Ralph Lauren Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year Fiscal 2021 Results
- Fourth Quarter Revenues Increased 1% to $1.29 Billion, Exceeding Expectations with Positive Growth in Asia and Europe
- Global Digital Commerce Sales Accelerated to 52% Driven by All Regions in the Fourth Quarter, Ending the Fiscal Year with Digital Operating Margins Accretive to Each Geography
- Stronger than Expected Fourth Quarter Gross and Operating Margins Driven by a 30% Increase in Average Unit Retail and Continued Expense Reductions
- Final Stage of Fiscal 2021 Strategic Realignment Plan Announced with Anticipated Sale of Club Monaco
- Quarterly Dividend Reinstated in the First Quarter of Fiscal 2022 at $0.6875 Per Share, In-Line with Pre-Pandemic Levels
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE:RL), a global leader in the design, marketing, and distribution of premium lifestyle products, today reported earnings per diluted share of ($1.01) on a reported basis and $0.38 on an adjusted basis, excluding restructuring-related and other charges, for the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2021. This compared to earnings per diluted share of ($3.38) on a reported basis and ($0.68) on an adjusted basis, excluding restructuring-related and other charges, for the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2020.
For Fiscal 2021, earnings per diluted share was ($1.65) on a reported basis and $1.70 on an adjusted basis, excluding restructuring-related and other charges. This compared to earnings per diluted share of $4.98 on a reported basis and $6.56 on an adjusted basis, excluding restructuring-related and other charges, for the full year of Fiscal 2020.
The Company also announced that its Board of Directors approved to reinstate its regular quarterly cash dividend on the Company’s Common Stock, previously suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The quarterly cash dividend is $0.6875 per share for a total annual dividend amount of $2.75 per share. The next quarterly dividend is payable on July 9, 2021 to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 25, 2021.
“This has been a year of profound challenge and reflection – both for our company and for communities around the world. For us, it was a reminder of the importance of staying true to our core vision – anchored in the ideas of timelessness and authenticity – while embracing new ways of connecting with people,” said Ralph Lauren, Executive Chairman & Chief Creative Officer. “As we begin to heal from a year marked by pain and division, we believe the kind of luxury we stand for – one that is inclusive and marked by a spirit of togetherness, optimism and love – is what people are craving.”
“This fiscal year, we fundamentally repositioned our company for long-term success – accelerating our digital and marketing capabilities, eliminating structural headwinds, focusing our brand portfolio and realigning our cost structure – all while continuing our brand elevation journey around the world,” said Patrice Louvet, President & Chief Executive Officer. “In the fourth quarter, our teams demonstrated incredible resilience, leading us to achieve better than expected operating results across all regions as our brand resonated with new and existing consumers. Looking ahead, even as the environment remains volatile, with the strength of our brand, our teams and operational position, we are confident in our ability to deliver sustainable long-term growth and value creation in Fiscal 2022 and beyond.”
Key Achievements in Fiscal 2021
As we continued to navigate a volatile global retail environment, we delivered the following highlights across our strategic priorities in the fourth quarter and full year Fiscal 2021:
- Win Over a New Generation of Consumers
- Accelerated marketing investments to 44% growth in the fourth quarter as we drove high-impact digital campaigns, reactivated in-person activities, and shifted spend from the first three quarters of the year due to COVID lockdowns. Highlights from the quarter included our Spring ’21 Collection digital experience featuring a livestream concert with Janelle Monáe, CLOT x Polo Ralph Lauren collaboration with Edison Chen, and debut sponsorship of the Australian Open
- For the full year Fiscal 2021, marketing increased to 6.0% of total revenues, up from 4.5% last year, to support our brand elevation and drive consumer engagement, resulting in accelerated growth in global brand awareness and purchase intent
- Strategically shifted investments toward innovative digital campaigns, including our Ralph Lauren x Bitmoji Collection with over 1 billion try-ons on Snapchat, virtual concert experience featuring Chance the Rapper, global Farfetch launch, and our 360º holiday campaigns emphasizing our core Ralph Lauren values
- Energize Core Products and Accelerate Under-Developed Categories
- Average unit retail (AUR) across our direct-to-consumer network grew 30% in the fourth quarter and 26% for full year Fiscal 2021, with underlying growth of about 20% excluding unusual COVID mix impacts. All geographies exceeded our long-term targets of low- to mid-single digit annual AUR growth, led by more than 20% growth in both North America and Europe as we accelerated our brand elevation initiatives this year
- Leveraged the breadth of our lifestyle brand to tailor our product to changing consumer preferences by region, including expanding our high-potential underdeveloped categories such as outerwear and fleece and prudently building back into new seasonal assortments as consumer demand strengthens and evolves
- Expanded into new digital platforms including the launch of The Lauren Look, our first subscription apparel rental service, offering consumers an innovative new channel to experience, engage and ultimately shop the Lauren Ralph Lauren brand as they build their personal wardrobes in a rapidly evolving retail landscape
- Drive Targeted Expansion in Our Regions and Channels
- Delivered sequential improvement across all geographies in the fourth quarter led by Asia and Europe, despite further government-mandated restrictions due to COVID-19 in both regions. North America comps strengthened into the end of the period, inflecting to positive 3% growth in the fourth quarter
- Strong momentum in the Chinese mainland, with fourth quarter sales increasing 145% to last year in constant currency as we lapped significant impact from COVID-19 and increasing more than 70% compared to fourth quarter Fiscal 2019
- Lead with Digital
- Global digital revenue accelerated across both owned and wholesale digital channels and across all geographies in the fourth quarter, with owned digital sales increasing 52% to last year and total digital ecosystem sales up more than 60%
- Operating margins in our owned digital business expanded more than 1,000 basis points to last year for both the fourth quarter and full year. Digital operating margins were accretive to total company margin rate, with similar improvement across all regions
- Operate with Discipline to Fuel Growth
- Adjusted operating expenses decreased 4% to last year in the fourth quarter and 16% for the full year, driven by savings across compensation related expenses, rent and occupancy, travel and other expenses
- Exceeded our lead time targets with approximately two thirds of our products on lead times of 6 months or less, versus our long-term target of 50% by Fiscal 2023 and compared to 20% in Fiscal 2016
- Concluded our brand portfolio review with a definitive agreement to sell Club Monaco to Regent, enabling our teams to focus our resources and talent on our core brands as part of our Next Great Chapter elevation strategy
Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2021 Income Statement Review
Net Revenue. In the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2021, revenue increased 1% to $1.3 billion on a reported basis and was down 3% in constant currency. Foreign currency favorably impacted revenue growth by approximately 370 basis points in the fourth quarter.
Revenue performance for the Company’s reportable segments in the fourth quarter compared to the prior year period was as follows:
- North America Revenue. North America revenue in the fourth quarter decreased 10% to $569 million, including adverse impacts related to COVID-19 business disruptions across distribution channels. North America wholesale revenue was down 22% to last year. In retail, comparable store sales in North America were up 3%, including a 25% increase in digital commerce partly offset by a 2% decline in brick and mortar stores.
- Europe Revenue. Europe revenue in the fourth quarter increased 5% to $370 million on a reported basis and decreased 4% in constant currency to last year, reflecting adverse impacts related to COVID-19 business disruptions across channels. In retail, comparable store sales in Europe were down 45%, driven by a 65% decrease in brick and mortar stores partly offset by a 79% increase in digital commerce. Europe wholesale revenue increased 41% on a reported basis and 29% in constant currency.
- Asia Revenue. Asia revenue in the fourth quarter increased 35% to $289 million on a reported basis and 28% in constant currency. Comparable store sales in Asia increased 23%, with a 21% increase in our brick and mortar stores and a 59% increase in digital commerce.
Gross Profit. Gross profit for the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2021 was $783 million and gross margin was 60.8%. On an adjusted basis, gross margin was 62.9% compared to 59.1% in the prior year period. Foreign currency favorably impacted gross margin by 80 basis points in the fourth quarter. Gross margin expansion was primarily driven by AUR growth across all regions as well as favorable channel and geographic mix shifts. An estimated 80 basis points of this quarter’s gross margin expansion was driven by unusual geographic and channel mix shifts due to COVID.
Operating Expenses. Operating expenses in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2021 were $809 million on a reported basis, including $43 million in restructuring-related and other charges. On an adjusted basis, excluding such charges, operating expenses were $765 million, down 4% to prior year, primarily driven by savings from compensation-related expenses, rent and occupancy and other discretionary expenses.
Adjusted operating expense rate was 59.5%, compared to 62.5% in the prior year period, excluding restructuring-related and other charges.
Operating Income (Loss). Operating loss for the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2021 was $26 million on a reported basis, including restructuring-related and other charges of $70 million, and operating margin was (2.0%). Adjusted operating income was $44 million, compared to adjusted operating loss of $43 million for the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2020, excluding restructuring-related and other charges from both periods. Foreign currency favorably impacted operating margin by 130 basis points in the fourth quarter.
- North America Operating Income. North America operating income in the fourth quarter was $69 million on a reported basis and $89 million on an adjusted basis. Adjusted North America operating margin was 15.6%, compared to adjusted operating margin of 10.1% for the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2020.
- Europe Operating Income. Europe operating income in the fourth quarter was $69 million on a reported basis and $70 million on an adjusted basis. Adjusted Europe operating margin was 18.9%, compared to 13.8% for the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2020. Foreign currency favorably impacted adjusted operating margin rate by 120 basis points in the fourth quarter.
- Asia Operating Income. Asia operating income in the fourth quarter was $28 million on a reported basis. On an adjusted basis, Asia operating income was $26 million. Adjusted Asia operating margin was 9.1%, compared to 3.5% for the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2020. Foreign currency favorably impacted adjusted operating margin rate by 190 basis points in the fourth quarter.
Net Income (Loss) and EPS. On a reported basis, net loss in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2021 was $74 million or ($1.01) per diluted share. On an adjusted basis, net income was $28 million, or $0.38 per diluted share. This compared to a net loss of $249 million, or ($3.38) per diluted share on a reported basis, and net loss of $50 million, or ($0.68) per diluted share on an adjusted basis, for the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2020.
In the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2021, the Company had an effective tax rate of approximately (110%) on a reported basis and 18% on an adjusted basis. This compared to a reported and adjusted effective tax rate of approximately 13% and (28%), respectively, in the prior year period. The increase in our adjusted effective tax rate was primarily driven by the absence of liabilities for uncertain tax positions taken in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2020 as well as the unfavorable impact related to provision to return and other adjustments in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2021.
Full Year Fiscal 2021 Income Statement Review
Net Revenues. For Fiscal 2021, revenue decreased 29% to $4.4 billion on a reported basis and decreased 30% in constant currency, driven primarily by widespread COVID-related shutdowns and other disruptions throughout the year. Foreign currency favorably impacted revenue growth by approximately 130 basis points in the fourth quarter.
- North America Revenue. For Fiscal 2021, North America revenue decreased 37% to $2.0 billion.
- Europe Revenue. For Fiscal 2021, Europe revenue decreased 29% to $1.2 billion on a reported basis. In constant currency, revenue decreased 32%.
- Asia Revenue. For Fiscal 2021, Asia revenue increased 1% to $1.0 billion on a reported basis. In constant currency, revenue decreased 2%.
Gross Profit. Gross profit for Fiscal 2021 was $2.9 billion on a reported basis and gross margin was 65.0%. On an adjusted basis, gross margin was 65.7%, 380 basis points higher than the prior year, excluding non-routine inventory-related charges from both periods. Foreign currency favorably impacted gross margin by 20 basis points in Fiscal 2021. An estimated 150 basis points of this year’s gross margin expansion was driven by unusual geographic and channel mix shifts due to COVID.
Operating Expenses. For Fiscal 2021, operating expenses were $2.9 billion on a reported basis, including $225 million in restructuring-related and other charges. On an adjusted basis, operating expenses were $2.7 billion, down 16% to prior year. Adjusted operating expense rate was 60.9%, 930 basis points above Fiscal 2020, excluding restructuring-related and other charges from both periods.
Operating Income (Loss). Operating loss for Fiscal 2021 was $44 million, including restructuring-related and other charges of $254 million. On an adjusted basis, operating income was $211 million compared operating income of $632 million for the prior year period, excluding restructuring-related and other charges from both periods.
- North America Operating Income. North America operating income in Fiscal 2021 was $334 million and operating margin was 16.8% on a reported basis, including restructuring-related and other charges. On an adjusted basis, North America operating income in Fiscal 2021 was $347 million and operating margin was 17.4%, compared to 19.1% in Fiscal 2020.
- Europe Operating Income. Europe operating income in Fiscal 2021 was $189 million and operating margin was 16.2% on a reported basis, including restructuring-related and other charges. On an adjusted basis, Europe operating income in Fiscal 2021 was $202 million and operating margin was 17.3%, compared to 23.3% in Fiscal 2020.
- Asia Operating Income. Asia operating income in Fiscal 2021 was $148 million and operating margin was 14.4% on a reported basis, including restructuring-related and other charges. On an adjusted basis, Asia operating income in Fiscal 2021 was $150 million and operating margin was 14.6%, compared to 14.4% in Fiscal 2020.
Net Income (Loss) and EPS. In Fiscal 2021, net loss was $121 million or ($1.65) per diluted share on a reported basis. On an adjusted basis, net income was $127 million, or $1.70 per diluted share. This compared to a net income of $384 million, or $4.98 per diluted share on a reported basis, and net income of $506 million, or $6.56 per diluted share on an adjusted basis for Fiscal 2020.
For Fiscal 2021, the Company had an effective tax rate of approximately (62%) on a reported basis and 29% on an adjusted basis. This compared to a reported and adjusted effective tax rate of approximately (18%) and 22%, respectively, in the prior year.
Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Review
The Company ended Fiscal 2021 with $2.8 billion in cash and investments and $1.6 billion in total debt, compared to $2.1 billion and $1.2 billion, respectively, at the end of Fiscal 2020. Inventory at the end of Fiscal 2021 was $759 million, up 3% compared to the prior year period.
The Company had $108 million in capital expenditures in Fiscal 2021, compared to $270 million in the prior year period. The decrease was primarily due to lower spending during the pandemic, compared to higher spending related to the Company’s office consolidation in the prior year period.
Fiscal 2021 Strategic Realignment Plan Update
As previously announced, a strategic review has been underway to support future growth and profitability and to create a sustainable cost structure. The review process includes the evaluation of Ralph Lauren’s: (i) team organizational structures and ways of working; (ii) real estate footprint and related costs across corporate offices, distribution centers, and direct-to-consumer retail and wholesale doors; and (iii) brand portfolio.
Previously announced actions related to the Fiscal 2021 Strategic Realignment Plan included a reduction of the Company’s global workforce in Fiscal 2021, transitioning the Chaps brand to a fully licensed business model, plans to further right-size and consolidate corporate offices and distribution centers and identifying up to 10 stores subject to potential closures through Fiscal 2022.
The Company concluded the final stage of the plan with its brand portfolio review. On May 13th, the Company announced a definitive agreement to sell Club Monaco to Regent, L.P. The move will better position Ralph Lauren to focus its resources on its core brands as part of its Next Great Chapter elevation strategy. Club Monaco revenues were approximately $100 million in Fiscal 2021 and $210 million in Fiscal 2020, prior to the pandemic.
Updates to Ralph Lauren Board of Directors
Mr. Joel Fleishman, after twenty-two years of service on our Board of Directors, will not stand for reelection for his term set to expire at the end of July at the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. We are grateful for Mr. Fleishman’s commitment, leadership and significant contributions to the Company.
In addition, effective after the 2021 Annual Meeting, Mr. Hubert Joly, Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Best Buy Co., Inc. and Chair of our Finance Committee, has been appointed to serve as the Board’s new Lead Independent Director replacing Mr. Frank Bennack. Mr. Bennack will continue to serve on our Board.
Full Year Fiscal 2022 and First Quarter Outlook
The Company continues to note the ongoing uncertainty and evolving situation surrounding COVID-19 impacting the timing and path of recovery in each market, including the potential for further resurgences of the pandemic across various markets. The full year Fiscal 2022 and first quarter guidance excludes restructuring-related and other charges, as described in the “Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Measures” section of this press release.
For Fiscal 2022, the Company expects constant currency revenues to increase approximately 20% to 25% to last year on a 52-week comparable basis. The 53rd week is expected to contribute approximately 140 basis points to revenue growth. Foreign currency is expected to negatively impact revenue growth by approximately 50 to 70 basis points in Fiscal 2022.
The Company expects operating margin for Fiscal 2022 of about 11.0%, an increase of approximately 620 basis points on a reported basis. Operating margin expansion is expected to be driven by operating expense leverage, while gross margin is expected to be down 40 to 60 basis points as mix normalizes. About 150 basis points of the 380 basis points of gross margin expansion in the prior year were driven by unusual COVID-related mix benefits due to significant store closures across regions.
For the first quarter, revenues are expected to increase approximately 140% to 150% in constant currency to last year. Foreign currency is expected to positively impact revenue growth by approximately 250 basis points. This outlook reflects confirmed government-mandated lockdowns and other COVID-related restrictions across several key markets, notably in Europe and Japan. The Company’s current outlook could be negatively impacted if government-mandated lockdowns or restrictions are extended or more severe measures are applied. First quarter results include the operating performance of Club Monaco, with the sale expected to be completed by the end of the quarter.
Operating margin for the first quarter is expected in the range of 7.0% to 7.5% with significant operating expense leverage more than offsetting gross margin contraction. Gross margin is expected to contract approximately 575 basis points to last year as the Company laps unusual COVID-related mix benefits from the prior year, when the majority of our stores across North America and Europe were closed.
The full year Fiscal 2022 tax rate is expected to be in the range of 26% to 27%, assuming a continuation of current tax laws. First quarter of Fiscal 2022 tax rate is expected to be about 22% to 24%.
The Company is planning capital expenditures for Fiscal 2022 of approximately $250 million to $275 million.
Conference Call
As previously announced, the Company will host a conference call and live online webcast today, Thursday, May 20, 2021, at 9:00 A.M. Eastern. Listeners may access a live broadcast of the conference call on the Company’s investor relations website at http://investor.ralphlauren.com or by dialing 517-623-4963 or 800-857-5209. To access the conference call, listeners should dial in by 8:45 a.m. Eastern and request to be connected to the Ralph Lauren Fourth Quarter 2021 conference call.
An online archive of the broadcast will be available by accessing the Company’s investor relations website at http://investor.ralphlauren.com. A telephone replay of the call will be available from 12:00 P.M. Eastern, Thursday, May 20, 2021 through 6:00 P.M. Eastern, Thursday, May 27, 2021 by dialing 203-369-2038 or 866-516-0674 and entering passcode 5531.
ABOUT RALPH LAUREN
Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE:RL) is a global leader in the design, marketing and distribution of premium lifestyle products in five categories: apparel, footwear & accessories, home, fragrances, and hospitality. For more than 50 years, Ralph Lauren’s reputation and distinctive image have been consistently developed across an expanding number of products, brands and international markets. The Company’s brand names, which include Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Collection, Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Polo Ralph Lauren, Double RL, Lauren Ralph Lauren, Polo Ralph Lauren Children, and Chaps, among others, constitute one of the world’s most widely recognized families of consumer brands. For more information, go to http://investor.ralphlauren.com.
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release, and oral statements made from time to time by representatives of the Company, may contain certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding, among other things, our current expectations about the Company’s future results and financial condition, revenues, store openings and closings, strategic plans, employee reductions, margins, expenses, earnings, and citizenship and sustainability goals and are indicated by words or phrases such as “anticipate,” “outlook,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “believe,” “envision,” “goal,” “target,” “can,” “will,” and similar words or phrases.
Contacts
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