with a tax authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information.  For those tax positions where it is not more-likely-than-not that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit has been recognized in the consolidated financial statements.  Where applicable, associated interest and penalties have also been recognized.  Although the outcome related to these exposures is uncertain, in management’s opinion, adequate provisions for income taxes have been made for estimable potential liabilities emanating from these exposures.  In certain circumstances, the ultimate outcome of exposures and risks involve significant uncertainties which render them inestimable.  If actual outcomes differ materially from these estimates, they could have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

The Company is currently undergoing a U.S. federal income tax audit as well as examinations and controversies in several state, local and international jurisdictions.  These matters are in various stages of completion and involve complex multi-jurisdictional issues common among multinational enterprises, including transfer pricing, that may require an extended period of time for resolution.  During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, the IRS completed the examination phase of fiscal years 2002 through 2005.  During fiscal 2008, the Company presented disputed computations concerning U.S. foreign tax credit determinations to the Appeals Division of the IRS and a claim was entered pursuant to an administrative process of the tax treaty between the U.S. and Belgium (commonly referred to as the “Competent Authority” process).  During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company reached a formal settlement with the Appeals Division.  As a result of the settlement, the Company recognized a tax and interest benefit of $19.2 million, net of tax.  A resolution of remaining computations in dispute was subject to the outcome of the Company’s Competent Authority claim.  As of June 30 2010, the Company’s Competent Authority claim remained unresolved.  However, subsequent to June 30, 2010, the Company’s Competent Authority claim was settled, thereby resolving the remaining U.S. foreign tax credit determinations formerly in dispute.  The impact from the settlement is not anticipated to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

F-25



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company reached a formal agreement with the IRS concerning the examination adjustments proposed for fiscal years 2002 through 2005.  As a result, the Company has applied a prior cash payment of $35.0 million made to the U.S. Treasury as an advance deposit toward these agreed-to adjustments.  Separately, during fiscal 2010 the IRS continued their examination of fiscal years 2006 through 2008.  In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company made a cash payment of $20.5 million to the U.S. Treasury as an advance deposit in anticipation of a formal resolution to examination adjustments proposed for fiscal years 2006 through 2008.  Although the advance deposit limits the accrual of additional interest that would be due to the U.S. Treasury, there is no impact on the amount of unrecognized tax benefits until a final agreement is reached.

 

During the third quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company accepted an invitation from the IRS to join the Compliance Assurance Program (“CAP”) beginning with the fiscal year ending June 30, 2011.  The objective of CAP is to reduce taxpayer burden and uncertainty while assuring the IRS of the accuracy of income tax returns prior to filing, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for post-filing examinations.

 

The Company had been notified of a disallowance of tax deductions claimed by its subsidiary in Spain for fiscal years 1999 through 2002.  As a result, the subsidiary was reassessed corporate income tax of $2.5 million for this period, at current exchange rates.  An appeal against this reassessment was filed with the Chief Tax Inspector.  On July 18, 2005, the final assessment made by the Chief Tax Inspector was received, confirming the reassessment made by the tax auditors.  During fiscal 2006, an appeal against this final assessment was filed with the Madrid Regional Economic Administrative Tribunal (“TEAR”).  In view of the TEAR’s silence, during fiscal 2007 the claim was presumed to be dismissed and an appeal was filed against it with the Central Economic-Administrative Tribunal (“TEAC”).  During the fiscal 2008 fourth quarter, the TEAC dismissed the claim and, on June 10, 2008, the Company filed an appeal for judicial review with the National Appellate Court.  During fiscal 2009, the Company completed the appeal proceedings with the National Appellate Court and, as of June 30, 2010, awaits the court’s decision.  While no assurance can be given as to the outcome in respect of this assessment and pending appeal in the Spanish courts, management believes it is more-likely-than-not that the subsidiary will be successful in its defense against the assessment and continues to measure the full amount of the tax benefit.  Accordingly, no tax reserve has been established for this potential exposure.

 

Notwithstanding the pending appeal in the Spanish courts, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company reached a favorable tentative agreement with the Spanish tax authority regarding an examination of the fiscal 2005 through calendar year 2007 tax period.

 

During fiscal 2010, the Company concluded various state, local and foreign income tax audits and examinations while several other matters, including those noted above, were initiated or remained pending.  On the basis of the information available in this regard as of June 30, 2010, it is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits could decrease in a range of $45 million to $60 million within 12 months as a result of projected resolutions of global tax examinations and controversies and a potential lapse of the applicable statutes of limitations.

 

The tax years subject to examination vary depending on the tax jurisdiction.  As of June 30, 2010, the following tax years remain subject to examination by the major tax jurisdictions indicated:

 

Major Jurisdiction

 

Open Fiscal Years

 

 

 

Belgium

 

2006–2010

Canada

 

2001–2010

France

 

2006–2010

Germany

 

1999–2002, 2004-2010

Japan

 

2006–2010

Korea

 

2009–2010

Spain

 

1999–2002, 2005–2010

Switzerland

 

2006–2010

United Kingdom

 

2009–2010

United States

 

2006–2010

State of California

 

2002–2010

State of Minnesota

 

2001–2010

State of New York

 

2007–2010

 

The Company is also subject to income tax examinations in numerous other state, local and foreign jurisdictions.  The Company believes that its tax reserves are adequate for all years subject to examination.

 

F-26



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 9 — OTHER ACCRUED LIABILITIES

 

Other accrued liabilities consist of the following:

 

 

 

June 30

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

(In millions)

 

Advertising, merchandising and sampling

 

$

373.5

 

$

321.1

 

Employee compensation

 

366.3

 

280.8

 

Payroll and other taxes

 

103.6

 

94.8

 

Restructuring

 

25.4

 

48.2

 

Other

 

249.2

 

317.5

 

 

 

$

1,118.0

 

$

1,062.4

 

 

NOTE 10 — DEBT

 

The Company’s short-term and long-term debt and available financing consist of the following:

 

 

 

Debt at June 30

 

Available financing at
June 30, 2010

 

(In millions)

 

2010

 

2009

 

Committed

 

Uncommitted

 

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

 

$

296.3

 

$

296.3

 

$

 

$

 

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

 

197.6

 

197.5

 

 

 

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

 

338.3

 

324.1

 

 

 

7.75% Senior Notes, due November 1, 2013 (“2013 Senior Notes”)

 

230.0

 

299.8

 

 

 

6.00% Senior Notes, due January 15, 2012 (“2012 Senior Notes”)

 

118.3

 

244.2

 

 

 

$13.5 million promissory note due August 31, 2012

 

7.3

 

15.2

 

 

 

$7.0 million promissory note due July 31, 2009

 

 

7.7

 

 

 

Commercial paper

 

 

 

 

750.0

 

Turkish lira overdraft borrowing facility

 

4.6

 

12.5

 

 

20.7

 

Loan participation notes

 

 

 

 

150.0

 

March 2011 Japanese yen revolving credit facility

 

 

 

16.9

 

 

March 2012 Japanese yen revolving credit facility

 

 

 

16.9

 

 

Other long-term borrowings

 

17.2

 

10.5

 

 

 

Other short-term borrowings

 

18.8

 

13.6

 

 

158.5

 

Revolving credit facility

 

 

 

750.0

 

 

 

 

1,228.4

 

1,421.4

 

$

783.8

 

$

1,079.2

 

Less short-term debt including current maturities

 

(23.4

)

(33.8

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

1,205.0

 

$

1,387.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of June 30, 2010, the Company had outstanding $296.3 million of 2037 Senior Notes consisting of $300.0 million principal and unamortized debt discount of $3.7 million.  The 2037 Senior Notes, when issued in May 2007, were priced at 98.722% with a yield of 6.093%.  Interest payments are required to be made semi-annually on May 15 and November 15.  In April 2007, in anticipation of the issuance of the 2037 Senior Notes, the Company entered into a series of forward-starting interest rate swap agreements on a notional amount totaling $210.0 million at a weighted average all-in rate of 5.45%.  The forward-starting interest rate swap agreements were settled upon the issuance of the new debt and the Company recognized a loss in other comprehensive income of $0.9 million that will be amortized to interest expense over the life of the 2037 Senior Notes.  As a result of the forward-starting interest rate swap agreements, the debt discount and debt issuance costs, the effective interest rate on the 2037 Senior Notes will be 6.181% over the life of the debt.

 

F-27



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

As of June 30, 2010, the Company had outstanding $197.6 million of 2033 Senior Notes consisting of $200.0 million principal and unamortized debt discount of $2.4 million.  The 2033 Senior Notes, when issued in September 2003, were priced at 98.645% with a yield of 5.846%.  Interest payments are required to be made semi-annually on April 15 and October 15.  In May 2003, in anticipation of the issuance of the 5.75% Senior Notes, the Company entered into a series of treasury lock agreements on a notional amount totaling $195.0 million at a weighted average all-in rate of 4.53%.  The treasury lock agreements were settled upon the issuance of the new debt and the Company received a payment of $15.0 million that will be amortized against interest expense over the life of the 2033 Senior Notes.  As a result of the treasury lock agreements, the debt discount and debt issuance costs, the effective interest rate on the 2033 Senior Notes will be 5.395% over the life of the debt.

 

As of June 30, 2010, the Company had outstanding $338.3 million of 2017 Senior Notes consisting of $300.0 million principal, an unamortized debt discount of $0.4 million, and a $38.7 million adjustment to reflect the fair value of outstanding interest rate swaps.  The 2017 Senior Notes, when issued in May 2007, were priced at 99.845% with a yield of 5.570%.  Interest payments are required to be made semi-annually on May 15 and November 15.  In April 2007, the Company entered into interest rate swap agreements with a notional amount totaling $250.0 million to effectively convert the fixed rate interest on its outstanding 2017 Senior Notes to variable interest rates based on six-month LIBOR.

 

As of June 30, 2010, the Company had outstanding $230.0 million of 2013 Senior Notes consisting of $230.1 million principal and an unamortized debt discount of $0.1 million.  The 2013 Senior Notes, when issued in November 2008, were priced at 99.932% with a yield of 7.767%.  Interest payments are required to be made semi-annually on May 1 and November 1.

 

As of June 30, 2010, the Company had outstanding $118.3 million of 2012 Senior Notes consisting of $120.0 million principal, an unamortized debt discount of $0.1 million, and a $1.6 million adjustment to reflect the remaining termination value of an interest rate swap.  The 2012 Senior Notes, when issued in January 2002, were priced at 99.538% with a yield of 6.062%.  Interest payments are required to be made semi-annually on January 15 and July 15.  In May 2003, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement with a notional amount of $250.0 million to effectively convert the fixed rate interest on its outstanding 2012 Senior Notes to variable interest rates based on six-month LIBOR.  In April 2007, the Company terminated this interest rate swap.  The instrument, which was classified as a liability, had a fair value of $11.1 million at cash settlement, which included $0.9 million of accrued interest payable to the counterparty.  Hedge accounting treatment was discontinued prospectively and the offsetting adjustment to the carrying amount of the related debt will be amortized to interest expense over the remaining life of the debt.

 

On May 24, 2010, the Company completed a cash tender offer for $130.0 million principal amount of its 2012 Senior Notes at a price of 108.500% of the principal amount and for $69.9 million principal amount of its 2013 Senior Notes at a tender price of 118.813% of the principal amount.  During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company recorded a pre-tax expense on the extinguishment of debt of $27.3 million representing the tender premium of $24.2 million, the pro-rata write-off of $2.4 million of unamortized terminated interest rate swap, issuance costs and debt discount, and $0.7 million in tender offer costs associated with both series of notes.

 

The purchase price related to the July 2007 acquisition of Ojon Corporation included (i) a promissory note due July 31, 2009 with a notional value of $7.0 million and capitalized interest of $0.7 million, bearing interest at 10.00% due at maturity, which was paid as of June 30, 2010 and (ii) a promissory note due August 31, 2012 with a notional amount of $13.5 million, of which a payment of $6.7 million was made during January 2010, and unamortized premium of $0.5 million (present value of $7.3 million at June 30, 2010), bearing interest at 10.00% payable annually on July 31.  These notes were recorded in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at present value using effective rates of 5.11% and 5.42%, respectively.

 

The Company has a $750.0 million commercial paper program under which it may issue commercial paper in the United States.  At June 30, 2010, there was no commercial paper outstanding.

 

As of June 30, 2010, the Company had an overdraft borrowing agreement with a financial institution pursuant to which its subsidiary in Turkey may be credited to satisfy outstanding negative daily balances arising from its business operations.  The total balance outstanding at any time shall not exceed 40.0 million Turkish lira ($25.3 million at the exchange rate at June 30, 2010).  The interest rate applicable to each such credit shall be up to a maximum of 175 basis points per annum above the spot rate charged by the lender or the lender’s floating call rate agreed to by the Company at each borrowing.  There were no debt issuance costs incurred related to this agreement.  The outstanding balance at June 30, 2010 ($4.6 million at the exchange rate at June 30, 2010) is classified as short-term debt on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.

 

F-28



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

As of June 30, 2010, the Company had a fixed rate promissory note agreement with a financial institution pursuant to which the Company may borrow up to $150.0 million in the form of loan participation notes through one of its subsidiaries in Europe.  The interest rate on borrowings under this agreement is at an all-in fixed rate determined by the lender and agreed to by the Company at the date of each borrowing.  At June 30, 2010, no borrowings were outstanding under this agreement.  Debt issuance costs incurred related to this agreement were de minimis.

 

As of June 30, 2010, the Company had a 1.5 billion Japanese yen ($16.9 million at the exchange rate at June 30, 2010) revolving credit facility that expires on March 31, 2011 and a 1.5 billion Japanese yen ($16.9 million at the exchange rate at June 30, 2010) revolving credit facility that expires on March 31, 2012.  The interest rates on borrowings under these credit facilities are based on TIBOR (Tokyo Interbank Offered Rate) plus .45% and .75%, respectively, and the facility fees incurred on undrawn balances are 15 basis points and 25 basis points, respectively.  At June 30, 2010, no borrowings were outstanding under these facilities.

 

The Company has an undrawn $750.0 million senior unsecured revolving credit facility that expires on April 26, 2012.  This facility may be used primarily to provide credit support for the Company’s commercial paper program, to repurchase shares of its common stock and for general corporate purposes.  Up to the equivalent of $250 million of the credit facility is available for multi-currency loans.  The interest rate on borrowings under the credit facility is based on LIBOR or on the higher of prime, which is the rate of interest publicly announced by the administrative agent, or ½% plus the Federal funds rate.  The Company incurred costs of approximately $0.3 million to establish the facility which will be amortized over the term of the facility.  The credit facility has an annual fee of $0.4 million, payable quarterly, based on the Company’s current credit ratings.  This facility also contains a cross-default provision whereby a failure to pay other material financial obligations in excess of $50.0 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.  As of June 30, 2010, the Company was in compliance with all related financial and other restrictive covenants, including limitations on indebtedness and liens.  The financial covenant of this facility requires an interest expense coverage ratio of greater than 3:1 as of the last day of each fiscal quarter.  There are no other conditions where the lender’s commitments may be withdrawn, other than certain events of default, as defined in the facility, which are customary for facilities of this type.

 

The Company maintains uncommitted credit facilities in various regions throughout the world.  Interest rate terms for these facilities vary by region and reflect prevailing market rates for companies with strong credit ratings.  During fiscal 2010 and 2009, the monthly average amount outstanding was approximately $12.6 million and $28.2 million, respectively, and the annualized monthly weighted average interest rate incurred was approximately 10.0% and 13.4%, respectively.

 

Refer to Note 14 — Commitments and Contingencies for the Company’s projected debt service payments over the next five fiscal years.

 

NOTE 11 — 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 primarily enters into foreign currency forward and option contracts to reduce the effects of fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates and interest rate derivatives to manage the effects of interest rate movements on the Company’s aggregate liability portfolio.  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 these 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 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 hedge’s inception 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.

 

F-29



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

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

 

 

 

Asset Derivatives

 

Liability Derivatives

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value (1)

 

 

 

Fair Value (1)

 

 

 

Balance Sheet

 

June 30

 

Balance Sheet

 

June 30

 

(In millions)

 

Location

 

2010

 

2009

 

Location

 

2010

 

2009

 

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency forward contracts

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

$

17.1

 

$

13.9

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

$

10.5

 

$

24.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate swap contracts

 

Other assets

 

38.7

 

24.5

 

Not applicable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments

 

 

 

55.8

 

38.4

 

 

 

10.5

 

24.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency forward contracts

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

2.0

 

2.8

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

2.0

 

1.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Derivatives

 

 

 

$

57.8

 

$

41.2

 

 

 

$

12.5

 

$

26.2

 

 


(1)  See Note 12 — Fair Value Measurements for further information about how the fair value of derivative assets and liabilities are determined.

 

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 Accumulated

 

Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified
from Accumulated OCI into Earnings

(Effective Portion) (1)

 

 

 

June 30

 

OCI into Earnings

 

June 30

 

(In millions)

 

2010

 

2009

 

(Effective Portion)

 

2010

 

2009

 

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency forward contracts

 

$

(0.2

)

$

16.5

 

Cost of sales

 

$

(8.5

)

$

6.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

(11.8

)

19.3

 

Total derivatives

 

$

(0.2

)

$

16.5

 

 

 

$

(20.3

)

$

26.1

 

 


(1)       The amount of gain (loss) recognized in earnings related to the amount excluded from effectiveness testing was $(2.5) million and $1.4 million for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  There was no gain (loss) recognized in earnings related to the ineffective portion of the hedging relationships for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

 

F-30



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized

 

June 30

 

(In millions)

 

in Earnings on Derivatives

 

2010

 

2009

 

Derivatives in Fair Value Hedging Relationships:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate swap contracts

 

Interest expense, net

 

$

14.2

 

$

13.6

 

 


(1)  Changes in the fair values of the interest rate swap agreements are exactly offset by changes 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

 

June 30

 

(In millions)

 

in Earnings on Derivatives

 

2010

 

2009

 

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency forward contracts

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

$

(1.6

)

$

(0.7

)

 

Foreign Currency 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.  The foreign currency forward contracts entered into to hedge anticipated transactions have been designated as foreign currency cash-flow hedges and have varying maturities through the end of June 2011.  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.

 

The ineffective portion of both foreign currency forward and option contracts is recorded in current-period earnings.  For hedge contracts that are no longer deemed highly effective, hedge accounting is discontinued and gains and losses accumulated in other comprehensive income (loss) 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 accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are reclassified to current-period earnings.  As of June 30, 2010, the Company’s foreign currency cash-flow hedges were highly effective in all material respects.  The estimated net gain (loss) as of June 30, 2010 that is expected to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings, net of tax, within the next twelve months is $6.3 million.

 

At June 30, 2010, the Company had foreign currency forward contracts in the amount of $1,348.8 million.  The foreign currencies included in foreign currency forward contracts (notional value stated in U.S. dollars) are principally the Swiss franc ($257.5 million), British pound ($241.9 million), Canadian dollar ($152.2 million), Euro ($148.0 million), Hong Kong dollar ($97.3 million), Australian dollar ($88.3 million) and Japanese yen ($62.3 million).

 

At June 30, 2009, the Company had foreign currency forward contracts in the amount of $1,260.8 million.  The foreign currencies included in foreign currency forward contracts (notional value stated in U.S. dollars) are principally the British pound ($239.1 million), Euro ($212.5 million), Swiss franc ($206.8 million), Canadian dollar ($168.0 million), Hong Kong dollar ($79.4 million), Japanese yen ($76.0 million) and Australian dollar ($69.6 million).

 

F-31



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Fair-Value Hedges

 

The Company enters into interest rate derivative contracts to manage its exposure to interest rate fluctuations on its funded indebtedness and anticipated issuance of debt for periods consistent with the identified exposures.  The Company has interest rate swap agreements, with a notional amount totaling $250.0 million, to effectively convert the fixed rate interest on its 2017 Senior Notes to variable interest rates based on six-month LIBOR.  These interest rate swap agreements are designated as fair-value hedges of the related long-term debt and the changes in the fair values of the interest rate swap agreements are exactly offset by changes in the fair value of the underlying long-term debt.  As of June 30, 2010, these fair-value hedges were highly effective in all material respects.  Information regarding the Company’s interest rate swap agreements is presented in the following table:

 

 

 

Year Ended or at June 30, 2010

 

Year Ended or at June 30, 2009

 

 

 

Notional

 

Weighted Average

 

Notional

 

Weighted Average

 

($ in millions)

 

Amount

 

Pay Rate

 

Receive Rate

 

Amount

 

Pay Rate

 

Receive Rate

 

Interest rate swaps on 2017 Senior Notes

 

$

250.0

 

0.96

%

5.55

%

$

250.0

 

1.75

%

5.55

%

 

Credit Risk

 

As a matter of policy, the Company only enters into derivative contracts with counterparties that have at least an “A” (or equivalent) credit rating.  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 $57.7 million at June 30, 2010, of which 40% and 35% were attributable to two counterparties.  To manage this risk, the Company has established strict counterparty credit guidelines that are continually monitored and reported to management.  Accordingly, management believes risk of loss under these hedging contracts is remote.

 

Certain of the Company’s derivative financial instruments contain credit-risk-related contingent features.  As of June 30, 2010, the Company was in compliance with such features and there were no derivative financial instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features that were in a net liability position.

 

NOTE 12 — FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

The Company records 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.  Effective beginning in the Company’s fiscal 2010, the accounting for fair value measurements must be applied to nonrecurring nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, which principally consist of assets or liabilities acquired through business combinations, goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets and long-lived assets for purposes of calculating potential impairment, and liabilities associated with restructuring activities.  In addition, the disclosure for the accounting for the fair value measurements must be applied to the Company’s defined benefit pension plans and post-retirement benefit plans.  See Note 13 — Pension, Deferred Compensation and Post-retirement Benefit Plans.  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.

 

F-32



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, 2010:

 

(In millions)

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency forward contracts

 

$

 

$

19.1

 

$

 

$

19.1

 

Interest rate swap contracts

 

 

38.7

 

 

38.7

 

Available-for-sale securities

 

5.4

 

 

 

5.4

 

Total

 

$

5.4

 

$

57.8

 

$

 

$

63.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency forward contracts

 

$

 

$

12.5

 

$

 

$

12.5

 

 

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, 2009:

 

(In millions)

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency forward contracts

 

$

 

$

16.7

 

$

 

$

16.7

 

Interest rate swap contracts

 

 

24.5

 

 

24.5

 

Available-for-sale securities

 

5.5

 

 

 

5.5

 

Total

 

$

5.5

 

$

41.2

 

$

 

$

46.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency forward contracts

 

$

 

$

26.2

 

$

 

$

26.2

 

 

The following table presents the Company’s hierarchy as of June 30, 2010 for certain of its nonfinancial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis due to changes in circumstances that triggered interim impairment reviews and recoverability tests during fiscal 2010:

 

(In millions)

 

Impairment
charges

 

Carrying Value
June 30, 2010

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3 (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

$

16.6

 

$

28.0

 

$

 

$

 

$

28.0

 

Other intangible assets, net

 

37.9

(2)

41.4

 

 

 

41.4

 

Long-lived assets

 

2.7

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

57.2

 

$

69.4

 

$

 

$

 

$

69.4

 

 


(1)       See Note 4 — Property, Plant and Equipment and Note 5 — Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets for discussion of the valuation techniques used to measure fair value, the description of the inputs and information used to develop those inputs.

(2)       Includes $8.8 million related to the reformulation of Ojon brand products, which is included in Restructuring and other special charges in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings.

 

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

 

Cash and cash equivalents — 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 generally comprised of mutual funds and are valued using quoted market prices on an active exchange.  Available-for-sale securities are included in investments in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

F-33



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 outstanding interest rate swap contracts were determined using the market approach and were based on non-binding offers from the counterparties that are corroborated by observable market data using the income approach.  The non-binding offers represented the prices offered by the counterparties in the over-the-counter market to unwind and terminate these instruments (exclusive of accrued interest) and incorporated the counterparties’ respective overall credit exposure to the Company.  The Company performs a discounted cash flow analysis to corroborate the fair values of the non-binding offers using inputs such as swap yield curves and six-month LIBOR forward rates, which are obtained from an independent pricing service.

 

Short-term 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 estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments are as follows:

 

 

 

June 30

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

(In millions)

 

Carrying
Amount

 

Fair
Value

 

Carrying
Amount

 

Fair
Value

 

Nonderivatives

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

1,120.7

 

$

1,120.7

 

$

864.5

 

$

864.5

 

Available-for-sale securities

 

5.4

 

5.4

 

5.5

 

5.5

 

Short-term and long-term debt

 

1,228.4

 

1,325.3

 

1,421.4

 

1,425.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency forward contracts — asset (liability)

 

6.6

 

6.6

 

(9.5

)

(9.5

)

Interest rate swap contracts — asset (liability)

 

38.7

 

38.7

 

24.5

 

24.5

 

 

NOTE 13 — PENSION, DEFERRED COMPENSATION 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.  Several plans provide pension benefits based primarily on years of service and employees’ earnings.  In certain instances, the Company adjusts benefits in connection with international employee transfers.

 

Retirement Growth Account Plan (U.S.)

 

The Retirement Growth Account Plan is a trust-based, noncontributory qualified defined benefit pension plan.  The Company’s funding policy consists of contributions at a rate that provides for future plan benefits and maintains appropriate funded percentages.  Such contribution is not less than the minimum required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, (“ERISA”) and subsequent pension legislation and is not more than the maximum amount deductible for income tax purposes.

 

Restoration Plan (U.S.)

 

The Company also has an unfunded, non-qualified domestic noncontributory pension Restoration Plan to provide benefits in excess of Internal Revenue Code limitations.

 

International Pension Plans

 

The Company maintains International Pension Plans, the most significant of which are defined benefit pension plans.  The Company’s funding policies for these plans are determined by local laws and regulations.  The Company’s most significant defined benefit pension obligations are included in the plan summaries below.

 

F-34



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Post-retirement Benefits

 

The Company maintains a domestic post-retirement benefit plan which provides certain medical and dental benefits to eligible employees.  Employees hired after January 1, 2002 are not eligible for retiree medical benefits when they retire.  Certain retired employees who are receiving monthly pension benefits are eligible for participation in the plan.  Contributions required and benefits received by retirees and eligible family members are dependent on the age of the retiree.  It is the Company’s practice to fund these benefits as incurred and to provide discretionary funding for the future liability up to the maximum amount deductible for income tax purposes.

 

Certain of the Company’s international subsidiaries and affiliates have post-retirement plans, although most participants are covered by government-sponsored or administered programs.

 

Plan Summaries

 

The significant components of the above mentioned plans as of and for the years ended June 30 are summarized as follows:

 

 

 

Pension Plans

 

Other than
Pension Plans

 

 

 

U.S.

 

International

 

Post-retirement

 

(In millions)

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

Change in benefit obligation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

 

$

469.6

 

$

432.6

 

$

379.3

 

$

404.4

 

$

122.8

 

$

110.4

 

Service cost

 

22.5

 

20.9

 

17.9

 

16.3

 

3.3

 

3.6

 

Interest cost

 

29.3

 

28.1

 

19.3

 

18.1

 

8.0

 

7.6

 

Plan participant contributions

 

 

 

2.5

 

2.4

 

0.6

 

0.6

 

Actuarial loss (gain)

 

51.8

 

17.3

 

47.5

 

1.4

 

15.4

 

7.2

 

Foreign currency exchange rate impact

 

 

 

(22.7

)

(43.9

)

1.1

 

(1.6

)

Benefits, expenses, taxes and premiums paid

 

(27.6

)

(29.3

)

(23.2

)

(19.9

)

(5.4

)

(5.0

)

Plan amendments

 

 

 

(1.8

)

0.8

 

(0.8

)

 

Special termination benefits

 

 

 

1.1

 

2.4

 

 

 

Acquisitions, divestitures, adjustments

 

 

 

0.3

 

1.2

 

 

 

Settlements and curtailments

 

 

 

(6.5

)

(3.9

)

 

 

Benefit obligation at end of year

 

$

545.6

 

$

469.6

 

$

413.7

 

$

379.3

 

$

145.0

 

$

122.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in plan assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

 

$

386.5

 

$

420.0

 

$

299.0

 

$

345.7

 

$

 

$

 

Actual return on plan assets

 

72.7

 

(29.3

)

28.4

 

(31.2

)

 

 

Foreign currency exchange rate impact

 

 

 

(15.6

)

(37.1

)

 

 

Employer contributions

 

46.7

 

25.1

 

68.2

 

41.8

 

10.8

 

4.4

 

Plan participant contributions

 

 

 

2.5

 

2.4

 

0.6

 

0.6

 

Settlements and curtailments

 

 

 

(6.5

)

(3.9

)

 

 

Acquisitions, divestitures, adjustments

 

 

 

0.3

 

1.2

 

 

 

Benefits, expenses, taxes and premiums paid from plan assets

 

(27.6

)

(29.3

)

(23.2

)

(19.9

)

(5.4

)

(5.0

)

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

 

$

478.3

 

$

386.5

 

$

353.1

 

$

299.0

 

$

6.0

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Funded status

 

$

(67.3

)

$

(83.1

)

$

(60.6

)

$

(80.3

)

$

(139.0

)

$

(122.8

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts recognized in the Balance Sheet consist of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other assets

 

$

19.6

 

$

2.2

 

$

26.7

 

$

6.6

 

$

 

$

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

(8.1

)

(7.6

)

(2.0

)

(4.8

)

(0.3

)

(4.6

)

Other noncurrent liabilities

 

(78.8

)

(77.7

)

(85.3

)

(82.1

)

(138.7

)

(118.2

)

Funded status

 

(67.3

)

(83.1

)

(60.6

)

(80.3

)

(139.0

)

(122.8

)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

156.1

 

149.7

 

144.5

 

120.4

 

28.6

 

15.0

 

Net amount recognized

 

$

88.8

 

$

66.6

 

$

83.9

 

$

40.1

 

$

(110.4

)

$

(107.8

)

 

F-35



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

 

Pension Plans

 

Other than
Pension Plans

 

 

 

U.S.

 

International

 

Post-retirement

 

($ in millions)

 

2010

 

2009

 

2008

 

2010

 

2009

 

2008

 

2010

 

2009

 

2008

 

Components of net periodic benefit cost:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost, net

 

$

22.5

 

$

20.9

 

$

19.7

 

$

17.9

 

$

16.3

 

$

17.1

 

$

3.3

 

$

3.6

 

$

3.8

 

Interest cost

 

29.3

 

28.1

 

26.2

 

19.3

 

18.1

 

15.1

 

8.0

 

7.6

 

6.2

 

Expected return on assets

 

(32.4

)

(33.4

)

(31.7

)

(19.8

)

(18.8

)

(15.3

)

 

 

 

Amortization of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transition (asset) obligation

 

 

 

 

 

0.1

 

0.1

 

 

 

 

Prior service cost

 

0.8

 

0.7

 

0.7

 

2.3

 

2.3

 

0.3

 

 

 

 

Actuarial loss (gain)

 

4.1

 

1.7

 

1.7

 

1.9

 

0.6

 

5.9

 

0.6

 

0.5

 

0.1

 

Settlements and curtailments

 

 

 

 

2.7

 

1.3

 

0.7

 

 

 

 

Acquisitions, divestitures, adjustments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Special termination benefits

 

 

 

 

1.1

 

2.4

 

1.2

 

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost

 

$

24.3

 

$

18.0

 

$

16.6

 

$

25.4

 

$

22.3

 

$

25.1

 

$

11.9

 

$

11.7

 

$

10.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at June 30:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discount rate

 

5.30

%

6.50

%

6.75

%

1.25 –

8.00

%

1.75 –

8.75

%

2.00 -

9.00

%

5.30 –

9.00

%

6.50 –

9.00

%

6.25 -

6.75

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rate of compensation increase

 

4.00 -

12.00

%

4.00 -

12.00

%

4.00 -

12.00

%

2.00 -

6.00

%

1.75 -

5.50

%

1.75 -

6.00

%

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the year ended June 30:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discount rate

 

6.50

%

6.75

%

6.25

%

1.75 -

8.75

%

2.00 -

9.00

%

2.25 -

8.25

%

6.50 -

9.00

%

6.25 -

8.75

%

5.50 -

6.25

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expected return on assets

 

7.75

%

7.75

%

7.75

%

2.75 -

8.75

%

3.25 -

9.00

%

3.00 -

8.25

%

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rate of compensation increase

 

4.00 -

12.00

%

4.00 -

12.00

%

3.00 -

9.50

%

1.75 -

5.50

%

1.75 -

6.00

%

1.75 -

6.00

%

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

 

The discount rate for each plan used for determining future net periodic benefit cost is based on a review of highly rated long-term bonds.  The discount rate for the Company’s U.S. Plans is based on a bond portfolio that includes only long-term bonds with an Aa rating, or equivalent, from a major rating agency.  The Company believes the timing and amount of cash flows related to the bonds included in this portfolio is expected to match the estimated defined benefit payment streams of its U.S. Plans.  In determining the long-term rate of return for a plan, the Company considers the historical rates of return, the nature of the plan’s investments and an expectation for the plan’s investment strategies.

 

F-36



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans.  The assumed weighted-average health care cost trend rate for the coming year is 7.05% while the weighted-average ultimate trend rate of 4.56% is expected to be reached in approximately 20 years.  A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates for fiscal 2010 would have had the following effects:

 

(In millions)

 

One-Percentage-Point
Increase

 

One-Percentage-Point
Decrease

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect on total service and interest costs

 

$

1.1

 

$

(1.0

)

Effect on post-retirement benefit obligations

 

$

9.4

 

$

(9.0

)

 

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss (before tax) as of June 30, 2010 are as follows:

 

 

 

Pension Plans

 

Other than
Pension Plans

 

 

 

(In millions)

 

U.S.

 

International

 

Post-retirement

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net actuarial (gains) losses, beginning of year

 

$

143.8

 

$

94.2

 

$

15.1

 

$

253.1

 

Actuarial (gains) losses recognized

 

11.3

 

38.9

 

15.4

 

65.6

 

Amortization of amounts included in net periodic benefit cost

 

(4.1

)

(4.6

)

(0.6

)

(9.3

)

Translation adjustments

 

 

(3.5

)

(0.4

)

(3.9

)

Net actuarial (gains) losses, end of year

 

151.0

 

125.0

 

29.5

 

305.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net prior service cost (credit), beginning of year

 

5.9

 

26.3

 

(0.1

)

32.1

 

Prior service cost (credit) recognized

 

 

(1.8

)

(0.8

)

(2.6

)

Amortization of amounts included in net periodic benefit cost

 

(0.8

)

(2.3

)

 

(3.1

)

Translation adjustments

 

 

(2.6

)

 

(2.6

)

Net prior service cost (credit), end of year

 

5.1

 

19.6

 

(0.9

)

23.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net transition obligation (asset), beginning of year

 

 

(0.1

)

 

(0.1

)

Amortization of amounts included in net periodic benefit cost

 

 

 

 

 

Net transition obligation (asset), end of year

 

 

(0.1

)

 

(0.1

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss

 

$

156.1

 

$

144.5

 

$

28.6

 

$

329.2

 

 

Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss expected to be amortized as components of net periodic benefit cost during fiscal 2011 are as follows:

 

 

 

Pension Plans

 

Other than
Pension Plans

 

(In millions)

 

U.S.

 

International

 

Post-retirement

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prior service cost

 

$

0.7

 

$

1.9

 

$

(0.1

)

Net actuarial loss

 

$

9.7

 

$

5.6

 

$

1.7

 

 

F-37



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for the Company’s pension plans at June 30 are as follows:

 

 

 

Pension Plans

 

 

 

Retirement Growth
Account

 

Restoration

 

International

 

(In millions)

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Projected benefit obligation

 

$

458.7

 

$

384.3

 

$

86.9

 

$

85.3

 

$

413.7

 

$

379.3

 

Accumulated benefit obligation

 

$

405.5

 

$

334.6

 

$

71.3

 

$

69.4

 

$

362.6

 

$

331.7

 

Fair value of plan assets

 

$

478.3

 

$

386.5

 

$

 

$

 

$

353.1

 

$

299.0

 

 

International pension plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of the plans’ assets had aggregate projected benefit obligations of $158.0 million and $269.6 million and aggregate fair value of plan assets of $70.6 million and $182.6 million at June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  International pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of the plans’ assets had aggregate accumulated benefit obligations of $113.3 million and $104.9 million and aggregate fair value of plan assets of $51.0 million and $44.3 million at June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

 

 

 

Pension Plans

 

Other Than
Pension Plans

 

(In millions)

 

U.S.

 

International

 

Post-retirement

 

Expected Cash Flows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expected employer contributions for year ending June 30, 2011

 

$

 

$

21.4

 

$

 

Expected benefit payments for year ending June 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2011

 

41.8

 

17.5

 

5.7

 

2012

 

42.1

 

18.5

 

6.3

 

2013

 

40.0

 

17.7

 

7.0

 

2014

 

33.8

 

17.0

 

7.6

 

2015

 

34.2

 

17.5

 

8.3

 

Years 2016 - 2020

 

172.6

 

102.6

 

56.3

 

 

Plan Assets

 

The Company’s investment strategy for its pension and post-retirement plan assets is to maintain a diversified portfolio of asset classes with the primary goal of meeting long-term cash requirements as they become due.  Assets are primarily invested in diversified funds that hold equity or debt securities to maintain the security of the funds while maximizing the returns within each plan’s investment policy.  The investment policy for each plan specifies the type of investment vehicles appropriate for the plan, asset allocation guidelines, criteria for selection of investment managers, procedures to monitor overall investment performance, as well as investment manager performance.

 

 

 

Pension Plans

 

Other Than
Pension Plans

 

 

 

U.S.

 

International

 

Post-retirement

 

Target Asset Allocation at June 30, 2010:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity

 

42

%

20

%

42

%

Debt securities

 

34

%

52

%

34

%

Other

 

24

%

28

%

24

%

 

 

100

%

100

%

100

%

 

F-38



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for plan assets measured at fair value:

 

Short-term investment funds - The fair value is determined using the Net Asset Value (“NAV”) provided by the administrator of the fund.  The NAV is based on the value of the underlying assets owned by the fund, minus its liabilities, and then divided by the number of shares outstanding.  The NAV is a quoted price in a market that is not active and is primarily classified as Level 2.

 

Government and agency securities - When quoted prices are available in an active market, the investments are classified as Level 1.  When quoted market prices are not available in an active market, the investments are classified as Level 2.

 

Equity securities -The fair values reflect the closing price reported on a major market where the individual securities are traded.  These investments are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy.

 

Debt instruments - The fair values are based on a compilation of primarily observable market information or a broker quote in a non-active market.  These investments are primarily classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

 

Commingled funds - The fair values are determined using NAV provided by the administrator of the fund.  The NAV is based on the value of the underlying assets owned by the trust/entity, minus its liabilities, and then divided by the number of shares outstanding.  These investments are generally classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

 

Insurance contracts - The instruments are issued by insurance companies.  The fair value is based on negotiated value and the underlying investment held in separate account portfolios as well as considering the credit worthiness of the issuer.  The underlying investments are government, asset-backed and fixed income securities.  Insurance contracts are generally classified as Level 3 as there are no quoted prices nor other observable inputs for pricing.

 

Interests in limited partnerships and hedge fund investments - One limited partnership investment and one hedge fund was valued using the NAV provided by the administrator of the partnership/fund.  The NAV is based on the value of the underlying assets owned by the partnership/fund, minus its liabilities, and then divided by the number of shares outstanding.  These investments are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.  All other limited partnership investments and hedge fund investments are private equity funds and the fair values are determined by the fund managers based on the estimated value of the various holdings of the fund portfolio.  These investments are classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.

 

The following table presents the fair values of the Company’s pension and post-retirement plan assets by asset category as of June 30, 2010:

 

 

 

Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets

 

Significant Other
Observable Inputs

 

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

 

 

 

(In millions)

 

(Level 1)

 

(Level 2)

 

(Level 3)

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term investment funds

 

$

52.6

 

$

46.4

 

$

 

$

99.0

 

Government agency securities

 

 

32.4

 

 

32.4

 

Debt instruments

 

 

86.2

 

 

86.2

 

Equity securities

 

12.4

 

 

 

12.4

 

Commingled funds

 

 

428.7

 

68.7

 

497.4

 

Insurance contracts

 

 

 

32.0

 

32.0

 

Limited partnerships and hedge fund investments

 

 

 

78.0

 

78.0

 

Total

 

$

65.0

 

$

593.7

 

$

178.7

 

$

837.4

 

 

F-39



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The following table presents the changes in Level 3 plan assets for the year ended June 30, 2010:

 

(In millions)

 

Commingled
Funds

 

Insurance
Contracts

 

Limited
Partnerships and
Hedge Fund
Investments

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of June 30, 2009

 

$

19.1

 

$

34.3

 

$

65.0

 

$

118.4

 

Actual return on plan assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Relating to assets still held at the reporting date

 

4.9

 

 

10.9

 

15.8

 

Relating to assets sold during the year

 

(3.7

)

2.1

 

 

(1.6

)

Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net

 

53.1

 

0.5

 

2.1

 

55.7

 

Foreign exchange impact

 

(4.7

)

(4.9

)

 

(9.6

)

Balance as of June 30, 2010

 

$

68.7

 

$

32.0

 

$

78.0

 

$

178.7

 

 

401(k) Savings Plan (U.S.)

 

The Company’s 401(k) Savings Plan (“Savings Plan”) is a contributory defined contribution plan covering substantially all regular U.S. employees who have completed the hours and service requirements, as defined by the plan document.  Regular full-time employees are eligible to participate in the Savings Plan thirty days following their date of hire.  The Savings Plan is subject to the applicable provisions of ERISA.  The Company matches a portion of the participant’s contributions after one year of service under a predetermined formula based on the participant’s contribution level.  The Company’s contributions were $20.8 million, $20.5 million and $18.7 million for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  Shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock are not an investment option in the Savings Plan and the Company does not use such shares to match participants’ contributions.

 

Deferred Compensation

 

The Company accrues for deferred compensation and interest thereon, and for the increase in the value of share units pursuant to agreements with certain key executives and outside directors.  The amounts included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets under these plans were $61.2 million and $66.4 million as of June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The expense for fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $1.7 million, $5.4 million and $9.2 million, respectively.

 

F-40



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 14 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Contractual Obligations

 

The following table summarizes scheduled maturities of the Company’s contractual obligations for which cash flows are fixed and determinable as of June 30, 2010:

 

 

 

 

 

Payments Due in Fiscal

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

2011

 

2012

 

2013

 

2014

 

2015

 

Thereafter

 

 

 

(In millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debt service (1)

 

$

2,072.6

 

$

84.1

 

$

188.7

 

$

67.2

 

$

277.5

 

$

35.1

 

$

1,420.0

 

Operating lease commitments (2)

 

1,203.3

 

200.2

 

175.7

 

152.3

 

131.9

 

115.8

 

427.4

 

Unconditional purchase obligations (3)

 

2,212.9

 

1,302.3

 

214.6

 

204.1

 

94.8

 

96.2

 

300.9

 

Gross unrecognized tax benefits and interest — current (4)

 

41.3

 

41.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total contractual obligations

 

$

5,530.1

 

$

1,627.9

 

$

579.0

 

$

423.6

 

$

504.2

 

$

247.1

 

$

2,148.3

 

 


(1)         Includes long-term and short-term debt and the related projected interest costs, and to a lesser extent, capital lease commitments.  Interest costs on long-term and short-term debt are projected to be $60.6 million in fiscal 2011, $60.8 million in fiscal 2012, $53.6 million in fiscal 2013, $44.0 million in fiscal 2014, $35.0 million in fiscal 2015 and $619.8 million thereafter.  Projected interest costs on variable rate instruments were calculated using market rates at June 30, 2010.  Refer to Note 10 — Debt.

(2)         Minimum operating lease commitments only include base rent.  Certain leases provide for contingent rents that are not measurable at inception and primarily include rents based on a percentage of sales in excess of stipulated levels, as well as common area maintenance.  These amounts are excluded from minimum operating lease commitments and are included in the determination of total rent expense when it is probable that the expense has been incurred and the amount is reasonably measurable.  Such amounts have not been material to total rent expense.  Total rental expense included in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings was $272.8 million in fiscal 2010, $250.6 million in fiscal 2009 and $230.8 million in fiscal 2008.

(3)         Unconditional purchase obligations primarily include inventory commitments, estimated future earn-out payments, estimated royalty payments pursuant to license agreements, advertising commitments, capital improvement commitments, planned funding of pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations, commitments pursuant to executive compensation arrangements, obligations related to the Company’s cost savings initiatives and acquisitions.  Future earn-out payments and future royalty and advertising commitments were estimated based on planned future sales for the term that was in effect at June 30, 2010, without consideration for potential renewal periods.

(4)    Refer to Note 8 — Income Taxes for information regarding unrecognized tax benefits.  During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company made a cash payment of $20.5 million to the U.S. Treasury as an advance deposit, which is not reflected as a reduction to the $41.3 million.  As of June 30, 2010, the noncurrent portion of the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits, including related accrued interest and penalties was $152.7 million.  At this time, the settlement period for the noncurrent portion of the unrecognized tax benefits, including related accrued interest and penalties, cannot be determined and therefore was not included.

 

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 or financial condition.  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.

 

NOTE 15 — COMMON STOCK

 

As of June 30, 2010, the Company’s authorized common stock consists of 650 million shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, and 240 million shares of Class B Common Stock, par value $.01 per share.  Class B Common Stock is convertible into Class A Common Stock, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time at the option of the holder, on the basis of one share of Class A Common Stock for each share of Class B Common Stock converted.  Holders of the Company’s Class A Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share and holders of the Company’s Class B Common Stock are entitled to ten votes per share.

 

F-41



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Information about the Company’s common stock outstanding is as follows:

 

 

 

Class A

 

Class B

 

 

 

(Shares in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2007

 

112,523.4

 

81,804.8

 

Acquisition of treasury stock

 

(3,106.3

)

 

Conversion of Class B to Class A

 

3,737.5

 

(3,737.5

)

Stock-based compensation

 

3,685.2

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2008

 

116,839.8

 

78,067.3

 

Acquisition of treasury stock

 

(1,401.2

)

 

Stock-based compensation

 

3,188.3

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2009

 

118,626.9

 

78,067.3

 

Acquisition of treasury stock

 

(4,901.9

)

 

Conversion of Class B to Class A

 

985.3

 

(985.3

)

Stock-based compensation

 

5,931.3

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2010

 

120,641.6

 

77,082.0

 

 

The Company is authorized by the Board of Directors to repurchase up to 88.0 million shares of Class A Common Stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, depending on market conditions and other factors.  As of June 30, 2010, the cumulative total of acquired shares pursuant to the authorization was 70.0 million, reducing the remaining authorized share repurchase balance to 18.0 million.

 

NOTE 16 — STOCK PROGRAMS

 

As of June 30, 2010, the Company has two active equity compensation plans which include the Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (the “Fiscal 2002 Plan”) and the Non-Employee Director Share Incentive Plan (collectively, the “Plans”).  These Plans currently provide for the issuance of 24,767,300 shares of Class A Common Stock, which consist of shares originally provided for and shares transferred to the Fiscal 2002 Plan from other inactive plans and employment agreements, to be granted in the form of stock-based awards to key employees, consultants and non-employee directors of the Company.  As of June 30, 2010, approximately 7,798,100 shares of Class A Common Stock were reserved and available to be granted pursuant to these Plans.  The Company may satisfy the obligation of its stock-based compensation awards with either new or treasury shares.  The Company’s equity compensation awards outstanding at June 30, 2010 include stock options, performance share units (“PSU”), restricted stock units (“RSU”) and share units.

 

Total net stock-based compensation expense is attributable to the granting of, and the remaining requisite service periods of, stock options, PSUs, RSUs and share units.  Compensation expense attributable to net stock-based compensation for fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $57.0 million ($38.0 million after tax), $51.5 million ($34.3 million after tax) and $47.2 million ($31.2 million after tax), respectively.  As of June 30, 2010, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock-based awards was $36.0 million and the related weighted-average period over which it is expected to be recognized is approximately 1.6 years.

 

F-42



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Stock Options

 

A summary of the Company’s stock option programs as of June 30, 2010 and changes during the fiscal year then ended, is presented below:

 

(Shares in thousands)

 

Shares

 

Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price Per Share

 

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(1)
(in millions)

 

Weighted- Average
Contractual Life
Remaining in Years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at June 30, 2009

 

18,914.7

 

$

43.50

 

 

 

 

 

Granted at fair value

 

2,169.5

 

34.30

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(5,341.4

)

38.38

 

 

 

 

 

Expired

 

(5,608.3

)

51.43

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

(50.9

)

40.88

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at June 30, 2010

 

10,083.6

 

39.84

 

$

160.3

 

6.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercisable at June 30, 2010

 

6,404.0

 

39.22

 

$

105.7

 

4.6

 

 


(1)  The intrinsic value of a stock option is the amount by which the market value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the option.

 

The exercise period for all stock options generally may not exceed ten years from the date of grant.  Stock option grants to individuals generally become exercisable in three substantively equal tranches over a service period of up to four years.  The Company attributes the value of option awards on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award as if the award was, in substance, multiple awards.

 

The per-share weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted during fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $10.64, $17.30 and $14.36, respectively.  The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $91.8 million, $24.7 million and $33.2 million, respectively.

 

The fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:

 

 

 

Year Ended June 30

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2008

 

Weighted-average expected stock-price volatility

 

30%

 

28%

 

25%

 

Weighted-average expected option life

 

8 years

 

8 years

 

8 years

 

Average risk-free interest rate

 

3.1%

 

3.4%

 

4.5%

 

Average dividend yield

 

2.0%

 

1.2%

 

1.2%

 

 

The Company uses a weighted-average expected stock-price volatility assumption that is a combination of both current and historical implied volatilities of the underlying stock which are obtained from public data sources.  For the weighted-average expected option life assumption, the Company considers the exercise behavior of past grants and models the pattern of aggregate exercises.  The average risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury strip rate for the expected term of the options and the average dividend yield is based on historical experience.

 

F-43



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Performance Share Units

 

During fiscal 2010, the Company granted 165,300 PSUs, which will be settled in stock subject to the achievement of the Company’s net sales, net earnings per share and return on invested capital goals for the three fiscal years ending June 30, 2012.  Settlement will be made pursuant to a range of opportunities relative to the net sales and diluted net earnings per common share targets of the Company and, as such, the compensation cost of the PSU is subject to adjustment based upon the attainability of these target goals.  No settlement will occur for results below the applicable minimum threshold and additional shares shall be issued if performance exceeds the targeted performance goals.  Certain PSUs are accompanied by dividend equivalent rights that will be payable in cash upon settlement of the PSU.  Other PSUs granted in fiscal 2010 are not accompanied by dividend equivalent rights and, as such, were valued at the closing market value of the Company’s Class A Common Stock on the date of grant less the discounted present value of the dividends expected to be paid on the shares during the vesting period.  These awards are subject to the provisions of the agreement under which the PSUs are granted.  The PSUs were valued at the closing market value of the Company’s Class A Common Stock on the date of grant and generally vest at the end of the performance period.  Approximately 47,500 shares of Class A Common Stock are anticipated to be issued, relative to the target goals set at the time of issuance, in settlement of the 93,200 PSUs that vested as of June 30, 2010.  In September 2009, 31,100 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 issuance, in settlement of 96,100 PSUs which vested as of June 30, 2009.

 

The following is a summary of the status of the Company’s PSUs as of June 30, 2010 and activity during the fiscal year then ended:

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-Average

 

 

 

 

 

Grant Date

 

(Shares in thousands)

 

Shares

 

Fair Value Per Share

 

Nonvested at June 30, 2009

 

224.2

 

$

48.57

 

Granted

 

165.3

 

33.42

 

Vested

 

(93.2

)

42.58

 

Forfeited

 

 

 

Nonvested at June 30, 2010

 

296.3

 

42.00

 

 

Restricted Stock Units

 

The Company granted approximately 979,800 RSUs during fiscal 2010 which, at the time of grant, were scheduled to vest as follows: 39,800 on July 1, 2010, 487,600 on November 1, 2010, 39,800 on July 2, 2011, 272,600 on October 31, 2011, 39,800 on July 2, 2012 and 100,200 on October 31, 2012, all subject to the continued employment or retirement of the grantees.  Certain RSUs granted in fiscal 2010 are accompanied by dividend equivalent rights that will be payable in cash upon settlement of the RSU and, as such, were valued at the closing market value of the Company’s Class A Common Stock on the date of grant.  Other RSUs granted in fiscal 2010 are not accompanied by dividend equivalent rights and, as such, were valued at the closing market value of the Company’s Class A Common Stock on the date of grant less the discounted present value of the dividends expected to be paid on the shares during the vesting period.

 

The following is a summary of the status of the Company’s RSUs as of June 30, 2010 and activity during the fiscal year then ended:

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-Average

 

 

 

 

 

Grant Date

 

(Shares in thousands)

 

Shares

 

Fair Value Per Share

 

Nonvested at June 30, 2009

 

922.5

 

$

48.31

 

Granted

 

979.8

 

33.50

 

Vested

 

(558.8

)

47.48

 

Forfeited

 

(42.6

)

39.85

 

Nonvested at June 30, 2010

 

1,300.9

 

37.79

 

 

F-44



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Share Units

 

The Company grants share units to certain non-employee directors under the Non-Employee Director Share Incentive Plan.  The share units are convertible into shares of Class A Common Stock as provided for in that plan.  Share units are accompanied by dividend equivalent rights that are converted to additional share units when such dividends are declared.  The following is a summary of the status of the Company’s share units as of June 30, 2010 and activity during the fiscal year then ended:

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-Average

 

 

 

 

 

Grant Date

 

(Shares in thousands)

 

Shares

 

Fair Value Per Share

 

Outstanding at June 30, 2009

 

22.6

 

$

38.02

 

Granted

 

3.5

 

46.63

 

Dividend equivalents

 

0.3

 

49.54

 

Converted

 

 

 

Outstanding at June 30, 2010

 

26.4

 

39.27

 

 

Cash Units

 

Certain non-employee directors defer cash compensation in the form of cash payout share units, which are not subject to the Plans.  These share units are classified as liabilities and, as such, their fair value is adjusted to reflect the current market value of the Company’s Class A Common Stock.  The Company recorded $2.3 million as compensation expense, $0.3 million as compensation income and $0.5 million as compensation expense to reflect additional deferrals and the change in the market value for fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 

NOTE 17 — 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.

 

A reconciliation between the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted EPS computations is as follows:

 

 

 

Year Ended June 30

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

 

(In millions, except per share data)

 

Numerator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings attributable to The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

 

$

478.3

 

$

218.4

 

$

473.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding — Basic

 

197.7

 

196.3

 

193.9

 

Effect of dilutive stock options

 

2.2

 

0.8

 

2.6

 

Effect of restricted stock units and performance share units

 

0.8

 

0.6

 

0.6

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding — Diluted

 

200.7

 

197.7

 

197.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

2.42

 

$

1.11

 

$

2.44

 

Diluted

 

2.38

 

1.10

 

2.40

 

 

F-45



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

As of June 30, 2010, outstanding stock options that were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive were de minimis.  As of June 30, 2009 and 2008, outstanding options to purchase 18.7 million and 7.1 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 June 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008, 0.3 million, 0.2 million and 0.2 million, respectively, of performance share units 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 16 — Stock Programs.

 

NOTE 18 — ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

The components of Accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets consist of the following:

 

 

 

Year Ended June 30

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

 

(In millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net unrealized investment gains, beginning of year

 

$

(0.2

)

$

0.3

 

$

0.8

 

Unrealized investment gains (losses)

 

0.6

 

(0.8

)

(0.9

)

Benefit (provision) for deferred income taxes

 

(0.2

)

0.3

 

0.4

 

Net unrealized investment gains, end of year

 

0.2

 

(0.2

)

0.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net derivative instruments, beginning of year

 

1.5

 

7.9

 

8.2

 

Gain (loss) on derivative instruments

 

(0.2

)

16.5

 

(4.7

)

Benefit (provision) for deferred income taxes on derivative instruments

 

(0.1

)

(5.8

)

1.6

 

Reclassification to earnings during the year:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency forward and option contracts

 

20.3

 

(26.1

)

4.4

 

Settled interest rate-related derivatives

 

(0.2

)

(0.3

)

(0.2

)

Benefit (provision) for deferred income taxes on reclassification

 

(7.0

)

9.3

 

(1.4

)

Net derivative instruments, end of year

 

14.3

 

1.5

 

7.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net pension and post-retirement adjustments, beginning of year

 

(190.7

)

(108.8

)

(67.4

)

Changes in plan assets and benefit obligations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net actuarial gains (losses) recognized

 

(65.6

)

(138.5

)

(38.2

)

Net prior service credit (cost) recognized

 

2.6

 

(0.7

)

(34.0

)

Translation adjustments

 

6.5

 

8.7

 

(0.3

)

Amortization of amounts included in net periodic benefit cost:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net actuarial (gains) losses

 

9.3

 

4.1

 

8.4

 

Net prior service cost (credit)

 

3.1

 

3.0

 

1.0

 

Net transition asset (obligation)

 

 

 

0.1

 

Benefit (provision) for deferred income taxes

 

17.2

 

41.5

 

21.6

 

Net pension and post-retirement adjustments, end of year

 

(217.6

)

(190.7

)

(108.8

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cumulative translation adjustments, beginning of year

 

72.3

 

211.4

 

113.1

 

Translation adjustments

 

(65.5

)

(138.4

)

103.7

 

Benefit (provision) for deferred income taxes

 

(0.4

)

(0.7

)

(5.4

)

Cumulative translation adjustments, end of year

 

6.4

 

72.3

 

211.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 

$

(196.7

)

$

(117.1

)

$

110.8

 

 

Of the $14.3 million, net of tax, derivative instrument gain recorded in AOCI at June 30, 2010, $8.6 million, net of tax, related to the October 2003 gain from the settlement of the treasury lock agreements upon the issuance of the Company’s 5.75% Senior Notes due October 2033, which is being reclassified to earnings as an offset to interest expense over the life of the debt.  Also included in the net derivative instrument gain recorded in OCI was $6.3 million in gains, net of tax, related to foreign currency forward and option contracts which the Company will reclassify to earnings during the next twelve months.  These gains were partially offset by $0.6 million, net of tax, related to a loss from the settlement of a series of forward-starting interest rate swap agreements upon the issuance of the Company’s 6.00% Senior Notes due May 2037, which will be reclassified to earnings as an addition to interest expense over the life of the debt.

 

Refer to Note 13 — Pension, Deferred Compensation and Post-retirement Benefit Plans for the discussion regarding the net pension and post-retirement adjustments.

 

F-46



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 19 — STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

 

Supplemental cash flow information for fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008 is as follows:

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

 

(In millions)

 

Cash:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during the year for interest

 

$

106.0

 

$

77.2

 

$

74.1

 

Cash paid during the year for income taxes

 

$

265.2

 

$

230.2

 

$

249.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt issued upon acquisition of business

 

$

 

$

 

$

23.9

 

Incremental tax benefit from the exercise of stock options

 

$

(21.3

)

$

(7.8

)

$

10.9

 

Change in liability associated with acquisition of business

 

$

7.0

 

$

5.9

 

$

8.3

 

Capital lease obligations incurred

 

$

22.5

 

$

15.5

 

$

9.7

 

Accrued dividend equivalents

 

$

0.2

 

$

0.1

 

$

0.2

 

Interest rate swap derivative mark to market

 

$

14.2

 

$

13.6

 

$

19.5

 

 

NOTE 20 — 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.  As a result of the similarities in the manufacturing, marketing and distribution processes for all of the Company’s products, much of the information provided in the consolidated financial statements is similar to, or the same as, that reviewed on a regular basis by the Chief Executive.  Although the Company operates in one business segment, beauty products, management also evaluates performance on a product category basis.

 

While the Company’s results of operations are also reviewed on a consolidated basis, the Chief Executive reviews data segmented on a basis that facilitates comparison to industry statistics.  Accordingly, net sales, depreciation and amortization, and operating income are available with respect to the manufacture and distribution of skin care, makeup, fragrance, hair care and other products.  These product categories meet the definition of operating segments and, accordingly, additional financial data are provided below.  The “other” segment includes the sales and related results of ancillary products and services that do not fit the definition of skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care.

 

Product category performance is measured based upon net sales before returns associated with restructuring activities, and earnings before income taxes, net interest expense, interest expense on debt extinguishment and total charges associated with restructuring activities.  Returns and charges associated with restructuring activities are not allocated to the product categories because they result from activities that are deemed a company-wide program to redesign the Company’s organizational structure.  The accounting policies for the Company’s reportable segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies, except for depreciation and amortization charges, which are allocated, primarily, based upon net sales.  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.

 

F-47



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

 

Year Ended June 30

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

 

(In millions)

 

PRODUCT CATEGORY DATA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Skin Care

 

$

3,227.1

 

$

2,886.0

 

$

2,996.8

 

Makeup

 

2,978.2

 

2,830.9

 

3,000.4

 

Fragrance

 

1,136.9

 

1,150.9

 

1,432.0

 

Hair Care

 

413.9

 

402.4

 

427.1

 

Other

 

55.4

 

61.7

 

54.5

 

 

 

7,811.5

 

7,331.9

 

7,910.8

 

Returns associated with restructuring activities

 

(15.7

)

(8.1

)

 

 

 

$

7,795.8

 

$

7,323.8

 

$

7,910.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and Amortization:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Skin Care

 

$

104.4

 

$

93.8

 

$

88.5

 

Makeup

 

110.3

 

100.0

 

94.6

 

Fragrance

 

37.2

 

38.6

 

45.2

 

Hair Care

 

10.8

 

19.1

 

20.3

 

Other

 

1.0

 

2.5

 

2.1

 

 

 

$

263.7

 

$

254.0

 

$

250.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill, Other Intangible Asset and Long-Lived Asset Impairments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Skin Care

 

$

11.0

 

$

36.4

 

$

 

Makeup

 

1.0

 

4.1

 

14.0

 

Fragrance

 

0.5

 

12.8

 

 

Hair Care

 

35.9

 

9.4

 

 

Other

 

 

0.4

 

 

 

 

$

48.4

 

$

63.1

 

$

14.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Income (Loss) before total charges associated with restructuring activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Skin Care

 

$

434.3

 

$

294.1

 

$

405.6

 

Makeup

 

416.8

 

279.8

 

359.4

 

Fragrance

 

26.3

 

(60.8

)

36.2

 

Hair Care

 

(6.2

)

1.1

 

11.5

 

Other

 

3.4

 

(4.1

)

(1.6

)

 

 

874.6

 

510.1

 

811.1

 

Reconciliation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total charges associated with restructuring activities (1)

 

(84.7

)

(91.7

)

(0.4

)

Interest expense, net

 

(74.3

)

(75.7

)

(66.8

)

Interest expense on debt extinguishment

 

(27.3

)

 

 

Earnings before income taxes

 

$

688.3

 

$

342.7

 

$

743.9

 

 


(1)   Includes $8.8 million of impairment charges related to the reformulation of Ojon brand products.

 

F-48



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

 

Year Ended or at June 30

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

 

(In millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GEOGRAPHIC DATA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Americas

 

$

3,442.1

 

$

3,421.2

 

$

3,711.5

 

Europe, the Middle East & Africa

 

2,859.3

 

2,611.3

 

3,006.7

 

Asia/Pacific

 

1,510.1

 

1,299.4

 

1,192.6

 

 

 

7,811.5

 

7,331.9

 

7,910.8

 

Returns associated with restructuring activities

 

(15.7

)

(8.1

)

 

 

 

$

7,795.8

 

$

7,323.8

 

$

7,910.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Income (Loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Americas

 

$

161.5

 

$

115.2

 

$

228.3

 

Europe, the Middle East & Africa

 

500.8

 

229.7

 

433.1

 

Asia/Pacific

 

212.3

 

165.2

 

149.7

 

 

 

874.6

 

510.1

 

811.1

 

Total charges associated with restructuring activities

 

(84.7

)

(91.7

)

(0.4

)

 

 

$

789.9

 

$

418.4

 

$

810.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Americas

 

$

3,237.3

 

$

3,261.4

 

$

2,931.0

 

Europe, the Middle East & Africa

 

1,600.0

 

1,497.2

 

1,672.0

 

Asia/Pacific

 

498.3

 

418.0

 

408.2

 

 

 

$

5,335.6

 

$

5,176.6

 

$

5,011.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-Lived Assets (property, plant and equipment, net):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Americas

 

$

702.6

 

$

682.2

 

$

670.8

 

Europe, the Middle East & Africa

 

258.3

 

291.1

 

312.3

 

Asia/Pacific

 

62.7

 

53.4

 

60.0

 

 

 

$

1,023.6

 

$

1,026.7

 

$

1,043.1

 

 

The Company is domiciled in the United States.  Net sales in the United States in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008 were $2,992.7 million, $3,020.4 million and $3,276.2 million, respectively.  The Company’s long-lived assets in the United States at June 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008 were $630.1 million, $612.3 million and $597.8 million, respectively.

 

F-49



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 21 — UNAUDITED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA

 

The following summarizes the unaudited quarterly operating results of the Company for the years ended June 30, 2010 and 2009:

 

 

 

Quarter Ended

 

 

 

 

 

September 30 (1)

 

December 31 (2)

 

March 31 (3)

 

June 30 (4)

 

Total Year

 

 

 

(In millions, except per share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Sales

 

$

1,833.4

 

$

2,262.3

 

$

1,860.0

 

$

1,840.1

 

$

7,795.8

 

Gross Profit

 

1,388.3

 

1,736.9

 

1,415.4

 

1,425.8

 

5,966.4

 

Operating Income

 

220.4

 

399.6

 

126.3

 

43.6

 

789.9

 

Net Earnings Attributable to The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

 

140.7

 

256.2

 

57.5

 

23.9

 

478.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

.72

 

1.30

 

.29

 

.12

 

2.42

 

Diluted

 

.71

 

1.28

 

.28

 

.12

 

2.38

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Sales

 

$

1,903.5

 

$

2,041.0

 

$

1,696.5

 

$

1,682.8

 

$

7,323.8

 

Gross Profit

 

1,403.4

 

1,533.0

 

1,250.1

 

1,255.7

 

5,442.2

 

Operating Income (loss)

 

92.5

 

270.3

 

70.3

 

(14.7

)

418.4

 

Net Earnings (loss) Attributable to The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

 

51.1

 

158.0

 

27.2

 

(17.9

)

218.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

.26

 

.80

 

.14

 

(.09

)

1.11

 

Diluted

 

.26

 

.80

 

.14

 

(.09

)

1.10

 

 


(1)       Fiscal 2010 first quarter results include charges associated with restructuring activities of $42.3 million ($27.3 million after tax, or $.14 per diluted common share).

 

(2)       Fiscal 2010 second quarter results include charges associated with restructuring activities of $0.3 million and goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges of $45.6 million ($29.7 million after tax, or $.14 per diluted common share).

 

(3)       Fiscal 2010 third quarter results include charges associated with restructuring activities of $16.5 million ($11.4 after tax, or $.06 per diluted common share).  Fiscal 2009 third quarter results include other intangible asset impairment charges of $14.6 million ($13.8 million after tax, or $.07 per diluted common share) and restructuring and other special charges of $6.2 million ($4.2 million after tax, or $.02 per diluted common share).

 

(4)       Fiscal 2010 fourth quarter results include charges associated with restructuring activities of $25.6 million ($16.8 million after tax, or $.08 per diluted common share), other intangible asset and long-lived asset impairment charges of $2.8 million ($1.8 million after tax, or $.01 per diluted common share), and interest expense on debt extinguishment of $27.3 million ($17.5 million after tax, or $.09 per diluted common share).  Fiscal 2009 fourth quarter results include charges associated with restructuring activities of $85.1 million ($57.2 million after tax, or $.29 per diluted common share), goodwill, other intangible asset and long-lived asset impairment charges of $48.5 million ($32.1 million after tax, or $.16 per diluted common share), and certain out-of-period adjustments of $9.6 million ($3.9 million after tax, or $.02 per diluted common share).

 

NOTE 22 — SUBSEQUENT EVENT

 

On July 1, 2010, the Company acquired Smashbox Beauty Cosmetics, a privately held, photo studio inspired prestige cosmetics company based in Los Angeles.

 

F-50



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

Three Years Ended June 30, 2010

(In millions)

 

COL. A

 

COL. B

 

COL. C

 

COL. D

 

COL. E

 

 

 

 

 

Additions

 

 

 

 

 

Description

 

Balance
at Beginning
of Period

 

(1)
Charged to
Costs and
Expenses

 

(2)
Charged to
Other
Accounts

 

Deductions

 

Balance
at End of
Period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reserves deducted in the balance sheet from the assets to which they apply:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts and customer deductions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended June 30, 2010

 

$

41.4

 

$

8.7

 

$

 

$

15.8

(a)

$

34.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended June 30, 2009

 

$

26.3

 

$

29.2

 

$

 

$

14.1

(a)

$

41.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended June 30, 2008

 

$

23.3

 

$

13.2

 

$

 

$

10.2

(a)

$

26.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales return accrual:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended June 30, 2010

 

$

77.6

 

$

371.5

 

$

 

$

376.5

(b)

$

72.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended June 30, 2009

 

$

90.3

 

$

350.9

 

$

 

$

363.6

(b)

$

77.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended June 30, 2008

 

$

77.5

 

$

372.0

 

$

 

$

359.2

(b)

$

90.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred tax valuation allowance:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended June 30, 2010

 

$

23.5

 

$

18.6

 

$

 

$

3.6

 

$

38.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended June 30, 2009

 

$

7.2

 

$

18.0

 

$

 

$

1.7

 

$

23.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended June 30, 2008

 

$

4.3

 

$

5.7

 

$

 

$

2.8

 

$

7.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued restructuring and other special charges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended June 30, 2010

 

$

54.9

 

$

48.8

 

$

 

$

72.6

 

$

31.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended June 30, 2009

 

$

22.8

 

$

70.3

 

$

 

$

38.2

 

$

54.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended June 30, 2008

 

$

39.9

 

$

0.4

 

$

 

$

17.5

 

$

22.8

 

 


(a)           Includes amounts written-off, net of recoveries.

(b)          Represents actual returns.

 

S-1



Table of Contents

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description

3.1

 

Restated Certificate of Incorporation, dated November 16, 1995 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on September 15, 2003) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

3.2

 

Certificate of Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on January 27, 2000) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

3.3

 

Certificate of Designations for the Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on January 29, 2004) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

3.4

 

Amended and Restated Bylaws (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 12, 2009) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

4.1

 

Indenture, dated November 5, 1999, between the Company and State Street Bank and Trust Company, N.A. (filed as Exhibit 4 to Amendment No. 1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-85947) filed on November 5, 1999) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

4.2

 

Officers’ Certificate, dated January 10, 2002, defining certain terms of the 6% Senior Notes due 2012 (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on January 31, 2002) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

4.3

 

Global Note for the 6% Senior Notes due 2012 (filed as Exhibit 4.3 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on January 31, 2002) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

4.4

 

Officers’ Certificate, dated September 29, 2003, defining certain terms of the 5.75% Senior Notes due 2033 (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 29, 2003) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

4.5

 

Global Note for 5.75% Senior Notes due 2033 (filed as Exhibit 4.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 29, 2003) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

4.6

 

Officers’ Certificate, dated May 1, 2007, defining certain terms of the 5.550% Senior Notes due 2017 (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 1, 2007) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

4.7

 

Global Note for 5.550% Senior Notes due 2017 (filed as Exhibit 4.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 1, 2007) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

4.8

 

Officers’ Certificate, dated May 1, 2007, defining certain terms of the 6.000% Senior Notes due 2037 (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 1, 2007) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

4.9

 

Global Note for 6.000% Senior Notes due 2037 (filed as Exhibit 4.4 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 1, 2007) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

4.10

 

Officers’ Certificate, dated November 4, 2008, defining certain terms of the 7.750% Senior Notes due 2013 (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 4, 2008) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

4.11

 

Global Note for 7.750% Senior Notes due 2013 (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 4, 2008) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

10.1

 

Stockholders’ Agreement, dated November 22, 1995 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on September 15, 2003) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

10.1a

 

Amendment No. 1 to Stockholders’ Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 30, 1996) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

10.1b

 

Amendment No. 2 to Stockholders’ Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on January 28, 1997) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

10.1c

 

Amendment No. 3 to Stockholders’ Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on April 29, 1997) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

10.1d

 

Amendment No. 4 to Stockholders’ Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.1d to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on September 18, 2000) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

10.1e

 

Amendment No. 5 to Stockholders’ Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.1e to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on September 17, 2002) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 



Table of Contents

 

10.1f

 

Amendment No. 6 to Stockholders’ Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on January 27, 2005) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

10.1g

 

Amendment No. 7 to Stockholders’ Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.7 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 30, 2009) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

10.2

 

Registration Rights Agreement, dated November 22, 1995 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on September 15, 2003) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

10.2a

 

First Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on September 10, 1996) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

10.2b

 

Second Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on April 29, 1997) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

10.2c

 

Third Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.2c to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on September 17, 2001) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

10.2d

 

Fourth Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on January 29, 2004) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

10.3

 

Fiscal 1999 Share Incentive Plan dated November 5, 1998 (filed as Exhibit 4(c) to our Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-66851) filed on November 5, 1998) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.3a

 

Form of Stock Option Agreement under Fiscal 1999 Share Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.3b to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on September 3, 2004) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.4

 

The Estee Lauder Companies Retirement Growth Account Plan, as amended.†

 

 

 

10.5

 

The Estee Lauder Inc. Retirement Benefits Restoration Plan.†

 

 

 

10.6

 

Executive Annual Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 14, 2008) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.7

 

Employment Agreement with Leonard A. Lauder (filed as Exhibit 10.8 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on September 17, 2001) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.7a

 

Amendment to Employment Agreement with Leonard A. Lauder (filed as Exhibit 10.8a to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on September 17, 2002) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.7b

 

Amendment to Employment Agreement with Leonard A. Lauder (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 10, 2005) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.7c

 

Amendment to Employment Agreement with Leonard A. Lauder (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on February 5, 2009) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.7d

 

Amendment to Employment Agreement with Leonard A. Lauder (filed as Exhibit 10.8 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 30, 2009) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.8

 

Employment Agreement with William P. Lauder (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 3, 2007) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.8a

 

Amendment to Employment Agreement with William P. Lauder (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 14, 2007) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.8b

 

Amendment to Employment Agreement with William P. Lauder (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 27, 2009) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.9

 

Employment Agreement with Fabrizio Freda (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 14, 2007) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.9a

 

Amendment to Employment Agreement with Fabrizio Freda (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 27, 2009) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.10

 

Employment Agreement with Richard W. Kunes (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 2, 2009) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.11

 

Employment Agreement with John Demsey (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 28, 2008) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 



Table of Contents

 

10.12

 

Employment Agreement with Cedric Prouvé (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 28, 2008) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.12a

 

Amendment to Employment Agreement with Cedric Prouvé (filed as Exhibit 10.9 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 30, 2009) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.13

 

Form of Deferred Compensation Agreement (interest-based) with Outside Directors (filed as Exhibit 10.14 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on September 17, 2001) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.14

 

Form of Deferred Compensation Agreement (stock-based) with Outside Directors (filed as Exhibit 10.15 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on September 17, 2001) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.15

 

The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Non-Employee Director Share Incentive Plan (as amended and restated on November 9, 2007) (filed as Exhibit 99.1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on November 9, 2007) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†

 

 

 

10.16

 

Form of Stock Option Agreement for Annual Stock Option Grants under Non-Employee Director Share Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 99.2 to our Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on November 9, 2007) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†

 

 

 

10.16a

 

Form of Stock Option Agreement for Elective Stock Option Grants under Non-Employee Director Share Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 99.3 to our Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on November 9, 2007) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†

 

 

 

10.17

 

The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 25, 2007) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.17a

 

Form of Stock Option Agreement under Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 4, 2006) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.17b

 

Form of Performance Share Unit Award Agreement under The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 25, 2006) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†

 

 

 

10.17c

 

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan for Executive Officers (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 25, 2006) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†

 

 

 

10.17d

 

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan for Employees other than Executive Officers (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 25, 2006) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†

 

 

 

10.17e

 

Form of Stock Option Agreement under The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 25, 2007) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.17f

 

Form of Performance Share Unit Award Agreement under The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 25, 2007) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.17g

 

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan for Executive Officers (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 25, 2007) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.17h

 

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan for Employees other than Executive Officers (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 25, 2007) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.17i

 

Form of Stock Option Agreement under The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 28, 2008) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.17j

 

Form of Performance Share Unit Award Agreement under The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 28, 2008) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.17k

 

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan for Executive Officers (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 28, 2008) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 



Table of Contents

 

10.17l

 

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan for Employees other than Executive Officers (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 28, 2008) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.17m

 

Form of Stock Option Agreement under The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 30, 2009) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.17n

 

Form of Performance Share Unit Award Agreement under The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan for Executive Officers (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 30, 2009) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.17o

 

Form of Performance Share Unit Agreement under The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan for Employees other than Executive Officers (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 30, 2009) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.17p

 

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan for Executive Officers (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 30, 2009) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.17q

 

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan for Executive Officers for grants related to bonuses (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 30, 2009) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.17r

 

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan for Employees other than Executive Officers (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 30, 2009) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.18

 

Summary of Compensation For Non-Employee Directors of the Company (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 17, 2005) (SEC File No. 1-14064).* †

 

 

 

10.19

 

$750 Million Credit Agreement, dated April 26, 2007, by and among The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., Estee Lauder Inc., the Eligible Subsidiaries, as defined therein, the lenders listed therein, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (“JPMCB”), Bank of America, N.A. and Citibank, N.A., as syndication agents, Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi Trust Company and BNP Paribas, as documentation agents and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and JPMCB, as joint book runners and joint lead arrangers (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on January 28, 2010) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*

 

 

 

10.20

 

Services Agreement, dated January 1, 2003, among Estee Lauder Inc., Melville Management Corp., Leonard A. Lauder, and William P. Lauder (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on January 28, 2010) (SEC file No. 1014064)*

 

 

 

10.21

 

Services Agreement, dated November 22, 1995, between Estee Lauder Inc. and RSL Investment Corp. (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on January 28, 2010) (SEC file No. 1014064).*

 

 

 

10.22

 

Agreement of Sublease and Guarantee of Sublease, dated April 1, 2005, among Aramis Inc., RSL Management Corp., and Ronald S. Lauder (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on January 28, 2010).*

 

 

 

10.22a

 

First Amendment to Sublease, dated February 28, 2007, between Aramis Inc. and RSL Management Corp. (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on January 28, 2010).*

 

 

 

10.22b

 

Second Amendment to Sublease, dated January 27, 2010, between Aramis Inc. and RSL Management Corp. (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on January 28, 2010).*

 

 

 

10.23

 

Form of Art Loan Agreement between Lender and Estee Lauder Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.7 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on January 28, 2010).*

 

 

 

21.1

 

List of significant subsidiaries.

 

 

 

23.1

 

Consent of KPMG LLP.

 

 

 

24.1

 

Power of Attorney.

 

 

 

31.1

 

Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (CEO).

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (CFO).

 



Table of Contents

 

32.1

 

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

 


*  Incorporated herein by reference.

†  Exhibit is a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

 


Exhibit 10.4

 

THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES

 

RETIREMENT GROWTH ACCOUNT PLAN

 

 

As Amended and Restated

Generally Effective as of January 1, 2007

 



 

AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF
THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES
RETIREMENT GROWTH ACCOUNT PLAN

 

SECTION 1

 

NAME AND CONSTRUCTION

 

1.1            Name of Plan .  This Plan shall be known as the “The Estee Lauder Companies Retirement Growth Account Plan.”

 

1.2            Construction .  It is the intention of Estee Lauder that the amended and restated Plan, and its attendant trust fund, will continue to meet the requirements of ERISA and be qualified and exempt from taxes under Sections 401 and 501 of the Code.  Effective January 1, 1996, the Plan also is intended to be a “multiple employer plan” within the meaning of Section 413(c) of the Code.  The Plan is intended to be a defined benefit plan for purposes of ERISA and the Code.

 

1.3            Effective Date .

 

(a)            This Amendment and Restatement of the Plan shall generally be effective as of January 1, 2007; provided , however , that:

 

(i)             The provisions of Sections 2.12, 2.16, 5.2, 7.1(a), 7.3, 8.4(b), 8.4(c) and 15 (other than Section 15.5) shall be effective January 1, 1991.

 

(ii)            The provisions of Section 14.10 shall be effective December 12, 1994.

 

(iii)           The provisions of Sections 2.6, 2.10, 2.15, 2.19, 2.21, 15.5 and 16 shall be effective January 1, 1996.

 

(iv)           The provisions of Section 7.1(b) shall be effective October 1, 1996, and prior to such date the terms and conditions of such Section are governed by Section 6.1(b) of the Plan in effect on January 1, 1993.

 

(v)            The provisions of Sections 2.11 and 5.4 shall be effective January 1, 1997.

 

(vi)           The provisions of the last paragraph of Section 5.5 and Section 8.4(a) shall be effective January 1, 1998.

 

(vii)          The provisions of Appendix A shall be effective January 1, 1999 (except that those provisions thereof which, by their terms, are not limited to periods on and after that date, shall be effective January 1, 1991).

 

1



 

(viii)         The changes to such other provisions of the Plan shall be effective as of such dates as are set forth in such provisions.

 

(ix)            Other provisions of the Plan shall be effective as of such other earlier or later dates as shall be necessary to comply with those changes in applicable law which were effective prior to January 1, 2007.

 

(b)            The rights of any person who terminated employment or retired on or before the effective date of any of the relevant provisions of this amendment and restatement of the Plan, including his or her eligibility for benefits, shall be determined solely under the terms of the Plan as in effect on the date of his termination or retirement, unless such person is thereafter reemployed (and, to the extent relevant, again becomes an Active Participant) on or after the effective date of any such provision of amendment and restatement, in which case such provision shall apply to such person.

 

2



 

SECTION 2

 

DEFINITIONS

 

2.1            “Accrued Benefit” means a monthly amount of retirement income determined for a Participant as of a specified date, commencing on a Participant’s Normal Retirement Date, and payable as a single life annuity.  The Accrued Benefit as of a specified date equals the Participant’s Retirement Account divided by the applicable factor from Appendix A.  For those who were participants in the Prior Plans as of December 31, 1990 and satisfy the applicable requirements set forth in Appendix B, the Accrued Benefit is the greater of the accrued benefit described above or the accrued benefit determined under the Prior Plans, as described in Section 5.5 hereof.

 

2.2            “Actuarial Equivalent” means, with respect to a Participant’s Accrued Benefit, another annuity or benefit that commences at a different date and/or is payable in a different form than the Accrued Benefit, but which has the same present value as the Accrued Benefit, when measured on the basis of the interest rate, mortality table and other factors specified in Appendix A as of the date of commencement of payment of such annuity or benefit, as calculated by or under the supervision of an actuary appointed by Estee Lauder or the Fiduciary Committee, which actuary has been enrolled under Subtitle C of Title III of ERISA.

 

2.3            “Approved Absence” means (a) any period of absence from work (other than any such absence on account of a period of Disability), with the approval or direction of the Employer, for up to 12 months and, provided said Employee returns to work for the Employer at such time as the Employer may reasonably require, the Approved Absence may exceed such 12-month period but will not be in excess of 24 months, (b) any period of absence during which the Employee was in military service with the armed forces (including Coast Guard and Merchant Marine Service) if the Employee has reemployment rights under applicable laws and complies with the requirements of the law as to reemployment and is reemployed, and (c) any period of Disability, but (except as provided in the last paragraph of Section 5.5) not to exceed twelve months.  An Approved Absence will be disregarded for the purpose of the Plan, and the Employee will be regarded as in the service of the Employer during any period of an Approved Absence.

 

The Hours of Service credited during an Approved Absence shall be those which would normally have been credited but for such absence, or in any case in which the Employer is unable to determine such hours normally credited, eight (8) Hours of Service per day.

 

2.4            “Average Final Compensation” means the highest average annual “compensation” which is produced by averaging an Employee’s compensation for any five (5) consecutive calendar years within the Employee’s Years of Credited Service.  For purposes of this Section only, “compensation” means the straight time basic salary or wages paid to an Employee by the Employer for his services during each calendar year, inclusive of salary reduction contributions made by an Employer on behalf of the Employee under a “cash or deferred arrangement” described in Section 401(k) of the Code and pre-tax contributions made by the Employee under a “cafeteria plan” described in Section 125 of the Code and (effective

 

3



 

January 1, 2001) under an arrangement described in Section 132(f)(4) of the Code, in each case maintained by an Employer, but excluding bonuses, payments for overtime, other Employer contributions for pension, insurance or other welfare benefits, or any other special payments.  Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.4, except to the extent otherwise provided in Section 5.5, “compensation” for each calendar year shall not exceed the dollar limitation under Section 401(a)(17) of the Code, subject to any adjustment to reflect increases in the cost of living determined by the Secretary of the Treasury pursuant to Section 401(a)(17) of the Code.  In determining Average Final Compensation for Participants whose retirement or termination of employment is on or after January 1, 2002, the Participant’s “compensation” for 2001 and prior years shall be subject to the annual compensation limit in effect under Section 401(a)(17) of the Code on January 1, 2002 ($200,000).

 

2.5            “Beneficiary” means any individual, trust, estate or other recipient entitled pursuant to Section 7.3 of this Plan to receive benefits, on either a primary or contingent basis, because of the death of a Participant.

 

2.6            “Board of Directors” or “Board” means the Board of Directors of Estee Lauder.

 

2.7            “Break in Service” means, with respect to any person, a Plan Year during which such person does not perform more than 500 Hours of Service; provided, however, that for purposes of Years of Eligibility Service, such term shall mean the 12-month period commencing on a person’s Employment Commencement Date or a Plan Year, as the case may be (a “computation period”), during which such person does not perform more than 500 Hours of Service.  A person who is absent from work for maternity or paternity reasons shall be credited with the lesser of the number of Hours of Service necessary to prevent a Break in Service or the number of hours which otherwise would normally have been credited to such person but for such absence (i) in the computation period in which the absence begins, if necessary to prevent a Break in Service, and (ii) in all other cases, in the following computation period.  For purposes of this Section, an absence from work for maternity or paternity reasons means an absence (i) by reason of the pregnancy of the person, (ii) by reason of the birth of a child of the person, (iii) by reason of the placement of a child with the person in connection with the adoption of such child by such person or (iv) for purposes of caring for such child for a period beginning immediately following such birth or placement.  No person shall incur a Break in Service solely on account of an absence which qualifies under the Family Medical Leave Act of 1993, to the extent required under the provisions of such Act.

 

2.8            “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

2.9            “Committee” means The Estee Lauder Inc. Employee Benefits Committee appointed pursuant to Section 11 hereof.

 

2.10          “Compensation” means, for a particular Plan Year, the straight time basic salary or wages paid to an Employee by the Employer on and after the Entry Date on which the Employee first becomes eligible to participate in the Plan pursuant to Section 3, inclusive of salary reduction contributions made by an Employer on behalf of the Employee under a “cash or deferred arrangement” described in Section 401(k) of the Code and pre-tax contributions made

 

4



 

by the Employee under a “cafeteria plan” described in Section 125 of the Code or (effective January 1, 2001) under an arrangement described in Section 132(f)(4) of the Code, in each case maintained by the Employer, and including bonuses, shift differential, back-up pay, overtime pay, paid time off, training and travel time pay, but excluding (i) commissions, (ii) payments in lieu of unused vacation time, sick time, holidays, seniority days or other unused paid time off, (iii) referral fees, (iv) gratuities, (v) relocation payments, (vi) special allowance payments, (vii) sign-on payments; (viii) on-call compensation, (ix) any other amounts which are not currently included in the Employee’s income for Federal income tax purposes and (x) amounts paid under Estee Lauder’s Short-Term Disability Plan or Long-Term Disability Plan.  In addition to other applicable limitations that may be set forth in the Plan and notwithstanding any other contrary provision of the Plan, Compensation taken into account under the Plan for the purpose of calculating a Plan Participant’s Accrued Benefit shall not exceed the dollar limitation under Section 401(a)(17) of the Code, subject to any adjustment to reflect increases in the cost of living determined by the Secretary of the Treasury pursuant to Section 401(a)(17) of the Code.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, for Participants who terminate employment on or after December 1, 2002, the annual amounts credited to their Retirement Account pursuant to Section 5 for Plan Years prior to 2002 shall be retroactively adjusted as though the $200,000 dollar limitation in effect under Section 401(a)(17) of the Code for 2002 had been in effect for such prior Plan Years (subject to the Plan’s compliance with Sections 401(a)(4) and 415 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder).

 

2.11          “Disability” means, with respect to any Employee, a condition which constitutes a disability under the terms of the Employer’s Long-Term Disability Plan or under Title II of the Federal Social Security Act, regardless of whether such Employee is otherwise in fact entitled to receive benefits under the Employer’s Long-Term Disability Plan and/or Title II of the Federal Social Security Act.

 

2.12          “Early Retirement Date” means the first day of the month which next follows a Participant’s termination of employment on or after attainment of at least age 55 and completion of at least ten (10) Years of Service, but prior to the Participant’s Normal Retirement Date.

 

2.13          “Effective Date,” with respect to the Plan as amended and restated and set forth herein, means January 1, 2007; provided , however , that certain provisions of the Plan shall be effective as of the dates set forth in Section 1.3.

 

2.14          “Employee” means any person who is classified as an employee on the payroll records of an Employer, in accordance with the Employer’s standard personnel practices.  Individuals not classified as employees on the payroll records of the Employer for a particular period shall not be considered “Employees” for such period even if a court or administrative agency subsequently determines that such individuals were common law employees of the Employer during such period.  Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the term “Employee” shall not include:

 

(a)            a person who is represented by or included in a collective bargaining unit recognized by the Employer unless the Employer and the collective bargaining agent have agreed that the Plan shall apply to such unit;

 

5



 

(b)            with respect to periods prior to July 1, 1998, an In-Store Employee;

 

(c)            a person who would be an In-Store Employee, but for the fact that such person is classified as an international military sales person;

 

(d)            a person who is a nonresident alien who receives no compensation from an Employer which constitutes income from sources within the United States (other than a person employed by Clinique Laboratories, Inc. (Puerto Rico Branch));

 

(e)            any person who is performing services for the Employer pursuant to an agreement between the Employer and a third party leasing organization, staffing firm, professional employer organization or other similar third party organization; or

 

(f)             a person who is classified as an “on-call employee” in accordance with the Employer’s standard personnel practices.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, and solely for purposes of determining a person’s non-forfeitable benefit and eligibility to become a Participant, if a person who had been a Leased Employee becomes an Employee, such person shall be treated as an Employee from the first date that such person would have first been treated as a Leased Employee, determined without regard to the one-year requirement of Section 414(n)(2)(B) of the Code; provided, however, that such person shall not become a Participant prior to the first Entry Date coincident with or next following becoming an Employee.

 

2.15          “Employer” means Estee Lauder, and any other company included within the Group that includes Estee Lauder (or any other corporation or unincorporated trade or business not included within the Group that includes Estee Lauder) that adopts the Plan with the approval of Estee Lauder, as provided in Section 15 hereof, and any successor to any such company that participated in this Plan.

 

2.16          “Employment Commencement Date” means, with respect to any person, the date coincident with or next following the date on which such person first performs an Hour of Service; provided, however, that with respect to a person who incurs a Break in Service and is thereafter reemployed, such term shall mean the date subsequent to such Break in Service on which he first performs an Hour of Service.

 

2.17          “Entry Date” means each January 1 and July 1; provided , however , that prior to January 1, 1993, with respect to any person who was a regular and non-contingent Employee of the Employer, “Entry Date” means the first date coincident with or next following such person’s Employment Commencement Date.

 

2.18          “ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

 

2.19          “Estee Lauder” means Estee Lauder Inc., a corporation duly organized under the laws of the State of Delaware, and any successor thereto.

 

6



 

2.20          “Fiduciary Committee” means the Estee Lauder Inc. Fiduciary Investment Committee, the members of which shall be appointed by the Board.

 

2.21          “Group” means Estee Lauder and any other unit or organization that is related to Estee Lauder as a member of a “controlled group of corporations,” a group under “common control” or an “affiliated service group,” all as determined pursuant to Sections 414(b), (c), and (m) of the Code.  With respect to a participating Employer which is not in the same Group as Estee Lauder, “Group” means such Employer and any other unit or organization that is related to such employer as a member of a “controlled group of corporations,” a group under “common control” or an “affiliated service group,” all as determined pursuant to Sections 414(b), (c) and (m) of the Code.  For purposes of determining whether or not a person is an Employee and the period of employment of such person, each such unit or organization shall be included in the Group only for such period or periods during which it is a “member” of the Group.

 

2.22          “Hour of Service” means:

 

(a)            Each hour for which an Employee is directly or indirectly compensated, or entitled to be compensated, by the Employer for the performance of duties.

 

(b)            Each hour for which an Employee is credited by the Employer during an Approved Absence.

 

(c)            Except as provided in (b) above, each hour, to a maximum of 501 hours for any single continuous period, for which an Employee is directly or indirectly compensated, or entitled to be compensated, by the Employer for reasons other than the performance of duties (irrespective of whether the employment relationship has terminated) due to vacation, holidays, incapacity, layoff, jury duty or military duty.  Hours shall not be credited for payment to an Employee from a plan required by workers’ compensation, unemployment compensation or disability insurance laws, nor shall hours be credited for reimbursement of such an Employee for his medical or medically-related expenses.

 

(d)            Each hour for which back pay, irrespective of mitigation of damages, has been awarded or agreed to by the Employer provided that if such award or agreement of back pay is for reasons other than the performance of duties, such hours shall be subject to the restrictions of paragraph (c).

 

The same Hours of Service shall not be credited under more than one of the paragraphs above.  All Hours of Service shall be computed and credited to computation periods in accordance with Sections 2530.200b-2(b) and (c) of the Department of Labor regulations; provided , however , that Hours of Service under paragraph (a) above, with respect to any payroll period, shall be credited for the Plan Year in which such payroll period ends.  In determining an Employee’s Hours of Service, he shall receive credit for all Hours of Service performed for any corporation or other entity which is a member of the Group; provided that (a) he shall not be credited with any Hours of Service performed for any such corporation or other entity prior to the time that such entity becomes a member of the Group and (b) the number of Hours of Service

 

7



 

so credited with respect to his employment with such entity shall cease at the time such entity is no longer a member of the Group.

 

Notwithstanding any of the foregoing requirements of this definition, an individual employed by the Employer (or by any other member of the Group which includes the Employer) as a common law employee, but who is not then classified as an Employee (including, but not limited to, an individual who was an Employee and thereafter becomes an Inactive Participant on account of a transfer of employment to a non-Employer member of the Group) shall, except for purposes of determining Years of Credited Service, nevertheless be credited with Hours of Service for all periods with respect to which such person is in fact so employed as a common law employee, to the same extent as if he had been an Employee.

 

When an Employee’s total actual Hours of Service are not specifically tracked during a payroll period, the following equivalencies shall be used in accordance with Section 2530.200b-3(e) of the Department of Labor regulations:  Employees shall be credited with the following Hours of Service for each payroll period for which they are required to be credited with at least one Hour of Service:

 

Payroll Period
Applicable
to Employee

 

Hours of Service

 

 

 

 

 

Monthly

 

190

 

 

 

 

 

Semi-monthly

 

95

 

 

 

 

 

Biweekly

 

90

 

 

 

 

 

Weekly

 

45

 

 

 

 

 

Per diem

 

10

 

 

2.23          “In-Store Employee” means any person who:

 

(a)            is classified as an employee on the payroll records of the Employer, in accordance with the Employer’s standard personnel practices; and

 

(b)            performs services primarily in department stores, or in free-standing stores owned or leased by Estee Lauder or by another member of the Group that make sales to the general public (including stores providing sales of discounted merchandise to the general public).

 

2.24          “Initial Effective Date” means January 1, 1991.

 

2.25          “Leased Employee” means an individual who performs services for the Employer, other than as a common law employee, if (a) such services are provided pursuant to a

 

8



 

written or oral agreement between the Employer and any other person; (b) the individual has performed during any consecutive 12-month period (i) at least 1,500 Hours of Service for the Employer or (ii) a number of Hours of Service which is at least 501 and which is at least equal to 75% of the median Hours of Service that are customarily performed by an employee of the Employer in the particular position; and (c) such services are performed under the primary direction or control of the Employer.

 

2.26          “Normal Retirement Date” means the first day of the month which next follows a Participant’s attainment of at least age 65 and completion of at least five (5) Years of Service.

 

2.27          “Normal Retirement Income” means a Participant’s Accrued Benefit payable hereunder at his Normal Retirement Date in the form provided in Section 9.1 hereof.

 

2.28          “Participant” means any person who has become eligible to participate in the Plan in accordance with Section 3, and who has neither been paid in full any benefit to which he may be entitled under the Plan nor completely forfeited such benefit.  An “Active Participant” means a Participant who is an Employee.  An “Inactive Participant” means a Participant who is not an Active Participant.

 

2.29          “Periodic Adjustment Percentage” means the greater of (i) the arithmetic daily average of one-year Treasury Constant Maturities for each calendar year immediately preceding the applicable Plan Year for which it is applied, as published in the Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, or (ii) 4%.

 

2.30          “Plan” means The Estee Lauder Companies Retirement Growth Account Plan as effective January 1, 1991, and as it hereafter may be further amended from time to time.

 

2.31          “Plan Year” means the calendar year.

 

2.32          “Prior Plan” means the Estee Lauder Inc. Employee Retirement Plan, As Amended Effective July 1, 1975 (incorporating all amendments adopted through December 31, 1990), or the Estee Lauder Hemisphere Corporation Pension Plan, As Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 1986 (incorporating all amendments adopted through December 31, 1990), as such plans were in effect immediately prior to January 1, 1991, whichever plan (if any) is applicable to a Participant.  The terms and provisions of the applicable Prior Plan fix and determine the rights and obligations under the Plan with respect to any Employee whose employment terminated prior to January 1, 1991.

 

2.33          “Retirement Account” means the bookkeeping account maintained with respect to a Participant as described in Section 5.1 hereof.

 

2.34          “Retirement Income Commencement Date” means the first day of the first period for which a benefit under the Plan is paid as an annuity or any other form.

 

2.35          “Social Security Covered Compensation” means the thirty-five year average of the maximum annual wages covered by the Federal Social Security Act as in effect,

 

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ending in the year Social Security retirement age (as defined in Section 415(b)(8) of the Code) is attained.

 

2.36          “Surviving Spouse” means a wife or husband of a Participant who has been married to such Participant by legal contract throughout the one-year period ending on the earlier of the death of the Participant or the Participant’s Retirement Income Commencement Date; provided , however , that such term shall also include a wife or husband who married the Participant during the one-year period prior to such date and, at the date of the Participant’s death, has been married to the Participant for at least one (1) year.

 

2.37          “Trustee” means the trustee or trustees which may at any time be acting as trustee of the Trust Fund, as provided in Section 12 hereof.

 

2.38          “Trust Fund” or “Fund” means all funds at any time held by the Trustee and/or insurance company for the purposes of the Plan, as provided in Section 12 hereof.

 

2.39          “Year of Credited Service” means, with respect to any Participant, a Plan Year during which the Participant completes at least 1,000 Hours of Service as an Employee, commencing on such Participant’s Entry Date, or, if later, January 1, 1993.  In the case of a Participant who participated in the Plan prior to January 1, 1993, Years of Credited Service shall also include all Years of Credited Service accrued under the Plan as of December 31, 1992; fractional Years of Credited Service accrued under the Plan as of December 31, 1992 shall be converted to Hours of Service by crediting such Participant, for the Plan Year commencing on January 1, 1993, with 190 Hours of Service for each calendar month during which the Participant performed an Hour of Service.  In the case of a Participant who was a participant in a Prior Plan, Years of Credited Service shall, in addition, include all Credited Service (as defined in the Prior Plan) recognized under such Prior Plan for benefit accrual purposes as of December 31, 1990.

 

2.40          “Year of Eligibility Service” means, with respect to any person, a consecutive 12-month period beginning on such person’s Employment Commencement Date during which he completes at least 1,000 Hours of Service.  If such person fails to complete at least 1,000 Hours of Service during such 12-month period, then a “Year of Eligibility Service” shall be determined based on the completion of at least 1,000 Hours of Service in the Plan Year beginning with or within the 12-month period beginning on such person’s Employment Commencement Date, and then each Plan Year thereafter.

 

In the case of a Participant who terminates employment and does not have any nonforfeitable right to his Accrued Benefit, Years of Eligibility Service before a period of consecutive one-year Breaks in Service shall not be taken into account if the number of consecutive one-year Breaks in Service in such period equals or exceeds five (5).  A Participant whose Years of Eligibility Service are disregarded pursuant to the preceding sentence shall, upon his reemployment, be treated as newly employed for eligibility purposes.  If a Participant’s Years of Service may not thus be disregarded, such Participant shall again become an Active Participant immediately upon the date he first performs an Hour of Service as an Employee.

 

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2.41          “Year of Service” means, with respect to any person, a Plan Year during which the person completes at least 1,000 Hours of Service (except as set forth in Section 8.4 hereof (relating to the “rule of parity”)) commencing on the later of January 1, 1993, or

 

(i)             for purposes of Section 5.2 hereof, in the case of any In-Store Employee who becomes a Participant on July 1, 1998 or in the case of employment by a non-Employer member of the Group, the Employment Commencement Date,

 

(ii)            for purposes of Section 5.2, in the case of any Participant not described in the foregoing clause (i), the first day of the Plan Year in which such person’s Entry Date occurs, and

 

(iii)           for purposes of Section 8 hereof, the Employment Commencement Date.

 

In the case of a person who was in the employ of an Employer or other member of the Group prior to January 1, 1993, Years of Service shall also include all Years of Service accrued under the Plan as of December 31, 1992; fractional Years of Service accrued under the Plan as of December 31, 1992 shall be converted to Hours of Service by crediting such person, for the Plan Year commencing on January 1, 1993, with 95 Hours of Service for each semi-monthly period during which the person performed an Hour of Service.

 

In the case of a person who was a participant in a Prior Plan, Years of Service shall, in addition, include (i) for purposes of Section 8 hereof, all Service (as defined in the Prior Plan) recognized for purposes of vesting under such Prior Plan as of December 31, 1990 and (ii) for purposes of Section 5.2, all Credited Service (as defined in the Prior Plan) recognized under such Prior Plan for benefit accrual purposes as of December 31, 1990.

 

The masculine pronoun wherever used herein shall include the feminine pronoun, and the singular shall include the plural.

 

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SECTION 3

 

PARTICIPATION

 

3.1            Each Employee who was a participant in a Prior Plan immediately prior to the Initial Effective Date shall become a Participant herein as of the Initial Effective Date.

 

3.2            Each person who becomes an Employee on or after the Initial Effective Date, or who became an Employee prior to that date but was not a participant in a Prior Plan immediately prior to the Initial Effective Date, shall become a Participant on the first Entry Date on which such person is an Employee coincident with or next following his completion of a Year of Eligibility Service; provided , however , that any person who was an In-Store Employee on June 30, 1998 and completed at least a Year of Eligibility Service at any time on or prior to such date shall become a Participant on July 1, 1998 if such person remains an Employee on such date; and further , provided , that, in the case of any Employee whose Entry Date, determined without regard to any Year of Eligibility Service requirement, would otherwise have occurred prior to January 1, 1993, such Employee shall become a Participant as of such Entry Date, without the need to also complete a Year of Eligibility Service.

 

3.3            If a person who has been in the employ of an Employer or another member of the Group as a non-Employee subsequently becomes an Employee, such Employee shall become a Participant in accordance with Section 3.2 hereof.

 

3.4            A Participant who has become an Inactive Participant on account of his ceasing to be an Employee, while remaining employed by a member of the Group, shall once again become an Active Participant upon the date on which he first performs an Hour of Service as an Employee following the date he becomes an Inactive Participant.

 

3.5            Except as otherwise provided in this Section, benefits commencing after Normal Retirement Age shall not be less than the Actuarial Equivalent of the benefits to which the Participant would have been entitled if such benefits had commenced at Normal Retirement Age.  Upon written notification to a Participant who elects to remain in service pursuant to Section 4.3 hereof, or to a former retired Participant who returns to the service of an Employer as a Participant herein, the retirement income payments to which the Participant is entitled on and after Normal Retirement Age but before he retires (or, in the case of a former retired Participant, again retires) shall be permanently forfeited so long as such Participant remains in “section 203(a)(3)(B) service,” as described in Department of Labor Regulation Section 2530.203-3(c).  For this purpose, a Participant’s service shall be deemed “section 203(a)(3)(B) service” for any month in which he is credited with at least 40 Hours of Service or such other standard as may be applicable under Section 203(a)(3)(B) of ERISA.  In the case of a Participant whose retirement income commenced to be paid before his Normal Retirement Date, upon his subsequent retirement, his retirement income shall be recomputed, based on the amount credited to his Retirement Account pursuant to Section 5 hereof and reduced on an actuarial basis to take account of retirement income payments previously received by him.

 

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3.6            Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following eligibility rules shall apply to In-Store Employees on and after January 1, 2007:

 

(a)            In-Store Employees who have not become Participants under the preceding provisions of this Section 3 by December 31, 2006, shall not be eligible to become Participants after such date.

 

(b)            Individuals who have terminated employment (as In-Store Employees or otherwise) with an Employer and are rehired on or after January 1, 2007 as In-Store Employees shall not be eligible to become Participants after their rehire.  If any such individual was a Participant immediately prior to his rehire, he shall continue to be a Participant after his rehire to the extent otherwise permitted under the Plan, but his Accrued Benefit shall be frozen in accordance with Section 5.9.

 

(c)            Employees who change status on or after January 1, 2007 to that of an In-Store Employee from another category of Employee shall not be eligible to become Participants after their status change.  If any such Employee was a Participant immediately prior to his status change,

 

(i)             If he was a vested Participant as of December 31, 2006, he shall continue to be a Participant after his status change for all purposes under the Plan; and

 

(ii)            If he was not a vested Participant as of December 31, 2006, he shall continue to be a Participant after his status change to the extent otherwise permitted under the Plan, but his Accrued Benefit shall be frozen in accordance with Section 5.9.

 

(d)            An individual whose status changes from that of an In-Store Employee to another category of Employee on or after January 1, 2007 shall be permitted to participate in the Plan after such status change if and when he otherwise satisfies the Plan’s eligibility requirements.

 

(e)            Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 3.6, with respect to any individuals who are classified as “on-call employees” in accordance with the Employer’s standard personnel practices but continue to be Participants by virtue of the provisions of the Plan in effect prior to the Effective Date, the Accrued Benefits of such individuals shall continue to be frozen in accordance with the terms of the Plan as in effect prior to the Effective Date.

 

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SECTION 4

 

RETIREMENT DATES

 

4.1            Except as otherwise provided in this Section 4, each Participant may retire on his Normal Retirement Date and shall receive the Normal Retirement Income.

 

4.2            A Participant may retire on or after his Early Retirement Date and shall be entitled to receive his Accrued Benefit on or after his termination of employment in accordance with the provisions of Sections 9 and 10 hereof.

 

4.3            Any Participant whose employment is continued by the Employer after the Participant has reached his Normal Retirement Date shall receive retirement income payments commencing on the first day of the month following the date of his actual retirement, based on the amount credited to his Retirement Account at such date.

 

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SECTION 5

 

PARTICIPANTS’ RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

 

5.1            A Retirement Account shall be established and maintained for each Participant pursuant to this Section 5 (and for certain individuals who were participants in a Prior Plan) to which credits shall be made in accordance with the provisions of this Section 5.  Except as otherwise provided in Section 5 hereof, an Inactive Participant who was a participant in a Prior Plan before January 1, 1991 but is not an Active Participant at any time on or after January 1, 1991 shall be credited with an amount equal to his “Accrued Benefit under the Prior Plan,” determined in accordance with Appendix A, but a Retirement Account shall not be established for such Inactive Participant.  Except as otherwise provided in Section 5.5 and 5.6 hereof, a Participant’s Accrued Benefit under this Plan shall be based on the amount credited to his Retirement Account.  The Retirement Account established and maintained pursuant to this Section 5 is intended to be a bookkeeping account.  Neither the establishment of such Retirement Account nor the making of credits to such Retirement Account shall be construed as an allocation of assets of the Plan to, or a segregation of such assets in, such account, or otherwise as creating a right of the Participant to receive specific assets of the Plan.  Benefits provided under the Plan shall be paid from the general assets of the Plan in the amounts, in the forms and at the times provided in Sections 4, 8, 9 and 10 hereof.

 

5.2            The annual amount credited to a Participant’s Retirement Account pursuant to this Section shall be based upon the Participant’s Years of Service and the Participant’s Compensation for the applicable Plan Year or portion thereof.  Credits pursuant to this Section shall be made to a Participant’s Retirement Account as of the last day of each Plan Year beginning with 1991 and ending with the last day of the month in which occurs the Participant’s termination of employment.

 

(a)            For each Participant who has fewer than five (5) Years of Service as of the last day of the Plan Year, credits shall be made to the Participant’s Retirement Account in an amount equal to three percent (3%) of the Participant’s Compensation earned while an Active Participant for such Plan Year.

 

(b)            For each Participant who has five (5) Years of Service as of the last day of the Plan Year, credits shall be made to the Participant’s Retirement Account in an amount equal to the sum of (i) three percent (3%) of the Participant’s Compensation earned while an Active Participant for such Plan Year multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of whole calendar months in such Plan Year while an Active Participant preceding the anniversary of his Entry Date (“Anniversary Date”) and the denominator of which is the number of whole months in such Plan Year while an Active Participant, and (ii) four percent (4%) of the Participant’s Compensation earned while an Active Participant for such Plan Year multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of whole calendar months in such Plan Year while an Active Participant following the Anniversary Date (including the calendar month in which the Anniversary Date occurs) and the denominator of which is the number of whole months in such Plan Year while an Active Participant.

 

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(c)            For each Participant who has more than five (5) but fewer than ten (10) Years of Service as of the last day of the Plan Year, credits shall be made to the Participant’s Retirement Account in an amount equal to four percent (4%) of the Participant’s Compensation earned while an Active Participant for such Plan Year.

 

(d)            For each Participant who has ten (10) Years of Service as of the last day of the Plan Year, credits shall be made to the Participant’s Retirement Account in an amount equal to the sum of (i) four percent (4%) of the Participant’s Compensation earned while an Active Participant for such Plan Year multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of whole calendar months in such Plan Year while an Active Participant preceding the Anniversary Date and the denominator of which is the number of whole months in such Plan Year while an Active Participant, and (ii) five percent (5%) of the Participant’s Compensation earned while an Active Participant for such Plan Year multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of whole calendar months in such Plan Year while an Active Participant following the Anniversary Date (including the calendar month in which the Anniversary Date occurs) and the denominator of which is the number of whole months in such Plan Year while an Active Participant.

 

(e)            For each Participant who has more than ten (10) Years of Service as of the last day of the Plan Year, credits shall be made to the Participant’s Retirement Account in an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the Participant’s Compensation earned while an Active Participant for such Plan Year.

 

No credits shall be made pursuant to this Section with respect to any period during which a Participant is an Inactive Participant.  In the event that a Participant becomes an Inactive Participant by reason of his transfer of employment to a non-Employer member of the Group, no credits shall be made to his Retirement Account pursuant to this Section after the end of the month in which the transfer occurs, and for purposes of this Section his Compensation shall be considered to be $0 after the end of the Plan Year in which the transfer occurs until such time that he again performs an Hour of Service as an Employee ( i.e. , again becomes an Active Participant); provided , however , that such Participant’s Retirement Account balance shall continue to be increased in accordance with Section 5.4 hereof following such transfer.

 

5.3            In the case of an Active Participant in the Plan who as of the Initial Effective Date had an accrued benefit under a Prior Plan as of December 31, 1990, there shall be credited to the Retirement Account of such Participant as of January 1, 1991, an amount that is the single sum value of his “Accrued Benefit under the Prior Plan,” determined in accordance with Appendix A.

 

5.4            For Plan Years beginning on or after the Initial Effective Date, each Participant’s Retirement Account balance on the first day of the Plan Year shall be automatically increased as of the last day of the Plan Year by an amount equal to the Retirement Account balance on the first day of the Plan Year multiplied by the Periodic Adjustment Percentage; provided , however , in the case of a Participant who terminates employment, for any reason, such increase shall continue to be made until the last date as of which a Retirement Account balance is maintained for such Participant; further provided , however , if such increase is for less than a full Plan Year, the Periodic Adjustment Percentage shall be proportionately reduced.

 

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5.5            In the case of any Participant on or after the Initial Effective Date who was a Participant under a Prior Plan on December 31, 1990 and satisfies the applicable requirements set forth in Appendix B, such Participant’s Accrued Benefit shall be the greater of (i) the amount credited to his Retirement Account or (ii) the accrued benefit which would have been determined for him under the terms and provisions of the Prior Plan as in effect immediately prior to the Initial Effective Date, had such Prior Plan continued in effect until the date of his termination of employment.  For this purpose, in the case of the Prior Plan which is the Estee Lauder Inc. Employee Retirement Plan, the annual amount of the Participant’s Normal Retirement Income is equal to the greater of (a), (b) or (c) below:

 

(a)            One percent (1%) of that portion of his Average Final Compensation which is not in excess of his Social Security Covered Compensation plus one and one-half percent (1-1/2%) of that portion of such Average Final Compensation which is in excess of such Social Security Covered Compensation, multiplied by the number of his Years of Credited Service.

 

(b)            $2,500 with 25 or more Years of Credited Service and reduced proportionately for Years of Credited Service less than 25.

 

(c)            The sum of (i) the amount that would otherwise have been determined under (a) above had such Participant terminated employment on December 31, 1993 (or, if earlier, his actual date of termination of employment) and had such Participant’s “compensation” (as used in Section 2.4) for each Plan Year during the period ending on such applicable date been limited to $200,000 (or such greater amount as may have been permitted after taking into account increases for cost of living for such Plan Year, as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury) and with such dollar limit further applied by taking into account the family aggregation rules of Section 414(q)(6) of the Code pursuant to Section 401(a)(17) of the Code (as in effect on such applicable date), and (ii) the benefit that would otherwise have been determined under (a) above counting only Years of Credited Service performed after December 31, 1993.

 

In the case of the Estee Lauder Hemisphere Corporation Pension Plan, the annual amount of the Participant’s Normal Retirement Income would be equal to the greater of (a), (b) or (c) below:

 

(a)            One percent (1%) of that portion of his Average Final Compensation which is not in excess of his Social Security Covered Compensation plus one and one-half percent (1-1/2%) of that portion of such Average Final Compensation which is in excess of such Social Security Covered Compensation, multiplied by the number of his Years of Credited Service.

 

(b)            $1,620 with 25 or more Years of Credited Service and reduced proportionately for Years of Credited Service less than 25.

 

(c)            The sum of (i) the amount that would otherwise have been determined under (a) above had such Participant terminated employment on December 31, 1993 (or, if earlier, his actual date of termination of employment) and had such Participant’s

 

17



 

“compensation” (as used in Section 2.4) for each Plan Year during the period ending on such applicable date been limited to $200,000 (or such greater amount as may have been permitted after taking into account increases for cost of living for such Plan Year, as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury) and with such dollar limit further applied by taking into account the family aggregation rules of Section 414(q)(6) of the Code pursuant to Section 401(a)(17) of the Code (as in effect on such applicable date), and (ii) the benefit that would otherwise have been determined under (a) above counting only Years of Credited Service after December 31, 1993.

 

In the case of a Participant whose Accrued Benefit is determined under the terms of a Prior Plan under this Section, a Participant may, subject to consent as provided in Sections 9.4 and 9.5 hereof, elect a reduced retirement income to commence on the first day of any month which is between the date of his Early Retirement Date and his Normal Retirement Date.

 

In the case of the Estee Lauder Inc. Employee Retirement Plan, the amount of the percentage of such reduction shall be equal to the sum of (a) the product derived by multiplying 7/12ths of one percent (1%) times the number of whole calendar months by which the pension commencement date precedes the Participant’s attainment of age 57 and (b) the product derived by multiplying 5/12ths of one percent (1%) by the excess of (i) the number of whole calendar months by which the pension commencement date precedes the Participant’s attainment of age 62 over (ii) the number of whole calendar months specified in (a).  No reduction shall be applied to such early retirement income amount if the pension commencement date occurs on or after the Participant’s attainment of age 62.

 

In the case of the Estee Lauder Inc. Hemisphere Corporation Pension Plan, the amount of the percentage of such reduction shall be equal to the sum of (a) the product derived by multiplying 1/4 of one percent (1%) times the number of whole calendar months (up to and including the first 60 thereof) by which the pension commencement date precedes the Normal Retirement Date and (b) the product derived by multiplying 1/2 of one percent (1%) by the number of calendar months, if any, by which the pension commencement date precedes by more than 60 calendar months the Normal Retirement Date.

 

Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary:

 

(i)             in the case of any Participant who is eligible for a benefit set forth in this Section 5.5 and incurs a Disability prior to January 1, 1998, such Participant (i) shall continue to be credited with Hours of Service during the period of such Disability, to the same extent as if such person had not become so disabled, for purposes of determining such person’s Years of Credited Service used in calculating such person’s benefit pursuant to this Section 5.5, and (ii) shall, during the portion of such Participant’s period of such Disability beginning on January 1st of the year following the year in which such period of Disability first commenced, be considered to continue to receive “compensation” for purposes of determining such person’s Average Final Compensation, based upon such person’s level of “base pay” as in effect immediately prior to the incurring of such Disability, and

 

(ii)            in the case of any Participant who is eligible for a benefit set forth in this Section 5.5 and incurs a Disability on or after January 1, 1998, such

 

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Participant (i) shall continue to be credited with Hours of Service during a period not exceeding the first twelve months of such Disability, to the same extent as if such person had not become so disabled, for purposes of determining such person’s Years of Credited Service used in calculating such person’s benefit pursuant to this Section 5.5, and (ii) shall, during that portion (if any) of such Participant’s period of such Disability beginning on January 1st of the year following the year in which such period of Disability first commenced during which such Participant continues to be so credited with Hours of Service pursuant to the immediately preceding clause (i), be considered to continue to receive “compensation” for purposes of determining such person’s Average Final Compensation, based upon such person’s level of “base pay” as in effect immediately prior to the incurring of such Disability;

 

provided, however , that in no event shall such person continue to be so credited with Hours of Service or be imputed with “compensation” for periods after such person’s Normal Retirement Date.

 

5.6            Notwithstanding anything to the contrary provided herein or elsewhere in the Plan, any Participant who retires on or after his Normal Retirement Date with at least five (5) Years of Credited Service but less than ten (10) Years of Credited Service shall be entitled to a Normal Retirement Income of not less than $100 per month for life, and any Participant who retires on or after his Normal Retirement Date with at least ten (10) Years of Credited Service shall be entitled to a Normal Retirement Income of not less than $200 per month for life.

 

5.7            The benefits otherwise payable to a Participant or a Beneficiary under this Plan and, where relevant, the Accrued Benefit of a Participant, shall be limited to the extent required, and only to the extent required, by the provisions of Section 415 of the Code and rulings, notices and regulations issued thereunder.  To the extent applicable, Section 415 of the Code and rulings, notices and regulations issued thereunder are hereby incorporated by reference into this Plan.  In calculating these limits, the following rules shall apply:

 

(a)            Except where otherwise specifically set forth in rulings, notices and regulations incorporated into this Plan by reference, the limitations applicable to alternative forms of benefits (other than a “qualified joint and survivor annuity,” as defined in Section 417(b) of the Code) shall be determined using the factors set forth in Appendix A, subject to the limitations on actuarial assumptions imposed by Section 415(b)(2)(E) of the Code.

 

(b)            If the applicable limits of Section 415 of the Code are increased after a benefit is in pay status by virtue of an adjustment to those limits reflecting a change in the cost of living index or an amendment to the Code, benefit payments to a Participant or his Beneficiary shall be increased automatically to the maximum extent permitted under the revised limits.  This increase shall occur only to the extent it would not cause the benefit to exceed the benefit to which the Participant or Beneficiary would have been entitled in the absence of the limits under Section 415 of the Code.

 

(c)            If, upon the death of a Participant whose benefits were limited under this Section, the Surviving Spouse shall be entitled to a benefit payment smaller than that

 

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which was payable while the Participant was alive, the benefit payments to the Surviving Spouse shall equal the lesser of:

 

(i)             the benefit payment which would be payable to the Surviving Spouse if benefits under this Plan had not been limited by this Section, and

 

(ii)            the benefit payment which would be payable to the Surviving Spouse if the benefit provided under this Plan had been a “qualified joint and survivor annuity,” as defined in Section 417(b) of the Code, with survivor benefits equal to 100% of the amount payable while the Participant was alive, in an amount equal to the maximum limitations provided under this Section.

 

(d)            If the Participant is entitled to a benefit under any defined benefit plan which is, or ever has been, maintained by the Employer or another member of the Group, the limits under this Section shall be applied to the combined benefits payable and the benefit payable hereunder shall be reduced to the extent necessary to make the combined benefits meet the limits under this Section.

 

(e)            To calculate average compensation for a Participant’s high-three years of service, compensation shall be the Employee’s Compensation, and the three-year average shall be calculated using consecutive limitation years.  In making such average compensation calculations in limitation years beginning on or after April 5, 2007, the compensation limit of Section 401(a)(17) of the Code shall apply for each year taken into account in calculating such average.  Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence, the benefits accrued or payable with respect to a Participant as of the end of the limitation year that immediately precedes the first limitation year beginning on or after April 5, 2007, pursuant to Plan provisions that were both adopted and in effect before April 5, 2007, shall be deemed to satisfy the limitations of Section 415(b) of the Code in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.415(a)-1(g)(4).

 

(f)             A limitation year shall be a Plan Year for purposes of this Section.

 

5.8            Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, the Accrued Benefit of an Inactive Participant who (i) was a participant in a Prior Plan and (ii) had a condition of Disability as of December 30, 1990, shall continue to be determined under the benefit formula of such Prior Plan, unless such Inactive Participant is eligible for the benefit set forth in Section 5.5 hereof.  A Participant who first has a condition of Disability on or after January 1, 1991 shall be covered under the benefit formula of this Plan as of the Initial Effective Date unless such Participant is eligible for the benefit set forth in Section 5.5 hereof.  For purposes of determining the opening Retirement Account balance under this Plan, Average Final Compensation shall be used, except that with respect to any year in which there were no earnings or earnings were reduced because of Disability, such Participant’s last year of actual base pay shall be used on an annualized basis.

 

5.9            Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following rules shall apply to In-Store Employees effective as of December 31, 2006:

 

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(a)            The Accrued Benefit of any Participant who is an In-Store Employee and is not vested in such Accrued Benefit as of December 31, 2006 shall be frozen as of such date.

 

(b)            The Accrued Benefit of any Participant who terminates employment (as an In-Store Employee or otherwise) with an Employer and is rehired on or after January 1, 2007 as an In-Store Employee shall be frozen as of the date immediately preceding the date of such rehire (or such earlier date as may have applied under other provisions of the Plan).

 

(c)            The Accrued Benefit of any Participant who changes status on or after January 1, 2007 to that of an In-Store Employee from another category of Employee shall be frozen as of the date immediately preceding the date of such status change (or such earlier date as may have applied under other provisions of the Plan).  The preceding sentence shall not apply, however, to any Participant who was vested in his Accrued Benefit as of December 31, 2006.

 

(d)            Following the applicable date of the Accrued Benefit freeze described in subsections (a), (b) or (c) above, the Retirement Account of the affected Participant shall no longer be eligible for Compensation-based credits pursuant to Section 5.2, but shall continue to be eligible for increases based on the Periodic Adjustment Percentage pursuant to Section 5.4.

 

(e)            If a Participant whose Accrued Benefit is frozen under this Section 5.9 changes status on or after January 1, 2007 from that of an In-Store Employee to another category of Employee that is eligible to accrue benefits under the Plan, he shall be permitted to accrue additional benefits after such status change in accordance with the terms of the Plan.

 

(f)             Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 5.9, with respect to any individuals who are classified as “on-call employees” in accordance with the Employer’s standard personnel practices but continue to be Participants by virtue of the provisions of the Plan in effect prior to the Effective Date, the Accrued Benefits of such individuals shall continue to be frozen in accordance with the terms of the Plan as in effect prior to the Effective Date.

 

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SECTION 6

 

CONTRIBUTIONS

 

6.1            No contributions are to be made by Participants under this Plan.

 

6.2            Subject to the provisions of Section 13 hereof, the Employer intends to contribute over a period of time such amounts as may be determined by actuarial calculations to be required of the Employer to provide benefits in accordance with the Plan.  Any forfeitures arising under the Plan shall not be applied to increase the benefits any Participant would otherwise receive under the Plan but shall be applied to reduce the Employer contributions under the Plan.

 

6.3            Subject to the provisions of Section 13 hereof, the administrative expenses of the Plan, except to the extent paid by the Employer, shall be paid out of the funds of the Plan.

 

6.4            Except as provided in paragraphs (a) and (b) below, and except as provided in Section 16 hereof, Employer contributions made under the Plan will be held for the exclusive benefit of Participants, and their joint annuitants or Beneficiaries and may not revert to the Employer.

 

(a)            A contribution made by the Employer under a mistake of fact may be returned to the Employer within one (1) year after it is contributed to the Plan.

 

(b)            A contribution conditioned upon its deductibility under Section 404 of the Code may be returned, to the extent the deduction is disallowed, to the Employer within one (1) year after the disallowance.  All contributions to the Plan are hereby conditioned upon their deductibility.

 

The maximum contribution that may be returned to the Employer will not exceed the amount actually contributed to the Plan, or the value of such contribution on the date it is returned to the Employer, if less.

 

6.5            In recognition of the fact that the Plan is, effective January 1, 1996, subject to the requirements of Section 413(c) of the Code, the provisions of Section 413(c)(4) of the Code shall, with respect to periods on and after that date, be applied consistent with such rules and procedures as shall be adopted by the actuary appointed under the Plan.

 

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SECTION 7

 

DEATH BENEFIT

 

7.1            Death Before Retirement Date.

 

(a)            If a Participant with a nonforfeitable right to the amount credited to his Retirement Account pursuant to Section 8 hereof dies prior to commencement of benefits, then his Surviving Spouse, or if (i) the Participant elects a Beneficiary other than his Surviving Spouse and such Surviving Spouse consents to such designation pursuant to Section 7.3 of the Plan or (ii) the Participant is unmarried, the Participant’s designated Beneficiary, shall receive the amount credited to the Retirement Account, payable in a single life annuity.  The Surviving Spouse (or designated Beneficiary, if applicable) may elect to receive such benefit in a cash lump sum payment; provided, however, that if the Actuarial Equivalent value of such amount does not exceed $5,000 (with respect to Plan Years beginning on or after January 1, 1998), such value shall automatically be paid in a cash lump sum in accordance with the last sentence of Section 10.1 hereof.

 

(b)            Notwithstanding the foregoing subsection (a), if (i) a Participant described in such subsection (a) was subject to the provisions of Section 5.5 and (ii) at the time of his death there is a Surviving Spouse and the Participant has not designated a Beneficiary other than his Surviving Spouse with such Surviving Spouse’s consent pursuant to Section 7.3, the single life annuity otherwise payable to such Surviving Spouse pursuant to this Section 7.1 shall not be less than the single life annuity otherwise payable to such person determined in accordance with the provisions of Section 6.1 or 6.2, as the case may be, of the appropriate Prior Plan and based solely on such Participant’s Normal Retirement Income determined in accordance with Section 5.5; provided, however, that if the Actuarial Equivalent value of the single life annuity otherwise so determined pursuant to this subsection (b) does not exceed $5,000 (with respect to Plan Years beginning on or after January 1, 1998), such value shall automatically be paid in a cash lump sum in accordance with the last sentence of Section 10.1 hereof.

 

7.2            Death After Date of Commencement of Benefits .  In the event of a Participant’s death after commencement of benefits, and if an optional form of benefit under Section 9.3 hereof is applicable, then the death benefit payable hereunder, if any, shall be determined in accordance with such optional election.  Otherwise, no death benefit shall be payable.

 

7.3            Beneficiary Designation .  If a Participant has a Surviving Spouse, his Surviving Spouse shall be his Beneficiary, unless the Participant designates someone other than his Surviving Spouse as his Beneficiary (other than as a contingent Beneficiary) and the Surviving Spouse consents to such designation.  If the Participant does not have a Surviving Spouse or if his Surviving Spouse consents, the Participant shall have the right to designate any person as a Beneficiary, to receive the amount, if any, payable pursuant to this Plan upon his death and may from time to time change any such designation in accordance with procedures established by the Committee.  Each such designation shall be submitted to the Committee or its

 

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designee in such form and manner as may be required by the Committee or its designee.  In the event that a Participant designates someone other than his Surviving Spouse as his Beneficiary (other than as a contingent Beneficiary), such Beneficiary designation shall not be effective unless (i) the Surviving Spouse consents to such Beneficiary designation in writing, in a form acceptable to the Committee or its designee, and such consent is witnessed by a Plan representative or a notary public or (ii) the Participant provides the Committee or its designee with sufficient evidence to show that the Participant does not have a Surviving Spouse or that his Surviving Spouse cannot be located.  The Committee shall decide which Beneficiary, if any, shall have been validly designated.  If a Participant does not have a Surviving Spouse and no Beneficiary has been designated, or if a Participant does not have a Surviving Spouse and the Committee determines that a designation made by the Participant is not effective for any reason, the Committee shall designate as Beneficiary the estate of the deceased Participant.

 

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SECTION 8

 

TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT

 

8.1            A Participant shall be 100% vested in the amount credited to his Retirement Account after having completed at least five (5) Years of Service.  Effective for Plan Years beginning on or after January 1, 2008, a Participant shall be 100% vested in the amount credited to his Retirement Account after having completed at least three (3) Years of Service.  If a Participant terminates employment other than by early or normal retirement or death after having completed at least five (5) Years of Service (or at least three (3) Years of Service effective for Plan Years beginning on or after January 1, 2008), he shall be entitled to elect payment of the amount credited to his Retirement Account as of such date of termination in a cash lump sum or, (i) if the Participant has a Surviving Spouse at the time of such termination of employment, as an annuity of the form described in Section 9.2 hereof or (ii) if the Participant has no Surviving Spouse at the time of such termination of employment, as an annuity of the form of benefit described in Section 9.1 hereof.  Such payment shall be made (or in the case of an annuity, shall commence) in accordance with the last sentence of Section 10.1 hereof, and such election to be subject to consent as provided in Sections 9.4 and 9.5 hereof; provided , however , that if the Actuarial Equivalent value of such amount does not exceed $1,000 (with respect to distributions commencing on or after March 28, 2005) or $5,000 (with respect to distributions commencing prior to March 28, 2005 and on or after January 1, 1998), such value shall automatically be paid in a cash lump sum in accordance with the last sentence of Section 10.1 hereof.  If such Participant does not elect such lump sum or annuity, he shall be entitled to receive his Accrued Benefit commencing on the first day of any month after his termination of employment (but not later than his Normal Retirement Date), payable in a lump sum or as an annuity, in accordance with Sections 9.1 or 9.2 hereof, to the extent applicable.  For purposes of this Section 8, a Participant who is terminated for Disability after a one-year absence because of Disability shall be deemed to have completed at least five (5) Years of Service.

 

8.2            In no event shall the retirement income of a terminated Employee who was a participant under a Prior Plan immediately prior to the Initial Effective Date be less than the Actuarial Equivalent of the benefit that would have been payable under the Prior Plan had the Participant’s employment terminated immediately prior to the Initial Effective Date.

 

8.3            Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan, each Participant shall be 100% vested in his Retirement Account on his Normal Retirement Date.

 

8.4            (a)            If a Participant’s service terminates prior to having completed five (5) Years of Service (or three (3) Years of Service for any Participant who performs at least one (1) Hour of Service on or after January 1, 2008), and at a time when he is 0% vested in the amount credited to his Retirement Account, he shall, notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, be deemed to automatically receive, as of such person’s date of termination of employment, a single lump sum distribution which is the Actuarial Equivalent of his entire vested Accrued Benefit under the Plan, and he shall thereupon forfeit his Retirement Account as of such same date.  Any forfeiture resulting from the operation of this Section, or any other provisions of the Plan, shall be used to reduce future Employer contributions.

 

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(b)            If a Participant’s Retirement Account is forfeited pursuant to the preceding paragraph (a) above and such Participant is subsequently reemployed as an Employee of an Employer (i) after the number of consecutive one-year Breaks in Service equals or exceeds five (5), the Years of Service completed prior to the Breaks in Service shall not be aggregated with Years of Service completed after the reemployment date, or (ii) prior to incurring five (5) or more consecutive one-year Breaks in Service, the amounts previously credited to his Retirement Account will be restored, the Years of Service completed prior to the Breaks in Service will be aggregated with the Years of Service after his reemployment date and the Participant shall become a Participant of the Plan upon his reemployment.

 

(c)            If a Participant’s vested percentage is 100% at the time of his termination of employment, and such Participant is subsequently reemployed as an Employee of an Employer, Years of Service completed prior to any number of one-year Breaks in Service shall be aggregated with Years of Service after the reemployment.  If such Participant received a complete distribution of his benefits under the Plan prior to his reemployment, then the amounts credited to his Retirement Account as of his date of termination shall be restored on his reemployment date, but any subsequent distribution paid to the Participant after his reemployment shall be offset by the present value of any distributions previously paid to him at any time in accordance with the requirements of Section 411(a)(7) of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(d)            For purposes of determining the amount credited to the Retirement Account of a reemployed Participant described in Section 8.4(c) above, (i) if such Participant received a complete distribution of his benefits under the Plan prior to his reemployment, the amount credited to his Retirement Account upon reemployment shall be $0, and (ii) if such Participant received distributions of only a portion of his benefits under the Plan prior to his reemployment, the amount credited to his Retirement Account upon reemployment shall be the amount credited to his Retirement Account at the time of his prior termination of employment less the amount of such distributions, and his Retirement Account shall be increased in accordance with Section 5.4 by applying the Periodic Adjustment Percentage to the undistributed amounts credited to his Retirement Account during the period between his termination of employment and his reemployment.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the reemployed Participant repays in full his prior distributions plus interest in accordance with Section 411(a)(7) of the Code, the Participant’s Retirement Account shall be credited with the full amount credited to such Retirement Account at the time of his prior termination of employment, increased in accordance with Section 5.4 by applying the Periodic Adjustment Percentage to such amount for the period between his termination of employment and his reemployment.

 

8.5            Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 8 and solely in the case of a Participant subject to the provisions of Section 5.5:

 

(a)            if such Participant’s Accrued Benefit is in fact determined pursuant to Section 5.5, rather than with reference to the amount credited to his Retirement Account, then the provisions of Section 8.1 shall instead be applied with reference to such Accrued Benefit so determined pursuant to Section 5.5, and in connection therewith, the amount of any cash lump sum shall be the Actuarial Equivalent of such Accrued Benefit; and

 

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(b)            regardless of whether such Participant’s Accrued Benefit is in fact so determined pursuant to Section 5.5, the provisions of Section 8.4 shall be applied with reference to both such person’s Retirement Account and the amount otherwise calculated pursuant to Section 5.5.

 

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SECTION 9

 

OPTIONAL FORMS OF BENEFIT

 

9.1            Normal Form of Benefit.

 

(a)            The normal form of benefit shall be an income payable monthly for life, commencing on the Normal Retirement Date and terminating with the payment preceding death; provided , however , that a Participant may, with spousal consent under the terms of Section 9.4 hereof, if applicable, elect to receive the amount credited to his Retirement Account in a single cash lump sum; further provided , however , that if the Actuarial Equivalent value of such amount does not exceed $1,000 (with respect to distributions commencing on or after March 28, 2005) or $5,000 (with respect to distributions commencing prior to March 28, 2005 and on or after January 1, 1998), such value shall automatically be paid to the Participant in a cash lump sum in accordance with the last sentence of Section 10.1 hereof.

 

(b)            Notwithstanding the foregoing subsection (a) and in the case of a Participant subject to the provisions of Section 5.5 or Section 5.6, if such Participant’s Accrued Benefit is in fact determined pursuant to Section 5.5 or Section 5.6, rather than with reference to the amount credited to his Retirement Account, then the provisions of the foregoing subsection (a) shall instead be applied with reference to such Accrued Benefit so determined pursuant to Section 5.5 or Section 5.6, and in connection therewith, the amount of any cash lump sum shall be the Actuarial Equivalent of such Accrued Benefit.

 

9.2            Automatic Post-Retirement Surviving Spouse Option .  Subject to the conditions hereinafter set forth in this Section, if a Participant has a Surviving Spouse at his Retirement Income Commencement Date, the amount of retirement income payment to which he would otherwise be entitled under the normal form of benefit described in Section 9.1 shall be reduced on an Actuarial Equivalent basis to reflect the fact that, if such spouse shall survive him, a retirement income shall be payable under the Plan to his Surviving Spouse during such spouse’s remaining lifetime after his death in an amount equal to 50% of the reduced amount of retirement income payments.  A married Participant may elect (and may revoke such election and thereafter reelect) that his retirement income not be paid in the 50% joint and survivor form described in the preceding sentence, subject to the provisions of Section 9.4 hereof.

 

9.3            Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 9, a Participant who retires on or after his Early Retirement Date may, subject to consent as provided in Sections 9.4 and 9.5 hereof, elect to receive the value of (i) his entire Accrued Benefit in accordance with Option 1 or 2; or (ii) his Accrued Benefit as of his Retirement Income Commencement Date less the value of his Accrued Benefit as of December 31, 1990 separately in accordance with Option 1 or 2, and his Accrued Benefit as of December 31, 1990 under a Prior Plan separately in accordance with Option 3, 4 or 5.

 

Option 1 .  An Actuarial Equivalent retirement income to be paid to the retired Participant for the rest of his life, and after his death either 50%, 100% or, effective for Plan Years beginning on or after January 1, 2008, 75% (in accordance with his election) of such

 

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Actuarial Equivalent retirement income to be paid to his contingent annuitant for the rest of the contingent annuitant’s life.

 

Option 2 .  An Actuarial Equivalent retirement income to be paid to the retired Participant payable for the greater of his lifetime or a period of ten (10) years.  If the retired Participant dies before the expiration of ten (10) years, the remaining installments of his Actuarial Equivalent retirement income shall be paid to his Beneficiary.

 

Option 3 .  An Actuarial Equivalent retirement income to be paid to the retired Participant for the rest of his life, and after his death either 25%, 66.67%, 75% or 100% (in accordance with his election) of such Actuarial Equivalent retirement income to be paid to his contingent annuitant for the rest of the contingent annuitant’s life.

 

Option 4 .  An Actuarial Equivalent retirement income to be paid to the retired Participant for the rest of his life, and if he dies before receiving 120 monthly payments, such Actuarial Equivalent retirement income to be paid to his Beneficiary for the remainder of the 120 months.

 

Option 5 .  A Participant who retires early in accordance with Section 4.2 hereof may elect to receive an Actuarial Equivalent retirement income providing larger monthly payments, in lieu of the retirement income otherwise payable upon early retirement, until the earliest date on which his Social Security benefit could commence; thereafter his monthly retirement income payments shall be reduced by the estimated monthly amount of his Social Security benefit computed to commence on such date.  This optional form provides, insofar as practical, a level total retirement income (from this Plan and Social Security) for the Participant.  In the event of the election of this Social Security adjustment option, the monthly payment of the adjusted retirement income shall commence at the date of retirement and shall cease with the earlier of the last payment prior to the death of the Participant or the last payment payable as calculated under this option.

 

9.4            The following rules and requirements must be met in order for any optional form of retirement income to be applicable.

 

(a)            The election must be made pursuant to a qualified election (as described in paragraphs (b) and (g) of this Section) and filed with the Committee or its designee within the 90-day period (180-day period for Plan Years beginning on or after January 1, 2007) ending on the Retirement Income Commencement Date.

 

(b)            The consent of a contingent annuitant or Beneficiary shall not be required for a qualified election of an option; except that, if a married Participant elects to receive a form of benefit other than the Automatic Post-Retirement Survivor Spouse Option described in Section 9.2 hereof, a qualified election requires that the Surviving Spouse waive such spouse’s right to the Automatic Post-Retirement Surviving Spouse Option.  Such waiver shall not be effective unless (i) the consent is in writing; (ii) the election designates a specific alternate Beneficiary, including any class of Beneficiaries or any contingent Beneficiaries, which may not be changed without spousal consent (or the Surviving Spouse expressly permits designations by the Participant without any further spousal consent); (ii) the Surviving Spouse’s

 

29



 

consent acknowledges the effect of the election; (iv) the Surviving Spouse’s consent is witnessed by a Plan representative or notary public; and (v) the election designates a form of benefit payment that may not be changed without spousal consent (or the Surviving Spouse expressly permits designations by the Participant without any further spousal consent).  In the absence of a waiver by such spouse, other than for the reason that such spouse cannot be located, the election of a form of payment other than as provided in Section 9.2 hereof shall be null and void.  Any consent by a Surviving Spouse obtained under this provision (or establishment that the consent of a Surviving Spouse may not be obtained) shall be effective only with respect to such Surviving Spouse.  A consent that permits designations by the Participant without any requirement of further consent by the Surviving Spouse must acknowledge that such spouse has the right to limit consent to a specific Beneficiary, and a specific form of benefit where applicable, and that such spouse voluntarily elects to relinquish either or both of such rights.  A revocation of a prior waiver may be made by a Participant without the consent of the Surviving Spouse at any time prior to the commencement of benefits.  The number of revocations shall not be limited.  No consent obtained under this provision shall be valid unless the Participant has received notice as provided in paragraph (g) of this Section.

 

(c)            An election may not be made nor will it be accepted by the Committee or its designee, or if accepted it shall become null and void, if the Actuarial Equivalent value of the Participant’s entire Accrued Benefit as of his Retirement Income Commencement Date would be $1,000 or less (with respect to distributions commencing on or after March 28, 2005) or $5,000 or less (with respect to distributions commencing prior to March 28, 2005 and on or after January 1, 1998), and such value shall automatically be paid to the Participant in a cash lump sum.

 

(d)            If the stated effective date of the option is prior to the Participant’s Normal Retirement Date and the Participant continues in service after such stated effective date, the election shall become null and void but, subject to the rules and requirements contained in this Section, the Participant may thereafter make another election.  If the stated effective date is the Participant’s Normal Retirement Date or any later date and he continues in service after such stated effective date, the option shall take effect upon his subsequent death or retirement.

 

(e)            If a Participant who has elected Option 4 under Section 9.3 hereof dies while the option is in effect, and his Beneficiary is a natural person who survives the Participant but dies before the 120 monthly payments have been paid to the Participant and the Beneficiary, the lump sum discounted value of the unpaid balance of such 120 monthly payments shall be paid to the Beneficiary’s estate.

 

(f)             If the contingent annuitant is other than the Surviving Spouse, and if the actuarial present value of the payments to be made to the Participant under an option will be less than 51% of the Actuarial Equivalent value of the normal form of retirement benefit provided in Section 9.1 hereof, the optional benefit shall be adjusted so that the value of the Participant’s benefit will be equal to 51% of the Actuarial Equivalent value of the Participant’s normal form of retirement benefit.

 

(g)            No election shall be a qualified election unless, at least 30 days (or such a shorter period permitted by the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder) and no

 

30



 

more than 90 days (180 days for Plan Years beginning on or after January 1, 2007) prior to the Participant’s Retirement Income Commencement Date, the Committee shall furnish him (by mail or personal delivery) a statement generally describing the 50% joint and survivor form and other optional forms of benefit and explaining the relative financial effects of making an election under Section 9.2 hereof, or an election of an optional form of payment under Section 9.3 hereof.  The statement shall also describe the right of the Participant and his Surviving Spouse to waive the 50% joint and survivor form, the effect of such a waiver, and the right to revoke such waiver.

 

9.5            If the Actuarial Equivalent value of a Participant’s vested Accrued Benefit exceeds $1,000 or $5,000 (for the period from January 1, 1998 through March 27, 2005), and the Accrued Benefit is “immediately distributable” (as defined below), the Participant and any Surviving Spouse (or where either the Participant or the spouse has died, the survivor) must consent to any distribution of such Accrued Benefit.  An Accrued Benefit is “immediately distributable” if any part of the Accrued Benefit could be distributed to the Participant (or Surviving Spouse) before the Participant attains (or would have attained if not deceased) Normal Retirement Age.  The consent of the Participant and any Surviving Spouse shall be obtained in writing within the 90-day period (180-day period for Plan Years beginning on or after January 1, 2007) ending on the Retirement Income Commencement Date.  The Participant and any Surviving Spouse shall be notified of the right to defer any distribution until the Participant’s Accrued Benefit is no longer immediately distributable and, for Plan Years beginning on or after January 1, 2008, of the consequences of failing to defer receipt of such distribution).  Such notification shall include a general description of the material features, and an explanation of the relative values of, the optional forms of benefit available under the Plan in a manner that would satisfy the notice requirements of Section 417(a)(3) of the Code, and shall be provided no less than 30 days (or such shorter period permitted by the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder) and no more than 90 days (180 days for Plan Years beginning on or after January 1, 2007) prior to the Retirement Income Commencement Date.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, only the Participant need consent to the commencement of a distribution in the 50% or 100% joint and survivor form while the Accrued Benefit is immediately distributable.  Neither the consent of the Participant nor the Surviving Spouse shall be required to the extent that a distribution is required to satisfy Section 401(a)(9) or 415 of the Code.

 

9.6            Any Distributee (as defined below) who is entitled to receive a Plan distribution that would be an “Eligible Rollover Distribution” (as defined below), may elect to have such distribution paid in the form of a direct trustee-to-trustee transfer to an “Eligible Retirement Plan” (as defined below) specified by such individual.  The Committee shall prescribe uniform rules for making such direct transfer election.  For purposes of this Section 9.6:

 

(a)            “Distributee” means a (i) Participant, (ii) the Surviving Spouse of a Participant, (iii) an alternate payee (within the meaning of Section 414(p) of the Code) who is a Spouse or former Spouse of the Participant, or (iv), effective for distributions on or after January 1, 2007, a non-Spouse Beneficiary.

 

(b)            “Eligible Rollover Distribution” means any distribution of all or any portion of the balance to the credit of the individual, except that an Eligible Rollover Distribution does not include: any distribution that is one of a series of substantially equal

 

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periodic payments (not less frequently than annually) made for the life (or life expectancy) of the individual or the joint lives (or joint life expectancies) of the individual and the individual’s designated Beneficiary, or for a specified period of ten years or more; any distribution to the extent such distribution is required under Section 401(a)(9) of the Code; and any distribution that is made upon hardship of the individual.

 

(c)            “Eligible Retirement Plan” means any of the following plans or arrangements that accepts the individual’s Eligible Rollover Distribution: (i) an individual retirement account described in Section 408(a) of the Code, (ii) an individual retirement annuity described in Section 408(b) of the Code, (iii) a qualified plan trust, (iv) an annuity plan described in Section 403(a) of the Code, (v) an annuity contract described in Section 403(b) of the Code, or (vi) an eligible deferred compensation plan described in Section 457(b) of the Code that is maintained by a state, political subdivision of a state, or any agency or instrumentality of a state or political subdivision of a state.  In the case of a non-Spouse Beneficiary, an “Eligible Retirement Plan” shall include only (i) an individual retirement account described in Section 408(a) of the Code, or (ii) an individual retirement annuity described in Section 408(b) of the Code (other than an endowment contract), established for the purpose of receiving the Eligible Rollover Distribution on behalf of such non-Spouse Beneficiary.

 

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SECTION 10

 

PAYMENT OF RETIREMENT INCOME

 

10.1          Subject to the provisions of Sections 9 and 11 hereof, retirement income payable in other than a lump sum shall be payable in monthly installments, as of the first day of each month with the first payment to be made as of the appropriate retirement date or earlier date of termination of employment, but in no event later than the 60th day after the later of the close of the Plan Year in which the Participant attains age 65 or terminates employment or in which occurs his tenth (10th) Year of Credited Service, and with final payment to be made as of the first day of the month in which death occurs, or, if earlier, the first day of the month payments cease under the option elected.  Subject to the foregoing sentence, retirement income payable in a single cash lump sum shall be paid on or as soon as administratively possible following the date he becomes entitled thereto.

 

10.2          Anything elsewhere in the Plan to the contrary notwithstanding, the entire nonforfeitable interest of each Participant shall be either:

 

(a)            distributed to the Participant not later than the Participant’s “Required Beginning Date” (as defined in Section 10.2(b)), or

 

(b)            distributed to, or for the benefit of, the Participant and the Participant’s contingent annuitant in installments beginning not later than the Participant’s Required Beginning Date and continuing, in accordance with such regulations as the Secretary of the Treasury may prescribe, (i) over the life of the Participant or over the lives of the Participant and the Participant’s contingent annuitant or (ii) over a period certain not extending beyond the life expectancy of the Participant and the Participant’s Beneficiary.  For purposes of this Section, the “Required Beginning Date” shall mean the later of April 1 of the calendar year which follows the calendar year in which the Participant attains age 70½, or the calendar year in which the Participant retires; provided , however , that a distribution to a Participant who is a five percent owner (as defined in Section 416 of the Code) shall begin no later than April 1 of the calendar year which follows the calendar year in which such Participant attains age 70-1/2.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Participant who attains age 70-1/2 after December 31, 1995 but on or before December 31, 1997 may elect to nevertheless commence his distribution on April 1 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the Participant attains age 70-1/2 even if the Participant is still employed by the Employer.  In addition to the foregoing, in applying the rules of this Section 10.2, the regulations promulgated under Section 401(a)(9) of the Code are incorporated herein by reference, as are the rules promulgated by the Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service with respect to compliance with Section 401(a)(9) of the Code without violating Section 411(d)(6) of the Code.

 

If distribution of a Participant’s nonforfeitable interest has begun in accordance with Section 10.2(b) hereof and the Participant dies before his entire nonforfeitable interest has been distributed to him, the remaining portion of such interest shall be distributed at least as rapidly as under the method of distribution being used under Section 10.2(b) hereof as of the date of the Participant’s death.

 

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If a Participant dies before distribution of the Participant’s nonforfeitable interest has begun in accordance with Section 10.2(b) hereof, the entire nonforfeitable interest shall be distributed within five years after the death of the Participant, except such portion thereof as shall be payable in installments to, or for the benefit of, the Participant’s contingent annuitant, beginning not later than one (1) year after the date of the Participant’s death and continuing, in accordance with such regulations as the Secretary of the Treasury may prescribe, over the life of the contingent annuitant (or over a period certain not extending beyond the life expectancy of the contingent annuitant); provided, however, that if the Surviving Spouse is the Participant’s contingent annuitant, the date on which the distributions are required to begin shall not be later than the Participant’s Required Beginning Date and, if the Surviving Spouse dies before the distributions to the Surviving Spouse begin, this paragraph shall be applied as if the Surviving Spouse was the Participant.

 

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SECTION 11

 

ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN

 

11.1          Except with respect to those responsibilities delegated to the Fiduciary Committee hereunder, the Plan shall be administered by the Committee, which shall be responsible for carrying out the provisions of the Plan.  The Committee shall be a “named fiduciary” under Section 402(a)(2) of ERISA.  The Committee shall consist of at least three (3) members who shall be appointed in the manner authorized by the Board.  Vacancies therein shall be filled in the same manner as appointments.  Any member of the Committee may be removed by action of the Board or may resign of his own accord by delivering his written resignation to the Board and to the secretary of the Committee.

 

11.2          The members of the Committee shall elect from their number a chairman.  The chairman shall appoint a secretary, who need not be a member of the Committee.  The members of the Committee may appoint from their number subcommittees with such powers as they shall determine, may authorize one or more of their number or any agent to execute or deliver any instrument or make any payment in their behalf, and may employ clerks and may employ such counsel, accountants, and actuaries as may be required in carrying out the provisions of the Plan.

 

11.3          The Committee shall hold meetings upon such notice, at such time, and at such place as they may determine.

 

11.4          A majority of the members of the Committee at the time in office shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.  All resolutions or other actions taken by the Committee shall be by the affirmative vote of a majority of those present at the meeting, or the written consent of a majority of members at the time in office, if they act without a meeting.

 

11.5          No member of the Committee who is also an Employee shall receive any compensation for his services as such, but the Employer may reimburse any member for any necessary expenses incurred.

 

11.6          The Committee shall from time to time establish rules for the administration of the Plan and the transaction of its business.  Except as herein otherwise expressly provided, the Committee shall have the exclusive right to interpret the Plan and to decide any matters arising thereunder in connection with the administration of the Plan, the eligibility of any person to benefits thereunder and the amounts of such benefits.  It shall endeavor to act by general rules so as not to discriminate in favor of any person.  Its decisions and the records of the Committee shall be conclusive and binding upon the Employer, the Participants, and all other persons having any interest under the Plan.

 

The Committee shall have the power to amend the Plan, provided that such amendment does not increase the total cost of providing benefits under the Plan by an amount in excess of $1,000,000 in any Plan Year computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting or actuarial principles; and provided, further, that such amendment does not affect the duties delegated hereunder to the Fiduciary Committee.

 

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The Committee may appoint a Plan administrator for the Plan and shall delegate to the Plan administrator the duty to maintain all records and accounts necessary for the effective administration of the Plan, and to take any actions necessary to comply with the reporting and disclosure requirements imposed by the Code, ERISA and any other applicable federal or state statute or regulation, including any law or regulation promulgated by any foreign governing body which applies to the Plan.  The Committee may delegate to any Plan administrator such other duties as it may deem necessary and appropriate.  The Committee shall receive reports from each such Plan administrator as the Committee may request.

 

11.7          The Committee shall cause to be maintained accounts showing the fiscal transactions of the Plan, and in connection therewith shall require the Trustee to submit any necessary reports, and shall keep in convenient form such data as may be necessary for actuarial valuations of the assets and liabilities of the Plan.  The Committee may retain counsel, accountants, actuaries and/or other persons to assist in the discharge of its duties.

 

11.8          The members of the Committee, the Fiduciary Committee, the Board, and the officers and directors of the Employer shall be entitled to rely upon all tables, valuations, certificates, and reports furnished by any duly appointed actuary, upon all certificates and reports made by any duly appointed accountant, and upon all opinions given by any duly appointed legal counsel.  The members of the Committee, the Fiduciary Committee, the Board, and the officers and directors of the Employer shall not be held liable for any action taken in good faith in reliance upon any such tables, valuations, certificates, reports, or opinions.  All actions so taken shall be conclusive upon each of them and upon all persons having any interest under the Plan.  No member of the Committee shall be personally liable by virtue of any instrument executed by him or on his behalf as a member of the Committee, or for any mistake of judgment made by himself or any other member or by anyone employed by the Employer, or for any loss unless resulting from his own actions, including gross negligence or willful misconduct.  Each member of the Committee shall be indemnified by the Employer against losses reasonably incurred by him in connection with any claim, proceeding or action to which he may be a party by reason of his membership in the Committee (including amounts paid in a settlement approved by the Employer and reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses incurred in connection with such claim, proceeding or action); provided , however , that such indemnification shall not apply to matters as to which he shall be finally adjudged, by a court of competent jurisdiction in a decision from which no appeal may be taken or with respect to which the time to appeal has expired without an appeal having been made, to have engaged in gross negligence or willful misconduct.  The foregoing right of indemnification shall be in addition to any other rights to which any such member may be entitled as a matter of law or pursuant to the bylaws of Estee Lauder or any other Employer.

 

11.9          In the event that any Participant, contingent annuitant or Beneficiary claims to be entitled to a benefit under the Plan, and the Committee determines that such claim should be denied in whole or in part, the Committee shall, in writing, notify such claimant within 90 days of receipt of such claim that his claim has been denied, setting forth the specific reasons for such denial.  Such notification shall be written in a manner reasonably expected to be understood by such Participant or other payee and shall set forth the pertinent sections of the Plan relied on and, where appropriate, an explanation of how the claimant can obtain review of

 

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such denial.  Within 60 days after the mailing or delivery by the Committee of such notice, such claimant may request, by mailing or delivery of written notice to the Committee, a review by the Committee of the decision denying the claim.  If the claimant fails to request such a hearing within such 60-day period, it shall be conclusively determined for all purposes of this Plan that the denial of such claim by the Committee is correct.  If such claimant requests a review within such 60-day period, he shall have the opportunity to review pertinent documents and to submit a written statement to the Committee.  After such review, the Committee shall determine whether such denial of the claim was correct and shall notify such claimant in writing of its determination within 60 days from receipt of his request and no further review shall thereafter be required by the Committee.

 

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SECTION 12

 

INVESTMENT OF PLAN ASSETS;

DUTIES OF FIDUCIARY COMMITTEE

 

12.1          All assets for providing the benefits of the Plan shall be held in trust for the exclusive benefit of Participants, contingent annuitants and Beneficiaries under the Plan, and no part of the corpus or income shall be used for, or diverted to, purposes other than for the exclusive benefit of Participants, contingent annuitants, and Beneficiaries under the Plan except as provided in Sections 6.3 and 16.4 hereof.  No Participant, contingent annuitant, or Beneficiary under the Plan, nor any other person, shall have any interest in or right to any part of the earnings of the Trust Fund, or any rights in, to, or under the Trust Fund or any part of its assets, except to the extent expressly provided in the Plan.

 

12.2          All contributions to the Plan by the Employer shall be committed in trust to the Trustee and/or to an insurance company as provided for in Section 404 of ERISA.  The Trustee shall be appointed from time to time by the Fiduciary Committee by the appropriate instrument, with such powers in the Trustee as to investment, reinvestment, control, and disbursement of the funds as the Fiduciary Committee shall approve and as shall be in accordance with the Plan.  The Fiduciary Committee may remove, replace, or add a Trustee at any time.  Upon the removal, replacement, or resignation of any Trustee, the Fiduciary Committee may designate a successor Trustee.

 

12.3          In the discretion of the Fiduciary Committee all contributions to the Plan by the Employer committed to the Trustee and/or insurance company may be commingled from time to time in whole or in part with any other fund or funds held by the Trustee and/or insurance company for use in connection with the payment of pensions of any Employee of the Employer or with any other fund or funds held by the Trustee and/or insurance company pursuant to any other retirement plan which is a qualified pension plan under Section 401(a) of the Code.  For purposes of this Plan, the word “fund” or “funds” as used in this Section 12 and hereafter in this Plan shall mean the allocable portion of the fund or funds held by the Trustee and/or insurance company in respect of the contributions made pursuant to this Plan.

 

12.4          The Fiduciary Committee shall determine the manner in which the funds of the Plan shall be disbursed in accordance with the Plan and the provisions of the trust instrument, including the form of voucher or warrant to be used in making disbursements and the qualifications of persons authorized to approve and sign the same and any other matters incident to the disbursement of such funds.

 

12.5          The Fiduciary Committee shall adopt from time to time actuarial tables to be used as the basis for all actuarial calculations and shall recommend the rates of contribution payable by the Employer to the Plan as provided in Section 6 hereof.  The Fiduciary Committee shall determine from time to time the per centum rate of interest to be used as the basis for all calculations.  As an aid to the Fiduciary Committee in adopting tables and in recommending the rates of contribution payable by the Employer to the Plan, the actuary appointed by the Fiduciary Committee shall make annual actuarial valuations of the assets and liabilities of the Plan and

 

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shall certify to the Fiduciary Committee the tables and rates of contribution which he would recommend for use by the Fiduciary Committee.

 

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SECTION 13

 

OBLIGATIONS OF THE EMPLOYER

 

13.1         All contributions by the Employer for benefits under the Plan shall be voluntary, and the Employer shall be under no legal obligation to make and/or continue to make them.  The Employer shall have no liability in respect to payments or benefits or otherwise under the Plan, and the Employer shall have no liability in respect to the administration of the Trust Fund or of the funds, securities, or other assets paid over to the Trustee, and each Participant, each contingent annuitant, and each Beneficiary shall look solely to such Trust Fund for any payments or benefits under the Plan.

 

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SECTION 14

 

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

 

14.1         Except as otherwise provided by law (which shall include a “qualified domestic relations order” pursuant to Section 414(p) of the Code and any other circumstance described in Section 401(a)(13) of the Code and the Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder), no benefit payable under the Plan shall be subject in any manner to anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, or charge; nor shall any such benefit be in any manner liable for or subject to the debts, contracts, liabilities, engagements, or torts of the person entitled to such benefit.

 

14.2         If any Participant, contingent annuitant, or Beneficiary under the Plan shall become bankrupt or attempt to anticipate, alienate, sell, transfer, assign, pledge, encumber or charge any benefit in a manner not allowed pursuant to Section 14.1, then such benefit shall, in the discretion of the Committee, cease and terminate.  In that event the Committee shall hold or apply the benefit or any part thereof to or for such Participant, contingent annuitant or Beneficiary, his spouse, children, or other dependents, or any of them, in such manner and in such proportions as the Committee shall in its sole discretion determine.

 

14.3         The establishment and/or maintenance of the Plan shall not be construed as conferring any rights upon any Employee or any person for a continuation of employment, and shall not be construed as limiting in any way the right of the Employer to discharge any Employee or to treat him without regard to the effect which such treatment might have upon him as a Participant of the Plan.

 

14.4         If any person entitled to receive any benefits from the Trust Fund is a minor or, in the judgment of the Committee, legally, physically or mentally incapable of personally receiving any distributions, the Committee may instruct the Trustee to make distribution to such other person, persons, or institutions that, in the judgment of the Committee, are then maintaining or have custody of such distributee.

 

14.5         The determination of the Committee as to the identity of the proper payee of any benefit under the Plan and the amount of such benefit properly payable shall be conclusive, and payment in accordance with such determination shall constitute a complete discharge of all obligations on account of such benefit.

 

14.6         In the event any amount shall become payable from the Trust Fund to a Beneficiary or the estate of any deceased person and if, after written notice from the Trustee mailed to the last known address of such Beneficiary, or of the executor or administrator of such estate (as certified to the Trustee by the Committee), such person or such executor or administrator shall not have presented himself to the Trustee within two years after the mailing of such notice, the Trustee shall notify the Committee, and the Committee shall instruct the Trustee to distribute such amount due to such Beneficiary or such estate among one or more of the spouse and blood relatives of such deceased person, as designated by the Committee.

 

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14.7                            This Plan may be adopted, by action of the Board of Directors, with respect to Employees who are United States citizens employed by a foreign subsidiary (as defined in Section 3121(1)(8) of the Code) of the Employer, with such Employees being treated as Employees of an Employer for the purpose described in Section 406 of the Code if the following conditions are met:

 

(a)           the Employer has entered into an agreement under Section 3121(1) of the Code which applies to the foreign subsidiary by which such Employees are employed; and

 

(b)           no contributions under another funded plan of deferred compensation (whether or not a plan described in Section 401(a), 403(a), or 405(a) of the Code) are provided by any other Employer with respect to the remuneration paid to such Employees by such subsidiary.

 

14.8                            In the case of any merger or consolidation with, or transfer of assets or liabilities to, any other plan each Participant in the Plan will (if the Plan then terminated) receive a benefit immediately after the merger, consolidation or transfer which is equal to or greater than the benefit he would have been entitled to receive immediately before the merger, consolidation or transfer (if the Plan had then terminated).  Such merger, consolidation or transfer shall comply with Section 414(l) of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

14.9                            The rights of any person who terminated employment or retired on or before the effective date of any of the relevant provisions of this restatement, including his eligibility for benefits, shall be determined solely under the terms of the Plan as in effect on the date of his termination of employment or retirement, unless such person is thereafter reemployed and again becomes a Participant.

 

14.10                      Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, contributions, benefits and service credit with respect to qualified military service will be provided in accordance with Section 414(u) of the Code.

 

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SECTION 15

 

ADOPTION OF PLAN BY MEMBERS OF THE GROUP

 

15.1         Any member of the Group, other than Estee Lauder, or any other corporation or unincorporated trade or business which is not a member of the Group may, with the consent of the Board of Directors, adopt this Plan, thereby bringing such Group member or other corporation or unincorporated trade or business within the definition of Employer.  With respect to such member of the Group or other corporation or unincorporated trade or business, the term “Original Effective Date” of the Plan shall refer to the date as to which such member adopts the Plan or the date as of which the Plan is extended to such member as the case may be.

 

15.2         The Board of Directors shall, subject to the requirements of ERISA and the Code, determine the extent to which, if at all, the period of employment prior to the extension of the Plan to a member of the Group or other corporation or unincorporated trade or business shall be recognized for purposes of the Plan.

 

15.3         In the event that a retirement plan or pension plan maintained by a member of the Group, or other corporation or unincorporated trade or business, for any other division, plant, or location is added to this Plan, the rights and benefits of Employees who were covered under such other plan shall, from and after the Original Effective Date of the Plan with respect to said Employer, be determined under such terms and conditions with respect to such Employees as shall be specified by the Board of Directors in the resolution approving the adoption or extension of the Plan as to the said Employees.

 

The assets under such other plans maintained by a member of the group applicable to Employees to be covered by this Plan shall, to the extent practicable and subject to the provisions of Section 14.8 hereof, be transferred to the Fund under this Plan, and such transferred assets shall be merged with the Fund held under this Plan.

 

15.4         If any Employer which has come within the definition of Employer pursuant to this Section 15 subsequently withdraws or is withdrawn from the Plan, or discontinues the Plan with respect to all or part of its Employees, the Committee shall determine the share of the Fund which shall be allocated to the Employees of such Employer who are thereby affected.  If a separate defined benefit pension plan is being continued for such Employees, such Employer shall, subject to the provisions of Section 14.8 hereof, designate a successor Trustee under a separate instrument to whom such allocable funds shall be transferred with respect to all or the specified classifications of its Employees, as the case may be, unless the Board of Directors shall determine that such Employer and its affected Employees may upon proper action of such Employer continue to participate in the Trust Fund maintained in connection with this Plan.  If the Plan is discontinued with respect to all or part of such Employer’s Employees, such allocable funds shall be allocated with respect to each Employee affected, and shall be applied pursuant to Section 16.4 hereof.

 

15.5         If any Employer which is not a member of the Group which includes Estee Lauder adopts the Plan in accordance with Section 15.1, the Plan shall be treated as a “multiple

 

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employer plan” within the meaning of Section 413(c) of the Code, and it shall comply with all the requirements of the Code and ERISA applicable to such plans.

 

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SECTION 16

 

AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION

 

16.1                            Estee Lauder reserves the right at any time, and from time to time, by action of the Committee to amend, in whole or in part, retroactively or prospectively or both, any or all of the provisions of the Plan; provided, however, that no part of the assets of the Plan shall, by reason of any amendment, be used for or diverted to purposes other than for the exclusive benefit of Participants, contingent annuitants, and Beneficiaries; and further provided that any amendment adopted by the Committee which would cause the Plan and the trust established under the Plan to cease to meet the requirements of Section 401(a) or 501(a) of the Code respectively, shall be null and void; and any actions taken under the Plan pursuant to such amendment, any benefit increases (or decreases) accruing under the Plan as a result of such amendment, and any increases (or decreases) in benefit payments under the Plan made as a result of such amendment, during the period from the date of adoption of such amendment to the date it is determined that such amendment should so cause the Plan and the trust under the Plan to cease to meet such requirements, shall be, respectively, rectified, nullified, and restored as soon as possible to the extent necessary to permit the Plan and the trust under the Plan to continue to meet the requirements of Section 401(a) and 501(a) of the Code, respectively.   Notwithstanding the previous paragraph herein, no amendment to the Plan shall:

 

(a)           reduce the Participant’s accrued normal retirement income as of the date on which the amendment is adopted,

 

(b)           eliminate or reduce any early retirement benefit or retirement-type subsidy (to be determined by regulation), or an optional form of retirement income under the Plan, with respect to the accrued normal retirement income, or

 

(c)           reduce a retired Participant’s retirement income as of the beginning of the Plan Year in which the amendment is effective.

 

The Board of Directors’ approval shall be required for any amendment to the Plan which is anticipated by the Committee to increase the cost to Estee Lauder of maintaining the Plan by an amount in excess of $1,000,000 in any Plan Year, computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting or actuarial principles.

 

16.2                            The Board of Directors may terminate the Plan at any time as to all or any particular group or groups of Participants and such other persons, if any, who have or may become entitled to benefits under the Plan on account of such Participants as to whom the Plan shall have been terminated, which Participants and other persons shall be referred to collectively as the terminated group in this Section 16.  After the Plan termination date which is applicable to the terminated group, benefits shall be provided to the terminated group in accordance with Section 16.4 hereof.  In the event of such termination, each member of the terminated group will be fully (100%) vested in his accrued benefit.

 

16.3                            The terminated group’s portion of the Fund shall equal the sum of that part of the fair market value on the Plan termination date of the entire Fund that would have been

 

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allocated to each person in the terminated group in accordance with Section 16.4 hereof if the Plan had been terminated on such date as to all Participants in the Plan and no expenses were incurred in connection with such termination of the Plan.

 

16.4                            A terminated group’s share of the Fund shall be allocated as follows:

 

(a)           first, to provide benefits to each person in the terminated group in accordance with Section 4044(a) of ERISA, and the regulations issued pursuant thereto;

 

(b)           then, to the extent that after the making of the allocation described in (a) above, there remain in the Fund any assets which are applicable to the terminated group, the said assets shall be applied to pay for any unpaid administrative expenses for the administration of the Plan as to the terminated group; and

 

(c)           lastly, to the extent that after making the allocations described in (a) and (b) above, there remain in the Fund any assets which are applicable to the terminated group, then such remaining assets shall be paid to the Employer for its own use and benefit provided that such payment to the Employer does not contravene any provision of law.

 

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SECTION 17

 

LIMITATION ACCORDING TO
TREASURY DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS

 

The purpose of this Section is to conform the Plan to the requirements of Section 1.401(a)(4)-5(b) of the Income Tax Regulations.

 

17.1         If a benefit becomes or is payable for a Plan Year to a Participant who is among the 25 highest paid “highly compensated employees” or “highly compensated former employees” (each as defined in Section 414(q) of the Code and regulations and rulings issued thereunder) for a Plan Year, such benefit cannot exceed an amount equal to the payments that would be made during the Plan Year on behalf of the Participant under a single life annuity that is the Actuarial Equivalent of the sum of the Participant’s Accrued Benefit and any other benefits under the Plan; provided , however , that this Section shall not apply if (i) benefits that would be payable to such a Participant are less than one percent (1%) of the total value of current liabilities under the Plan, or (ii) the assets of the Trust Fund exceed, immediately after payment of a benefit to such a Participant, 110% of the value of current liabilities under the Plan.  (For purposes of this Section, the value of current liabilities shall be as defined in Section 412(l)(7) of the Code.)

 

17.2         In the event of a termination of the Plan, the benefit of any highly compensated employee or highly compensated former employee shall be limited to a benefit that is nondiscriminatory under Section 401(a)(4) of the Code.

 

17.3         In the event Congress should provide by statute, or the Internal Revenue Service or Department of the Treasury should provide by regulation or ruling, that such limitations are no longer necessary for the Plan to meet the requirements of Section 401(a) or other applicable provisions of the Code then in effect, such limitations shall become void and shall no longer apply, without the necessity of further amendment to the Plan.

 

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SECTION 18

 

TOP-HEAVY PLAN PROVISIONS

 

18.1         Anything elsewhere in this Plan to the contrary notwithstanding, the provisions of this Section 18 shall apply to the Plan for any Plan Year if, on the last day of the preceding Plan Year, either (i) the present equivalent actuarial value of the cumulative accrued normal retirement income of Key Employees exceeds 60% of the present equivalent actuarial value of the cumulative accrued normal retirement income of all Participants, or (ii) the sum of (A) the present equivalent actuarial value of the cumulative accrued normal retirement income of Key Employees under the Plan, (B) the present equivalent actuarial value of the accumulated accrued benefits of Key Employees under all other qualified defined benefit plans included in the Aggregation Group, and (C) the cumulative account balances of Key Employees under all qualified defined contribution plans included in the Aggregation Group exceeds 60% of the sum of (D) the present equivalent actuarial value of the cumulative accrued normal retirement income of all Participants under the Plan, (E) the present equivalent actuarial value of the accumulated accrued benefits of all Participants under all other qualified defined benefit plans included in the Aggregation Group, and (F) the cumulative account balances of all Participants under all qualified defined contribution plans included in the Aggregation Group.  For the purpose of the foregoing sentence, the “equivalent actuarial value” of the cumulative accrued normal retirement income of each Participant under the Plan shall be calculated utilizing a five percent (5%) interest rate assumption and is increased by the amount of the aggregate distributions, if any, made with respect to the Participant under the Plan during the five-year period ending on the last day of the preceding Plan Year (except that for Plan Years beginning on or after January 1, 2002, distributions on account of severance from employment, death or disability shall be taken into account only if made during the one-year period ending on the last day of the preceding Plan Year); and the present equivalent actuarial value of the accumulated accrued benefit of each Participant under all other qualified defined benefit plans and the cumulative account balances of each Participant under any qualified defined contribution plan shall be increased by the amount of the aggregate distributions, if any, made with respect to the Participant under such other plan during that five-year period (or one-year period, as applicable).  The term “Aggregation Group” shall mean all plans to which the Employer contributes in which a Key Employee is a Participant and all other plans to which the Employer contributes that enable any such plan to meet the requirements of Section 401(a)(4) or Section 410 of the Code.  If a Participant is not a Key Employee for any Plan Year, but was a Key Employee in a prior Plan Year, the accrued normal retirement income for such Participant shall not be taken into account.  The accrued normal retirement income of any Participant or former Participant who has not during the five-year period ending on the last day of the preceding Plan Year received from the Employer any compensation other than benefits under the Plan (or for determinations on or after January 1, 2002, who has not during the one-year period ending on the last day of the preceding Plan Year performed any services for the Employer) shall not be taken into account.  In any Plan Year for which the provisions of this Section 18 apply and thereafter, each Employee who is a Participant during that Plan Year and has completed at least three (3) Years of Service shall have a nonforfeitable right, in the event he ceases to be an Employee prior to his Normal Retirement Date, otherwise than by death or early retirement, to receive for the remainder of his life (beginning at his Normal Retirement Date if he is still living) a deferred vested retirement

 

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income in an amount per month equal to his accrued normal retirement income computed as of the date he ceases to be an Employee (including benefits accrued before the provisions of this Section 18 apply).

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, each such Employee who has completed not less than three (3) Years of Service shall be permitted to elect, within 90 days after the first day of the Plan Year for which the provisions of this Section 18 apply, to have his nonforfeitable percentage computed in accordance with the provisions of Section 8 hereof without regard to this paragraph.

 

18.2                            In any Plan Year for which the provisions of this Section 18 apply, if the accrued normal retirement income of any Participant who is not a Key Employee, when expressed as an equivalent actuarial value of a benefit payable annually in the form of a single life annuity (with no ancillary benefits) beginning when the Participant attains age 65 (without taking into account contributions or benefits under Chapter 2 of Chapter 21 of Title II of the Social Security Act, or any other Federal or State law), is less than the Compensation from Estee Lauder not in excess of $150,000 ($200,000 for Plan Years beginning on or after January 1, 2002), for years in the Participant’s Testing Period, then the accrued normal retirement income of that Participant shall be increased to an amount equal at the last day of that Plan Year to such Applicable Percentage of the Participant’s average Compensation from the Employer for years in the Participant’s Testing Period.

 

18.3                            In any Plan Year for which the provisions of this Section 18 apply, the Compensation from the Employer of each Participant taken into account under the Plan shall not exceed the first $150,000 ($200,000 for Plan Years beginning on or after January 1, 2002) (or such other figure as shall result from such annual cost-of-living adjustments as the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate shall make pursuant to Section 401(a)(17)(B) of the Code).

 

18.4                            In any Plan Year commencing prior to January 1, 2000 for which the provisions of this Section 18 apply, the figure “1.0” shall be substituted for the figure “1.25” as required by Section 416 of the Code for the purpose of determining an Employee’s “defined contribution plan fraction” and “defined benefit plan fraction” under Section 415(e) of the Code.

 

18.5                            For purposes of this Section, the following definitions shall apply:

 

(a)           “Applicable Percentage” means, in respect of any Participant, the lesser of (i) 2 percent multiplied by the number of the Participant’s Years of Service (disregarding any Year of Service in which ended a Plan Year for which the provisions of this Section 18 were not applicable and any Year of Service completed in a Plan Year beginning before January 1, 1984) or (ii) 20 percent.

 

(b)           “Compensation” means, for purposes of this Section only, Compensation as defined in Section 2.10 hereof but including any special pay or remuneration reportable to the Internal Revenue Service on Form W-2 for Federal income tax purposes, but with respect to Plan Years commencing prior to January 1, 1998, “Compensation” excludes contributions made by an Employer on behalf of an Employee under a “cash or deferred arrangement” described in Section 401(k) of the Code.

 

49



 

(c)           “Key Employee” means a Participant, former Participant or the contingent annuitant of any Participant who, at any time during the Plan Year or, for determinations prior to January 1, 2002, any of the four preceding Plan Years, is or was

 

(i)            an officer of an Employer whose compensation from the Employer for the Plan Year exceeds (A) for determinations prior to January 1, 2002, 50% of the dollar limitation in effect under Section 415(b)(1)(A) of the Code for the calendar year in which such Plan Year ends, or (B) for determinations on or after January 1, 2002, $130,000;

 

(ii)           solely for determinations prior to January 1, 2002, one of the ten employees having annual compensation from the Employer in excess of the limitation in effect under Section 415(c)(1)(A) of the Code and owning (or considered as owning within the meaning of Section 318 of the Code) the largest interests in the Employer;

 

(iii)          the owner of five percent (5%) or more of the outstanding stock of the Employer (or stock possessing more than five percent (5%) of the total combined voting power of all stock of the Employer); or

 

(iv)          an owner of one percent (1%) or more of the outstanding stock of the Employer (or stock possessing more than one percent (1%) of the total combined voting power of all stock of the Employer) whose Compensation from the Employer for the Plan Year is more than $150,000.  Any Employee who is not a Key Employee shall be deemed a Non-Key Employee.

 

(d)           “Testing Period” means, in respect of any Participant, the period of consecutive years (not exceeding five (5)), and disregarding any Year of Service in which ended a Plan Year for which the provisions of this Section 18 were not applicable, any Year of Service completed in a Plan Year beginning before January 1, 1984, and any year that begins after the close of the last Plan Year for which the provisions of this Section 18 were applicable), during which the Participant had the greatest aggregate Compensation from the Employer.

 

50



 

SECTION 19

 

FUNDING-BASED LIMITS ON BENEFITS AND BENEFIT ACCRUALS

 

19.1         Funding-based Limitation on Shutdown Benefits and Other Unpredictable  Contingent Event Benefits.

 

(a)           If any Participant is entitled to an unpredictable contingent event benefit payable with respect to any event occurring during any Plan Year, such benefit shall not be provided if the adjusted funding target attainment percentage for such Plan Year is—

 

(i)            is less than 60 percent; or

 

(ii)           would be less than 60 percent taking into account such occurrence.

 

(b)           Section 19.1(a) shall cease to apply with respect to any Plan Year, effective as of the first day of the Plan Year, upon payment by the Employer of a contribution (in addition to any minimum required contribution under Section 430 of the Code) equal to—

 

(i)            in the case of clause (a)(i) above, the amount of the increase in the funding target of the Plan (under Section 430 of the Code) for the Plan Year attributable to the occurrence referred to in subsection (a) above, and

 

(ii)           in the case of clause (a)(ii), the amount sufficient to result in a funding target attainment percentage of 60 percent.

 

19.2         Limitations on Plan Amendments Increasing Liability for Benefits.

 

(a)           No amendment to the Plan which has the effect of increasing liabilities of the Plan by reason of increases in benefits, establishment of new benefits, changing the rate of benefit accrual, or changing the rate at which benefits become nonforfeitable may take effect during any Plan Year if the adjusted funding target attainment percentage for such Plan Year is—

 

(i)            less than 80 percent; or

 

(ii)           would be less than 80 percent taking into account such amendment.

 

(b)           Section 19.2(a) shall cease to apply with respect to any Plan Year, effective as of the first day of the Plan Year (or if later, the effective date of the amendment), upon payment by the Employer of a contribution (in addition to any minimum required contribution under Section 430 of the Code) equal to—

 

51



 

(i)            in the case of clause (a)(i) above, the amount of the increase in the funding target of the Plan (under Section 430 of the Code) for the Plan Year attributable to the amendment, and

 

(ii)           in the case of clause (a)(ii), the amount sufficient to result in an adjusted funding target attainment percentage of 80 percent.

 

(c)           Section 19.2(a) shall not apply to any amendment which provides for an increase in benefits under a formula which is not based on a Participant’s compensation, but only if the rate of such increase is not in excess of the contemporaneous rate of increase in average wages of Participants covered by the amendment.

 

19.3         Limitations on Accelerated Benefit Distributions.

 

(a)           In any case in which the Plan’s adjusted funding target attainment percentage for a Plan Year is less than 60 percent, the Plan shall not pay any prohibited payment (as defined in Section 19.3(d) below) after the valuation date for the Plan Year.

 

(b)           During any period in which any Employer is a debtor in a case under title 11, United States Code, or similar Federal or State law, the Plan shall not pay any prohibited payment.  The preceding sentence shall not apply on or after the date on which the enrolled actuary of the Plan certifies that the adjusted funding target attainment percentage of the Plan is not less than 100 percent.

 

(c)           In any case in which the Plan’s adjusted funding target attainment percentage for a Plan Year is 60 percent or greater but less than 80 percent, the Plan shall not pay any prohibited payment after the valuation date for the Plan Year to the extent that the amount of the payment exceeds the lesser of—

 

(i)            50 percent of the amount of the payment which could be made without regard to this Section 19; or

 

(ii)           the present value (determined under guidance prescribed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, using the interest and mortality assumptions under Section 417(e) of the Code) of the maximum guarantee with respect to the Participant under Section 4022 of ERISA.

 

Only one prohibited payment meeting the requirements of this Section 19.3(c) shall be made with respect to any Participant during any period of consecutive Plan Years to which the limitations under either Section 19.3(c)(i) or (ii) applies.  For purposes of this one payment per Participant limitation, a Participant and any Beneficiary on his behalf (including for this purpose an alternate payee) shall be treated as one Participant.  If the accrued benefit of a Participant is allocated to such an alternate payee and one or more other persons, the amount under this Section 19.3(c) shall be allocated among such persons in the same manner as the accrued benefit is allocated unless the qualified domestic relations order provides otherwise.

 

(d)           For purposes of this Section 19.3, a “prohibited payment” means—

 

52



 

(i)            any payment, in excess of the monthly amount paid under a single life annuity (plus any social security supplements described in the last sentence of Section 411(a)(9) of the Code), to a Participant or Beneficiary whose annuity starting date (as defined in Section 417(f)(2) of the Code) occurs during any period a limitation under this Section 19.3 is in effect;

 

(ii)           any payment for the purchase of an irrevocable commitment from an insurer to pay benefits; and

 

(iii)          any other payment specified by the Secretary of the Treasury in regulations.

 

19.4         Limitation on Benefit Accruals In the Event of a Severe Funding Shortfall.

 

(a)           In any case in which the Plan’s adjusted funding target attainment percentage for a Plan Year is less than 60 percent, benefit accruals under the Plan shall cease as of the valuation date for the Plan Year.

 

(b)           Section 19.4(a) shall cease to apply with respect to any Plan Year, effective as of the first day of the Plan Year, upon payment by the Employer of a contribution (in addition to any minimum required contribution under Section 430 of the Code) equal to the amount sufficient to result in an adjusted funding target attainment percentage of 60 percent.

 

53



 

SECTION 20

 

EXECUTION

 

To record the amendment and restatement of the Plan as set forth herein, the Estee Lauder Inc. Employee Benefits Committee has adopted this restatement effective as of January 1, 2007 and authorized its execution below.

 

 

 

ESTEE LAUDER INC. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS COMMITTEE

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Amy DiGeso, Chairman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

 

 

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APPENDIX A

 

1.             Except as otherwise noted below, the assumptions to be used to convert a single life annuity into any other form of benefit, other than a lump sum distribution, are as follows:

 

Interest Rate:

 

6%

 

 

 

Mortality Table:

 

1971 TPF&C Mortality Table for male lives, set back four years

 

2.             To the extent that (A) any Participant’s Retirement Account is to be converted into an equivalent, immediately payable, annual amount of single life annuity and (B) the distribution of such single life annuity is to begin as of date prior to January 1, 1999, such conversion shall be done by applying an immediate conversion factor to such Participant’s Retirement Account, with such factor based upon the above specified mortality table and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”) immediate interest rate applicable to the month as of which the distribution of the single life annuity is otherwise to begin.

 

To the extent that (A) any Participant’s Retirement Account is to be converted into an equivalent, immediately payable, annual amount of single life annuity and (B) the distribution of such single life annuity is to begin as of date during calendar year 1999, such conversion shall be done by applying an immediate conversion factor to such Participant’s Retirement Account, with such factor based upon the “applicable mortality table” (as defined under Section 417(e)(3) of the Code) and whichever of the following two interest rates results in the larger single life annuity:

 

(i)                                      the “applicable interest rate” (as defined under Section 417(e)(3) of the Code) as in effect for the second calendar month immediately prior to the first day of the calendar quarter in which falls the date as of which the distribution of the single life annuity is otherwise to begin, and

 

(ii)                                   such same “applicable interest rate” as in effect for the second calendar month immediately prior to the month in which falls the date as of which such distribution of the single life annuity is otherwise to begin.

 

To the extent that (A) any Participant’s Retirement Account is to be converted into an equivalent, immediately payable, annual amount of single life annuity and (B) the distribution of such single life annuity is to begin as of a date on or after January 1, 2000, such conversion shall be done by applying an immediate conversion factor to such Participant’s Retirement Account, with such factor based upon the “applicable mortality table” (as defined under Section 417(e)(3) of the Code) and the “applicable interest rate” (as defined under Section 417(e)(3) of the Code) as in effect for the second calendar month immediately prior to the first day of the calendar quarter in which falls the date as of which the distribution of the single life annuity is otherwise to begin.

 

A-1



 

For purposes of this Appendix A, the “applicable mortality table” (as defined under Section 417(e)(3) of the Code) shall be the table prescribed by Revenue Ruling 95-6 for distributions on or after January 1, 1999 and prior to December 31, 2002, and the table prescribed by Revenue Ruling 2001-62 for distributions on or after December 31, 2002 and prior to January 1, 2008, and the table prescribed by Revenue Ruling 2007-67 for distributions on or after January 1, 2008 (except to the extent that sections 4 and 5 of this Appendix A permit use on or after January 1, 2008 of a table determined without giving effect to the changes in Section 417(e)(3) of the Code made by the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (“PPA 2006”)).

 

3.             To the extent that (A) any immediately payable, lump sum distribution under the Plan is the equivalent of a single life annuity otherwise deferred to a Participant’s Normal Retirement Date and (B) such distribution is to occur as of a date prior to January 1, 1999, such Participant’s Retirement Account is converted into an annual amount of such a deferred single life annuity using a deferred conversion factor, with such factor based upon the above specified mortality table and the PBGC immediate/deferred blended interest rate (under Section 417(e)(3) of the Code, as in effect immediately prior to the enactment of Public Law 103-465) applicable to the month as of which the distribution of such lump sum benefit is otherwise to occur.

 

To the extent that (A) any immediately payable, lump sum distribution under the Plan is the equivalent of a single life annuity otherwise deferred to a Participant’s Normal Retirement Date and (B) such distribution is to occur as of a date during calendar year 1999, such Participant’s Retirement Account is converted into an annual amount of such a deferred single life annuity using a deferred conversion factor, with such factor based upon the “applicable mortality table” (as defined under Section 417(e)(3) of the Code) and whichever of the following two interest rates results in the larger single life annuity:

 

(i)                                      the “applicable interest rate” (as defined under Section 417(e)(3) of the Code) as in effect for the second calendar month immediately prior to the first day of the calendar quarter in which falls the date as of which such distribution is otherwise to occur, and

 

(ii)                                   such same “applicable interest rate” as in effect for the second calendar month immediately prior to the month in which falls the date as of which such distribution is otherwise to occur.

 

To the extent that (A) any immediately payable, lump sum distribution under the Plan is the equivalent of a single life annuity otherwise deferred to a Participant’s Normal Retirement Date and (B) such distribution is to occur as of a date on or after January 1, 2000, such Participant’s Retirement Account is converted into an annual amount of such a deferred single life annuity using a deferred conversion factor, with such factor based upon the “applicable mortality table” (as defined under Section 417(e)(3) of the Code) and the applicable interest rate” (as defined under Section 417(e)(3) of the Code) as in effect for the second calendar month immediately prior to the first day of the calendar quarter in which falls the date as of which such distribution is otherwise to occur.

 

A-2



 

4.             To the extent that (A) any Participant’s single life annuity otherwise payable immediately is converted into an equivalent, immediately payable lump sum distribution and (B) the distribution of such lump sum benefit is to occur as of a date prior to January 1, 1999, such conversion shall be done by applying an immediate conversion factor to the annual amount of such single life annuity, with such factor based upon the above specified mortality table and the PBGC immediate interest rate applicable to the month as of which the distribution of such lump sum benefit is otherwise to occur.

 

To the extent that (A) any Participant’s single life annuity otherwise payable immediately is converted into an equivalent, immediately payable lump sum distribution and (B) the distribution of such lump sum benefit is to occur as of a date during calendar year 1999, such conversion shall be done by applying an immediate conversion factor to the annual amount of such single life annuity, with such factor based upon the “applicable mortality table” (as defined under Section 417(e)(3) of the Code) and whichever of the following two interest rates results in the larger single life annuity:

 

(i)                                      the “applicable interest rate” (as defined under Section 417(e)(3) of the Code) as in effect for the second calendar month immediately prior to the first day of the calendar quarter in which falls the date as of which such distribution is otherwise to occur, and

 

(ii)                                   such same “applicable interest rate” as in effect for the second calendar month immediately prior to the month in which falls the date as of which such distribution is otherwise to occur.

 

To the extent that (A) any Participant’s single life annuity otherwise payable immediately is converted into an equivalent, immediately payable lump sum distribution and (B) the distribution of such lump sum benefit is to occur as of a date on or after January 1, 2000 and prior to January 1, 2008, such conversion shall be done by applying an immediate conversion factor to the annual amount of such single life annuity, with such factor based upon the “applicable mortality table” (as defined under Section 417(e)(3) of the Code) and the “applicable interest rate” (as defined under Section 417(e)(3) of the Code) as in effect for the second calendar month immediately prior to the first day of the calendar quarter in which falls the date as of which such distribution is otherwise to occur.

 

To the extent that (A) any Participant’s single life annuity otherwise payable immediately is converted into an equivalent, immediately payable lump sum distribution and (B) the distribution of such lump sum benefit is to occur as of a date on or after January 1, 2008, such conversion shall be done by applying to the annual amount of such single life annuity the immediate conversion factor specified in clause (i) or (ii) below that produces the greater lump sum benefit amount: (i) the factor based upon the “applicable mortality table” and “applicable interest rate” determined in accordance with the immediately preceding paragraph, without giving effect to the changes in Section 417(e)(3) of the Code made by PPA 2006; or (ii) the factor based upon the “applicable mortality table” (as defined under Section 417(e)(3) of the Code as amended by PPA 2006) and the “applicable interest rate” (as defined under Section 417(e)(3) of the Code as amended by PPA 2006) as in effect for the second calendar month

 

A-3



 

immediately prior to the first day of the calendar quarter in which falls the date as of which such distribution is otherwise to occur.

 

5.             Each Participant’s single life annuity otherwise deferred to such Participant’s Normal Retirement Date is, if the distribution of a lump sum benefit is otherwise to occur as of a date prior to January 1, 1999, converted into an equivalent, immediately payable lump sum distribution by using a deferred conversion factor, with such factor based upon the above specified mortality table and the PBGC immediate/deferred blended interest rate (under Section 417(e)(3) of the Code, as in effect immediately prior to the enactment of Public Law 103-465) applicable to the month as of which the distribution of such lump sum benefit is otherwise to occur.

 

Each Participant’s single life annuity otherwise deferred to such Participant’s Normal Retirement Date is, if the distribution of a lump sum benefit is otherwise to occur as of a date during calendar year 1999, converted into an equivalent, immediately payable lump sum distribution by using a deferred conversion factor, with such factor based upon the “applicable mortality table” (as defined under Section 417(e)(3) of the Code) and whichever of the following two interest rates results in the larger single life annuity:

 

(i)                                      the “applicable interest rate” (as defined under Section 417(e)(3) of the Code) as in effect for the second calendar month immediately prior to the first day of the calendar quarter in which falls the date as of which such distribution is otherwise to occur, and

 

(ii)                                   such same “applicable interest rate” as in effect for the second calendar month immediately prior to the month in which falls the date as of which such distribution is otherwise to occur.

 

Each Participant’s single life annuity otherwise deferred to such Participant’s Normal Retirement Date is, if the distribution of a lump sum benefit is otherwise to occur as of a date on or after January 1, 2000 and prior to January 1, 2008, converted into an equivalent, immediately payable lump sum distribution by using a deferred conversion factor, with such factor based upon the “applicable mortality table” (as defined under Section 417(e)(3) of the Code) and the “applicable interest rate” (as defined under Section 417(e)(3) of the Code) as in effect for the second calendar month immediately prior to the first day of the calendar quarter in which falls the date as of which such distribution is otherwise to occur.

 

Each Participant’s single life annuity otherwise deferred to such Participant’s Normal Retirement Date shall be, if the distribution of a lump sum benefit is otherwise to occur as of a date on or after January 1, 2008, converted into an equivalent, immediately payable lump sum distribution by using the deferred conversion factor specified in clause (i) or (ii) below that produces the greater lump sum benefit amount: (i) the factor based upon the “applicable mortality table” and “applicable interest rate” determined in accordance with the immediately preceding paragraph, without giving effect to the changes in Section 417(e)(3) of the Code made by PPA 2006; or (ii) the factor based upon the “applicable mortality table” (as defined under Section 417(e)(3) of the Code as amended by PPA 2006) and the “applicable interest rate” (as defined under Section 417(e)(3) of the Code as amended by PPA 2006) as in effect for the

 

A-4



 

second calendar month immediately prior to the first day of the calendar quarter in which falls the date as of which such distribution is otherwise to occur.

 

A-5



 

APPENDIX B

 

In order to receive the benefits described in Section 5.5 of the Plan, a Participant must have been a participant under a Prior Plan on December 31, 1990 and must satisfy the requirements set forth below that correspond to his termination of employment date.

 

Termination of Employment Date

 

Requirements

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.

 

After December 31, 1990 and prior to July 1, 1991

 

1.

 

Age 50 with 10 Years of Service on December 31, 1990; age 55 with 10 Years of Service on his termination of employment date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.

 

After June 30, 1991 and prior to January 1, 1993

 

2.

 

Age 55 with 10 Years of Service on his termination of employment date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.

 

After December 31, 1992

 

3.

 

Age 50 with 5 Years of Service, or any age and 10 Years of Service, as of January 1, 1993

 

B-1



 

APPENDIX C

 

ADDITIONAL EARLY RETIREMENT BENEFITS

 

1.1            Eligibility for Additional Benefits

 

A.             Any Participant employed in the United States by an Employer, or on sick leave or long-term disability under the Employer’s Long-Term Disability Plan, may elect to retire on August 1, 1991 (such designated date of retirement hereinafter referred to in this Appendix C as the “Retirement Day”) and be eligible to receive the additional benefits (“Additional Benefits”) set forth under this Appendix C, provided that (i) on or before July 31, 1991 such Participant shall have attained at least age 55 and completed at least ten Years of Service under the Plan (including periods of disability in which no Years of Service were credited), (ii) the document entitled “Special Retirement Option Agreement,” which includes a General Release in favor of the Employer, is signed, witnessed and dated no earlier than July 8, 1991 but no later than July 18, 1991 in strict accordance with the instructions contained therein, and (iii) such Participant shall have made an election to retire on such other forms as the Employer may require during the period commencing forty-five days after such Participant receives the “Special Retirement Option Agreement” from the Employer but ending no later than July 31, 1991.  Participants who previously retired on or after January 1, 1991 and before August 1, 1991 and who were employed in the United States by the Employer shall also be eligible for the Additional Benefits under this Appendix C, provided the preceding requirements in clauses (i)-(iii) hereof are satisfied.

 

B.             Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph A hereof, any individual whose active employment with an Employer ceased by mutual agreement on or before May 17, 1991 shall not be eligible for any benefits under this Appendix C.

 

C.             Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph A above, any individual who is classified by an Employer as a Corporate Department Head or President of a division shall not be eligible for the Additional Benefits under this Appendix C.

 

1.2            Additional Benefits

 

Each Participant eligible for Additional Benefits under this Appendix C to the Plan who elects to retire on the Retirement Day shall be entitled to the following:

 

A.             The Additional Benefits shall be equal to the benefit determined, under Section 5.5 of the Plan, by increasing the Participant’s age as of August 1, 1991, by five (5) years and Years of Service as of August 1, 1991, by five (5) years.  The Additional Benefits shall be added to the regular pension benefit determined under Section 5.5 of the Plan.

 

B.             The reduction contained in Section 5.5 of the Plan, which applies to the early commencement of a Participant’s benefits prior to age 62, shall be applied after increasing the Participant’s age by five (5) years as provided under paragraph A above.

 

C-1



 

C.             The Additional Benefits provided under this Appendix C to the Plan shall be payable in the form applicable to the Participant in accordance with the provisions of Section 9 of the Plan.

 

D.             Participants who (i) retired on or after January 1, 1991 and prior to August 1, 1991, (ii) are receiving retirement benefits under the Plan prior to August 1, 1991, and (iii) are eligible under Section 1.1 A hereof, shall have the amount of their retirement benefits recomputed under this Appendix C from the date of their previous retirement and paid in accordance with the form of benefit previously elected under Section 9 of the Plan.  No changes to the form of benefit previously elected shall be permitted; however, the Additional Benefits payable for the period of time from the date of the previous retirement to July 31, 1991 shall be paid in the form of a lump sum distribution at the time prescribed under paragraph E hereof.  In no event shall Additional Benefits be paid to Participants who retired before January 1, 1991.

 

E.              If a Participant elects the Additional Benefits provided under this Appendix C to the Plan, such Participant’s retirement benefits shall be payable commencing in the first month following the month in which the Retirement Day occurs.

 

C-2



 

APPENDIX D

 

ADDITIONAL EARLY RETIREMENT BENEFITS

 

1.1            Eligibility for Additional Benefits

 

A.             Any Participant employed in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico by the Estee Lauder Hemisphere Division of Clinique (the “Employer”), or on sick leave or long-term disability under the Employer’s Long-Term Disability Plan, may elect to retire on December 1, 1991 (such designated date of retirement hereinafter referred to in this Appendix D as the “Retirement Day”) and be eligible to receive the additional benefits (“Additional Benefits”) set forth under this Appendix D, provided that (i) on or before November 30, 1991 such Participant shall have attained at least age 55 and completed at least ten Years of Service under the Plan (including periods of disability in which no Years of Service were credited), (ii) the document entitled “Special Retirement Option Agreement and General Release,” which includes a General Release in favor of the Employer, is signed, witnessed and dated no earlier than November 4, 1991 but no later than November 14, 1991 in strict accordance with the instructions contained therein, and (iii) such Participant shall have made an election to retire on such other forms as the Employer may require during the period commencing forty-five days after such Participant receives the “Special Retirement Option Agreement” from the Employer but ending no later than November 30, 1991.  Participants who previously retired on or after January 1, 1991 and before December 1, 1991 and who were employed in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico by the Employer shall also be eligible for the Additional Benefits under this Appendix D, provided the preceding requirements in clauses (i)-(iii) hereof are satisfied.

 

B.             Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph A hereof, any individual whose active employment with the Employer ceased by mutual agreement on or before September 19, 1991 shall not be eligible for any benefits under this Appendix D.

 

C.             Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph A above, any individual who is classified by the Employer as a Corporate Department Head or President of a division shall not be eligible for the Additional Benefits under this Appendix D.

 

1.2            Additional Benefits

 

Each Participant eligible for Additional Benefits under this Appendix D to the Plan who elects to retire on the Retirement Day shall be entitled to the following:

 

A.             The Additional Benefits shall be equal to the benefit determined, under Section 5.5 of the Plan, by increasing the Participant’s age as of December 1, 1991, by five (5) years and Years of Service as of December 1, 1991, by five (5) years.  The Additional Benefits shall be added to the regular pension benefit determined under Section 5.5 of the Plan.

 

B.             The reduction contained in Section 5.5 of the Plan, which applies to the early commencement of a Participant’s benefits, shall be applied after increasing the Participant’s age by five (5) years as provided under paragraph A above.

 

D-1



 

C.             The Additional Benefits provided under this Appendix D to the Plan shall be payable in the form applicable to the Participant in accordance with the provisions of Section 9 of the Plan.

 

D.             Participants who (i) retired on or after January 1, 1991 and prior to December 1, 1991, (ii) are receiving retirement benefits under the Plan prior to December 1, 1991, and (iii) are eligible under Section 1.1 A hereof, shall have the amount of their retirement benefits recomputed under this Appendix D from the date of their previous retirement and paid in accordance with the form of benefit previously elected under Section 8 of the Plan.  No changes to the form of benefit previously elected shall be permitted; however, the Additional Benefits payable for the period of time from the date of the previous retirement to November 30, 1991 shall be paid in the form of a lump sum distribution at the time prescribed under paragraph E hereof.  In no event shall Additional Benefits be paid to Participants who retired before January 1, 1991.

 

E.              If a Participant elects the Additional Benefits provided under this Appendix D to the Plan, such Participant’s retirement benefits shall be payable commencing in the first month following the month in which the Retirement Day occurs.

 

D-2



 

APPENDIX E

 

SPECIAL PROVISIONS GOVERNING
EMPLOYEES OF WHITMAN PACKAGING CORPORATION
WHO DID NOT OTHERWISE BECOME ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES
PRIOR TO JANUARY 1, 1992

 

SECTION 1.1                          SCOPE .

 

The provisions of this Appendix E shall apply with respect to each person who first became an employee of Whitman Packaging Corporation prior to January 1, 1992; other than any such person who, prior to that date, terminated such employment and immediately thereupon transferred to, and became an employee of, an entity which was then an Employer under the Plan as then in effect (a “Whitman Employee”).  The provisions of this Appendix E shall apply notwithstanding any contrary provisions of the Plan, of which this Appendix is a part.

 

Except to the extent expressly provided to the contrary herein, all defined terms shall have the same meanings as provided under the Plan.  Each reference to the Plan shall (except with reference to the first sentence of the preceding paragraph) be to the Plan as in effect at the time such provision is applied to a Whitman Employee, as the context shall require.

 

The provisions of this Appendix E shall not apply with respect to (a) any person described in Appendix F or (b) any person who first becomes an employee of Whitman Packaging Corporation (“Whitman”) on or after January 1, 1992.

 

SECTION 1.2                          COMMENCEMENT OF STATUS AS A PARTICIPATING EMPLOYER

 

Whitman shall become an Employer under the Plan on January 1, 1992.

 

SECTION 1.3                          COMMENCEMENT OF PLAN PARTICIPATION BY WHITMAN EMPLOYEES

 

No Whitman Employee shall be permitted to become a Participant prior to January 1, 1992.  The first date on or after January 1, 1992 on which any such person may become a Participant shall be governed by the otherwise applicable provisions of Section 3 of the Plan.  In applying the terms of such participation eligibility provision, there shall be taken into account all of such Whitman Employee’s period of employment with Whitman on or after January 1, 1984, but only to the extent that any such period of employment would have been taken into account had Whitman otherwise been an Employer throughout such person’s entire such period of employment.

 

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SECTION 1.4                          CREDITS TO RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

 

In determining the amount to be credited to the Retirement Account of a Whitman Employee who becomes a Participant pursuant to the provisions of Section 5 of the Plan, there shall be taken into account all periods of such person’s employment with Whitman on or after January 1, 1984 which would otherwise have been taken into account for such purpose had Whitman otherwise been an Employer throughout such person’s entire such period of employment; provided , however , that there shall be taken into account for this purpose with respect to any Whitman Employee who becomes a Participant (i) who transferred from a non-exempt position to an exempt position prior to January 1, 1992, all periods of employment beginning with the date on which such Whitman Employee first became a regular, full-time employee of Whitman; (ii) who is in a non-exempt position, all periods of employment beginning on the later of (A) January 1, 1984, or (B) such Whitman Employee’s Plan Entry Date for purposes of the Whitman Packaging Corporation Money Purchase Plan.

 

SECTION 1.5                          VESTING

 

In determining the extent to which any Whitman Employee is vested in his Retirement Account pursuant to the provisions of Section 8 of the Plan, there shall be taken into account all periods of such person’s employment with Whitman which are otherwise taken into account with respect to such employee pursuant to the provisions of Section 1.4 of this Appendix E.

 

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APPENDIX F

 

SPECIAL PROVISIONS GOVERNING

EMPLOYEES OF WHITMAN PACKAGING CORPORATION

WHO OTHERWISE BECOME ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES

PRIOR TO JANUARY 1, 1992

 

SECTION 1.1                          SCOPE

 

The provisions of this Appendix F shall apply with respect to each person who, prior to January 1, 1992, (a) became an employee of Whitman Packaging Corporation and (b) thereafter terminated such employment and immediately thereupon transferred to, and became an employee of an entity which was then an Employer under the Plan as then in effect (a “Transferred Whitman Employee”).  The provisions of this Appendix F shall apply notwithstanding any contrary provisions of the Plan, of which this Appendix is a part.

 

Except to the extent expressly provided to the contrary herein, all defined terms shall have the same meanings as provided under the Plan.  Each reference to the Plan shall (except with reference to the first sentence of the preceding paragraph) be to the Plan as in effect at the time such provision is applied to a Transferred Whitman Employee, as the context shall require.

 

The provisions of this Appendix F shall not apply with respect to (a) any person subject to the provisions of Appendix E or (b) any person who first becomes an employee of Whitman Packaging Corporation (“Whitman”) on or after January 1, 1992.

 

SECTION 1.2                          CREDITS TO RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

 

In determining the amount to be credited to the Retirement Account of a Transferred Whitman Employee for the Plan Year commencing January 1, 1992 and for each subsequent Plan Year (but not for any prior Plan Year) pursuant to the provisions of Section 5 of the Plan, but only in the case of such a person who is otherwise entitled to have an amount so credited for such Plan Year, there shall be taken into account all periods of such person’s employment with Whitman on or after January 1, 1984 which would otherwise have been taken into account for such purpose had Whitman otherwise been an Employer throughout such person’s entire such period of employment; provided , however , that there shall be taken into account for this purpose with respect to any Transferred Whitman Employee (i) who transferred from a non-exempt position to an exempt position with Whitman prior to becoming a Transferred Whitman Employee, all periods of employment beginning with the date on which such Transferred Whitman Employee first became a regular, full-time employee of Whitman; (ii) who was in a non-exempt position with Whitman prior to becoming a Transferred Whitman Employee, all periods of employment beginning on the later of (iii) January 1, 1984, or (iv) such Transferred Whitman Employee’s Plan Entry Date for purposes of the Whitman Packaging Corporation Money Purchase Plan.

 

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SECTION 1.3                          VESTING

 

In determining the extent to which any Transferred Whitman Employee is, for the Plan Year commencing January 1, 1992 and each subsequent Plan Year, vested in his Retirement Account pursuant to the provisions of Section 8 of the Plan, there shall be taken into account all periods of such person’s employment with Whitman which are otherwise taken into account with respect to such employee pursuant to the provisions of Section 1.2 of this Appendix F.

 

In determining the extent to which any Transferred Whitman Employee is, for any Plan Year beginning prior to January 1, 1992, vested in such aforementioned Account, such person’s prior employment with Whitman shall be taken into account only to the extent required under the provisions of Section 411 of the Code.

 

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APPENDIX G

 

SPECIAL PROVISIONS GOVERNING
EMPLOYEES OF NORTHTEC INC. WHO DID NOT OTHERWISE
BECOME ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES PRIOR TO JANUARY 1, 1992

 

SECTION 1.1                                                   SCOPE

 

The provisions of this Appendix G shall apply with respect to each person who first became an employee of Northtec Inc. prior to January 1, 1992 at either its Trevose, Pa. or Bristol, Pa. locations; other than any such person who, prior to that date, terminated such employment and immediately thereupon transferred to, and became an employee of, an entity which was then an Employer under the Plan as then in effect (a “Northtec Employee”).  The provisions of this Appendix G shall apply notwithstanding any contrary provisions of the Plan, of which this Appendix is a part.

 

Except to the extent expressly provided to the contrary herein, all defined terms shall have the same meanings as provided under the Plan.  Each reference to the Plan shall (except with reference to the first sentence of the preceding paragraph) be to the Plan as in effect at the time such provision is applied to a Northtec Employee, as the context shall require.

 

The provisions of this Appendix G shall not apply with respect to (a) any person described in Appendix H or (b) any person who first becomes an employee of Northtec Inc. (“Northtec”) on or after January 1, 1992.

 

SECTION 1.2                                                   COMMENCEMENT OF STATUS AS A PARTICIPATING EMPLOYER

 

Northtec shall become an Employer under the Plan on January 1, 1992.

 

SECTION 1.3                                                   COMMENCEMENT OF PLAN PARTICIPATION BY NORTHTEC EMPLOYEES

 

A.                                    No Northtec Employee shall be permitted to become a Participant prior to January 1, 1992.  The first date on or after January 1, 1992 on which any such person may become a Participant shall be governed by the otherwise applicable provisions of Section 2 of the 1992 Plan.

 

B.                                      In applying the terms of the participation eligibility provision referred to in subsection (a) of this Section 1.3 in the case of any Northtec Employee employed at the Trevose, Pa. location prior to January 1, 1992, there shall be taken into account all of such employee’s period of employment with Northtec on or after July 17, 1989, but only to the extent that any such period of employment would have been taken into account had Northtec otherwise been an Employer throughout such person’s entire such period of employment.

 

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C.                                      In applying the terms of the participation eligibility provision referred to in Section 1.3 in the case of any Northtec Employee employed at the Bristol, Pa. location prior to January 1, 1992, there shall be taken into account all of such employee’s period of employment with Northtec (including, for such purpose, all periods of employment on and after November 1, 1987, with Powder Masters, which formerly operated such location), but only to the extent that any such period of employment would have been taken into account had Northtec (or Powder Masters, as the case may be) otherwise been an Employer throughout such person’s entire such period of employment.

 

SECTION 1.4                                                   CREDITS TO RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

 

A.                                    In determining the amount to be credited to the Retirement Account of a Northtec Employee who becomes a Participant pursuant to the provisions of Section 5 of the Plan, on behalf of any Northtec Employee employed at the Trevose, Pa. location prior to January 1, 1992, who otherwise becomes a Participant, there shall be taken into account all periods of such person’s employment with Northtec on or after July 17, 1989 which would otherwise have been taken into account for such purpose had Northtec otherwise been an Employer throughout such person’s entire such period of employment.

 

B.                                      In determining the amount to be credited to the Retirement Account of a Northtec Employee who becomes a Participant pursuant to the provisions of Section 5 of the Plan, on behalf of any Northtec Employee employed at the Bristol, Pa. location prior to January 1, 1992, who otherwise becomes a Participant, there shall be taken into account all periods of such person’s employment with Northtec (including, for such purpose, all periods of employment on and after November 1, 1987, with Powder Masters) which would otherwise have been taken into account for such purpose had Northtec (or Powder Masters, as the case may be) otherwise been an Employer throughout such person’s entire such period of employment.

 

C.                                      In addition to the credits referred to in subsections (b) and (c) of this Section 1.4, each Northtec Employee who becomes a Participant on January 1, 1992 shall, as of such date, be credited with $400 for each full calendar year of employment prior to January 1, 1992, but with such calendar years being limited to the period otherwise taken into account under the foregoing provisions of this Section 1.4.

 

SECTION 1.5                                                   VESTING

 

In determining the extent to which any Northtec Employee is vested in his Account pursuant to the provisions of Section 8 of the Plan, there shall be taken into account all periods of such person’s employment with Northtec which are otherwise taken into account with respect to such employee pursuant to the provisions of Section 1.4 of this Appendix G.

 

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SECTION 1.6                                                   TRANSFER BETWEEN LOCATIONS

 

In the case of any Northtec Employee who, prior to January 1, 1992 had been employed at both the Trevose, Pa. location and the Bristol, Pa. location, the provisions of this Appendix G shall, notwithstanding any other provision of this Appendix G to the contrary, be applied as if such person had, throughout the entire period prior to January 1, 1992, remained employed at whichever of such two locations such Northtec Employee was first employed.

 

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APPENDIX H

 

SPECIAL PROVISIONS GOVERNING

EMPLOYEES OF NORTHTEC INC. WHO OTHERWISE BECOME

ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES PRIOR TO JANUARY 1, 1992

 

SECTION 1.1                                                   SCOPE

 

The provisions of this Appendix H shall apply with respect to each person who, prior to January 1, 1992, (a) became an employee of Northtec Inc. at either its Trevose, Pa. or Bristol, Pa. locations and (b) thereafter terminated such employment and immediately thereupon transferred to, and became an employee of an entity which was then an Employer under the Plan as then in effect (a “Transferred Northtec Employee”).  The provisions of this Appendix H shall apply notwithstanding any contrary provisions of the Plan, of which this Appendix is a part.

 

Except to the extent expressly provided to the contrary herein, all defined terms shall have the same meanings as provided under the Plan.  Each reference to the Plan shall (except with reference to the first sentence of the preceding paragraph) be to the Plan as in effect at the time such provision is applied to a Transferred Northtec Employee, as the context shall require.

 

The provisions of this Appendix H shall not apply with respect to (a) any person subject to the provisions of Appendix G or (b) any person who first becomes an employee of Northtec Inc. (“Northtec”) on or after January 1, 1992.

 

SECTION 1.2                                                   CREDITS TO RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

 

A.                                    In determining the amount to be credited to the Retirement Account of a Transferred Northtec Employee, who was employed at the Trevose, Pa. location prior to becoming a Transferred Northtec Employee, for the Plan Year commencing January 1, 1992 and for each subsequent Plan Year (but not for any prior Plan Year) pursuant to the provisions of Section 5 of the Plan, but only in the case of such a person who is otherwise entitled to have an amount so credited for such Plan Year, there shall be taken into account all periods of such person’s employment with Northtec on or after July 17, 1989 which would otherwise have been taken into account for such purpose had Northtec otherwise been an Employer throughout such person’s entire such period of employment.

 

B.                                      In determining the amount to be credited to the Retirement Account of a Transferred Northtec Employee, who was employed at the Bristol, Pa. location prior to becoming a Transferred Northtec Employee, for the Plan Year commencing January 1, 1992 and for each subsequent Plan Year (but not for any prior Plan Year) pursuant to the provisions of Section 5 of the Plan, but only in the case of such a person who is otherwise entitled to have an amount so credited for such Plan Year, there shall be taken into account all periods of such person’s employment with Northtec (including, for such purpose, all periods of employment on and after November 1, 1987, with Powder Masters) which would otherwise have been taken into account

 

H-1



 

for such purpose had Northtec (or Powder Masters, as the case may be) otherwise been an Employer throughout such person’s entire such period of employment.

 

C.                                      In addition to the credits referred to in subsections (b) and (c) of this Section 1.2, each Transferred Northtec Employee who was otherwise a Participant in the Plan on January 1, 1992, shall, as of such date, be credited with the greater of (a) the balance otherwise determined under the Plan as of that date, without regard to this Appendix H or (b) an amount equal to the sum of $400 multiplied by the number of such person’s full calendar years of employment prior to January 1, 1992.  For this purpose, such calendar years of employment for any Transferred Northtec Employee shall be determined by taking into account all periods of employment otherwise taken into account with respect to such person under the foregoing provisions of this Section 1.2 as well as all periods otherwise recognized under the Plan without regard to this Appendix H.

 

SECTION 1.3                                                   VESTING

 

In determining the extent to which any Transferred Northtec Employee is, for the Plan Year commencing January 1, 1992 and each subsequent Plan Year, vested in his Retirement Account pursuant to the provisions of Section 8 of the Plan, there shall be taken into account all periods of such person’s employment with Northtec which are otherwise taken into account with respect to such employee pursuant to the provisions of Section 1.2 of this Appendix H.

 

In determining the extent to which any Transferred Northtec Employee is, for any Plan Year beginning prior to January 1, 1992, vested in such aforementioned Account, such person’s prior employment with Northtec shall be taken into account only to the extent required under the provisions of Section 411 of the Code.

 

SECTION 1.4                                                   TRANSFER BETWEEN LOCATIONS

 

In the case of any Transferred Northtec Employee who, prior to so becoming a Transferred Northtec Employee, had been employed at both the Trevose, Pa. location and the Bristol, Pa. location, the provisions of this Appendix H shall, notwithstanding any other provisions of this Appendix H to the contrary, be applied as if such person had, throughout the entire period prior to becoming a Transferred Northtec Employee, remained employed at whichever of such two locations such person was first employed.

 

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APPENDIX I

 

ADDITIONAL RETIREMENT BENEFITS

 

SECTION 1.1                                                   Eligibility for Additional Benefits

 

The following Participants shall receive the additional benefits provided pursuant to this Appendix I:

 

NAME

 

SOCIAL SECURITY NO.

 

 

 

 

 

(OMITTED)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SECTION 1.2                                                   Additional Benefits

 

Each Participant described in the foregoing Section 1.1 of this Appendix I shall be entitled to the following:

 

A.                                    The Additional Benefits shall be equal to the benefit determined, under Section 5.5 of the Plan, by increasing the Participant’s age by five (5) years and Years of Credited Service by five (5) years.  The Additional Benefits shall be added to the regular pension benefit determined under Section 5.5 of the Plan.

 

B.                                      The reduction contained in Section 5.5 of the Plan, which applies to the early commencement of a Participant’s benefits, shall be applied after increasing the Participant’s age by five (5) years as provided under paragraph A above.

 

C.                                      The Additional Benefits provided under this Appendix I shall be payable in the form otherwise applicable to the Participant in accordance with the generally applicable provisions of the Plan.

 

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APPENDIX J

 

ADDITIONAL EARLY RETIREMENT BENEFITS - II

 

1.1                                  Eligibility for Additional Benefits.

 

(1)                                   Any Participant who is (i) employed by the Employer, (ii) on an Approved Absence (paid or unpaid) from the Employer, (iii) on sick leave or long-term disability under the Employer’s Long-Term Disability Plan with disability payments continuing on and after January 1, 1997 or (iv) receiving severance payments from the Employer that are being paid on or after January 1, 1997 (such persons being hereinafter referred to as a “Covered Employee”), may elect to retire on the first day of any month commencing on January 1, 1997 and ending on July 1, 1998 as designated by the Employer and Covered Employee in the “General Release” (such designated date of retirement hereinafter referred to in this Appendix J as the “Retirement Date”).

 

Such Covered Employee shall be eligible to receive the benefit described in Paragraph 1.2 of this Appendix J, provided that (i) on or before December 31, 1996, such Covered Employee shall have attained at least age 50 and completed at least ten Years of Service or Years of Credited Service under the Plan, (ii) on or before December 31, 1996, any such Covered Employee who was employed by Whitman Packaging Corporation has completed at least four Years of Eligibility Service under the Plan, (iii) the document entitled “Special Retirement Opportunity” is signed, witnessed and dated no earlier than November 8, 1996 in strict accordance with the instructions contained therein, and (iv) such Covered Employee shall have made an election to retire on such other forms as the Employer may require during the period commencing at least forty-five days after such Covered Employee receives the “General Release” from the Employer but ending no later than June 4, 1998.  Participants who previously retired on or after January 1, 1996 and before January 1, 1997 and who were employed in the United States by the Employer shall also be eligible for the benefits described in Paragraph 1.2 of this Appendix J, provided the preceding requirements in clauses (i)-(iv) hereof are satisfied (such persons are hereinafter referred to as “Retired Covered Employees”).

 

(2)                                   Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 1 above, any individual who is classified by an Employer as a Corporate Department Head or President of a division shall not be eligible for the benefit described in Paragraph 1.2 of this Appendix J.

 

1.2                                  Additional Benefits.

 

(1)                                   Each Covered Employee who elects to retire on the Retirement Date shall be entitled to his Accrued Benefit which will be calculated as if such Covered Employee was five years older than his actual age as of December 31, 1996, and by increasing his Years of Service and Years of Credited Service as of December 31, 1996 (the difference between the Covered Employee’s benefit determined under this Appendix J and his benefit determined without regard to the enhancement provided under this Appendix J shall hereinafter be referred to as the “Additional Benefit”).

 

J-1



 

(2)                                   The reduction contained in Section 5.5 of the Plan, which applies to the early commencement of a Covered Employee’s Accrued Benefit determined under the terms of the Prior Plan, shall be applied after increasing the Covered Employee’s age by five (5) years as provided under Paragraph 1.2(1) above.

 

(3)                                   If the Covered Employee elects to retire pursuant to the provisions of this Appendix J, such Covered Employee may elect at any time prior to the date of commencement of his benefit to receive his benefit, calculated in accordance with the provisions of the Plan and this Appendix J, in the forms of payment applicable to the Covered Employee in accordance with the provisions of Section 9 of the Plan.

 

(4)                                   All Retired Covered Employees who (i) retired on or after January 1, 1996 and prior to January 1, 1997 and (ii) are receiving retirement benefits under the Plan prior to January 1, 1997 shall have the amount of their retirement benefits recomputed under this Appendix J (taking into the account the provisions of paragraphs (1) and (2) hereof) from the date of their previous retirement and paid in accordance with the form of benefit previously elected under Section 9 of the Plan.  No changes to the form of benefit previously elected shall be permitted.  In no event shall Additional Benefits be paid to Participants who retired before January 1, 1996.

 

(5)                                   If a Covered Employee or Retired Covered Employee elects to receive the Additional Benefits provided under this Appendix J to the Plan, such Covered Employee’s or Retired Covered Employee’s retirement benefits shall be payable with respect to or commencing on the first month following the month in which the Retirement Date occurs.

 

1.3                                  Defined Terms.

 

Except to the extent set forth above, the provisions of this Appendix J are subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and defined terms used in this Appendix J shall have the same meaning as used in the Plan.

 

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APPENDIX K

 

SPECIAL PROVISIONS GOVERNING

EMPLOYEES OF BOBBI BROWN PROFESSIONAL

COSMETICS, INC. WHO DID NOT OTHERWISE

BECOME ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES

 

SECTION 1.1                                                   SCOPE

 

The provisions of this Appendix K shall apply notwithstanding any contrary provisions of the Plan, of which this Appendix is a part.

 

Except to the extent expressly provided to the contrary herein, all defined terms shall have the same meanings as provided under the Plan.  Each reference to the Plan shall (except with reference to the first sentence of the preceding paragraph) be to the Plan as in effect at the time such provision is applied to a Bobbi Brown Employee (as defined below), as the context shall require.

 

SECTION 1.2                                                   COMMENCEMENT OF STATUS AS A PARTICIPATING EMPLOYER

 

Bobbi Brown Professional Cosmetics, Inc. (“Bobbi Brown”) shall become an Employer under the Plan on January 1, 1996.

 

SECTION 1.3                                                   COMMENCEMENT OF PLAN PARTICIPATION BY BOBBI BROWN EMPLOYEES

 

No Bobbi Brown employee shall be permitted to become a Participant prior to January 1, 1996.  Each person who (i) is employed by Bobbi Brown on January 1, 1996 and (ii) is otherwise an Employee on that date shall become a Participant on January 1, 1996. (Each person who so becomes a Participant on that date is hereafter referred to as a “Bobbi Brown Employee”.)

 

SECTION 1.4                                                   CREDITS TO RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

 

In determining the amount to be credited to the Retirement Account of a Bobbi Brown Employee who becomes a Participant, pursuant to the provisions of Section 5 of the Plan, such person’s Years of Service, for such purpose, shall be determined based upon the date that such person would otherwise have, without regard to this Appendix K, first become a Participant had Bobbi Brown been an Employer throughout such person’s entire period of employment with Bobbi Brown.

 

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SECTION 1.5                                                   VESTING

 

In determining the extent to which any Bobbi Brown Employee is vested in his Retirement Account pursuant to the provisions of Section 8 of the Plan, such person’s Years of Service, for such purpose, shall be determined by taking into account all periods of such person’s employment with Bobbi Brown which would otherwise have been taken into account for such purpose had Bobbi Brown otherwise been an Employer throughout such person’s entire period of employment with Bobbi Brown.

 

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APPENDIX L

 

SPECIAL PROVISIONS GOVERNING

ESTEE LAUDER EMPLOYEES WHO WERE PREVIOUSLY

EMPLOYED BY THE DONNA KARAN COMPANY

WHO DID NOT OTHERWISE

BECOME ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES

 

SECTION 1.1                                              SCOPE

 

The provisions of this Appendix L shall apply with respect to each person who was an employee of The Donna Karan Company (“DK”) immediately prior to November 10, 1997 and becomes an Employee prior to December 31, 1998 (a “DK Employee”).  The provisions of this Appendix L shall apply notwithstanding any contrary provisions of the Plan, of which this Appendix is a part.

 

Except to the extent expressly provided to the contrary herein, all defined terms shall have the same meanings as provided under the Plan.  Each reference to the Plan shall be to the Plan as in effect at the time such provision is applied to a DK Employee, as the context shall require.

 

SECTION 1.2                                              COMMENCEMENT OF PLAN PARTICIPATION BY DK EMPLOYEES

 

No DK Employee shall be permitted to become a Participant prior to November 10, 1997.  The first date on or after November 10, 1997 on which any such person may become a Participant shall be governed by the otherwise applicable provisions of Section 3 of the Plan.  In applying the terms of such participation eligibility provision, there shall be taken into account all of such DK Employee’s period of employment with DK, but only to the extent that any such period of employment would have been taken into account had DK otherwise been an Employer throughout such person’s entire period of employment with DK.

 

SECTION 1.3                                              CREDITS TO RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

 

In determining the amount to be credited to the Retirement Account of a DK Employee who becomes a Participant pursuant to the provisions of Section 5 of the Plan, there shall be taken into account all periods of such person’s employment with DK which would otherwise have been taken into account for such purpose had DK otherwise been an Employer throughout such person’s entire such period of employment.

 

SECTION 1.4                                              VESTING

 

In determining the extent to which any DK Employee is vested in his Retirement Account pursuant to the provisions of Section 8 of the Plan, there shall be taken into account all periods of such person’s employment with DK which are otherwise taken into account with respect to such employee pursuant to the provisions of Section 1.4 of this Appendix L.

 

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APPENDIX M

 

SPECIAL PROVISIONS GOVERNING

CERTAIN TRANSFERRED EMPLOYEES

 

SECTION 1.1                                              SCOPE

 

The provisions of this Appendix M shall apply with respect to each person (i) who was an employee of one of the companies listed below on or after the date specified below for such company, and (ii) whose employment is subsequently transferred from such company to an Employer (each a “Transferred Employee”):

 

Company

 

Date

Make-Up Art Cosmetics Inc.

Make-UP Art Cosmetics (U.S.) Inc.,

FFJD, Inc.

 

December 28, 1994

Sassaby Cosmetics, Inc.

 

October 31, 1997

Aveda Corporation

Aveda Services Inc.

 

December 1,1997

 

The provisions of the Appendix M shall apply notwithstanding any contrary provisions of the Plan, of which this Appendix is a part.

 

Except to the extent expressly provided to the contrary herein, all defined terms shall have the same meanings as provided under the Plan.  Each reference to the Plan shall be to the Plan as in effect at the time such provision is applied to a Transferred Employee, as the context shall require.

 

SECTION 1.2                                              COMMENCEMENT OF PLAN PARTICIPATION BY TRANSFERRED EMPLOYEES

 

The first date on which any Transferred Employee may become a Participant shall be governed by the otherwise applicable provisions of Section 3 of the Plan.  In applying the terms of such participation eligibility provision, there shall be taken into account all of such Transferred Employee’s period of employment with his prior employer listed in Section 1.1 of this Appendix M (including any corporate predecessor thereof), but only to the extent that any such period of employment would have been taken into account had such prior employer otherwise been an Employer throughout such person’s entire period of employment.

 

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SECTION 1.3                                              CREDITS TO RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

 

In determining the amount to be credited to the Retirement Account of a Transferred Employee who becomes a Participant pursuant to the provisions of Section 5 of the Plan, there shall be taken into account all periods of such person’s employment with his prior employer listed in Section 1.1 of this Appendix M (including any corporate predecessor thereof) which would otherwise have been taken into account for such purpose had such prior employer otherwise been an Employer throughout such person’s entire such period of employment.

 

SECTION 1.4                                              VESTING

 

In determining the extent to which any Transferred Employee is vested in his Retirement Account pursuant to the provisions of Section 8 of the Plan, there shall be taken into account all periods of such person’s employment with his prior employer listed in Section 1.1 of this Appendix M (including any corporate predecessor thereof) which would otherwise have been taken into account for such purpose had such prior employer otherwise been an Employer throughout such person’s entire period of employment.

 

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APPENDIX N

 

PROVISIONS GOVERNING

CERTAIN EMPLOYEES OF

MAKE-UP ART COSMETICS INC. AND

ITS AFFILIATES AND PREDECESSORS

 

SECTION 1.1                                              SCOPE

 

The provisions of this Appendix N to the Estee Lauder Inc. Retirement Growth Account Plan shall apply with respect to each person employed by Make-Up Art Cosmetics Inc., Make-Up Art Cosmetics (U.S.), Inc., FFJD, Inc., or their respective predecessors (collectively, the “MAC Companies”) on December 31, 1999 (“MAC Employee”).

 

The provisions of this Appendix N shall apply notwithstanding any contrary provisions of the Plan, of which this Appendix is a part.

 

Except to the extent expressly provided to the contrary herein, all defined terms shall have the same meanings as provided under the Plan.  Each reference to the Plan shall be to the Plan as in effect at the time such provision is applied to a MAC Employee, as the context shall require.

 

SECTION 1.2                                              COMMENCEMENT OF STATUS AS PARTICIPATING EMPLOYER

 

Make-Up Art Cosmetics Inc., Make-Up Art Cosmetics (U.S.), Inc., and FFJD, Inc. shall become Participating Employers under the Plan on January 1, 2000.

 

SECTION 1.3                                              COMMENCEMENT OF PLAN PARTICIPATION BY MAC EMPLOYEES

 

No MAC Employee shall be permitted to become a Participant prior to January 1, 2000.  Each MAC Employee who is regularly scheduled to work twenty hours or more per week as of December 31, 1999, may become a Participant in the Plan on January 1, 2000, notwithstanding any otherwise applicable provisions of Section 3 of the Plan.  Each other MAC Employee may become a Participant in the Plan on the first applicable entry date on or after January 1, 2000, in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Plan; however, for purposes of determining eligibility under the Plan, there shall be taken into account all periods attributable to such person’s employment with the MAC Companies, prior to December 31, 1999, that would otherwise have been taken into account for such purpose had such prior employer otherwise been an Employer throughout such person’s entire period of employment.  Any other individual who becomes actively employed by the MAC Companies on or after January 1, 2000, may become a Participant of the Plan on the first applicable entry date on or after January 1, 2000, in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Plan.

 

N-1



 

SECTION 1.4                                              CREDITS TO RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

 

In determining the amount to be credited to the Retirement Account of a MAC Employee who becomes a Participant pursuant to the provisions of Section 5 of the Plan, there shall be taken into account all periods of such person’s employment with the MAC Companies that would otherwise have been taken into account for such purpose had such prior employer otherwise been an Employer throughout such person’s entire period of employment.

 

SECTION 1.5                                              VESTING

 

In determining the extent to which any MAC Employee is vested in his Retirement Account pursuant to the provisions of Section 8 of the Plan, there shall be taken into account all periods of such person’s employment with the MAC Companies that would otherwise have been taken into account for such purpose had such prior employer otherwise been an Employer throughout such person’s entire period of employment.

 

N-2



 

APPENDIX O

 

ADDITIONAL EARLY RETIREMENT BENEFIT - III

 

SECTION 1.1                                              ELIGIBILITY FOR ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

 

(1)                                  Any Participant who is a non-exempt Employee in Manufacturing, Engineering, Distribution and Quality Assurance at the Melville Complex or the Oakland, New Jersey facility and is either (i) actively employed by the Employer, or (ii) on an Approved Absence (paid or unpaid) from the Employer, (each such person being hereinafter referred to as a “Covered Employee”), may elect to retire on May 1, 2000, as designated by the Employer and Covered Employee in the “General Release” (such designated date of retirement hereinafter referred to in this Appendix O as the “Retirement Date”).

 

Such Covered Employee shall be eligible to receive the benefit described in Section 1.2 of this Appendix O, provided that (i) on or before April 30, 2000, such Covered Employee shall have attained at least age 55 and completed at least ten Years of Service or Years of Credited Service under the Plan, (ii) the document entitled “Special Retirement Opportunity” is signed, witnessed and dated no earlier than March 10, 2000, in strict accordance with the instructions contained therein and (iii) such Covered Employee shall have made an election to retire on such other forms as the Employer may require during the period commencing at least forty-five days after such Covered Employee receives the “General Release” from the Employer but ending no later than April 24, 2000.  Individuals who would have been Covered Employees but for the fact that they previously retired on or after January 1, 2000, and before May 1, 2000, shall also be eligible for the benefits described in Section 1.2 of this Appendix O, provided the requirements in clauses (i) and (ii) of this paragraph are satisfied (such persons are hereinafter referred to as “Retired Covered Employees”).

 

SECTION 1.2                                              ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

 

(1)                                  Each Covered Employee who elects to retire on the Retirement Date shall be entitled to his Accrued Benefit which will be calculated as if such Covered Employee was five (5) years older than his actual age as of April 30, 2000, and by increasing by five (5) years his Years of Service and Years of Credited Service as of April 30, 2000, (the difference between the Covered Employee’s benefit determined under this Appendix O and his benefit determined without regard to the enhancement provided under this Appendix O shall hereinafter be referred to as the “Additional Benefit”).

 

(2)                                  The reduction contained in Section 5.5 of the Plan, which applies to the early commencement of a Covered Employee’s Accrued Benefit determined under the terms of the Prior Plan, shall be applied after increasing the Covered Employee’s age by five (5) years as provided under Section 1.2(1) above.

 

(3)                                  If the Covered Employee elects to retire pursuant to the provisions of this Appendix O, such Covered Employee may elect at any time prior to the date of commencement of his Additional Benefit to receive such benefit, calculated in accordance with the provisions of the

 

O-1



 

Plan and this Appendix O, in any of the forms of payment applicable to the Covered Employee in accordance with the provisions of Section 9 of the Plan.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of a Covered Employee whose Additional Benefit is computed by reference to Section 5.6 of the Plan, such Covered Employee may elect to receive such Additional Benefit in the form of a lump sum distribution or any other form of payment allowed under Section 9 of the Plan.

 

(4)                                  If a Covered Employee elects to retire and receive the Additional Benefit provided under this Appendix O to the Plan, such Covered Employee’s retirement benefits shall be payable commencing on the first day of the first month coincident with or next following the date on which the Covered Employee retires.

 

(5)                                  All Retired Covered Employees shall have the amount of their retirement benefits computed under this Appendix O (taking into account the provisions of paragraphs (1) and (2) of this Section 1.2) as of May 1, 2000, and such amount shall be paid in accordance with the form of benefit previously elected under Section 9 of the Plan.  No changes to the form of benefit previously elected shall be permitted except to the extent necessary to permit a Retired Covered Employee whose Additional Benefit is calculated by reference to Section 5.6 of the Plan to elect a lump sum distribution under paragraph (3) of this Section 1.2.  In no event shall Additional Benefits be paid to Participants who retired prior to January 1, 2000.

 

SECTION 1.3                                              DEFINED TERMS

 

Except to the extent set forth above, the provisions of this Appendix O are subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this Appendix O shall have the same meaning as used in the Plan.

 

O-2



 

APPENDIX P

 

PROVISIONS GOVERNING

CERTAIN EMPLOYEES OF

STILA COSMETICS, INC. AND

ITS AFFILIATES AND PREDECESSORS

 

SECTION 1.1                                              SCOPE

 

The provisions of this Appendix P to the Estee Lauder Inc. Retirement Growth Account Plan shall apply with respect to each person employed by Stila Cosmetics, Inc. or its predecessor on December 31, 2000 (“Stila Employee”).

 

The provisions of this Appendix P shall apply notwithstanding any contrary provisions of the Plan, of which this Appendix is a part.

 

Except to the extent expressly provided to the contrary herein, all defined terms shall have the same meanings as provided under the Plan.  Each reference to the Plan shall be to the Plan as in effect at the time such provision is applied to a Stila Employee, as the context shall require.

 

For purposes of Section 1.6 hereof, the term “Stila Employee” shall also include any other individual who became actively employed by Stila Cosmetics, Inc. on or after January 1, 2001, became a Participant in the Plan in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of this Plan, and continued to be a Participant as of April 10, 2006.

 

SECTION 1.2                                              COMMENCEMENT OF STATUS AS PARTICIPATING EMPLOYER

 

Stila Cosmetics, Inc., shall become a Participating Employer under the Plan on January 1, 2001.

 

SECTION 1.3                                              COMMENCEMENT OF PLAN PARTICIPATION BY STILA EMPLOYEES

 

No Stila Employee shall be permitted to become a Participant prior to January 1, 2001.  Each Stila Employee who is regularly scheduled to work twenty hours or more per week as of December 31, 2000, may become a Participant in the Plan on January 1, 2001, notwithstanding any otherwise applicable provisions of Section 3 of the Plan.  Each other Stila Employee may become a Participant in the Plan on the first applicable entry date on or after January 1, 2001, in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Plan; however, for purposes of determining eligibility under the Plan, there shall be taken into account all periods attributable to such person’s employment with the Stila, prior to December 31, 2000, that would otherwise have been taken into account for such purpose had such prior employer otherwise been an Employer throughout such person’s entire period of employment.  Any other individual who becomes actively employed by Stila Cosmetics, Inc. on or after January 1, 2001, may become a

 

P-1



 

Participant of the Plan on the first applicable entry date on or after January 1, 2001, in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Plan.

 

SECTION 1.4                                              CREDITS TO RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

 

In determining the amount to be credited to the Retirement Account of a Stila Employee who becomes a Participant pursuant to the provisions of Section 5 of the Plan, there shall be taken into account all periods of such person’s employment with Stila that would otherwise have been taken into account for such purpose had such prior employer otherwise been an Employer throughout such person’s entire period of employment.

 

SECTION 1.5                                              VESTING

 

In determining the extent to which any Stila Employee is vested in his Retirement Account pursuant to the provisions of Section 8 of the Plan, there shall be taken into account all periods of such person’s employment with Stila that would otherwise have been taken into account for such purpose had such prior employer otherwise been an Employer throughout such person’s entire period of employment.

 

SECTION 1.6                                              SALE OF STILA ASSETS AND OPERATIONS

 

On April 10, 2006, the Employer sold certain assets and operations of Stila Cosmetics, Inc. to Stila Corp., an unrelated purchaser.  In connection with such sale, each Stila Employee who was actively employed by Stila Cosmetics, Inc. as of April 10, 2006 shall be fully vested in his or her Accrued Benefit under the Plan.

 

P-2



 

APPENDIX Q

 

PROVISIONS GOVERNING

CERTAIN EMPLOYEES OF

AVEDA CORPORATION AND

ITS AFFILIATES AND PREDECESSORS

 

SECTION 1.1                                                                           SCOPE

 

The provisions of this Appendix Q to the Estee Lauder Inc. Retirement Growth Account Plan shall apply with respect to each person employed by Aveda Corporation, Aveda Services Inc., Aveda Environmental Lifestyle Stores Inc. and Aveda Institute Inc. or their respective predecessors (collectively, the “Aveda Companies”) on December 31, 2001 (“Aveda Employee”).

 

The provisions of this Appendix Q shall apply notwithstanding any contrary provisions of the Plan, of which this Appendix is a part.

 

Except to the extent expressly provided to the contrary herein, all defined terms shall have the same meanings as provided under the Plan.  Each reference to the Plan shall be to the Plan as in effect at the time such provision is applied to an Aveda Employee, as the context shall require.

 

SECTION 1.2                                                                           COMMENCEMENT OF STATUS AS PARTICIPATING EMPLOYER

 

Aveda Corporation, Aveda Services Inc., Aveda Environmental Lifestyle Stores Inc. and Aveda Institute Inc., shall become Participating Employers under the Plan on January 1, 2002.

 

SECTION 1.3                                                                           COMMENCEMENT OF PLAN PARTICIPATION BY AVEDA EMPLOYEES

 

No Aveda Employee shall be permitted to become a Participant prior to January 1, 2002.  Each Aveda Employee may become a Participant in the Plan on the first applicable entry date on or after January 1, 2002, in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Plan; however, for purposes of determining eligibility under the Plan, there shall be taken into account all periods attributable to such person’s employment with the Aveda Companies, prior to December 31, 2001, that would otherwise have been taken into account for such purpose had such prior employer otherwise been an Employer throughout such person’s entire period of employment.  Any other individual who becomes actively employed by the Aveda Companies on or after

 

Q-1



 

January 1, 2002, may become a Participant of the Plan on the first applicable entry date on or after January 1, 2002, in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Plan.

 

SECTION 1.4                                                                           CREDITS TO RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

 

In determining the amount to be credited to the Retirement Account of an Aveda Employee who becomes a Participant pursuant to the provisions of Section 5 of the Plan, there shall be taken into account all periods of such person’s employment with the Aveda Companies that would otherwise have been taken into account for such purpose had such prior employer otherwise been an Employer throughout such person’s entire period of employment.

 

SECTION 1.5                                                                           VESTING

 

In determining the extent to which any Aveda Employee is vested in his Retirement Account pursuant to the provisions of Section 8 of the Plan, there shall be taken into account all periods of such person’s employment with the Aveda Companies that would otherwise have been taken into account for such purpose had such prior employer otherwise been an Employer throughout such person’s entire period of employment.

 

Q-2



 

APPENDIX R

 

PROVISIONS GOVERNING

CERTAIN EMPLOYEES OF

SASSABY COSMETICS INC. AND

ITS AFFILIATES AND PREDECESSORS

 

SECTION 1.1                                              SCOPE

 

The provisions of this Appendix R shall apply with respect to each person employed by     Sassaby Cosmetics Inc. or its predecessors (“Sassaby”) on June 30, 2002 (“Sassaby Employee”).

 

The provisions of this Appendix R shall apply notwithstanding any contrary provisions of the Plan, of which this Appendix is a part.

 

Except to the extent expressly provided to the contrary herein, all defined terms shall have the same meanings as provided under the Plan.  Each reference to the Plan shall be to the Plan as in effect at the time such provision is applied to a Sassaby Employee, as the context shall require.

 

SECTION 1.2                                              COMMENCEMENT OF STATUS AS PARTICIPATING EMPLOYER

 

Sassaby Cosmetics Inc., shall become a Participating Employer under the Plan on July 1, 2002.

 

SECTION 1.3                                              COMMENCEMENT OF PLAN PARTICIPATION BY SASSABY EMPLOYEES

 

No Sassaby Employee shall be permitted to become a Participant prior to July 1, 2002.  Each Sassaby Employee may become a Participant in the Plan on the first applicable entry date on or after July 1, 2002, in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Plan; however, for purposes of determining eligibility under the Plan, there shall be taken into account all periods attributable to such person’s employment with Sassaby, prior to December 31, 2001, that would otherwise have been taken into account for such purpose had such prior employer otherwise been an Employer throughout such person’s entire period of employment.  Any other individual who becomes actively employed by Sassaby on or after July 1, 2002, may become a Participant of the Plan on the first applicable entry date on or after July 1, 2002, in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Plan.

 

SECTION 1.4                                              CREDITS TO RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

 

In determining the amount to be credited to the Retirement Account of a Sassaby Employee who becomes a Participant pursuant to the provisions of Section 5 of the Plan, there shall be taken into account all periods of such person’s employment with Sassaby that would

 

R-1



 

otherwise have been taken into account for such purpose had such prior employer otherwise been an Employer throughout such person’s entire period of employment.

 

SECTION 1.5                                              VESTING

 

In determining the extent to which any Sassaby Employee is vested in his Retirement Account pursuant to the provisions of Section 8 of the Plan, there shall be taken into account all periods of such person’s employment with Sassaby that would otherwise have been taken into account for such purpose had such prior employer otherwise been an Employer throughout such person’s entire period of employment.

 

R-2



 

APPENDIX S

 

SPECIAL PROVISIONS GOVERNING

TRANSFERRED EMPLOYEES OF RODAN & FIELDS LLC

 

SECTION 1.1                          SCOPE

 

The provisions of this Appendix S shall apply with respect to each person (i) who was an employee of Rodan & Fields LLC on or after July 17, 2003, and (ii) whose employment is subsequently transferred from such company to an Employer (each a “Transferred Employee”).

 

The provisions of the Appendix S shall apply notwithstanding any contrary provisions of the Plan, of which this Appendix is a part.

 

Except to the extent expressly provided to the contrary herein, all defined terms shall have the same meanings as provided under the Plan.  Each reference to the Plan shall be to the Plan as in effect at the time such provision is applied to a Transferred Employee, as the context shall require.

 

For purposes of Section 1.5 hereof, the term “Transferred Employee” shall also include any other individual who became actively and primarily employed in connection with the Rodan & Fields business on or after July 17, 2003, became a Participant in the Plan in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of this Plan, and continued to be a Participant as of August 8, 2007.

 

SECTION 1.2                          COMMENCEMENT OF PLAN PARTICIPATION BY TRANSFERRED EMPLOYEES

 

The first date on which any Transferred Employee may become a Participant shall be governed by the otherwise applicable provisions of Section 3 of the Plan.  In applying the terms of such participation eligibility provision, there shall be taken into account all of such Transferred Employee’s period of employment with Rodan & Fields LLC, the prior employer (including any corporate predecessor thereof), but only to the extent that any such period of employment would have been taken into account had such prior employer otherwise been an Employer throughout such person’s entire period of employment.

 

SECTION 1.3                          CREDITS TO RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

 

In determining the amount to be credited to the Retirement Account of a Transferred Employee who becomes a Participant pursuant to the provisions of Section 5 of the Plan, there shall be taken into account all periods of such person’s employment with his prior employer, Rodan & Fields LLC (including any corporate predecessor thereof) which would otherwise have been taken into account for such purpose had such prior employer otherwise been an Employer throughout such person’s entire such period of employment.

 

SECTION 1.4                          VESTING

 

In determining the extent to which any Transferred Employee is vested in his Retirement Account pursuant to the provisions of Section 8 of the Plan, there shall be taken into account all

 

S-1



 

periods of such person’s employment with his prior employer, Rodan & Fields LLC (including any corporate predecessor thereof) which would otherwise have been taken into account for such purpose had such prior employer otherwise been an Employer throughout such person’s entire period of employment.

 

SECTION 1.5                          SALE OF RODAN & FIELDS

 

The Retirement Accounts of Transferred Employees who were actively performing services primarily for Rodan & Fields as of August 8, 2007, and who remained employed by the purchaser of the Rodan & Fields business through December 31, 2007, shall be fully vested as of December 31, 2007.

 

S-2



 

APPENDIX T

 

PROVISIONS GOVERNING

CERTAIN EMPLOYEES OF

DARPHIN LLC AND

ITS AFFILIATES AND PREDECESSORS

 

SECTION 1.1                                              SCOPE

 

The provisions of this Appendix T shall apply with respect to each person employed by     Darphin LLC or its predecessors (“Darphin”) on December 31, 2004 (“Darphin Employee”).

 

The provisions of this Appendix T shall apply notwithstanding any contrary provisions of the Plan, of which this Appendix is a part.

 

Except to the extent expressly provided to the contrary herein, all defined terms shall have the same meanings as provided under the Plan.  Each reference to the Plan shall be to the Plan as in effect at the time such provision is applied to a Darphin Employee, as the context shall require.

 

SECTION 1.2                                              COMMENCEMENT OF STATUS AS PARTICIPATING EMPLOYER

 

Darphin LLC shall become a Participating Employer under the Plan on January 1, 2005.

 

SECTION 1.3                                              COMMENCEMENT OF PLAN PARTICIPATION BY DARPHIN EMPLOYEES

 

No Darphin Employee shall be permitted to become a Participant prior to January 1, 2005.  Each Darphin Employee may become a Participant in the Plan on the first applicable entry date on or after January 1, 2005, in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Plan; however, for purposes of determining eligibility under the Plan, there shall be taken into account all periods attributable to such person’s employment with Darphin, prior to January 1, 2005, that would otherwise have been taken into account for such purpose had such prior employer otherwise been an Employer throughout such person’s entire period of employment.  Any other individual who becomes actively employed by Darphin on or after January 1, 2005, may become a Participant of the Plan on the first applicable entry date on or after January 1, 2005, in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Plan.

 

SECTION 1.4                                              CREDITS TO RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

 

In determining the amount to be credited to the Retirement Account of a Darphin Employee who becomes a Participant pursuant to the provisions of Section 5 of the Plan, there shall be taken into account all periods of such person’s employment with Darphin or any affiliate of Darphin (e.g., Laboratories Darphin SAS in France) that would otherwise have been taken

 

T-1



 

into account for such purpose had such prior employer otherwise been an Employer throughout such person’s entire period of employment.

 

SECTION 1.5                                              VESTING

 

In determining the extent to which any Darphin Employee is vested in his Retirement Account pursuant to the provisions of Section 8 of the Plan, there shall be taken into account all periods of such person’s employment with Darphin that would otherwise have been taken into account for such purpose had such prior employer otherwise been an Employer throughout such person’s entire period of employment.

 

T-2



 

THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES RETIREMENT GROWTH ACCOUNT PLAN

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

SECTION 1 NAME AND CONSTRUCTION

 

1

SECTION 2 DEFINITIONS

 

3

SECTION 3 PARTICIPATION

 

12

SECTION 4 RETIREMENT DATES

 

14

SECTION 5 PARTICIPANTS’ RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

 

15

SECTION 6 CONTRIBUTIONS

 

22

SECTION 7 DEATH BENEFIT

 

23

SECTION 8 TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT

 

25

SECTION 9 OPTIONAL FORMS OF BENEFIT

 

28

SECTION 10 PAYMENT OF RETIREMENT INCOME

 

33

SECTION 11 ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN

 

35

SECTION 12 INVESTMENT OF PLAN ASSETS; DUTIES OF FIDUCIARY COMMITTEE

 

38

SECTION 13 OBLIGATIONS OF THE EMPLOYER

 

40

SECTION 14 MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

 

41

SECTION 15 ADOPTION OF PLAN BY MEMBERS OF THE GROUP

 

43

SECTION 16 AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION

 

45

SECTION 17 LIMITATION ACCORDING TO TREASURY DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS

 

47

SECTION 18 TOP-HEAVY PLAN PROVISIONS

 

48

SECTION 19 FUNDING BASED LIMITS ON BENEFITS AND BENEFIT ACCRUALS

 

51

SECTION 20 EXECUTION

 

54

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

APPENDIX A

 

A-1

 

 

 

APPENDIX B

 

B-1

 

 

 

APPENDIX C

ADDITIONAL EARLY RETIREMENT BENEFITS

C-1

 

 

 

APPENDIX D

ADDITIONAL EARLY RETIREMENT BENEFITS

D-1

 

 

 

APPENDIX E

SPECIAL PROVISIONS

E-1

 

GOVERNING EMPLOYEES OF WHITMAN PACKAGING CORPORATION WHO DID NOT OTHERWISE BECOME ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES PRIOR TO JANUARY 1, 1992

 

 

 

 

APPENDIX F

SPECIAL PROVISIONS

F-1

 

GOVERNING EMPLOYEES OF WHITMAN PACKAGING CORPORATION WHO OTHERWISE BECOME ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES PRIOR TO JANUARY 1, 1992

 

 

 

 

APPENDIX G

SPECIAL PROVISIONS

G-1

 

GOVERNING EMPLOYEES OF NORTHTEC INC. WHO DID NOT OTHERWISE BECOME ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES PRIOR TO JANUARY 1, 1992

 

 

 

 

APPENDIX H

SPECIAL PROVISIONS

H-1

 

GOVERNING EMPLOYEES OF NORTHTEC INC. WHO OTHERWISE BECOME ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES PRIOR TO JANUARY 1, 1992

 

 

 

 

APPENDIX I

ADDITIONAL EARLY RETIREMENT BENEFITS

I-1

 

 

 

APPENDIX J

ADDITIONAL EARLY RETIREMENT BENEFITS - II

J-1

 

 

 

APPENDIX K

SPECIAL PROVISIONS

K-1

 

GOVERNING EMPLOYEES OF BOBBI BROWN PROFESSIONAL COSMETICS WHO DID NOT OTHERWISE BECOME ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES

 

 



 

APPENDIX L

SPECIAL PROVISIONS

L-1

 

GOVERNING ESTEE LAUDER EMPLOYEES WHO WERE PREVIOUSLY EMPLOYED BY THE DONNA KARAN COMPANY WHO DID NOT OTHERWISE BECOME ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES

 

 

 

 

APPENDIX M

SPECIAL PROVISIONS

M-1

 

GOVERNING CERTAIN TRANSFERRED EMPLOYEES

 

 

 

 

APPENDIX N

PROVISIONS

N-1

 

GOVERNING CERTAIN EMPLOYEES OF MAKE-UP ART COSMETICS INC. AND ITS AFFILIATES AND PREDECESSORS

 

 

 

 

APPENDIX O

ADDITIONAL EARLY RETIREMENT BENEFITS - III

O-1

 

 

 

APPENDIX P

PROVISIONS

P-1

 

GOVERNING CERTAIN EMPLOYEES OF STILA COSMETICS, INC. AND ITS AFFILIATES AND PREDECESSORS

 

 

 

 

APPENDIX Q

PROVISIONS

Q-1

 

GOVERNING CERTAIN EMPLOYEES OF AVEDA CORPORATION AND ITS AFFILIATES AND PREDECESSORS

 

 

 

 

APPENDIX R

PROVISIONS

R-1

 

GOVERNING CERTAIN EMPLOYEES OF SASSABY COSMETICS INC. AND ITS AFFILIATES AND PREDECESSORS

 

 

 

 

APPENDIX S

SPECIAL PROVISIONS

S-1

 

GOVERNING TRANSFERRED EMPLOYEES OF RODAN & FIELDS LLC

 

 

 

 

APPENDIX T

PROVISIONS

T-1

 

GOVERNING CERTAIN EMPLOYEES OF DARPHIN LLC AND ITS AFFILIATES AND PREDECESSORS

 

 



 

AMENDMENT TO

 

THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES

 

RETIREMENT GROWTH ACCOUNT PLAN

 

The Estee Lauder Companies Retirement Growth Account Plan, as amended and restated generally effective as of January 1, 2002 (the “Plan”), is hereby further amended as follows:

 

1.  Effective as of January 1, 1991, Section 2 of the Plan is amended by modifying the definition of “Accrued Benefit” to read as follows:

 

“Accrued Benefit” means a monthly amount of retirement income determined for a Participant as of a specified date, commencing on a Participant’s Normal Retirement Date, and payable as a single life annuity.  The Accrued Benefit as of a specified date equals the Participant’s Retirement Account projected to Normal Retirement Date with interest at 4% per annum and then divided by the applicable factor from Appendix A.  If the Accrued Benefit is determined after the Participant’s Normal Retirement Date, the Accrued Benefit equals the Participant’s Retirement Account divided by the applicable factor from Appendix A.  For those who were participants in the Prior Plans as of December 31, 1990 and satisfy the applicable requirements set forth in Appendix B, the Accrued Benefit is the greater of the accrued benefit described above or the accrued benefit determined under the Prior Plans, as described in Section 5.5 hereof.

 

2.  Effective as of January 1, 1991 and prior to March 28, 2005, Section 9.1(a) of the Plan is amended to read as follows:

 

(a)  The normal form of benefit shall be an income payable monthly for life, commencing on the Normal Retirement Date and terminating with the payment preceding death; provided , however , that a Participant may, with spousal consent under the terms of Section 9.4 hereof, if applicable, elect to receive the greater of the amount credited to his Retirement Account or the Actuarial Equivalent of his Accrued Benefit in a single cash lump sum; further provided , however , that if such amount does not exceed $3,500 (with respect to Plan Years beginning prior to January 1, 1998) or $5,000 (with respect to Plan Years beginning on or after January 1, 1998), such amount shall automatically be paid to the Participant in a cash lump sum in accordance with the last sentence of Section 10.1 hereof.

 



 

3.  Effective as of March 28, 2005, Section 9.1(a) of the Plan is further amended to read as follows:

 

(a)  The normal form of benefit shall be an income payable monthly for life, commencing on the Normal Retirement Date and terminating with the payment preceding death; provided , however , that a Participant may, with spousal consent under the terms of Section 9.4 hereof, if applicable, elect to receive the greater of the amount credited to his Retirement Account or the Actuarial Equivalent of his Accrued Benefit in a single cash lump sum; further provided , however , that if such amount does not exceed $1,000 (with respect to distributions commencing on or after March 28, 2005) or $5,000 (with respect to distributions commencing prior to March 28, 2005 and on or after January 1, 1998), such amount shall automatically be paid to the Participant in a cash lump sum in accordance with the last sentence of Section 10.1 hereof.

 

4.  Effective as of January 1, 1996, Section 1 of Appendix A of the Plan is amended by modifying the introductory language of such Section to read as follows:

 

Except as otherwise noted below, the assumptions to be used to convert a single life annuity into any other form of benefit, other than a lump sum distribution or a level income annuity (Option 5 of Section 9.3), are as follows:

 

5.  Effective as of January 1, 1996, Appendix A of the Plan is further amended by modifying Section 2 of such Appendix to insert, immediately following the words “an equivalent, immediately payable, annual amount of single life annuity”, in each of three places in which they appear, the words “or an equivalent, immediately payable, annual amount of level income annuity (Option 5 of Section 9.3)”.

 

6.  Effective as of January 1, 1996, Appendix A of the Plan is further amended by modifying Section 4 of such Appendix:

 

(a)  To insert, immediately following the words “an equivalent, immediately payable lump sum distribution”, in each of three places in which they appear, the words “or an equivalent, immediately payable, annual amount of level income annuity (Option 5 of Section 9.3)”; and

 

(b)  To replace the words “the distribution of such lump sum benefit is to occur” in each of the three places in which they appear, with the words “the distribution of such benefit is to occur or commence”.

 



 

AMENDMENT TO

 

THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES

 

RETIREMENT GROWTH ACCOUNT PLAN

 

The Estee Lauder Companies Retirement Growth Account Plan, as amended and restated generally effective as of January 1, 2007 (the “Plan”), is hereby further amended as follows:

 

Effective as of November 1, 2008, Section 9.3 of the Plan is amended to read as follows:

 

“9.3         Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 9, a Participant who retires on or after his Early Retirement Date may, subject to consent as provided in Sections 9.4 and 9.5 hereof, elect to receive the value of (i) his entire Accrued Benefit in accordance with Option 1 or 2; or (ii) his Accrued Benefit as of his Retirement Income Commencement Date less the value of his Accrued Benefit as of December 31, 1990 separately in accordance with Option 1 or 2, and his Accrued Benefit as of December 31, 1990 under a Prior Plan separately in accordance with Option 3 or 4 or, for Retirement Income Commencement Dates prior to November 1, 2008, Option 5.

 

Option 1 .  An Actuarial Equivalent retirement income to be paid to the retired Participant for the rest of his life, and after his death either 50%, 100% or, effective for Plan Years beginning on or after January 1, 2008, 75% (in accordance with his election) of such Actuarial Equivalent retirement income to be paid to his contingent annuitant for the rest of the contingent annuitant’s life.

 

Option 2 .  An Actuarial Equivalent retirement income to be paid to the retired Participant payable for the greater of his lifetime or a period of ten (10) years.  If the retired Participant dies before the expiration of ten (10) years, the remaining installments of his Actuarial Equivalent retirement income shall be paid to his Beneficiary.

 

Option 3 .  An Actuarial Equivalent retirement income to be paid to the retired Participant for the rest of his life, and after his death either 25%,

 



 

66.67%, 75% or 100% (in accordance with his election) of such Actuarial Equivalent retirement income to be paid to his contingent annuitant for the rest of the contingent annuitant’s life.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the 66.67% contingent annuity shall not be available for Retirement Income Commencement Dates on or after November 1, 2008.

 

Option 4 .  An Actuarial Equivalent retirement income to be paid to the retired Participant for the rest of his life, and if he dies before receiving 120 monthly payments, such Actuarial Equivalent retirement income to be paid to his Beneficiary for the remainder of the 120 months.

 

Option 5 .  A Participant who retires early in accordance with Section 4.2 hereof and whose Retirement Income Commencement Date is prior to November 1, 2008 may elect to receive an Actuarial Equivalent retirement income providing larger monthly payments, in lieu of the retirement income otherwise payable upon early retirement, until the earliest date on which his Social Security benefit could commence; thereafter his monthly retirement income payments shall be reduced by the estimated monthly amount of his Social Security benefit computed to commence on such date.  This optional form provides, insofar as practical, a level total retirement income (from this Plan and Social Security) for the Participant.  In the event of the election of this Social Security adjustment option, the monthly payment of the adjusted retirement income shall commence at the date of retirement and shall cease with the earlier of the last payment prior to the death of the Participant or the last payment payable as calculated under this option.”

 



 

AMENDMENT TO

 

THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES

 

RETIREMENT GROWTH ACCOUNT PLAN

 

The Estee Lauder Companies Retirement Growth Account Plan, as amended and restated generally effective as of January 1, 2007 (the “Plan”), is hereby further amended as follows:

 

1.  Effective as of August 1, 2008, Section 2.36 of the Plan (definition of “Surviving Spouse”) is amended to read as follows:

 

2.36  “Surviving Spouse” means a wife or husband of a Participant who is married to such Participant by legal contract as of the earlier of the death of the Participant or the Participant’s Retirement Income Commencement Date.

 

2.  Effective for distributions commencing on or after August 1, 2008, Appendix A of the Plan is amended as follows:

 

a.  Section 2 of Appendix A is amended by adding the following new sentence to the end of the third paragraph thereof:

 

Effective for distributions commencing on or after August 1, 2008, the “applicable interest rate” shall be determined as of the fourth calendar month immediately prior to the first day of such calendar quarter; provided, however, that for the one-year period beginning on August 1, 2008, the “applicable interest rate” shall be determined as of either the second or the fourth calendar month immediately prior to the first day of such calendar quarter, whichever results in the larger distribution.

 

b.  Section 3 of Appendix A is amended by adding the following new sentence to the end of the third paragraph thereof:

 

Effective for distributions commencing on or after August 1, 2008, the “applicable interest rate” shall be determined as of the fourth calendar month immediately prior to the first day of such calendar quarter; provided, however, that for the one-year period beginning on August 1, 2008, the “applicable interest rate” shall be determined as of either the second or the fourth calendar month immediately prior to the first day of such calendar quarter, whichever results in the larger distribution.

 

c.  Section 4 of Appendix A is amended by adding the following new sentence to the end of the fourth paragraph thereof:

 



 

Effective for distributions commencing on or after August 1, 2008, the “applicable interest rate” for purposes of both clauses (i) and (ii) of this paragraph shall be determined as of the fourth calendar month immediately prior to the first day of such calendar quarter; provided, however, that for the one-year period beginning on August 1, 2008, the “applicable interest rate” shall be determined as of either the second or the fourth calendar month immediately prior to the first day of such calendar quarter, whichever results in the larger distribution.

 

d.  Section 5 of Appendix A is amended by adding the following new sentence to the end of the fourth paragraph thereof:

 

Effective for distributions commencing on or after August 1, 2008, the “applicable interest rate” for purposes of both clauses (i) and (ii) of this paragraph shall be determined as of the fourth calendar month immediately prior to the first day of such calendar quarter; provided, however, that for the one-year period beginning on August 1, 2008, the “applicable interest rate” shall be determined as of either the second or the fourth calendar month immediately prior to the first day of such calendar quarter, whichever results in the larger distribution.

 

3.  Effective as of August 1, 2008, Appendix I of the Plan (“Additional Retirement Benefits”) is amended by revising Section 1.1 thereof to read as follows:

 

SECTION 1.1                         Eligibility for Additional Benefits

 

The following Participants shall receive the additional benefits provided pursuant to this Appendix I:

 

(OMITTED)

 



 

AMENDMENT TO

 

THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES

 

RETIREMENT GROWTH ACCOUNT PLAN

 

The Estee Lauder Companies Retirement Growth Account Plan, as amended and restated generally effective as of January 1, 2007 (the “Plan”), is hereby further amended as follows, effective January 1, 2008 except as provided below:

 

1. Section 2.4 (definition of “Accrued Benefit”) is amended, effective as of January 1, 2007, by adding a new paragraph to the end thereof to read as follows:

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, for distributions commencing prior to January 1, 2007, the Accrued Benefit as of a specified date equals the Participant’s Retirement Account projected to Normal Retirement Date with interest at 4% per annum and then divided by the applicable factor from Appendix A; provided that if the Accrued Benefit is determined after the Participant’s Normal Retirement Date, the Accrued Benefit equals the Participant’s Retirement Account divided by the applicable factor from Appendix A.

 

2. Section 2.4 (definition of “Average Final Compensation”) is amended, effective as of January 1, 2009, by adding a new sentence to the end thereof to read as follows:

 

Effective as of January 1, 2009, “compensation” for purposes of this Section 2.4 shall also include any “differential pay” (as defined in Section 2.10).

 

3. Section 2.10 (definition of “Compensation”) is amended, effective as of January 1, 2009, by adding a new paragraph to the end thereof to read as follows:

 

Effective as of January 1, 2009, Compensation shall also include any “differential pay.” For this purpose, “differential pay” shall mean any payment which (i) is made by an Employer to an individual with respect to any period during which he or she is performing service in the uniformed services (as defined in Chapter 43, Title 38, United States Code) while on active duty for a period of more than 30 days, and (ii) represents all or a portion of the amount the individual would have received from the Employer if he or she were performing services for such Employer.

 

4. Section 8.1 is amended by revising the third sentence thereof to read as follows:

 

If a Participant terminates employment other than by early or normal retirement or death after having completed at least five (5) Years of Service (or at least three (3) Years of Service effective for Plan Years beginning on or after January 1, 2008),

 



 

he shall be entitled to elect, with spousal consent under the terms of Section 9.4 hereof, if applicable, payment of the amount credited to his Retirement Account (or if greater, for distributions made prior to January 1, 2007, an amount equal to the Actuarial Equivalent of his Accrued Benefit) as of such date of termination in a cash lump sum or, (i) if the Participant has a Surviving Spouse at the time of such termination of employment, as an annuity of the form described in Section 9.2 hereof or (ii) if the Participant has no Surviving Spouse at the time of such termination of employment, as an annuity of the form of benefit described in Section 9.1 hereof.

 

5. Section 9.1(a) is amended in its entirety to read as follows:

 

(a)           The normal form of benefit shall be an income payable monthly for life, commencing on the Normal Retirement Date and terminating with the payment preceding death; provided , however , that a Participant may, with spousal consent under the terms of Section 9.4 hereof, if applicable, elect to receive the amount credited to his Retirement Account (or if greater, for distributions made prior to January 1, 2007, an amount equal to the Actuarial Equivalent of his Accrued Benefit) in a single cash lump sum; further provided , however , that if the Actuarial Equivalent value of such amount does not exceed $1,000 (with respect to distributions commencing on or after March 28, 2005) or $5,000 (with respect to distributions commencing prior to March 28, 2005 and on or after January 1, 1998), such value shall automatically be paid to the Participant in a cash lump sum in accordance with the last sentence of Section 10.1 hereof.

 

6.  Section 9.4(f) is amended, effective as of January 1, 2006, by adding a new sentence to the end thereof to read as follows:

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, for annuity starting dates occurring on or after January 1, 2006, the level of benefits payable to a contingent annuitant who is not the Surviving Spouse shall be determined in accordance with Q&A-2(c) of Treasury Regulations Section 1.401(a)(9)-6, as applicable.

 

7.  Section 9.5 is amended by revising the second to last sentence thereof to read as follows:

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, only the Participant need consent to the commencement of a distribution in the form of a 50%, 75% or 100% joint and survivor annuity described in Option 1 or Option 3 under Section 9.3 while the Accrued Benefit is immediately distributable, provided that the Surviving Spouse is the contingent annuitant.

 

8.  Section 9.6(c) is amended in its entirety to read as follows:

 

(c)           “Eligible Retirement Plan” means any of the following plans or arrangements that accepts the individual’s Eligible Rollover Distribution: (i) an individual retirement account described in Section 408(a) of the Code, (ii) an

 



 

individual retirement annuity described in Section 408(b) of the Code, (iii) a Roth IRA described in Section 408A of the Code, (iv) a qualified plan trust, (v) an annuity plan described in Section 403(a) of the Code, (vi) an annuity contract described in Section 403(b) of the Code, or (vii) an eligible deferred compensation plan described in Section 457(b) of the Code that is maintained by a state, political subdivision of a state, or any agency or instrumentality of a state or political subdivision of a state.  In the case of a non-Spouse Beneficiary, an “Eligible Retirement Plan” shall include only (i) an individual retirement account described in Section 408(a) of the Code, (ii) an individual retirement annuity described in Section 408(b) of the Code (other than an endowment contract) or (iii) a Roth IRA described in Section 408A of the Code, established for the purpose of receiving the Eligible Rollover Distribution on behalf of such non-Spouse Beneficiary.

 

9.  A new Section 14.11 is added to the Plan, effective January 1, 2007, to read as follows:

 

14.11        In the case of a Participant who, on or after January 1, 2007, dies while performing “qualified military service” (within the meaning of Section 414(u)(5) of the Code), the survivors of the Participant shall be entitled to any additional benefits (including vesting) provided under the Plan had the Participant resumed and then terminated employment on account of death.

 

10.  A new Section 16.5 is added to the Plan to read as follows:

 

16.5          Upon termination of the Plan, (i) the rate of interest used to determine accrued benefits under the Plan shall be equal to the average of the rates of interest used under the Plan during the 5-year period ending on the termination date, and (ii) the interest rate and mortality table used to determine the amount of any benefit under the Plan payable in the form of an annuity payable at normal retirement age shall be the rate and table specified in Appendix A, except that if such rate is a variable rate, the interest rate shall be determined under the rules of clause (i). This section shall be interpreted and applied in a manner consistent with Section 411(b)(5)(B)(vi) of the Code and the guidance issued thereunder.

 

11. Section 19.1(a) is amended to read as follows:

 

(a)            If any Participant is entitled to an “unpredictable contingent event benefit” (as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.436-1(j)(9)) payable with respect to any event occurring during any Plan Year, such benefit shall not be provided if the “adjusted funding target attainment percentage” (as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.436-1(j)(1)) for such Plan Year—

 

(i)             is less than 60 percent; or

 

(ii)            would be less than 60 percent taking into account such occurrence.

 



 

12. Section 19.3(b) is amended by substituting “Estee Lauder” for “any Employer” in the first sentence thereof.

 

13. Section 19.3(c) is amended by substituting “Section 19.3 applies” for “either Section 19.3(c)(i) or (ii) applies” at the end of the first sentence after sub-clause (ii) thereof.

 

14. Section 19.3(d) is amended by adding a new sentence to the end thereof to read as follows:

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “prohibited payment” does not include the payment of a benefit that may be immediately distributed without the consent of the Participant under Section 411(a)(11) of the Code.

 

15. A new Section 19.5 is added to the Plan to read as follows:

 

19.5          Applicable Code and Regulation Provisions. The limitations of this Section 19 shall be interpreted and applied in a manner consistent with Section 436 of the Code and Section 1.436-1 of the Treasury Regulations.

 

16.  Effective as of January 1, 2007, Section 1 of Appendix A of the Plan is amended by modifying the introductory language of such Section to read as follows:

 

Except as otherwise noted below, the assumptions to be used to convert a single life annuity into any other form of benefit, other than a lump sum distribution or a level income annuity (Option 5 of Section 9.3), are as follows:

 

17.  Effective as of January 1, 2007, Appendix A of the Plan is further amended by modifying Section 2 of such Appendix to insert, immediately following the words “an equivalent, immediately payable, annual amount of single life annuity”, in each of three places in which they appear, the words “or an equivalent, immediately payable, annual amount of level income annuity (Option 5 of Section 9.3)”.

 

18.  Effective as of January 1, 2007, Appendix A of the Plan is further amended by modifying Section 4 of such Appendix:

 

(a)  To insert, immediately following the words “an equivalent, immediately payable lump sum distribution”, in each of three places in which they appear, the words “or an equivalent, immediately payable, annual amount of level income annuity (Option 5 of Section 9.3)”; and

 

(b)  To replace the words “the distribution of such lump sum benefit is to occur” in each of the three places in which they appear, with the words “the distribution of such benefit is to occur or commence”.

 



 

AMENDMENT TO

 

THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES

 

RETIREMENT GROWTH ACCOUNT PLAN

 

The Estee Lauder Companies Retirement Growth Account Plan, as amended and restated generally effective as of January 1, 2007 (the “Plan”), is hereby further amended as follows effective as of April 1, 2010:

 

Section 2.10 (definition of “Compensation”) is amended by adding a new paragraph to the end thereof to read as follows:

 

Notwithstanding the exclusion of commissions from “Compensation” pursuant to the first paragraph of this Section 2.10, commissions paid on or after April 1, 2010 to Employees of Aveda Corporation, Aveda Experience Centers Inc., Aveda Institute Inc. or Aveda Services Inc. shall be counted as “Compensation” for all purposes under the Plan.

 



 

AMENDMENT TO

 

THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES

 

RETIREMENT GROWTH ACCOUNT PLAN

 

The Estee Lauder Companies Retirement Growth Account Plan, as amended and restated generally effective as of January 1, 2007 (the “Plan”), is hereby further amended, effective as of January 1, 2007, as provided below.

 

Section 5.7 of the Plan is amended by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (g), and by adding a new subsection (f) to read as follows:

 

(f)             Except as provided below, the Compensation of each Participant that may be taken into account in any limitation year for purposes of this Section 5.7 must be actually paid or made available to the Participant (or, if earlier, includable in the gross income of the Participant) within the limitation year, and must be paid or treated as paid prior to the Participant’s severance from employment with the Employer, including payments made in the following limitation year solely because of the timing of pay periods and pay dates (as described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.415(c)-2(e)(2)). Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the following amounts are also included in Compensation for a limitation year: any payment of regular compensation for services during the Employee’s regular working hours, compensation for services outside the Employee’s regular working hours (such as overtime or shift differential), commissions, bonuses or other similar payments made after severance from employment with the Employer that are paid by the later of 2½ months after severance from employment or the end of the limitation year that includes the date of severance from employment.

 



 

APPENDIX U

 

PROVISIONS GOVERNING

CERTAIN EMPLOYEES OF

APPLIED GENETICS INC. DERMATICS

AND ITS AFFILIATES AND PREDECESSORS

 

SECTION 1.1           SCOPE

 

The provisions of this Appendix U shall apply with respect to each person employed by Applied Genetics Inc. Dermatics or its predecessors (“AGI”) on September 17, 2008 and whose employment is subsequently transferred from AGI to an Employer on or before April 1, 2009 (each an “AGI Employee”).

 

The provisions of this Appendix U shall apply notwithstanding any contrary provisions of the Plan, of which this Appendix is a part.

 

Except to the extent expressly provided to the contrary herein, all defined terms shall have the same meanings as provided under the Plan.  Each reference to the Plan shall be to the Plan as in effect at the time such provision is applied to an AGI Employee, as the context shall require.

 

SECTION 1.2           COMMENCEMENT OF PLAN PARTICIPATION BY AGI EMPLOYEES

 

No AGI Employee shall be permitted to become a Participant prior to the first date after September 17, 2008 that such AGI Employee became an Employee of an Employer.  The first date on which any AGI Employee may become a Participant shall be governed by the otherwise applicable provisions of Section 3 of the Plan.  In applying the terms of such participation eligibility provision, there shall be taken into account all of such AGI Employee’s period of employment with AGI, the prior employer (including any corporate predecessor thereof), but only to the extent that any such period of employment would have been taken into account had such prior employer otherwise been an Employer throughout such person’s entire period of employment.

 

SECTION 1.3           CREDITS TO RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

 

In determining the amount to be credited to the Retirement Account of an AGI Employee who becomes a Participant pursuant to the provisions of Section 5 of the Plan, there shall not be taken into account any periods of such person’s employment with AGI or any corporate predecessor thereof.

 



 

SECTION 1.4           VESTING

 

In determining the extent to which any AGI Employee is vested in his Retirement Account pursuant to the provisions of Section 8 of the Plan, there shall be taken into account all periods of such person’s employment with AGI which would otherwise have been taken into account for such purpose had such prior employer otherwise been an Employer throughout such person’s entire period of employment.

 


Exhibit 10.5

 

THE

 

ESTEE LAUDER INC.

 

RETIREMENT BENEFITS RESTORATION PLAN

 

 

Effective as of January 1, 1984

 

Amended and Restated effective December 31, 2008

 



 

THE

 

ESTEE LAUDER INC.

 

RETIREMENT BENEFITS RESTORATION PLAN

 

ARTICLE I

 

INTRODUCTION

 

1.     This instrument amends and restates as of December 31, 2008, the terms and conditions of the Estee Lauder Inc. Retirement Benefits Restoration Plan, as previously adopted effective as of January 1, 1984.

 

2.     The purpose of this Plan is to provide for certain employees of the Company and its subsidiaries retirement benefits over and above the benefits provided by the Estee Lauder Inc. Retirement Growth Account Plan.  This Plan is not intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).

 

3.     The Plan is intended to be an “excess benefit plan” as that term is defined in Section 3(36) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”) with respect to those employees whose benefits under the Retirement Plan have been limited by Section 415 of the Code, and a “top hat” plan meeting the requirements of Sections 201(2), 301(a)(3), 401(a)(1) and 4021(b)(6) of ERISA with respect to those employees whose benefits under the Retirement Plan have been limited by Section 401(a)(17) of the Code.  The Plan intends to comply and has been administered in accordance with Section 409A of the Code.

 



 

ARTICLE II

 

DEFINITIONS

 

1.     “Actuarial Equivalent” means, with respect to a Participant’s Retirement Plan Supplemental Benefit, an immediately payable lump sum which has the same present value as the Participant’s Retirement Plan Supplemental Benefit when measured on the basis of the interest rate, mortality table and other factors specified in Appendix A of the Retirement Plan as of the date of commencement of payment.

 

2.     “Beneficiary” shall mean the individual or individual’s designated by the Participant to receive their Retirement Plan Supplemental Benefit in the event of death.

 

3.     “Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

4.     “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

5.     “Company” shall mean Estee Lauder Inc. or any successor thereto.

 

6.     “Employee Benefits Committee” shall mean the Estee Lauder Inc. Employee Benefits Committee, which administers the Retirement Plan.

 

7.     “ERISA” shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

 

8.     “Fiduciary Committee” shall mean the Estee Lauder Inc. Fiduciary Investment Committee, which performs certain fiduciary functions with respect to the Retirement Plan.

 

9.     “Key Employee” shall mean, consistent with Section 416(i)(1) of the Code, an employee of the Company or a subsidiary who is: (a) an officer of the Company or subsidiary

 

2



 

with an annual compensation greater than $130,000 (or such greater amount as determined under Section 416(i)(1)(A)(iii) of the Code), (b) a 5-percent owner of the Company or subsidiary, or (c) a 1-percent owner of the Company or affiliate with an annual compensation from the Company or affiliate of more than $150,000, at any time during the year.

 

10.   “Participant” shall mean any participant in the Retirement Plan whose benefit thereunder is limited by Section 415 or Section 401(a)(17) of the Code.

 

11.   “Plan” shall mean the Estee Lauder Inc. Retirement Benefits Restoration Plan as hereinafter from time to time amended.

 

12.   “Plan Year” shall mean the period beginning January 1 and ending December 31 of each calendar year.

 

13.   “Prior Plan Participant” shall mean a Participant (a) who terminated employment prior to January 1, 2008 and (b) whose benefit under the Plan as of December 31, 2008 is greater than $50,000.00 (on an Actuarial Equivalent basis) and has not been paid or commenced.

 

14.   “Retirement Plan” shall mean the Estee Lauder Inc. Retirement Growth Account Plan, as amended and restated as of January 1, 2008, and as amended from time to time thereafter.

 

15.   “Retirement Plan Supplemental Benefits” shall mean the benefits provided for pursuant to Article III hereof.

 

3



 

ARTICLE III

 

BENEFITS PAYABLE UNDER THIS PLAN

 

1.     A Participant’s Retirement Plan Supplemental Benefit shall be an amount equal to the excess of (i)  over (ii)  where:

 

(i)  is the benefit which would have been paid to such Participant (or his Beneficiary) under the Retirement Plan, if the provisions of the Retirement Plan were administered without regard to the limitations set forth in Section 415 of the Code and reflected in the Retirement Plan; and

 

(ii)  is the limited benefit which is payable to such Participant (or his Beneficiary) under the Retirement Plan after giving effect to the limitations set forth in Section 415 of the Code and reflected in the Retirement Plan.

 

2.    In addition, each Participant shall be entitled to an additional Retirement Plan Supplemental Benefit equal to the amount by which the Retirement Plan Supplemental Benefit determined under Section 1 of this Article III would be greater if it were determined:

 

(i) by disregarding, in addition to Section 415 limitations, any limitations on such Participant’s “Compensation” and “Average Final Compensation” imposed by reason of Section 401(a)(17) of the Code, and

 

4



 

(ii) by including in such Employee’s “Compensation” and “Average Final Compensation,” for the year in which it is earned, (A) any amount deferred by the Employee pursuant to a deferred compensation plan sponsored by the Company,  and (B) in the case of an Employee who served as (1) an executive officer of the Company or its parent company and (2) as a director of its Swiss subsidiary, Estee Lauder AG Lachen, any amount paid as base salary, director fee or bonus by such subsidiary.

 

ARTICLE IV

 

PAYMENT OF BENEFITS

 

1.     Payment of a Participant’s Retirement Plan Supplemental Benefits shall commence within 90 days following the Participant’s termination of employment provided, that:

 

(a)   in the case of a Participant whose termination of employment is involuntary and who receives salary continuation  under a salary continuation agreement with the Company, payment will be delayed by one month for each month of the Participant’s service with the Company with a minimum delay of 3 months and a maximum delay of 24 months.

 

(b) in the case of a Key Employee whose termination of employment occurs at a time when the stock of the Company is publicly traded on an established securities market or otherwise, payment will not commence earlier that the first day of the 7th month following termination of employment.

 

5



 

(c) in the case of a Prior Plan Participant payment shall be made as soon as practicable following their attainment of age 60.

 

2.       Payment of a Participant’s Retirement Plan Supplemental Benefits shall be made to the Participant, or in the event of the Participant’s death, to the Participant’s Beneficiary, in the form of an Actuarial Equivalent lump sum. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan or a Participant’s election to the contrary, in the event the Actuarial Equivalent of a Participant’s Retirement Plan Supplemental Benefits exceeds $1,000,000.00 payment shall be made in equal annual installments over a period of five (5) years.

 

ARTICLE V

 

VESTING

 

1.       A Participant shall be vested in his Retirement Plan Supplemental Benefits to the same extent such Participant is vested in his accrued benefit under the Retirement Plan.

 

ARTICLE VI

 

FUNDING

 

1.       Benefit payment shall be paid in cash from the general funds of the Company and no special or separate fund shall be established and no segregation of assets shall be made to assure payment of distributions.  Nothing contained in this Plan and no action taken pursuant to its provisions shall create or be construed to create a trust of any kind, nor a fiduciary relationship between the Company and the Participant or any other person.  To the extent that any person acquires a right to receive benefits from the Company under this Plan, such right shall be no greater than the right of an unsecured creditor of the Company.

 

6



 

ARTICLE VII

 

ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN

 

1.       This Plan shall be operated under direction of the Board and administered by the Employee Benefits Committee, in a manner consistent with the operation and administration of the Retirement Plan as set forth in the appropriate articles of such plan.  The Employee Benefits Committee’s decision in any matter involving the interpretation and application of this Plan shall be final and binding.

 

ARTICLE VIII

 

LOSS OF BENEFITS

 

1.       Notwithstanding any provision of this Plan to the contrary, in the sole discretion of the Company and after written notice to the Participant or such other person designated by the Participant, rights to receive any benefits under this Plan may be forfeited, suspended, reduced or terminated in cases of gross misconduct by the Participant, or of any conduct, activity or competitive occupation which is reasonably deemed to be prejudicial to the interests of the Company, including but not limited to the utilization or disclosure of confidential information for gain or otherwise.

 

ARTICLE IX

 

AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION

 

1.       The Company expects to continue this Plan indefinitely but reserves the right to amend or terminate it if, in its sole judgment, such a change is deemed necessary or desirable.  If the Company shall amend this Plan, the rights of a Participant to his accrued benefit under the Plan, determined as of the date of such amendment, shall be nonforfeitable to the extent that any

 

7



 

such amendment would reduce such Participant’s benefit hereunder.  If the Company shall terminate this Plan, the rights of an Participant to his accrued benefit hereunder shall, as of the date of such termination, be non-forfeitable and, unless the Fiduciary Committee approves earlier payment, such accrued benefit shall be paid at such time or times as provided in Article IV hereof.

 

2.       If the Company should terminate the Retirement Plan with respect to Participants therein, Participants shall cease to accrue additional benefits hereunder and, unless the Fiduciary Committee approves earlier payment, their accrued benefits under this Plan as of the date of such termination shall continue to be payable at the same time or times, in the same manner and with the same limitations as their benefits would have been paid under the Retirement Plan if such plan had not terminated.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Fiduciary Committee shall be permitted to pay all benefits that would be available hereunder if Participants had terminated employment on the date of termination of the Plan provided, that:

 

(a) the termination does not occur proximate to a downturn in the financial health of the Company,

 

(b) the Company terminates and liquidates all other plans and arrangements that are required to be aggregated with this Plan pursuant to Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-1(c),

 

(c) no payments may be made within the first twelve months following such termination that would not otherwise have been made if the termination did not occur,

 

(d) all payments are made within twenty four months of the termination of this Plan, and

 

(e) the Company may not establish any new plan or arrangement covering any Participant

 

8



 

covered by this Plan or any Plan required to be terminated and liquidated under (b) above that would be aggregated with such plans pursuant to Treas. Reg.§ 1.409A-1(c) within three years following the date of termination.

 

ARTICLE X

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

1.                      (a)       No right to payment or any other interest of a Participant shall be assignable or subject to attachment, execution or levy of any kind, except to the extent permitted by law or a court ruling.

 

(b)       No contribution to or benefit payable under this Plan shall be deemed salary or other compensation to the Participant for the purpose of computing benefits to which he may be entitled under the Retirement Plan.  This Plan shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and its successors and assigns and the Participant and his Beneficiary.

 

(c)       Neither the eligible Participant nor his Beneficiary shall encumber, sell or dispose of the right to receive the payments provided under this Plan, which payments and the rights thereto are expressly declared to be nontransferable and nonassignable.

 

(d)       The Company may withhold from any benefits payable under the Plan any taxes required to be withheld pursuant to any law or governmental regulation or ruling.

 

(e)       Nothing in this Plan shall be construed as giving any Participant the right to be retained in the employ of the Company or any other “Employer” (within the meaning of the Retirement Plan).  Each Employer expressly reserves the right to dismiss any Participant at any time without regard to the effect which such dismissal might have upon him under the Plan.

 

(f)        This Plan shall be construed, administered and enforced according to the laws of the State of New York.

 

9


EXHIBIT 21.1

 

THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.

 

SIGNIFICANT SUBSIDIARIES

 

All significant subsidiaries are wholly-owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. and/or one or more of its wholly-owned subsidiaries.

 

Name

 

Jurisdiction
in which Organized

 

 

 

Aveda Corporation

 

Delaware

 

 

 

ELC Management LLC

 

Delaware

 

 

 

ELCA Cosmeticos LDA

 

Portugal

 

 

 

Estee Lauder Cosmetics Limited

 

United Kingdom

 

 

 

Estee Lauder Europe, Inc.

 

Delaware

 

 

 

Estee Lauder Inc.

 

Delaware

 

 

 

Estee Lauder International, Inc.

 

Delaware

 

 

 

Estee Lauder K.K.

 

Japan

 

 

 

Estee Lauder Nova Scotia Co.

 

Nova Scotia

 

 

 

M.A.C . Cosmetics Inc.

 

Delaware

 


EXHIBIT 23.1

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

The Board of Directors
The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.:

 

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement Numbers 33-99554, 333-49606, 333-66851, 333-72684, 333-72650, 333-126820, 333-131527, 333-147262 and 333-161452 on Form S-8 and Number 333-154801 on Form S-3 of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. of our reports dated August 19, 2010 relating to the consolidated balance sheets of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. and subsidiaries as of June 30, 2010 and 2009 and the related consolidated statements of earnings, equity, comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended June 30, 2010 and the related financial statement schedule and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2010, which reports appear in the annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010 of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

 

Our report refers to a change in the Company’s methods of accounting for business combinations and non-controlling interests in fiscal 2010 and a change in its method of accounting for uncertainty in income taxes in fiscal 2008.

 

 

/s/ KPMG LLP

 

 

 

 

 

New York, New York

 

August 19, 2010

 

 


EXHIBIT 24.1

 

POWER-OF-ATTORNEY

 

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints William P. Lauder, Fabrizio Freda and Richard W. Kunes, and each of them, such person’s true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and revocation, for such person and in such person’s name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010 of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. and any and all amendments thereto, and to file the same with all exhibits thereto, and the other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as such person might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their or his or her substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

 

This power of attorney may only be revoked by a written document executed by the undersigned that expressly revokes this power by referring to the date and subject hereof.

 

Signature

 

Title (s)

 

Date

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ FABRIZIO FREDA

 

President, Chief Executive Officer

 

August 19, 2010

Fabrizio Freda

 

and a Director
(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ WILLIAM P. LAUDER

 

Executive Chairman

 

August 19, 2010

William P. Lauder

 

and a Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ LEONARD A. LAUDER

 

Director

 

August 19, 2010

Leonard A. Lauder

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ CHARLENE BARSHEFSKY

 

Director

 

August 19, 2010

Charlene Barshefsky

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ ROSE MARIE BRAVO

 

Director

 

August 19, 2010

Rose Marie Bravo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ PAUL J. FRIBOURG

 

Director

 

August 19, 2010

Paul J. Fribourg

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ MELLODY HOBSON

 

Director

 

August 19, 2010

Mellody Hobson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ IRVINE O. HOCKADAY, JR.

 

Director

 

August 19, 2010

Irvine O. Hockaday, Jr.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ AERIN LAUDER

 

Director

 

August 19, 2010

Aerin Lauder

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ JANE LAUDER

 

Director

 

August 19, 2010

Jane Lauder

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ RICHARD D. PARSONS

 

Director

 

August 19, 2010

Richard D. Parsons

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ LYNN FORESTER DE ROTHSCHILD

 

Director

 

August 19, 2010

Lynn Forester de Rothschild

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ BARRY S. STERNLICHT

 

Director

 

August 19, 2010

Barry S. Sternlicht

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ RICHARD F. ZANNINO

 

Director

 

August 19, 2010

Richard F. Zannino

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ RICHARD W. KUNES

 

Executive Vice President and

 

August 19, 2010

Richard W. Kunes

 

Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)

 

 

 


EXHIBIT 31.1

 

Certification

 

I, Fabrizio Freda certify that:

 

1.                                        I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.;

 

2.                                        Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.                                        Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.                                        The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

a)                                       Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

b)                                      Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

c)                                       Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

d)                                      Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.                                        The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

a)                                       All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

b)                                      Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

Date:

August 19, 2010

 

 

 

 

/s/ Fabrizio Freda

 

Fabrizio Freda

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 


EXHIBIT 31.2

 

Certification

 

I, Richard W. Kunes certify that:

 

1.              I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.;

 

2.              Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.              Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.              The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

a)              Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

b)             Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

c)              Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

d)             Disclosed in this annual report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.              The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

a)              All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

b)             Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

Date:

August 19, 2010

 

 

 

 

/s/ Richard W. Kunes

 

Richard W. Kunes

 

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 


EXHIBIT 32.1

 

Certification

Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or

Rule 15d-14(b) and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

(as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)

 

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 (as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002), the undersigned officer of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), does hereby certify, to such officer’s knowledge, that:

 

The Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2010 (the “Report”) of the Company fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o(d)), and the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

 

Dated:   August 19, 2010

/s/ Fabrizio Freda

 

Fabrizio Freda

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of section 1350, chapter 63 of title 18, United States Code) and for no other purpose.

 


EXHIBIT 32.2

 

Certification

Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or

Rule 15d-14(b) and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

(as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)

 

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 (as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002), the undersigned officer of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), does hereby certify, to such officer’s knowledge, that:

 

The Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2010 (the “Report”) of the Company fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o(d)), and the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

 

Dated:    August 19, 2010

/s/ Richard W. Kunes

 

Richard W. Kunes

 

Executive Vice President and Chief

 

Financial Officer

 

 

The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of section 1350, chapter 63 of title 18, United States Code) and for no other purpose.