EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1001250
Filing Year: 2021
Filename: 1001250_10-K_2021_0001001250-21-000127.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Item 1. Business.
The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., founded in 1946 by Estée and Joseph Lauder, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers, marketers and sellers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products. Our products are sold in approximately 150 countries and territories under a number of well-known brand names including: Estée Lauder, Clinique, Origins, M·A·C, Bobbi Brown, La Mer, Aveda, Jo Malone London, Too Faced, Dr. Jart+, and The Ordinary. We are also the global licensee for fragrances, cosmetics and/or related products sold under various designer brand names. Each brand is distinctly positioned within the market for cosmetics and other beauty products.
We believe we are a leader in the beauty industry due to the global recognition of our brand names, our excellence in product innovation, our strong position in key geographic markets and the consistently high quality of our products and “High-Touch” services. We sell our prestige products through distribution channels that complement the luxury image and prestige status of our brands, and we provide “High-Touch” consumer experiences across our distribution channels. Our products are sold on our own and authorized retailer websites, on third-party online malls, in stores in airports, in duty-free locations and in our own and authorized freestanding stores. In addition, our products are sold in brick-and-mortar retail stores, including department stores, specialty-multi retailers, upscale perfumeries and pharmacies and prestige salons and spas. We believe that our strategy of pursuing selective distribution heightens the aspirational quality of our brands.
For a discussion of recent developments, including the impacts to consumer preferences and market trends due to the COVID-19 pandemic, see Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Results of Operations - Overview.
The discussion of our net sales and operating results is based on specific markets in commercially concentrated locations, which may include separate discussions on territories within a country. For segment and geographical area financial information, see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 22 - 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 20, 2021, shares of our Company's Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock having approximately 85% of the outstanding voting power of the Common Stock.
Products
Skin Care - Our broad range of skin care products addresses various skin care needs. These products include moisturizers, serums, cleansers, toners, body care, exfoliators, acne care and oil correctors, facial masks, and sun care products.
Makeup - Our full array of makeup products includes lipsticks, lip glosses, mascaras, foundations, eyeshadows, nail polishes and powders. Many of the products are offered in an extensive palette of shades and colors. We also sell related items such as compacts, brushes and other makeup tools.
Fragrance - We offer a variety of fragrance products. The fragrances are sold in various forms, including eau de parfum sprays and colognes, as well as lotions, powders, creams, candles and soaps that are based on a particular fragrance.
Hair Care - Our hair care products include shampoos, conditioners, styling products, treatment, finishing sprays and hair color products.
Other - We also sell ancillary products and services.
Our Brands
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 in the market. Beauty brands are differentiated by numerous factors, including quality, performance, a particular lifestyle, where they are distributed (e.g., prestige or mass) and price point. Below is a chart showing most of the brands that we sell and how we view them based on lifestyle and price point:
Estée Lauder brand products, which have been sold since 1946, have a reputation for innovation, sophistication and superior quality. Estée Lauder is one of the world’s most renowned beauty brands, producing iconic skin care, makeup and fragrances.
We pioneered the marketing of prestige men’s fragrance, grooming and skin care products with the introduction of Aramis products in 1964.
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. Clinique also offers select fragrances. The skin care and makeup products are based on the research and related expertise of leading dermatologists.
Lab Series, introduced in 1987, is a series of high performance, specialized skin care solutions uniquely created to improve the look and feel of men’s skin.
Introduced in 1990, Origins is known for high-performance natural skin care that is “powered by nature and proven by science.” The brand also sells makeup, fragrance and hair care products and is distributed primarily through online, specialty-multi and free-standing Origins stores. Origins has a license agreement to develop and sell beauty products using the name of Dr. Andrew Weil.
M·A·C, the leading brand of professional cosmetics, was created in Toronto, Canada. We completed our acquisition of M·A·C in 1998. The brand’s popularity has grown through a tradition of word-of-mouth endorsement from professional makeup artists, models, photographers and journalists around the world.
Acquired in 1995, Bobbi Brown is a global prestige beauty brand known for its high quality and undertone-correct makeup and skin care products that celebrate individual beauty and confidence. Reflecting its artistry roots, the brand is focused on creating a teaching and learning community of women around the world.
Acquired in 1995, La Mer is a leading global luxury skin care brand that is available in limited distribution worldwide. The brand is known for its iconic Crème de la Mer moisturizer, serums and lotions, as well as other skin care and foundation products that are created around the original “Miracle Broth.”
Acquired in 1997, Aveda sells high-performance, naturally-derived hair care products, as well as skin care, makeup and fragrance. The brand is known for its innovative plant-based products and its commitment to environmental sustainability and corporate responsibility. It is distributed primarily through top-tier hair salons and direct-to-consumer, via online and Aveda stores.
Acquired in 1999, Jo Malone London is a scented British lifestyle brand with understated elegance, offering enchanted story-telling and “High-Touch” boutique services. The brand’s famous colognes are perfect alone or artfully layered with Fragrance Combining. Jo Malone London embodies the spirit of gifting generosity and inspires emotional elevation.
Acquired in 2006, Bumble and bumble is a New York-based hair care brand that creates high-quality hair care and styling products. The brand is distributed primarily through top-tier salons, including Bumble and bumble’s own flagship salons, specialty-multi retailers and online.
Acquired in 2003, Darphin is a Paris-based, prestige skin care brand known for its high-performance botanical skin care. The brand is distributed primarily through high-end independent pharmacies and online brand and retailer channels.
In 2005, we entered into a license agreement to develop and distribute luxury fragrances and beauty products under the Tom Ford brand name, all shaped with Tom Ford’s vision to be the first true luxury brand of the 21st century encompassing fashion, fragrance and accessories. In the same vein as the fashion brand, Tom Ford Beauty exudes seductive modern-day glamour and includes luxury fragrance, color cosmetics, men’s grooming products and skin care products for discerning consumers globally.
Acquired in 2010, Smashbox Cosmetics is a Los Angeles-based, photo studio-inspired makeup brand with high performance products created for our consumer’s everyday life in the spotlight.
Launched in 2012, AERIN is a luxury lifestyle beauty and fragrance brand inspired by the signature style of its founder, Aerin Lauder.
Acquired in 2014, Le Labo is a sensory and experiential lifestyle brand, deeply rooted in the craft of slow perfumery. Born in Grasse, France and raised in downtown NYC, it offers hand-crafted and personalized fragrances, as well as ‘alternative’ and genuine experiences celebrating craftsmanship.
Acquired in 2015, Les Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle is a collection of exclusive, sophisticated, ultraluxury fragrances crafted by some of the world’s most talented perfumers and published by the brand.
Acquired in 2015, GLAMGLOW started as a behind-the-scenes Hollywood secret to instant glow. The brand is known for bold, sensorial products that deliver instant results, and its unconventional philosophy that high performance skin care should also be fun and sexy.
Acquired in 2016, Kilian Paris is a prestige fragrance brand that embodies timeless sophistication and modern luxury.
Acquired in 2016, Too Faced is a serious makeup brand that knows how to have fun. The brand is unabashedly pink, pretty and feminine with a playful wink that is beloved for its high-quality formulas, cheeky product names and distinctive packaging.
Acquired in 2019, Dr. Jart+ is a Seoul-based, global skin care brand known for its innovative formulations and unique combination of dermatological science and art. Its high-quality masks, moisturizers and serums are distributed primarily through travel retail, specialty-multi and online channels.
In 2021, we increased our investment in Deciem Beauty Group Inc. (“DECIEM”) to approximately 76%. Known as “The Abnormal Beauty Company,” DECIEM is a Toronto-based, vertically integrated multi-brand beauty company rooted in a consumer-focused and functional approach. Its portfolio includes The Ordinary, an ingredient-focused brand, and NIOD, a science-driven skin care brand.
Under exclusive global license arrangements with Tommy Hilfiger, Donna Karan New York, DKNY, Michael Kors and Ermenegildo Zegna, we manage a diversified designer fragrance portfolio.
In addition to the brands described above, we manufacture and sell products under the Do The Right Thing brand. In fiscal 2021, we made the decision to exit the global distribution of BECCA products, a makeup brand we acquired in 2016. We expect to substantially complete this exit during fiscal 2022. During fiscal 2021, we ceased global distribution of Prescriptives and Rodin olio lusso products and did not renew the license with Kiton.
From time to time, we also make strategic minority investments in other companies, mainly in the beauty industry. In some cases, we have acquired the remaining interest or a majority interest (e.g., Have & Be Co. Ltd. (i.e. Dr. Jart+) and Deciem Beauty Group Inc., respectively). Our current minority investments include a company based in India that manufactures, markets and sells Ayurvedic skin care and other products under the Forest Essentials brand name, primarily in India.
Our “heritage brands” are Estée Lauder, Clinique and Origins. Our “makeup artist brands” are M·A·C and Bobbi Brown. Our “luxury brands” are La Mer, Jo Malone London, Tom Ford Beauty, AERIN, Le Labo, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle and Kilian Paris. Our “designer fragrances” are sold under the Tommy Hilfiger, Donna Karan New York, DKNY, Michael Kors, and Ermenegildo Zegna brand names, which we license from their respective owners.
Social Impact and Sustainability
In fiscal 2021, we continued to further integrate social impact and sustainability into our strategy and business operations. Our social impact and sustainability initiatives help drive innovation, growth and efficiency across the business and within our brand portfolio. Areas of focus include climate and energy; packaging; responsible sourcing; ingredient transparency; inclusion, diversity and equity; employee health and safety; and social investments. We have set goals or made commitments for these focus areas. For example, our goals related to climate and energy support efficiency and conservation within our facilities and internal supply chain, and some of these goals are also intended to help us reduce cost and waste.
Our Nominating and ESG Committee, one of our Board committees, has oversight responsibility for our Company’s environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) activities and practices, including citizenship and sustainability matters. Our social impact and sustainability efforts are led by our Executive Chairman and our President and Chief Executive Officer. Other members of senior management, along with employees across the organization, help to drive our strategic initiatives concerning social impact and sustainability.
Additional information related to our social impact and sustainability matters can be found at www.elcompanies.com.
Distribution
We sell our prestige products through distribution channels that complement the luxury image and prestige status of our brands, and we provide “High-Touch” consumer experiences across our distribution channels. Our products are sold on our own and authorized retailer websites, on third-party online malls, in stores in airports, in duty-free locations and in our own and authorized freestanding stores. In addition, our products are sold in brick-and-mortar retail stores, including department stores, specialty-multi retailers, upscale perfumeries and pharmacies and prestige salons and spas. Our general practice is to accept returns of our products from customers if properly requested and approved.
In fiscal 2021, we were impacted by the dramatic shifts in our distribution landscape and consumer behaviors attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic. While we and certain retailers and distributors closed or decreased our presence in a number of existing points of distribution, we also continued to strategically open new points of distribution globally and saw an expansion of online sales globally.
Online, we sell products from most of our brands direct-to-consumer through our brand.com sites and third-party online malls. We also sell our products wholesale to authorized retailers that resell online through retailer.com and pure-play sites. Our sites are in approximately 50 countries. While today a majority of these online sales are generated in mainland China, the United States and the United Kingdom, we continue to expand rapidly in other markets globally.
As of June 30, 2021, we operated approximately 1,600 freestanding stores. The total reflects the net impact during fiscal 2021 of store closures related to the Post-COVID Business Acceleration Program, the decision not to renew leases at certain locations, certain freestanding stores previously operated by authorized third parties that were transitioned to us and existing DECIEM stores due to the increase in our ownership in that company. Most freestanding stores are operated by us under a single brand name, such as M·A·C, Jo Malone London, Aveda, Origins, Le Labo or DECIEM. We also operate over 200 multi-branded company stores in outlet malls. There are also approximately 700 Company-branded freestanding stores around the world operated by authorized third parties, primarily in Europe, the Middle East & Africa and Asia/Pacific.
We maintain dedicated sales teams that manage our retail accounts. We have wholly owned operations in over 50 countries, and two controlling interests that operate in several countries, through which we market, sell and distribute our products. In certain countries, we sell our products through carefully selected distributors who we believe share our commitment to protecting the image and position of our brands. In addition, we sell certain products in select domestic and international U.S. military exchanges. For information regarding our net sales and long-lived assets by geographic region, see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 22 - Segment Data and Related Information.
Customers
Our strategy is to build strong relationships globally with select retailers, and our senior management works with executives of our major retail accounts on a regular basis in support of these relationships. We believe we are viewed as an important supplier to these customers. In addition, we connect with our consumers directly through freestanding stores, e-commerce sites and social media to build a robust omnichannel experience that allows a consumer to shop in these and other channels.
Our largest customer in fiscal 2021 sells products primarily in China travel retail and accounted for 14% of our consolidated net sales for fiscal 2021, 7% for fiscal 2020 and 5% for fiscal 2019, and 10%, and 24%, of our accounts receivable at June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Marketing
Our strategy to market and promote our products begins with our well-diversified portfolio of more than 25 distinctive brands across four product categories. Our portfolio can be deployed in multiple distribution channels, key travel corridors and geographies where our global reputation and awareness of our brands benefit us. Our geographic and distribution channel diversity allows us to engage local consumers across an array of developed and emerging markets by emphasizing products and services with the greatest local relevance, inclusiveness and appeal. This strategy is built around “Bringing the Best to Everyone We Touch.” Our founder, Mrs. Estée Lauder, formulated this unique marketing philosophy to provide “High-Touch” service and high-quality products as the foundation for a solid and loyal consumer base. Our “High-Touch” approach is demonstrated through our integrated consumer engagement models that leverage our product specialists and technology to provide the consumer with a distinct and truly personalized experience that can include personal consultations with beauty advisors, in person or online, who demonstrate and educate the consumer on product usage and application. As our business has grown and channel mix has evolved, we have further expanded our marketing philosophy and “High-Touch” execution to build both online and offline personalized consumer experiences through digital and physical demonstration, targeted digital media and tailored trial-to-loyalty pathways. We plan to continue to leverage our core strengths, including the quality of our products, our “High-Touch” consumer engagement and a diversified portfolio of brands, channels and geographies.
Our marketing strategies vary by brand, local market and distribution channel. We have a diverse portfolio of brands, and we employ different engagement models suited to each brand’s equity, distribution, product focus, understanding of the core consumer and local relevance. This enables us to elevate the consumer experience as we attract new consumers, create trial, build loyalty, drive consumer advocacy and address the transformation of consumer shopping behaviors. Hero products are at the core of our brand marketing strategies. They are the pillars of our brands and historically have provided strong results through high repeat sales and consumer loyalty. In addition to continuing to attract existing consumers, our hero products provide an opportunity for new consumers to be introduced to our desirable products, creating consumer traffic across all channels of distribution. We aim to further strengthen our hero products through continuous review of our product portfolio and strategic innovation. Our marketing planning approach leverages local insights to optimize allocation of resources across different media outlets and retail touch points to resonate with our most discerning consumers most effectively. This includes strategically deploying our brands and tailoring product assortments and communications to fit local tastes and preferences in cities and neighborhoods. Most of our creative marketing work is done by in-house teams, in collaboration with external resources, that design and produce the sales materials, social media strategies, advertisements and packaging for products in each brand. For a number of products, we create and deploy 360° integrated consumer engagement programs. We build brand equity and drive traffic to retail locations and to our own and authorized retailers’ websites through digital and social media, magazines and newspapers, television, billboards in cities and airports, and direct mail and email. In addition, we seek editorial coverage for our brands and products in digital and social media and print, to drive influencer amplification.
We are increasing our brand awareness and sales through our strategic emphasis on technology, by continuing to elevate our digital presence encompassing e-commerce and m-commerce, as well as digital, social media and influencer marketing. We are investing in new analytical capabilities to promote a more personalized experience across our distribution channels. We continue to innovate to better meet consumer online shopping preferences (e.g., how-to videos, ratings and reviews and mobile phone and tablet applications), support e-commerce and m-commerce businesses via digital and social marketing activities designed to build brand equity and “High-Touch” consumer engagement, in order to continue to offer better experiences and services and set the standard for prestige beauty shopping online. We also support our authorized retailers to strengthen their e-commerce businesses and drive sales of our brands on their websites. We have opportunities to expand our brand portfolio online around the world, and we continue to invest in new omnichannel concepts in the United States, China and other markets to increase brand loyalty by better serving consumers as they shop across channels and travel corridors. We have dedicated resources to implement creative, coordinated, brand-enhancing strategies across all online activities to increase our direct access to consumers.
Promotional activities, in-store displays, and online navigation are designed to attract new consumers, build demand and loyalty and introduce existing consumers to other product offerings from the respective brands. Our marketing efforts also benefit from cooperative advertising programs with some retailers, some of which are supported by coordinated promotions, such as sampling programs, including purchase with purchase and gift with purchase. Sampling is a key promotional activity as the quality and perceived benefits of sample products are very effective inducements to purchases by new and existing consumers. Such activities attract consumers and keep existing consumers engaged. Our marketing and sales executives spend considerable time in the field meeting with consumers, retailers, beauty advisors and makeup artists at the points of sale to enable us to offer a seamless experience across channels of distribution.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on consumer behaviors and has accelerated the trend for a digital-first consumer journey and e-commerce. This provided a catalyst for redesigning each brand's “High-Touch” experience and accelerated changes to our direct-to-consumer business models and consumer engagement programs, such as selling through social media and web conferencing platforms (“Virtual Selling”). These models and programs continue to provide distinct one-to-one and one-to-many “High-Touch” omnichannel services and personalized experiences by leveraging technology and our talented beauty advisors, consultants, and makeup artists.
Information Technology
Information technology supports all aspects of our business, including product development, marketing, sales, order processing, production, distribution and finance. We continue to maintain and enhance our information technology systems in alignment with our long-term strategy. An increasing portion of our global information technology infrastructure is cloud-based. This allows for a more scalable platform to support current and future requirements and improves our agility and flexibility to respond to the demands of the business by leveraging more advanced technologies.
We recognize that technology presents opportunities for competitive advantage, and we continue to invest in new capabilities and the use of emerging technologies across various aspects of our business. During fiscal 2021, we responded to shifting consumer and employee behaviors driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. We invested in new marketing and consumer engagement capabilities globally with a focus on innovative digital experiences across our omnichannel landscape, as well as enabling productivity of an increasingly remote workforce through new solutions. Our strategy over the next few years includes continuing to build a strong and secure technology infrastructure to adapt to evolving business dynamics, which includes the expansion of our seamless omnichannel capabilities and our Virtual Selling, the creation of more modernized manufacturing and distribution facilities (including upgrades to existing facilities) powered by technology and the utilization of predictive analytics to optimize our supply and demand planning.
Research and Development
We believe that we are an industry leader in the development of new products. Our research and development group, which includes scientists, engineers, analysts, and other employees involved in product and packaging innovation, works closely with our marketing and product development teams and third-party suppliers to generate ideas, develop new products and product-line extensions, create new packaging concepts, and improve, redesign or reformulate existing products. In addition, these research and development personnel provide ongoing technical assistance and know-how to quality assurance and manufacturing personnel on a worldwide basis, to ensure consistent global standards for our products and to deliver environmentally responsible products that meet or exceed consumer expectations. The research and development group has both long-standing and continually growing research-based working relationships with several U.S. and international dermatology and medical institutions, research universities and educational facilities, which supplement internal capabilities. Members of the research and development group are also responsible for product safety, registration and regulatory compliance matters. As our business continues to grow globally, and to satisfy the demand for locally relevant consumer products, we have increased our focus on innovation in Asia/Pacific, especially in China, as well as in Japan and Korea. In fiscal 2021, we began construction at a newly leased site that will become our innovation center in Shanghai, as we aim to better meet the needs of consumers through local relevancy with superior capabilities in product and package design and consumer and clinical testing. Construction is in progress and the facility is expected to be operational in late fiscal 2022.
Our research and development costs totaled $243 million, $228 million and $202 million in fiscal 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and are expensed as incurred. As of June 30, 2021, we had approximately 1,000 employees engaged in research and development activities. We maintain research and development programs at certain of our principal facilities and facilities dedicated to performing research and development, see Item 2. Properties.
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Raw Materials
We manufacture our products primarily in our own facilities in the United States, Belgium, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada and also leverage global third-party manufacturing networks. We continue to streamline our manufacturing processes and identify sourcing opportunities to improve innovation, increase efficiencies, minimize our impact on the environment, ensure supply sufficiency and reduce costs. Our plants are modern, and our manufacturing processes are substantially automated. In fiscal 2021, we began construction of a new manufacturing facility near Tokyo, which is expected to enable us to better meet demand and increase speed to market in the Asia/Pacific region. Construction is in progress and the facility is expected to be operational in early fiscal 2023. While we believe that our manufacturing network of internal and external sites is sufficient to meet current and reasonably anticipated increased requirements, we continue to implement improvements in capacity, technology, and productivity and align our manufacturing with regional sales demand to be more agile. From time-to-time, demand changes may challenge our capacity for certain subcategories on a short-term basis, but we believe, this will not impact our ability to meet our annual or long-term strategic objectives.
We have established a flexible global distribution network of logistic providers that are managed by us or third parties. The network is designed to meet the changing demands of our customers while maintaining service levels. We are continuously evaluating and adjusting this physical distribution network, particularly as we work to anticipate and respond to channel shifts. We have established regional and local distribution centers, including those maintained by third parties, strategically positioned throughout the world in order to facilitate efficient delivery of our products to our customers and consumers.
As discussed above, we continue to focus on social impact and sustainability across our operations. Focus areas include employee health and safety and minimizing our impact on the environment. This is achieved, in part, through investment in equipment while enhancing the work environment through safe practices and capabilities. We also engage in initiatives to improve our equipment and buildings to support and deliver our sustainability goals and reduce our impact on the environment. Environmental efforts include waste reduction, zero industrial waste to landfill and investment in renewable energy sources.
The principal raw materials used in the manufacture of our products are essential oils, alcohols 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 function. We review our supplier base periodically with the specific objectives of improving quality, increasing innovation and speed-to-market, ensuring supply sufficiency and reducing costs. In addition, we focus on supply sourcing within the region of manufacture to allow for improved supply chain efficiencies, lead-time reduction and reduced carbon footprint.
Some of our products rely on single-source or a limited number of suppliers; however, we believe we have a robust business continuity strategy, sophisticated capacity planning tools and strategic inventory buffer and multi-sourcing solutions. In the past, we have been able to obtain an adequate supply of essential raw materials and packaging components for virtually all materials used in the production of our products. We currently believe we have adequate resources of supply and that our portfolio of suppliers has the resources and facilities to overcome most unforeseen interruptions of supply.
We are continually benchmarking the performance of our supply chain, and we augment our supply base and adjust our distribution networks and manufacturing plants and networks 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.
As a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have leveraged our network of global supply, manufacturing and distribution, to help mitigate disruption to our supply chain and help enable our return to normal operations. By the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2021, and throughout fiscal 2021, all of our manufacturing and distribution facilities were operating at sufficient levels.
Competition
There is significant competition within each market where our skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products are sold. Brand recognition, product quality and effectiveness, distribution channels, accessibility, and price point are some of the factors that impact consumers’ choices among competing products and brands. Marketing, merchandising, in-store and online experiences and demonstrations, and new product innovations also have an impact on consumers’ purchasing decisions. There continues to be increased interest and awareness from our customers and consumers in environmentally sustainable products, and we believe we are well-positioned to benefit from the resulting change in consumer preferences due to our social impact and sustainability efforts. With our portfolio of diverse brands sold in a variety of channels, we are one of the world’s leading manufacturers, marketers and sellers of skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products.
We compete against a number of global and local companies. Some of our competitors are 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. Our competitors include L’Oreal S.A.; Unilever; Procter & Gamble; Shiseido Company, Ltd.; L Brands; Natura & Co.; Beiersdorf; LVMH Moët Hennessey Louis Vuitton; Chanel S.A.; Kao Corp; and LG Household & Health Care. We also face competition from a number of independent brands, some of which are backed by private-equity investors, as well as some retailers that have their own beauty brands. Certain of our competitors also have ownership interests in retailers that are customers of ours.
Trademarks, Patents and Copyrights
We own the trademark rights used in connection with the manufacturing, marketing, distribution and sale of our products both in the United States and in the other principal countries where such products are sold, including Estée Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Lab Series, Origins, M·A·C, Bobbi Brown, La Mer, Aveda, Jo Malone London, Bumble and bumble, Darphin, Smashbox, Le Labo, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, GLAMGLOW, Kilian Paris, Too Faced, Dr. Jart+, DECIEM and The Ordinary and the names of many of the products sold under these brands. We are the exclusive worldwide licensee for fragrances, cosmetics and/or related products for Tommy Hilfiger, Donna Karan New York, DKNY, Michael Kors, Tom Ford, Dr. Andrew Weil, Ermenegildo Zegna and AERIN. 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 Arrangements. We protect our trademarks 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 addition, several products and packaging for such products are covered by design patents 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.
Human Capital
We strive to operate responsibly and to build a sustainable business based on uncompromising ethics, integrity, fairness, diversity and trust, consistent with our Company values. We view human capital management and the strength of our employees as integral to the long-term success and resilience of our business. Our human capital management includes the following strategic areas, each of which is discussed further below:
•Inclusion, Diversity and Equity - Fostering an inclusive, diverse and equitable culture that provides our employees with personal and professional development opportunities, which helps to attract and retain the best talent and drive long-term growth.
•Talent Recruitment, Retention, Learning and Development - Affording our employees learning opportunities to drive career development and enhance innovation, which helps to create strong and sustainable leadership across the organization and support ongoing development of new products and services.
•Health and Safety - Striving to provide a healthy and safe workplace for our employees, which we believe also enhances productivity.
•Employee Rewards - Offering competitive compensation and benefit packages to support our employees’ physical, mental and financial well-being, which helps us attract, incentivize and retain world-class talent.
•Volunteerism and Community Engagement - Supporting volunteer efforts by our employees because our long-term success is closely tied to the vitality of the communities where we have a presence.
Our Board of Directors and its committees provide oversight to management on a wide range of human capital matters, including inclusion and diversity, health and safety, pay equity and compensation and benefits. We had approximately 62,000 and 75,000 employees worldwide, including demonstrators at points of sale who are employed by us, as of June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The fiscal 2021 reduction in employees was driven primarily by fewer point of sale employees due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including a combination of door closures and on-going in-store capacity restrictions, decisions to reduce the number of on-call and temporary employees, and voluntary resignations. At June 30, 2021, approximately 72% of our global employees were full-time, approximately 15% were temporary and approximately 13% were part-time employees, with approximately 30% of our global employees located in the United States and approximately 70% located outside of the United States. We recognize the importance of female representation, and, as of June 30, 2021, approximately 82% of our employees were female and approximately 55% of our employees at the level of Vice President and above were female. We have no employees in the United States that are covered by a collective bargaining agreement. A limited number of employees outside of the United States are covered by works council agreements or other syndicate arrangements.
Inclusion, Diversity and Equity
We are committed to supporting an inclusive and diverse workplace that better enables us to create innovative products and services as we continually strive to meet the evolving needs of our diverse global consumers. Our objective in creating an environment of inclusion, diversity and equity is to enhance our ability to attract and retain the best talent globally and promote a sense of belonging. We continuously encourage a culture of fairness, equal access to opportunities, including positions of leadership, and transparency in employment matters. We have enhanced our strategy in many areas including hiring, employee engagement, development and talent management to further support inclusion, diversity and equity across the organization.
We are proud of our history of driving awareness and acceptance around the world and for standing up for the rights of individuals in the workplace and beyond. We have accelerated our efforts to make racial equity a priority by announcing a series of commitments across our business, focusing on U.S. operations. Areas where we have made commitments include programs related to listening and learning, talent and opportunity, representation, suppliers and investing in change.
We are also committed to gender equity and equitable pay practices. We have a number of programs to help accelerate the development and promotion of women, such as our Women's Leadership Network, and during fiscal 2021, we announced a plan to achieve gender pay equity across the organization.
We continue to prioritize cross-generational inclusion and diversity to help cultivate talent within our workforce. We are committed to various programs to continue our investment at all levels of seniority and tenure, including our Global Reverse Mentor Program that pairs seasoned leaders with more junior talent and was designed to give insights to the leadership team on current millennial and Gen Z habits, preferences and trends.
Talent Recruitment, Retention, Learning and Development
Hiring, retaining and developing the best talent globally is key to our success in sustaining long-term growth. Our talent strategy is focused on employee engagement and investments in career development, as well as measuring, recognizing and rewarding performance. Our investments include providing programs to ensure our employees are equipped with the right skillsets and knowledge, as well as opportunities to transfer to other functions or regions through short-term and long-term assignments. We believe these programs and opportunities create a pipeline of talent and leadership, necessary to drive and deliver on our long-term strategy.
To enhance our culture and measure our human capital objectives, we regularly engage with our employees. We provide several mechanisms for our employees to provide their feedback, including direct discussions with managers, employee surveys and interactive townhall meetings. Key topics covered during employee engagement include inclusion, diversity and equity, learning and development, work-life structure, and employee benefits. Based on our review of employee survey results, action plans are implemented to enhance employee satisfaction and to ensure alignment with our overall human capital strategy.
An important element of our talent strategy is succession planning and building leadership at various levels across the organization. We regularly discuss potential successors to key roles, review relevant backgrounds and capabilities and develop succession plans accordingly.
To enhance innovation, productivity and our speed to market, we aim to foster an environment of curiosity and to create a workplace that encourages continuous learning and development. We offer training and development programs that are focused on strengthening leadership and professional skills at various stages of an employee’s career. Our programs are offered through in-person, online or virtual learning experiences.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we adjusted and reprioritized our training and development programs and delivery methods to meet the needs of our employees who are working from home. These changes included delivering learning experiences around subject matters such as managing remotely, mental health awareness and building resilience during uncertain times, as well as pivoting traditional in-person sessions to virtual instructor-led learning. In addition, we continue to curate digital content to support “business as usual” focus areas, such as performance development, as well as socially relevant information around racial justice and inclusion and diversity.
Health and Safety
We are committed to providing a healthy and safe workplace for our employees. We establish and update safety policies and procedures, train employees on our safety guidelines and local requirements, and create a culture focused on safety through ongoing communication, awareness and engagement. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we implemented new health and safety protocols and modified a number of our business practices to protect our employees, including allowing our office-based employees to work remotely, imposing restrictions for business travel, and implementing safety measures for on-site employees.
Employee Rewards
We offer compelling and competitive compensation packages with the objectives to attract, motivate and retain world-class talent, and we are committed to fair and equitable pay across the organization. Employee compensation is based on specific circumstances, including role and experience, geographic location and performance. In addition to base pay, we offer annual incentive awards and equity awards for employees at certain job grades.
To support the health and well-being of our employees, we offer competitive benefit packages that may include pension and post-retirement benefit plans, health and wellness benefits, flexible working arrangements, parental (maternal and paternal) leave, adoption assistance and education-related benefits, which may vary by country.
In response to the challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, we developed several employee initiatives that were implemented at the global, regional and local levels with the objective to support the physical, mental and financial well-being of our employees.
Volunteerism and Community Engagement
We are dedicated to being active and respectful citizens, and we engage in philanthropic and employee volunteering efforts to enhance the communities we touch. We are inspired by the generosity of our employees and encourage them to become involved in their communities by offering programs to support the causes that matter to them. To empower employees, ELC Good Works, our global charitable and volunteerism program, allows eligible employees to create and participate in volunteer activities, with their cash donations matched by the Company and volunteer hours rewarded through additional cash donations by the Company.
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 laws and regulations relate to a wide range of matters including ingredients, manufacturing, labeling, packaging, marketing, advertising, transport and the sale, disposal and safety of our products, as well as environmental matters. Compliance with these laws and regulations has not had and is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s capital expenditures, including capital expenditures for environmental control facilities, earnings or competitive position.
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 consumers for special events and by retailers for holiday selling seasons. 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 or the particular retail calendars followed by our customers that are retailers, which may impact their order placement and receipt of goods. Additionally, gross margins and operating expenses are impacted on a quarter-by-quarter basis by key shopping events, as well as 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: www.elcompanies.com. Our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and other reports, as well as 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 via the EDGAR database at www.sec.gov or our website, 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 to obtain a hard copy of these reports without charge.
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 the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and other senior financial officers. These documents and any waiver of a provision of the Code granted to any senior officer or director or any material amendment to the Code may be found in the “Investors” section of our website: www.elcompanies.com under the heading “Corporate Governance.” The charters for the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and ESG Committee may be found in the same location on our website. Stockholders may also contact Investor Relations at 767 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10153 to obtain a hard copy of these documents without charge.
Information about our Executive Officers*
Name Age Position(s) Held
Roberto Canevari(1)
55 Executive Vice President - Global Supply Chain
John Demsey 65 Executive Group President
Fabrizio Freda 63 President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director
Carl Haney 58 Executive Vice President, Global Research Product and Innovation Officer
Jane Hertzmark Hudis 61 Executive Group President
Leonard A. Lauder 88 Chairman Emeritus and a Director
Ronald S. Lauder 77 Chairman of Clinique Laboratories, LLC and a Director
William P. Lauder 61 Executive Chairman and a Director
Sara E. Moss 74 Vice Chairman
Michael O’Hare 53 Executive Vice President - Global Human Resources
Gregory F. Polcer(1)
66 Executive Vice President - Global Supply Chain
Cedric Prouvé 61 Group President - International
Deirdre Stanley 56 Executive Vice President and General Counsel
Tracey T. Travis 59 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Alexandra C. Trower(2)
56 Executive Vice President - Global Communications
Meridith Webster(2)
45 Executive Vice President - Global Communications and Public Affairs
*as of August 20, 2021, except as otherwise noted below
(1) Mr. Canevari joined the Company in April 2021, and Mr. Polcer retired from the Company effective July 1, 2021.
(2) Ms. Webster joined the Company in May 2021, and Ms. Trower retired from the Company effective July 1, 2021.
All of the executive officers named above have been employees of the Company for more than five years, with the exception of Roberto Canevari, Deirdre Stanley and Meridith Webster. Mr. Canevari joined the Company in 2021; previously, from July 2019 to April 2021, he served as Executive Vice President, Supply Chain, Europe, at Unilever PLC, a consumer goods company, and from September 2012 to June 2019, he was Chief Supply Chain Officer at Burberry Group PLC, a global luxury brand. Ms. Stanley joined the Company in 2019; previously, she served as General Counsel for Thomson Reuters Corporation, a provider of business information services, and its predecessor company for 17 years. Ms. Webster joined the Company in 2021; previously from January 2021 to May 2021, she served as Chief of Staff, Domestic Policy Council, The White House; from 2018 to 2021, she was Chief Communications Officer, Vox Media, Inc., an independent media company; from 2017 to 2018, Ms. Webster was Managing Director for Public Affairs at Emerson Collective, an organization focused on a wide range of initiatives including education, immigration, climate, and cancer research and treatment, and from 2011 to 2017, she served at Bloomberg L.P., a provider of business and financial information and news, in a variety of roles, including the Global Head of Public Affairs.
Information about our Board of Directors*
Name Principal Occupation or Employment
Charlene Barshefsky Chair, Parkside Global Advisors, an international consulting company, and former Senior International Partner, WilmerHale, a law firm
Rose Marie Bravo, CBE Retail and Marketing Consultant
Wei Sun Christianson Managing Director and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Asia Pacific and
Chief Executive Officer of China at Morgan Stanley, a global financial services firm
Lynn Forester de Rothschild Co-founding partner of Inclusive Capital Partners, an investment manager, and Chair, E.L. Rothschild LLC, a private investment company
Fabrizio Freda President and Chief Executive Officer, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
Paul J. Fribourg Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Continental Grain Company, an international agribusiness and investment company
Irvine O. Hockaday, Jr. Former President and Chief Executive Officer, Hallmark Cards, Inc.
Jennifer Hyman Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Rent the Runway, Inc., a company that enables women to rent, subscribe to, and purchase secondhand clothing
Jane Lauder Executive Vice President, Enterprise Marketing and Chief Data Officer, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
Leonard A. Lauder Chairman Emeritus, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
Ronald S. Lauder Chairman, Clinique Laboratories, LLC
William P. Lauder Executive Chairman, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
Richard D. Parsons Senior Advisor, Providence Equity Partners LLC, a global private equity and investment firm, and co-founder and partner of Imagination Capital LLC, a venture capital firm
Barry S. Sternlicht Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Starwood Capital Group, a privately-held global investment firm
Jennifer Tejada Chief Executive Officer and Chair, PagerDuty, Inc., a digital operations management platform
Richard F. Zannino Managing Director, CCMP Capital Advisors, LLC, a private equity firm
*as of August 20, 2021

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
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, which includes our prospects, financial condition and results of operations, the trading prices of our securities and our reputation, may be adversely affected.
Risks related to our Business and our Industry
The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic could materially adversely affect our financial results will depend on future developments that are highly uncertain and difficult to predict.
The outbreak and global spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has continued to significantly disrupt our operating environment, including retail stores, travel retail, and the ability of some of our customers to operate. We have also seen shifts in consumer preferences and practices.
Considerable uncertainty remains regarding this pandemic, including responsive measures being taken by various authorities and others. As we continue to monitor COVID-19 developments, including the impacts on our consumers, customers and suppliers, we have taken and will continue to take further measures. Some of the actions we take could adversely impact our business, and there is no certainty that our actions will be sufficient to mitigate the risks and the impacts of COVID-19.
The degree to which COVID-19 continues to impact our business will depend on future developments that are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, many of which are outside our control, including the extent to which there are sustainable improvements in the retail environment and general economic conditions.
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 competitors have greater resources than we do, others are newer companies (some backed by private-equity investors), and some are competing in distribution channels where we are less represented. In some cases, we may not be able to respond to changing business and economic conditions as quickly as our competitors. Competition in the beauty business is based on a variety of factors including pricing of products, innovation, perceived value, service to the consumer, promotional activities, advertising, special events, new product introductions, e-commerce and m-commerce initiatives and other activities. It is difficult for us to predict the timing and scale of our competitors’ actions in these areas.
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 maintain and protect our intellectual property and those other rights used in our business. Our Company has a well-recognized and strong reputation that could be negatively impacted by social media and many other factors. If our reputation is adversely affected, our ability to attract and retain customers and consumers could be impacted. In addition, certain of our key retailers around the world market and sell competing brands or are owned or otherwise affiliated with companies that market and sell competing brands. Our inability to continue to compete effectively in key countries around the world could have a material adverse effect 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 preferences for skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products, attitudes toward our industry and brands, as well as to where and how consumers shop. We must continually work to develop, manufacture and market new products, maintain and adapt our “High-Touch” services to existing and emerging distribution channels, maintain and enhance the recognition of our brands, achieve a favorable mix of products, successfully manage our inventories, and modernize and refine our approach as to how and where we market and sell our products. We recognize that consumer preferences cannot be predicted with certainty and can change rapidly, driven by the use of digital and social 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. In addition, from time to time, sales growth or profitability may be concentrated in a relatively small number of our brands, channels or countries. If such a situation persists or a number of brands, channels or countries fail to perform as expected, there could be a material adverse effect on our business.
In key markets, such as the United States, we have seen a decline in retail traffic in our department store customers and in our freestanding stores. We continue to see the shift in consumer preference to the online channel, which accelerated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Consolidation or liquidation in the retail trade, from these or other factors, may result in us becoming increasingly dependent on key retailers and could result in an increased risk related to the concentration of our customers. A severe, adverse impact on the business operations of our customers could have a corresponding material adverse effect on us. If one or more of our largest customers change their strategies (including pricing or promotional activities), enter bankruptcy (or similar proceedings) or if our relationship with any large customer is changed or terminated for any reason, there could be a material adverse effect on our business.
Our future success depends, in part, on our ability to achieve our long-term strategy.
Achieving our long-term strategy will require investment in new capabilities, brands, categories, distribution channels, supply chain facilities, technologies and emerging and more mature geographic markets. These investments may result in short-term costs without any current sales and, therefore, may be dilutive to our earnings. In addition, we may dispose of or discontinue select brands or streamline operations and incur costs or restructuring and other charges in doing so. Although we believe that our strategy will lead to long-term growth in sales and profitability, we may not realize the anticipated benefits. The failure to realize benefits, which may be due to our inability to execute plans, global or local economic conditions, competition, changes in the beauty industry and the other risks described herein, could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Acquisitions and divestitures may expose us to additional risks.
We continuously review acquisition and strategic investment 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. In addition, we periodically review our brand portfolio, and our strategy includes potential divestitures of certain brands as we rationalize product offerings. There can be no assurance that we will be able to identify these strategic actions and consummate such transactions on favorable terms.
Acquisitions including strategic investments or alliances entail numerous risks, which may include: (i) difficulties in integrating acquired operations or products, including the loss of key employees from, or customers, consumers or suppliers of, acquired businesses; (ii) diversion of management’s attention from our existing businesses; (iii) adverse effects on existing business relationships with suppliers, customers and consumers of ours or the companies in which we invest; (iv) adverse impacts of margin and product cost structures different from those of our current mix of business; (v) reputational risks associated with the activities of the businesses that we acquire or in which we invest; and (vi) risks of entering distribution channels, categories or markets in which we have limited or no prior experience.
If required, the financing for these transactions could result in an increase in our indebtedness, dilute the interests of our stockholders or both. The purchase price for some acquisitions may include additional amounts to be paid in cash in the future, a portion of which may be contingent on the achievement of certain future operating results of the acquired business. If the performance of any such acquired business exceeds such operating results, then we may incur additional charges and be required to pay additional amounts.
Completed acquisitions typically result in additional goodwill and/or an increase in other intangible assets on our balance sheet. We are required at least annually, or as facts and circumstances exist, to test goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives to determine if impairment has occurred. 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 could be a material adverse effect on our business.
Our failure to achieve the long-term plan for acquired businesses, as well as any other adverse consequences associated with our acquisition, divestiture and investment activities, could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Our business could be negatively impacted by social impact and sustainability matters.
There is an increased focus from certain investors, customers, consumers, employees, and other stakeholders concerning social impact and sustainability matters. From time to time, we announce certain initiatives, including goals and commitments, regarding our focus areas, which include environmental matters, packaging, responsible sourcing, social investments and inclusion and diversity. We could fail, or be perceived to fail, in our achievement of such initiatives, or in accurately reporting our progress on such initiatives. Such failures could be due to changes in our business (e.g., shifts in business among distribution channels or acquisitions). Moreover, the standards by which citizenship and sustainability efforts and related matters are measured are developing and evolving, and certain areas are subject to assumptions that could change over time. In addition, we could be criticized for the scope of our initiatives or goals or perceived as not acting responsibly in connection with these matters. Any such matters, or related social impact and sustainability matters, could have a material adverse effect on our business.
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. In the event of a retailer liquidation, we may incur additional costs if we choose to purchase the retailer’s inventory of our products to protect brand equity. Our inability to collect receivables from our largest customers or from a group of customers could have a material adverse effect on our business.
In addition, sudden disruptions in local or global business conditions, for example, from events such as a pandemic or other health issues, geo-political or local conflicts, civil unrest, terrorist attacks, adverse weather conditions, climate changes or seismic events, can have a short-term and, sometimes, long-term impact on consumer spending.
Events that impact consumers’ willingness or ability to travel or purchase our products while traveling may impact our business, including travel retail, a significant contributor to our overall results, and our strategy to market and sell products to international travelers at their destinations.
A downturn in the economies of, or continuing recessions in, the countries where we sell our products or a sudden disruption of business conditions in those countries could adversely affect consumer confidence, the financial strength of our retailers and our sales and profitability. We are also cautious of foreign currency movements, including their impact on tourism. Additionally, we continue to monitor the effects of the global macroeconomic environment; social, political and human rights issues; regulatory matters, including the imposition of tariffs; geopolitical tensions; and global security issues.
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 typically 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 or an adverse change in our credit ratings could make future financing difficult or more expensive. If any financial institutions that are parties to our revolving credit facility or other financing arrangements, such as foreign exchange or interest rate 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 foreign currency or interest rate exposures which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Our success depends, in part, on the quality, efficacy and safety of our products.
Our success depends, in part, on the quality, efficacy and safety of our products. If our products are found to be defective or unsafe, our product claims are found to be deceptive, or our products otherwise fail to meet our consumers’ expectations, our relationships with customers or consumers could suffer, the appeal of our brands could be diminished, and we could lose sales and become subject to liability or claims, any of which could result in a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, counterfeit versions of some of our products may be sold by third parties, which may pose safety risks, may fail to meet consumers’ expectations, and may have a negative impact on our business.
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, or misconduct by, 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 personnel across all levels of our business. Competition for employees can be intense. We may not be able to attract, assimilate or retain necessary personnel in the future, and our failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business. This risk may be exacerbated by the stresses associated with the implementation of our strategic plan and other initiatives, as well as by market conditions.
We are subject to risks related to the global scope of our operations.
We operate on a global basis, with a majority of our fiscal 2021 net sales and operating income generated outside the United States. We maintain offices in over 50 countries and have key operational facilities located inside and outside the United States that manufacture, warehouse or distribute goods for sale throughout the world. Our global operations are subject to many risks and uncertainties, including: (i) fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and the relative costs of operating in different places, which can affect our results of operations, the value of our foreign assets, the relative prices at which we and competitors sell products in the same markets, the cost of certain inventory and non-inventory items required in our operations, and the relative prices at which we sell our products in different markets; (ii) foreign or U.S. laws, regulations and policies, including restrictions on trade, immigration and travel, operations, and investments; currency exchange controls; restrictions on imports and exports, including license requirements; tariffs; and taxes; (iii) lack of well-established or reliable legal and administrative systems in certain countries in which we operate; (iv) adverse weather conditions and natural disasters; and (v) social, economic and geopolitical conditions, such as a pandemic, terrorist attack, war or other military action. These risks could have a material adverse effect on our business.
A disruption in our operations or supply chain could adversely affect our business.
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, capacity constraints, disruptions in ingredient, material or packaging supply, as well as global shortages, disruptions in supply chain or information technology, loss or impairment of key manufacturing sites or suppliers, product quality control, safety, increase in commodity prices and energy costs, 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 a material adverse effect on our business.
We use a wide variety of direct and indirect suppliers of goods and services from around the world. Some of our products rely on a single or a limited number of suppliers. Changes in the financial or business condition of our suppliers could subject us to losses or adversely affect our ability to bring products to market. Further, the failure of our suppliers to deliver goods and services in sufficient quantities, in compliance with applicable standards, and in a timely manner could adversely affect our customer service levels and overall business. In addition, any increases in the costs of goods and services for our business may adversely affect our profit margins if we are unable to pass along any higher costs in the form of price increases or otherwise achieve cost efficiencies in our operations.
As we outsource functions, we 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 technology, supply chain, finance and human resource functions. The failure of one or more such providers to deliver 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 business. In addition, when we transition external service providers, we may experience challenges that could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Risks related to Legal and Regulatory Matters
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 around the world. Changes in these laws, regulations and policies, including the interpretation or enforcement thereof, that affect our business could adversely affect our financial results. These changes include accounting standards, laws and regulations relating to tax matters, trade, data privacy (e.g., General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)), anti-corruption, advertising, marketing, manufacturing, distribution, customs matters, product registration, ingredients, chemicals, packaging, selective distribution, environmental or climate change matters.
Disputes and other legal or regulatory proceedings could adversely affect our financial results.
We are, and may in the future become, party to litigation, other disputes or regulatory proceedings across a wide range of matters, including ones relating to employment, real estate, environmental, regulatory, advertising, trade relations, tax, privacy and product liability matters (including asbestos-related claims). In general, claims made by us or against us in litigation, disputes or other proceedings can be expensive and time consuming and could result in settlements, injunctions or damages that could significantly affect our business. It is not possible to predict the final resolution of the litigation, disputes or proceedings to which we currently are or may in the future become party to, and the impact of certain of these matters could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Government reviews, inquiries, investigations and actions could harm our business.
As we operate in various locations around the world, our operations are subject to governmental scrutiny and may be adversely impacted by the results of such scrutiny. The regulatory environment with regard to our business is evolving, and officials often exercise broad discretion in deciding how to interpret and apply applicable regulations. From time to time, we may receive formal and informal inquiries from various government regulatory authorities, as well as self-regulatory organizations, about our business and compliance with local laws, regulations or standards. Any determination that our operations or activities, or the activities of our employees, are not in compliance with existing laws, regulations or standards could negatively impact us in a number of ways, including the imposition of substantial fines, interruptions of business, loss of supplier, vendor or other third-party relationships, termination of necessary licenses and permits, or similar results, all of which could potentially harm our business. Regardless of the outcomes, these reviews, inquiries, investigations and actions could create negative publicity which could harm our business.
Risks related to Technology and Cybersecurity Matters
Our information technology and websites may be susceptible to cybersecurity breaches, outages and other risks.
We rely on information technology that supports our business processes, including product development, marketing, sales, order processing, production, distribution, finance and intracompany communications throughout the world. We have e-commerce, m-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 other events. Our systems and data may be vulnerable to constantly evolving cybersecurity threats such as malware, break-ins and similar disruptions from unauthorized tampering. The occurrence of these or other events could disrupt or damage our information technology, including operational technology, and adversely affect our business. Insurance policies that may provide coverage with regard to such events may not cover any or all of the resulting financial losses.
Failure to adequately maintain the security of our electronic and other confidential information could materially adversely affect our business.
We are dependent upon automated information technology processes. As part of our normal business activities, we collect and store certain information that is confidential, proprietary or otherwise sensitive, including personal information with respect to customers, consumers and employees. We share some of this information with certain vendors who assist us with business matters. Moreover, the success of our e-commerce and m-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 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’, consumers’ and customers’ confidence in us and other competitive disadvantages, and thus could have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, a security or data privacy breach could require that we expend significant additional resources to enhance our information security systems and could result in a disruption to our operations. Furthermore, third parties, including our suppliers and customers, also rely on information technology and may be subject to cybersecurity breaches that could impact their businesses and could in turn disrupt our supply chain and/or our business.
We are subject to risks associated with our global information technology.
Our implementation, maintenance and utilization of global information technology, including operational technology, supply chain and finance systems, human resource management systems, creative asset management and retail operating systems, as well as associated hardware and use of cloud-based models, involve risks and uncertainties. Failure to implement, maintain or utilize these and other systems as planned, in terms of timing, specifications, security policies, costs, or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Risks related to our Securities and our Ownership Structure
The trading prices of our securities periodically may rise or fall based on the accuracy of predictions of our 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 expectations regarding certain aspects of our business. This could include forecasts of net sales, earnings per share and other financial metrics or projections. We assume no responsibility to provide or update guidance, and any longer-term guidance we may 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. We historically have paid dividends on our common stock and repurchased shares of our Class A Common Stock; however, at times we have suspended the declaration of dividends and/or the repurchase of our Class A Common Stock. Going forward, at any time, we could stop or suspend payment of dividends or stop or suspend our stock repurchase program, and any such action could cause the market price of our stock to decline.
In all of our public statements when we make, or update, a forward-looking statement about our business, whether it be about net sales or earnings expectations or expectations regarding restructuring or other initiatives, or otherwise, 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 SEC (e.g., in our reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q). These and other factors may make it difficult for us and for outside observers, such as research analysts, to predict what our earnings or other financial metrics, or business outcomes, will be in any given fiscal quarter or year.
Outside analysts and investors have the right to make their own predictions of our business 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 our actual results 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.
We are controlled by the Lauder family. As a result, 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 20, 2021, members of the Lauder family beneficially own, directly or indirectly, shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock (with one vote per share) and Class B Common Stock (with 10 votes per share) having approximately 85% of the outstanding voting power of the Common Stock. In addition, there are four members of the Lauder family who are Company employees and members of our Board of Directors.
As a result of their stock ownership and positions at the Company, as well as our dual-class structure, the Lauder family has the ability to exercise significant control and influence over our business, including all matters requiring stockholder approval (e.g., 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. In addition, if significant stock indices decide to prohibit the inclusion of companies with dual-class stock structures, the price of our Class A Common Stock could be negatively impacted and could become more volatile.
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 (1) a majority of our board of directors consists of independent directors; (2) we have a nominating committee that is composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities; and (3) 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 ESG Committee and the Compensation Committee to have the required provisions, we are not requiring our Nominating and ESG 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.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
None.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Item 2. Properties.
The following table sets forth our principal owned and leased manufacturing, assembly, research and development (“R&D”) and distribution facilities, some of which include contiguous office space, as well as our principal executive offices, as of August 20, 2021. The leases expire at various times through 2078 subject to certain renewal options.
The Americas Europe, the Middle
East & Africa Asia/Pacific
Owned Leased Owned Leased Owned Leased
Manufacturing 2 2 3 - - -
R&D 1 2 - - - 2
Distribution - 6 1 9 - 2
Manufacturing and R&D 1 - - 1 - -
Manufacturing and Assembly - 3 - - - -
Distribution and Manufacturing - - 1 - - -
Principal Executive Offices - 1 - - - -
Total 4 14 5 10 - 4
Certain of our manufacturing facilities are utilized primarily for the production of products relating to particular product categories: eight for makeup; two for skin care; two for skin care and fragrance; and one for skin care and hair care. As demand changes, certain of our manufacturing facilities can produce products from categories other than their primary category. In fiscal 2021, five of our primarily makeup facilities also produced a significant volume of skin care products. In fiscal 2021, we began construction of a new manufacturing facility near Tokyo that we will own.
In fiscal 2021, we began construction at a newly leased site that will become our innovation center in Shanghai. Construction is in progress and the facility is expected to be operational in late fiscal 2022.
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.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
For a discussion of legal proceedings, see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 16 - Commitments and Contingencies.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.
PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
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.”
On August 18, 2021, a dividend was declared in the amount of $.53 per share on our Class A and Class B Common Stock. The dividend is payable in cash on September 15, 2021 to stockholders of record at the close of business on August 31, 2021. 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.
As of August 20, 2021, there were 2,279 record holders of Class A Common Stock and 13 record holders of Class B Common Stock.
Share Repurchase Program
We are authorized by the Board of Directors to repurchase shares of our Class A Common Stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, depending on market conditions and other factors. Beginning in early February 2020, we temporarily suspended our repurchase of shares of our Class A Common Stock, and in March 2021, we resumed such repurchases under our share repurchase program. The following table provides information relating to our repurchase of Class A Common Stock during the referenced periods:
Period Total Number of Shares Purchased(1)
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(2)
April 2021 238,306 $ 301.17 238,306 33,765,535
May 2021 529,929 298.19 529,363 33,236,172
June 2021 616,328 303.55 532,633 32,703,539
1,384,563 301.09 1,300,302
(1)Includes shares that were repurchased by the Company to satisfy tax withholding obligations upon the payout of certain stock-based compensation arrangements.
(2)The Board of Directors has authorized the current repurchase program for up to 80.0 million shares. The total amount was last increased by the Board on October 31, 2018. Our repurchase program does not have an expiration date.
Subsequent to June 30, 2021 and as of August 20, 2021, we purchased approximately 0.8 million additional shares of our Class A Common Stock for $244 million pursuant to our share repurchase program.
Performance Graph
The following graph compares the cumulative five-year total stockholder return (stock price appreciation plus dividends) on the Company’s Class A Common Stock with the cumulative total return of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P Consumer Staples Index. The returns are calculated by assuming an investment of $100 in the Class A Common Stock and in each index on June 30, 2016.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
Not required.

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
We manufacture, market and sell beauty products including those in the skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care categories, which are distributed in approximately 150 countries and territories. The following table is a comparative summary of operating results for fiscal 2021, 2020 and 2019 and reflects the basis of presentation described in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 22 - 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
(In millions) 2021 2020 2019
NET SALES
By Product Category:
Skin Care $ 9,484 $ 7,382 $ 6,551
Makeup 4,203 4,794 5,860
Fragrance 1,926 1,563 1,802
Hair Care 571 515 584
Other 45 40 69
16,229 14,294 14,866
Returns associated with restructuring and other activities (14) - (3)
Net sales $ 16,215 $ 14,294 $ 14,863
By Region(1):
The Americas $ 3,797 $ 3,794 $ 4,741
Europe, the Middle East & Africa 6,946 6,262 6,452
Asia/Pacific 5,486 4,238 3,673
16,229 14,294 14,866
Returns associated with restructuring and other activities (14) - (3)
Net sales $ 16,215 $ 14,294 $ 14,863
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
By Product Category:
Skin Care $ 3,036 $ 2,125 $ 1,925
Makeup (384) (1,438) 438
Fragrance 215 17 140
Hair Care (19) (19) 39
Other (2) 4 12
2,846 689 2,554
Charges associated with restructuring and other activities (228) (83) (241)
Operating income $ 2,618 $ 606 $ 2,313
By Region(1):
The Americas $ 518 $ (1,044) $ 672
Europe, the Middle East & Africa 1,335 997 1,153
Asia/Pacific 993 736 729
2,846 689 2,554
Charges associated with restructuring and other activities (228) (83) (241)
Operating income $ 2,618 $ 606 $ 2,313
(1)The net sales from our travel retail business are included in the Europe, the Middle East & Africa region, with the exception of the net sales of Dr. Jart+ in the travel retail channel that are reflected in Korea in the Asia/Pacific region. Operating income attributable to the travel retail sales included in Europe, the Middle East & Africa is included in that region and in The Americas.
During fiscal 2020, changes were made to reflect certain Leading Beauty Forward enhancements made to the capabilities and cost structure of our travel retail business, which are primarily centralized in The Americas region, and resulted in a change to the royalty structure of the travel retail business to reflect the value created in The Americas region. Accordingly, the fiscal 2019 operating income of The Americas was increased, with a corresponding decrease in Europe, the Middle East & Africa, by $866 million, to conform with the fiscal 2021 and 2020 methodology and presentation.
The following table presents certain consolidated earnings data as a percentage of net sales:
Year Ended June 30
2021 2020 2019
Net sales 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 %
Cost of sales 23.6 24.8 22.8
Gross profit 76.4 75.2 77.2
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative 57.8 60.4 59.6
Restructuring and other charges 1.3 0.5 1.4
Goodwill impairment 0.3 5.7 0.5
Impairment of other intangible and long-lived assets 0.8 4.3 0.1
Total operating expenses 60.2 70.9 61.6
Operating income 16.1 4.2 15.6
Interest expense 1.1 1.1 0.9
Interest income and investment income, net 0.3 0.3 0.4
Other components of net periodic benefit cost (0.1) - -
Other income, net 5.2 3.9 0.4
Earnings before income taxes 20.5 7.3 15.5
Provision for income taxes (2.8) (2.4) (3.4)
Net earnings 17.7 4.9 12.1
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests (0.1) (0.1) (0.1)
Net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest - - -
Net earnings attributable to The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. 17.7 % 4.8 % 12.0 %
Not adjusted for differences caused by rounding
We continually introduce new products, support new and established products through advertising, merchandising and sampling and phase out existing products that no longer meet the needs of our consumers or our objectives. The economics of developing, producing, launching, supporting and discontinuing products impact our sales and operating performance each period. The introduction of new products may have some cannibalizing effect on sales of existing products, which we take into account in our business planning.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We use certain non-GAAP financial measures, among other financial measures, to evaluate our operating performance, which represent the manner in which we conduct and view our business. Management believes that excluding certain items that are not comparable from period to period helps investors and others compare operating performance between periods. While we consider the non-GAAP measures useful in analyzing our results, they are not intended to replace, or act as a substitute for, any presentation included in the consolidated financial statements prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP. See Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures beginning on page 47 for reconciliations between non-GAAP financial measures and the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures.
We operate on a global basis, with the majority of our net sales generated outside the United States. Accordingly, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates can affect our results of operations. Therefore, we present certain net sales, operating results and diluted net earnings per common share information excluding the effect of foreign currency rate fluctuations to provide a framework for assessing the performance of our underlying business outside the United States. Constant currency information compares results between periods as if exchange rates had remained constant period-over-period. We calculate constant currency information by translating current-period results using prior-year period weighted-average foreign currency exchange rates and adjusting for the period-over-period impact of foreign currency cash flow hedging activities.
Overview
COVID-19 Business Update
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt our operating environment, including impacts on retail traffic and changes in certain consumer preferences. During fiscal 2021, the spread of COVID-19, as well as the resurgences in COVID-19 cases and the rapid spread of variants, including the Delta variant, particularly in the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, Latin America, and Asia outside of China, led to government restrictions to prevent further spread of the virus. Restrictions in many parts of the world at various times during fiscal 2021 have included temporary business closures, curtailment of travel, mask wearing, social distancing and quarantines.
Retail Impact
Most brick-and-mortar retail stores that sell our products, whether operated by us or our customers, were open during the fiscal 2021 second quarter in China and the United States. There were intermittent closures throughout the rest of the world, particularly in the second half of fiscal 2021. In most of the Asia/Pacific region (with the exception of China), the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, Canada, and much of Latin America, many retail stores were temporarily closed for some period during the fiscal 2021 fourth quarter due to the resurgence of COVID-19 cases. In much of the United Kingdom and Continental Europe, retail locations gradually reopened during the fourth quarter but with capacity and other safety restrictions in place. Globally, in areas where stores were open, consumer traffic has not recovered to the pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels. International travel has remained largely curtailed globally due to both government restrictions and consumer health concerns that continue to adversely impact consumer traffic in most travel retail locations. Conversely, domestic travel in China, especially in Hainan, and some other travel corridors in Asia/Pacific and The Americas were open.
Somewhat offsetting the significant declines in brick-and-mortar channels, net sales growth of our products online (through our own websites, third-party platforms and websites of our retailers) remained strong in every region during fiscal 2021.
Due in large part to the continued challenging retail environment and uncertainties stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, we recognized Goodwill, other intangible asset and long-live asset impairments. See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 6 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets and Note 7 - Leases for further information.
Consumer Preferences
The COVID-19 pandemic-related closures of offices, retail stores and other businesses and the significant decline in social gatherings have influenced consumer preferences and practices. Specifically, the demand for makeup continues to be weak given fewer makeup usage occasions and ongoing mask wearing, while other categories have been more resilient.
Cost Controls
In response to the ongoing impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, we continue to implement cost control actions in certain areas of the business to effectively manage the changing business environment.
Government Assistance
Beginning in the second half of fiscal 2020, many governments in locations where we operate announced programs to assist employers whose businesses were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including programs that provide rebates to incentivize employers to maintain employees on payroll who were unable to work for their usual number of hours. During fiscal 2021 and 2020, we qualified for and recorded $84 million and $99 million, respectively, in government assistance, which reduced Selling, general and administrative expenses by $78 million and $87 million, respectively, and Cost of sales by $6 million and $10 million, respectively. The remaining $2 million recorded in fiscal 2020 was deferred and recognized in fiscal 2021 as a reduction to Cost of sales. We are continuing to review applicable government assistance programs globally.
We will continue to monitor the impacts of COVID-19 and adjust our action plans accordingly as the situation progresses.
Business Update
We are a leader in prestige beauty, which combines the repeat purchase and relative affordability of consumer goods with the high quality products and services of luxury goods. Within prestige beauty, we are well diversified by product category, geography, brand, product sub-category, channel, consumer segment and price point. This diversity allows us to leverage consumer analytics and insights with agility by deploying our brands to fast growing and profitable opportunities. These analytics and insights, combined with our creativity, inform our innovation to provide a broad, locally-relevant and inclusive range of prestige products allowing us to compete effectively for a greater share of a consumer's beauty routine.
•In fiscal 2021, global prestige skin care continued to lead product category growth. Our skin care net sales benefited from the enduring strength of hero product lines such as Advanced Night Repair from Estée Lauder, Crème de La Mer from La Mer, and the Dramatically Different products and Even Better Clinical Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter from Clinique, as well as recent product launches, the growth in Asia and targeted expanded consumer reach. The launches of Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex, Revitalizing Supreme+ Bright, and the relaunch of Perfectionist Pro from Estée Lauder, Genaissance de la Mer The Concentrated Night Balm from La Mer, and Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator from Clinique were particularly successful in Asia/Pacific. Net sales of skin care products in fiscal 2021 rose in every geographic region, led by Estée Lauder. La Mer and Dr. Jart+, which we acquired in December 2019.
•Global prestige makeup sales declined as COVID-19 limited social and business activities and consumers overall wore less makeup. Some sub-categories in makeup performed better in the COVID-19 environment, including lip gloss and makeup with skin care benefits such as tinted moisturizers, while demand for lipstick and foundation remained weak. During fiscal 2021, our makeup net sales benefited from targeted expanded consumer reach and the continued success of existing products, such as the Futurist line of products from Estée Lauder, The Luminous Lifting Cushion Foundation from La Mer and the Lip Injection line from Too Faced.
•Our fragrance net sales growth accelerated during fiscal 2021, driven by continued resilience in luxury fragrance. The growth was led by strength in colognes, bath, body and home subcategories at Jo Malone London, the successful launches of Bitter Peach and Rose Prick Private Blend fragrances from Tom Ford Beauty and targeted expanded consumer reach of Le Labo.
•Our hair care net sales grew as salons and retail stores reopened throughout the year and strong online growth continued. Hero products led growth at Aveda, supported by the brand’s “100% vegan” campaign.
Our global distribution capability and operations allow us to focus on targeted expanded consumer reach wherever consumer demographics and trends are the most attractive. Our regional organizations, and the expertise of our people there, enable our brands to be more locally and culturally relevant in both product assortment and communications. We are evolving the way we connect with our consumers in stores, online and where they travel, including by expanding our digital and social media presence and the engagement of global and local influencers to amplify brand or product stories. We tailor implementation of our strategy by market to drive consumer engagement and embrace cultural diversity. We continuously strengthen our presence in large, image-building core markets, while broadening our presence in emerging markets.
•In North America, we deployed a number of strategies to drive growth, which began to deliver improvements through the second half of fiscal 2021. Net sales in fiscal 2021 from our specialty-multi and online channels led growth. In Latin America, we continue to launch new brands, develop our online business, expand social media outreach and encourage consumers to trade up from mass beauty products.
•In Europe, the Middle East & Africa, we continue to expand the consumer reach of many of our brands and strengthen their digital and social media presences.
•In Asia/Pacific, particularly in China, we continue to leverage our diversified brand portfolio and expansion on third-party online malls to benefit from the strong consumer demand for prestige beauty. In mainland China, net sales grew strong double digits reflecting growth in virtually all product categories, as well as in nearly every brand and double-digit growth in every channel, led by online.
We approach distribution strategically by product category and location and seek to optimize distribution by matching our brands with appropriate opportunities while seeking to maintain high productivity per door. We are expanding our brands in online and travel retail, which we believe will be higher growth channels in the long term. We also focus on brand-building retail activities, technology-driven activations and omnichannel capabilities that enhance the shopping experience for consumers.
•As part of this strategy, we have built a leadership position in the global travel retail channel, that historically allowed us to leverage the robust and growing international passenger traffic. While COVID-19 has significantly curtailed international travel in the near-term, we continue to believe that global travel retail is a growth opportunity for the long-term. Travel retail continues to be an important channel for brand building due to the increase in traveling consumers, particularly those from emerging markets, who often experience our brands for the first time while traveling. We continue to expand our strategic presence in travel retail across duty-free locations primarily in airports and downtown stores and increasingly through online pretail. We engage consumers at the airport through compelling pop-up activations in non-traditional commercial areas, and we ensure we have appropriate communication and curated assortments for targeted consumer groups. At the same time, travel retail is susceptible to a number of external factors, including fluctuations in currency exchange rates and consumers’ willingness and ability to travel and spend.
•Online net sales have continued to grow strongly on a global basis, rising strong double digits for fiscal 2021. Nearly every brand grew as we continue to enhance and launch e- and m-commerce sites of our own in new and existing markets, collaborate with our retail customers on their e- and m-commerce sites, and sell through select third-party online malls. We believe our success in delivering particularly strong online growth is a result of adapting our strategy to meet local market and cultural needs. We also continue to develop and implement omnichannel concepts, virtual try-on tools and compelling content to deliver an integrated consumer experience and better serve consumers as they shop across channels.
Our multiple engines of growth, which have historically enabled us to produce excellent net sales growth, are also helping to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We also benefited from the transformation of certain operations that freed up resources to invest behind further growth opportunities. Our Leading Beauty Forward Program and Post-COVID Business Acceleration Program (described below) enabled us to reduce costs and invest in new capabilities such as digital marketing and data analytics as well as increased advertising.
In fiscal 2021, we continued to further integrate social impact and sustainability into our strategy and business operations. Areas of differentiation include climate & energy, green chemistry, social investments, employee engagement and safety and inclusion, diversity & equity. Other areas of focus include responsible sourcing, plastics & packaging, ingredient transparency, and animal welfare.
Outlook
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt business for us, retailers and other companies with which we do business. There have been, and are likely to continue to be, intermittent store closures, as well as restructurings and bankruptcies in the retail industry, including among our customers, and shifts in preferences as to where and how consumers shop, as well as changes in their preferences for certain products. We are mindful that these trends, the resurgence of COVID-19 cases globally and the related government restrictions may continue to impact the pace of recovery. The continued curtailment in international travel is also affecting our travel retail business in most of the world, which had been historically one of our fastest growth areas. In addition to impacting net sales and profitability, these and other challenges may adversely impact the goodwill and other intangible assets associated with our brands and the long-lived assets in certain of our freestanding stores (i.e. potentially resulting in impairments).
We believe that the best way to increase long-term stockholder value is to continue providing superior products and services in the most efficient and effective manner while recognizing shifts in consumers’ behaviors and shopping practices. Accordingly, our long-term strategy has numerous initiatives across geographic regions, product categories, brands, channels of distribution and functions designed to grow our sales, provide cost efficiencies, leverage our strengths and make us more productive and profitable. We plan to build upon and leverage our history of outstanding creativity and innovation, high quality products and services, and engaging communications while investing for long-term sustainable growth.
We continue to monitor the effects of the global macroeconomic environment, including potential inflation; social and political issues; regulatory matters, including the imposition of tariffs; geopolitical tensions; and global security issues. For example, we continue to monitor the geopolitical tensions between the United States and China, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
The uncertainty around the timing, speed and duration of the recovery from the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to affect our ability to grow sales profitably. We believe we can, to some extent, offset the impact of more ordinary challenges by continually developing and pursuing a diversified strategy with multiple engines of growth and by accelerating initiatives focused on areas of strength, discipline and agility, and by executing upon our Post-COVID Business Acceleration Program. As the current situation progresses, if economic and social conditions or the degree of uncertainty or volatility worsen, or the adverse conditions previously described are further prolonged, there could be a further negative effect on consumer confidence, demand, spending and willingness or ability to travel and, as a result, on our business. We are continuing to monitor these and other risks that may affect our business.
Leading Beauty Forward
In May 2016, we announced a multi-year initiative (“Leading Beauty Forward” or the “LBF Program”) to build on our strengths and better leverage our cost structure to free resources for investment to continue our growth momentum. Leading Beauty Forward was designed to enhance our go-to-market capabilities, reinforce our leadership in global prestige beauty and our ability to continue creating sustainable value. As of June 30, 2019, we concluded the approvals of all major initiatives under Leading Beauty Forward related to the optimization of select corporate functions, supply chain activities, and corporate and regional market support structures, as well as the exit of underperforming businesses, and have substantially completed those initiatives through fiscal 2021. For additional information about restructuring and other charges, see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 8 - Charges Associated with Restructuring and Other Activities.
Post-COVID Business Acceleration Program
On August 20, 2020, we announced a two-year restructuring program, Post-COVID Business Acceleration Program (the “PCBA Program”), designed to realign our business to address the dramatic shifts to our distribution landscape and consumer behaviors in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The PCBA Program is designed to help improve efficiency and effectiveness by rebalancing resources to growth areas of prestige beauty. It is expected to further strengthen us by building upon the foundational capabilities in which we have invested.
The PCBA Program’s main areas of focus include accelerating the shift to online with the realignment of our distribution network reflecting freestanding store and certain department store closures, with a focus on North America and Europe, the Middle East & Africa; the reduction in brick-and-mortar point of sale employees and related support staff; and the redesign of our regional branded marketing organizations, plus select opportunities in global brands and functions. This program is expected to position us to better execute our long-term strategy while strengthening our financial flexibility.
We previously estimated a net reduction over the duration of the PCBA Program in the range of approximately 1,500 to 2,000 positions globally, including temporary and part-time employees. We have revised these estimates based on the review of the PCBA Program. At this time, we estimate a net reduction over the duration of the PCBA Program in the range of 2,000 to 2,500 positions globally, including temporary and part-time employees. This reduction takes into account the elimination of some positions, retraining and redeployment of certain employees and investment in new positions in key areas. We also estimate the closure over the duration of the PCBA Program of approximately 10% to 15% of our freestanding stores globally, primarily in Europe, the Middle East & Africa and in North America.
We plan to approve specific initiatives under the PCBA Program through fiscal 2022 and expect to complete those initiatives through fiscal 2023. We expect that the PCBA Program will result in related restructuring and other charges totaling between $400 million and $500 million, before taxes, consisting of employee-related costs, contract terminations, asset write-offs and other costs to implement these initiatives.
Once fully implemented, we expect the PCBA Program to yield annual benefits, primarily in Selling, general and administrative expenses, of between $300 million and $400 million, before taxes. We expect to reinvest a portion behind future growth initiatives. For additional information about restructuring and other charges, see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 8 - Charges Associated with Restructuring and Other Activities.
Impairment Testing
We assess goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets at least annually for impairment or more frequently if certain events or circumstances exist.
During November 2020, given the actual and the estimate of the potential future impacts relating to the uncertainty of the duration and severity of COVID-19 impacting us and lower than expected results from geographic expansion, we made further revisions to the internal forecasts relating to our GLAMGLOW reporting unit. We concluded that the changes in circumstances in this reporting unit triggered the need for an interim impairment review of its trademark and goodwill. These changes in circumstances were also an indicator that the carrying amounts of GLAMGLOW's long-lived assets, including customer lists, may not be recoverable. Accordingly, we performed an interim impairment test for the trademark and a recoverability test for the long-lived assets as of November 30, 2020. We concluded that the carrying value of the trademark for GLAMGLOW exceeded its estimated fair value, which was determined utilizing the relief-from-royalty method to determine discounted projected future cash flows, and recorded an impairment charge of $21 million. In addition, we concluded that the carrying value of the GLAMGLOW customer lists intangible asset was fully impaired and recorded an impairment charge of $6 million. The fair value of all other long-lived assets of GLAMGLOW exceeded their carrying values and were not impaired as of November 30, 2020. After adjusting the carrying values of the trademark and customer lists intangible assets, we completed an interim quantitative impairment test for goodwill and recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $54 million, reducing the carrying value of goodwill for the GLAMGLOW reporting unit to zero. The fair value of the GLAMGLOW reporting unit was based upon an equal 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.
Based on our annual goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment testing as of April 1, 2021, we determined that the carrying value of the GLAMGLOW and Smashbox trademarks exceeded their fair values. This determination was made based on updated internal forecasts, finalized and approved in June 2021, that reflected lower net sales growth projections due to a softer than expected retail environment for these brands, as well as the continued impacts relating to the uncertainty of the duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes in circumstances were also indicators that the carrying amounts of their respective long-lived assets may not be recoverable. We concluded that the carrying values of the trademarks exceeded their estimated fair values, which were determined utilizing the relief-from-royalty method to determine discounted projected future cash flows, and recorded impairment charges. We concluded that the carrying amounts of the long-lived assets were recoverable. The carrying values of the customer lists and goodwill relating to the GLAMGLOW and Smashbox reporting units were zero as of November 30, 2020 and June 30, 2020, respectively.
A summary of the impairment charges for the three and twelve months ended June 30, 2021 and the remaining trademark, customer lists and goodwill carrying values as of June 30, 2021, for each reporting unit, are as follows:
Impairment Charge
(In millions) Three Months Ended June 30, 2021 Twelve Months Ended June 30, 2021 Carrying Value as of June 30, 2021
Reporting Unit: Product Category Trademark Customer Lists Goodwill Trademark Customer Lists Goodwill Trademark Customer Lists Goodwill
GLAMGLOW Skin care $ 25 $ - $ - $ 46 $ 6 $ 54 $ 11 $ - $ -
Smashbox Makeup 11 - - 11 - - 21 - -
Total $ 36 $ - $ - $ 57 $ 6 $ 54 $ 32 $ - $ -
The impairment charges for the three and twelve months ended June 30, 2021 were reflected in the Americas region.
The fair values of all reporting units, which were determined based on qualitative or quantitative assessments, with material goodwill were substantially in excess of their respective carrying values, with the exception of the DECIEM reporting unit. The carrying values of the DECIEM reporting unit and other intangible assets as of June 30, 2021 approximated their fair values.
The fair values of the Smashbox and GLAMGLOW trademarks were equal to their carrying values subsequent to the impairment charges taken as of April 1, 2021. The key assumptions used to determine the estimated fair value of the reporting units are primarily predicated on the estimated future impacts of COVID-19, the success of future new product launches, the achievement of distribution expansion plans, and the realization of cost reduction and other efficiency efforts. If such plans do not materialize, or if there are further challenges in the business environments in which these reporting units operate, resulting changes in the key assumptions could have negative impacts on the estimated fair values of the reporting units and it is possible we could recognize additional impairment charges in the future.
For additional information, see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 6 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.
Fiscal 2020 as Compared with Fiscal 2019
See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Results of Operations of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020 for the fiscal 2020 to fiscal 2019 comparative discussion.
Fiscal 2021 as Compared with Fiscal 2020
NET SALES
Year Ended June 30
($ in millions) 2021 2020
As Reported:
Net sales $ 16,215 $ 14,294
$ Change from prior year 1,921 (569)
% Change from prior year 13 % (4) %
Non-GAAP Financial Measure(1):
% Change from prior year in constant currency 11 % (3) %
(1)See “Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” beginning on page 47 for reconciliations between non-GAAP financial measures and the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures.
The fiscal 2021 increase in reported net sales mainly reflected higher net sales in the second half of the fiscal year compared to the prior-year period. Fiscal 2020 reported net sales reflected the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic that started in the second half of that fiscal year, including the temporary closing of businesses deemed “non-essential,” travel bans and restrictions, social distancing and quarantines. Reported net sales increased in fiscal 2021, primarily due to higher net sales in skin care, fragrance and hair care, as well as growth in our Asia/Pacific and Europe, the Middle East & Africa regions. Skin care net sales growth primarily reflected higher net sales from Estée Lauder, La Mer, Dr. Jart+ and Clinique, as well as incremental net sales attributable to the increase in our ownership of DECIEM in the fiscal 2021 fourth quarter. Fragrance net sales increased, primarily benefiting from higher net sales from Jo Malone London, Tom Ford Beauty and Le Labo, and higher net sales from Aveda and Bumble and bumble drove the growth in hair care. The increase in net sales in mainland China, our travel retail business and Korea drove growth internationally. Our direct-to-consumer online net sales continued to have strong growth.
The fiscal 2021 reported net sales increase was impacted by approximately $357 million of favorable foreign currency translation.
Returns associated with restructuring and other activities are not allocated to our product categories or geographic regions because they result from activities that are deemed a Company-wide initiative to redesign, resize and reorganize select corporate functions and go-to-market structures. Accordingly, the following discussions of Net sales by Product Categories and Geographic Regions exclude the fiscal 2021 impact of returns associated with restructuring and other activities of approximately $14 million.
Product Categories
Skin Care
Year Ended June 30
($ in millions) 2021 2020
As Reported:
Net sales $ 9,484 $ 7,382
$ Change from prior year 2,102 831
% Change from prior year 28 % 13 %
Non-GAAP Financial Measure(1):
% Change from prior year in constant currency 25 % 14 %
(1)See “Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” beginning on page 47 for reconciliations between non-GAAP financial measures and the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures.
Reported skin care net sales increased in fiscal 2021, primarily reflecting higher net sales from Estée Lauder, La Mer, Clinique and Dr. Jart+, combined, of approximately $1,896 million, as well as incremental net sales attributable to our acquisition of Dr. Jart+ at the end of the fiscal 2020 second quarter and the increase in our ownership of DECIEM in the fiscal 2021 fourth quarter, combined, of approximately $332 million. Net sales increased from Estée Lauder and La Mer, led by our travel retail business (primarily in Hainan) and mainland China, reflecting strong growth from direct-to-consumer online net sales of products from these brands primarily due to successful holiday and promotional events. The net sales increase from Estée Lauder reflected the continued success of hero product franchises, such as Advanced Night Repair, Nutritious, Micro Essence, Revitalizing Supreme+ and Re-Nutriv, as well as fiscal 2021 product launches, such as Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex and Revitalizing Supreme+ Bright. The increase in net sales from La Mer also benefited from the continued success of hero products, such as The Treatment Lotion, Crème de la Mer, The Moisturizing Soft Cream and The Concentrate, as well as the fiscal 2021 launch of the Genaissance de la Mer The Concentrated Night Balm and targeted expanded consumer reach. Net sales increased from Clinique, primarily due to higher net sales in our travel retail business (primarily in Hainan), and higher net sales in North America and mainland China, reflecting the continued success of existing products, such as Dramatically Different products and Even Better Clinical Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter, new product launches, such as Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator, and strong direct-to-consumer online net sales growth.
The skin care net sales increase was impacted by approximately $225 million of favorable foreign currency translation.
Makeup
Year Ended June 30
($ in millions) 2021 2020
As Reported:
Net sales $ 4,203 $ 4,794
$ Change from prior year (591) (1,066)
% Change from prior year (12) % (18) %
Non-GAAP Financial Measure(1):
% Change from prior year in constant currency (14) % (17) %
(1)See “Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” beginning on page 47 for reconciliations between non-GAAP financial measures and the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures.
Reported makeup net sales decreased in fiscal 2021, primarily due to lower net sales from virtually all brands, led by M·A·C and Clinique, combined, of approximately $476 million. The makeup product category continues to be more negatively impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially the challenging environment in brick-and-mortar retail locations and fewer makeup usage occasions. The continued decline in prestige makeup and ongoing competitive activity in North America also contributed to the decline in net sales from these brands.
The makeup net sales decrease was impacted by approximately $82 million of favorable foreign currency translation.
Fragrance
Year Ended June 30
($ in millions) 2021 2020
As Reported:
Net sales $ 1,926 $ 1,563
$ Change from prior year 363 (239)
% Change from prior year 23 % (13) %
Non-GAAP Financial Measure(1):
% Change from prior year in constant currency 21 % (12) %
(1)See “Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” beginning on page 47 for reconciliations between non-GAAP financial measures and the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures.
Reported fragrance net sales increased in fiscal 2021, reflecting a recovery compared to the prior-year challenges, including store closures, stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. The fiscal 2021 increase in fragrance net sales was led by higher net sales from Jo Malone London, Tom Ford Beauty and Le Labo, combined, of approximately $317 million. The increase in net sales from Jo Malone London, led by mainland China and North America, benefited from successful holiday and promotional events, the success of certain hero product franchises and the new Blossoms Collection. Net sales from Tom Ford Beauty increased, reflecting growth in all geographic regions where we continued to have success with hero products, such as Oud Wood and Black Orchid, and new product launches, such as Bitter Peach, Tubereuse Nue and Costa Azzurra. Net sales from Le Labo grew strong double digits, reflecting higher net sales in all geographic regions driven by hero fragrances, home products and targeted expanded consumer reach.
The fragrance net sales increase was impacted by approximately $41 million of favorable foreign currency translation.
Hair Care
Year Ended June 30
($ in millions) 2021 2020
As Reported:
Net sales $ 571 $ 515
$ Change from prior year 56 (69)
% Change from prior year 11 % (12) %
Non-GAAP Financial Measure(1):
% Change from prior year in constant currency 9 % (11) %
(1)See “Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” beginning on page 47 for reconciliations between non-GAAP financial measures and the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures.
Reported hair care net sales increased in fiscal 2021, primarily due to higher net sales from Aveda and to a lesser extent Bumble and bumble, combined, of approximately $60 million, reflecting a recovery compared to the prior-year challenges, including salon and store closures, stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. The increase in net sales from Aveda also benefited from the success of existing product franchises, such as Nutriplenish and Invati, and the new product launch of Botanical Repair, which led to growth in all geographic regions.
Geographic Regions
We strategically time our new product launches by geographic market, which may account for differences in regional sales growth.
The Americas
Year Ended June 30
($ in millions) 2021 2020
As Reported:
Net sales $ 3,797 $ 3,794
$ Change from prior year 3 (947)
% Change from prior year - % (20) %
Non-GAAP Financial Measure(1):
% Change from prior year in constant currency 1 % (20) %
(1)See “Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” beginning on page 47 for reconciliations between non-GAAP financial measures and the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures.
Fiscal 2021 reported net sales in The Americas increased slightly as compared to the prior-year period. Reported net sales in The Americas reflected higher net sales in North America, offset by the net sales decline in Latin America due to lower net sales in Brazil. Net sales in North America increased, reflecting a recovery compared to the prior-year challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and incremental net sales from the increase in our ownership of DECIEM in the fourth quarter. Latin America net sales declined, due to the resurgence of COVID-19 cases in Brazil that led to government restrictions. Net sales in virtually all other markets in Latin America increased, reflecting a recovery compared to the prior-year challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. Our direct-to-consumer online net sales in The Americas grew double digits in fiscal 2021.
The net sales increase in The Americas included approximately $39 million of unfavorable foreign currency translation.
Europe, the Middle East & Africa
Year Ended June 30
($ in millions) 2021 2020
As Reported:
Net sales $ 6,946 $ 6,262
$ Change from prior year 684 (190)
% Change from prior year 11 % (3) %
Non-GAAP Financial Measure(1):
% Change from prior year in constant currency 9 % (2) %
(1)See “Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” beginning on page 47 for reconciliations between non-GAAP financial measures and the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures.
Reported net sales in Europe, the Middle East & Africa increased in fiscal 2021, reflecting higher net sales primarily in our travel retail business and Russia, combined, of approximately $633 million. The increase in net sales reflected a recovery compared to the prior-year challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the continued curtailment of international travel as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the increase in net sales from our travel retail business was led by the continued success of hero product franchises from Estée Lauder, La Mer and Clinique, reflecting the increase in China travel retail (primarily Hainan) due, in part, to increased duty-free purchase limits and the acceleration of new digital selling models. Direct-to-consumer online net sales in Europe, the Middle East & Africa grew double digits in fiscal 2021.
The net sales increase in Europe, the Middle East & Africa included approximately $101 million of favorable foreign currency translation.
Asia/Pacific
Year Ended June 30
($ in millions) 2021 2020
As Reported:
Net sales $ 5,486 $ 4,238
$ Change from prior year 1,248 565
% Change from prior year 29 % 15 %
Non-GAAP Financial Measure(1):
% Change from prior year in constant currency 22 % 18 %
(1)See “Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” beginning on page 47 for reconciliations between non-GAAP financial measures and the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures.
Reported net sales in Asia/Pacific increased in fiscal 2021, reflecting higher net sales primarily in mainland China, Korea and Australia, combined, of approximately $1,279 million, driven by our skin care products. Incremental net sales in Asia/Pacific attributable to our acquisition of Dr. Jart+ at the end of the fiscal 2020 second quarter and the increase in our ownership of DECIEM in the fiscal 2021 fourth quarter, combined, was approximately $325 million. The increase in net sales in mainland China reflected higher net sales primarily of our skin care products, led by Estée Lauder, La Mer and Dr. Jart+, and in our third-party platform and department store channels. Net sales increased in Korea, primarily benefiting from incremental net sales from our acquisition of Dr. Jart+ at the end of the fiscal 2020 second quarter and higher net sales from Jo Malone London. The increase in net sales in Australia reflected a recovery compared to the prior-year challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. Direct-to-consumer online net sales in Asia/Pacific grew double digits in fiscal 2021.
Partially offsetting these increases in fiscal 2021, were lower net sales in Japan and Hong Kong, of approximately $71 million, combined, primarily due to the ongoing challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, including reduced consumer traffic in brick-and-mortar retail locations and the continued curtailment of international travel.
The net sales increase in Asia/Pacific included approximately $295 million of favorable foreign currency translation.
GROSS MARGIN
Gross margin in fiscal 2021 increased to 76.4% as compared with 75.2% in fiscal 2020.
Fiscal 2021 vs. Fiscal 2020
Favorable (Unfavorable) Basis Points
Mix of business 100
Obsolescence charges 40
Foreign exchange transactions (40)
Manufacturing costs and other 20
Subtotal 120
Charges associated with restructuring and other activities -
Total 120
The favorable impact from our mix of business for fiscal 2021 was primarily due to the favorable change in strategic pricing, lower costs from product sets and lower costs of promotional items as a result of reduced consumer traffic in brick-and-mortar retail locations.
OPERATING EXPENSES
Operating expenses as a percentage of net sales in fiscal 2021 decreased to 60.2% as compared with 70.9% in fiscal 2020.
Fiscal 2021 vs. Fiscal 2020
Favorable (Unfavorable) Basis Points
General and administrative expenses (120)
Advertising, merchandising, sampling and product development 100
Selling 310
Shipping -
Store operating costs 60
Stock-based compensation (60)
Foreign exchange transactions 10
Subtotal 300
Charges associated with restructuring and other activities (80)
Goodwill, other intangible and long-lived asset impairments 890
Changes in fair value of contingent consideration (10)
Acquisition-related stock option expense (30)
Total 1,070
The fiscal 2021 decrease in operating expense margin was driven by the favorable year-over-year comparison of goodwill, other intangible and long-lived asset impairments of $1,238 million and a decrease in selling expense, due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on brick-and-mortar retail locations, including the decline in consumer traffic, store closures, and the continued shift in consumer preference to online. The advertising, merchandising, sampling and product development favorability was driven by the increase in net sales, partially offset by the increase in advertising and promotional expense, primarily due to continued strategic investments and a difficult comparison to the prior-year period that reflected cost saving actions implemented in response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Partially offsetting these favorable impacts were increases in general and administrative expenses, primarily due to an increase in employee incentive compensation as compared to the prior-year period, which reflected lower accrued employee incentive compensation attributable to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on performance.
OPERATING RESULTS
Year Ended June 30
($ in millions) 2021 2020
As Reported:
Operating income $ 2,618 $ 606
$ Change from prior year 2,012 (1,707)
% Change from prior year 100+% (74) %
Operating Margin 16.1 % 4.2 %
Non-GAAP Financial Measure(1):
% Change in operating income from prior year adjusting for the impact of charges associated with restructuring and other activities, goodwill, other intangible and long-lived asset impairments, changes in fair value of contingent consideration and acquisition-related stock option expense 46 % (20) %
(1)See “Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” beginning on page 47 for reconciliations between non-GAAP financial measures and the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures.
The reported operating margin for fiscal 2021 increased from the prior year driven primarily by the year-over-year comparison of goodwill, other intangible and long-lived asset impairments of $1,238 million, or 890 bps, the decrease in operating expenses as a percentage of net sales and the increase in gross margin, as previously noted.
The fiscal 2021 and 2020 goodwill, intangible and long-lived asset impairments and the changes in fair value of contingent consideration impacted the operating results of our product categories and geographic regions as follows:
Year ended
June 30, 2021
Year ended
June 30, 2020
(In millions) Changes in fair
value of contingent
consideration Goodwill,
other intangible and long-lived
asset impairments Net Impact Changes in fair
value of contingent
consideration Goodwill,
other intangible and long-lived
asset impairments Net Impact Year-over-year net
impact
favorable
(unfavorable)
Product Category:
Skin Care $ - $ (107) $ (107) $ 7 $ (88) $ (81) $ (26)
Makeup - (63) (63) - (1,291) (1,291) 1,228
Fragrance 2 (14) (12) 10 (32) (22) 10
Hair Care - (4) (4) - (14) (14) 10
Other - - - - (1) (1) 1
Total $ 2 $ (188) $ (186) $ 17 $ (1,426) $ (1,409) $ 1,223
Region:
The Americas $ - $ (140) $ (140) $ 7 $ (1,314) $ (1,307) $ 1,167
Europe, the Middle East & Africa 2 (48) (46) 10 (104) (94) 48
Asia/Pacific - - - - (8) (8) 8
Total $ 2 $ (188) $ (186) $ 17 $ (1,426) $ (1,409) $ 1,223
Charges associated with restructuring and other activities are not allocated to our product categories or geographic regions because they are centrally directed and controlled, are not included in internal measures of product category or geographic region performance and result from activities that are deemed Company-wide initiatives to redesign, resize and reorganize select areas of the business. Accordingly, the following discussions of Operating income by Product Categories and Geographic Regions exclude the fiscal 2021 and 2020 impact of charges associated with restructuring and other activities of $228 million, or 1% of net sales and $83 million, or 1% of net sales, respectively.
Product Categories
Skin Care
Year Ended June 30
($ in millions) 2021 2020
As Reported:
Operating income $ 3,036 $ 2,125
$ Change from prior year 911 200
% Change from prior year 43 % 10 %
Non-GAAP Financial Measure(1):
% Change in operating income from prior year adjusting for the impact of goodwill, other intangible and long-lived asset impairments, changes in fair value of contingent consideration and acquisition-related stock option expense 44 % 16 %
(1)See “Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” beginning on page 47 for reconciliations between non-GAAP financial measures and the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures.
Reported skin care operating income increased in fiscal 2021, primarily driven by higher results from Estée Lauder, La Mer and Clinique, combined, of approximately $1,183 million. The increases in operating income from these brands primarily reflected higher net sales, as well as lower selling expenses due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on brick-and-mortar retail locations, discussed above. These increases were partially offset by increased advertising and promotional activities primarily to support holiday and promotional events and new product launches.
Partially offsetting these increases in operating income were higher general and administrative expenses, primarily due to increased employee incentive compensation from the prior-year period, which reflected lower accrued employee incentive compensation attributable to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on performance, as well as acquisition-related expenses, primarily related to DECIEM's stock options of $40 million. See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 18 - Stock Plans for additional information relating to DECIEM stock options.
Makeup
Year Ended June 30
($ in millions) 2021 2020
As Reported:
Operating income $ (384) $ (1,438)
$ Change from prior year 1,054 (1,876)
% Change from prior year 73 % (100+)%
Non-GAAP Financial Measure(1):
% Change in operating income from prior year adjusting for the impact of goodwill, other intangible and long-lived asset impairments (100+)% (100+)%
(1)See “Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” beginning on page 47 for reconciliations between non-GAAP financial measures and the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures.
Reported makeup operating results increased in fiscal 2021, driven by the favorable year-over-year comparison of goodwill and other intangible asset impairments related to Too Faced, BECCA and Smashbox, combined, of $1,120 million and freestanding store long-lived asset impairments relating to COVID-19 of approximately $108 million.
Partially offsetting the decreases in operating loss were lower results from M·A·C primarily due to the decrease in net sales, offset by lower selling expense and store operating costs, due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on brick-and-mortar retail locations, discussed above.
Fragrance
Year Ended June 30
($ in millions) 2021 2020
As Reported:
Operating income $ 215 $ 17
$ Change from prior year 198 (123)
% Change from prior year 100+% (88) %
Non-GAAP Financial Measure(1):
% Change in operating income from prior year adjusting for the impact of goodwill, other intangible and long-lived asset impairments and changes in fair value of contingent consideration 100+% (70) %
(1)See “Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” beginning on page 47 for reconciliations between non-GAAP financial measures and the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures.
Reported fragrance operating results increased in fiscal 2021, primarily driven by higher results from Tom Ford Beauty and Jo Malone London, combined, of approximately $183 million. The increase in operating results from these brands reflected higher net sales, partially offset by increased advertising and promotional activities primarily to support holiday and promotional events and new product launches.
Partially offsetting these increases in operating income were higher general and administrative expenses, primarily due to increased employee incentive compensation from the prior-year period, which reflected lower accrued employee incentive compensation attributable to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on performance.
Hair Care
Year Ended June 30
($ in millions) 2021 2020
As Reported:
Operating income $ (19) $ (19)
$ Change from prior year - (58)
% Change from prior year - % (100+)%
Non-GAAP Financial Measure(1):
% Change in operating income from prior year adjusting for the impact of long-lived asset impairments (100+)% (100+)%
(1)See “Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” beginning on page 47 for reconciliations between non-GAAP financial measures and the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures.
Reported hair care operating results in fiscal 2021 were flat as compared to the prior-year period. Fiscal 2021 operating results reflected higher general and administrative expenses primarily due to increased employee incentive compensation from the prior-year period, which reflected lower accrued employee incentive compensation attributable to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on performance. This decrease in operating results in fiscal 2021 is partially offset by higher operating results from Aveda, primarily driven by higher net sales, and the favorable year-over-year impact of freestanding store long-lived asset impairments relating to COVID-19 of approximately $10 million.
Geographic Regions
The Americas
Year Ended June 30
($ in millions) 2021 2020
As Reported:
Operating income $ 518 $ (1,044)
$ Change from prior year 1,562 (1,716)
% Change from prior year 100+% (100+)%
Non-GAAP Financial Measure(1):
% Change in operating income from prior year adjusting for the impact of goodwill, other intangible and long-lived asset impairments, changes in fair value of contingent consideration and acquisition-related stock option expense 100+% (64) %
(1)See “Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” beginning on page 47 for reconciliations between non-GAAP financial measures and the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures.
Reported operating results in The Americas increased in fiscal 2021, primarily due to the favorable year-over-year comparison of goodwill, other intangible and freestanding store long-lived asset impairments and the change in fair value of contingent consideration of $1,167 million. The increase in operating results also reflected higher intercompany royalty income primarily from the growth in our travel retail business, as well as lower selling expenses due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on brick-and-mortar retail locations, discussed above.
Partially offsetting these increases in operating results were higher general and administrative expenses, primarily due to increased employee incentive compensation from the prior-year period, which reflected lower accrued employee incentive compensation attributable to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on performance, and increased advertising and promotional activities primarily to support holiday and promotional events.
Europe, the Middle East & Africa
Year Ended June 30
($ in millions) 2021 2020
As Reported:
Operating income $ 1,335 $ 997
$ Change from prior year 338 (156)
% Change from prior year 34 % (14) %
Non-GAAP Financial Measure(1):
% Change in operating income from prior year adjusting for the impact of long-lived asset impairments and changes in fair value of contingent consideration 27 % (5) %
(1)See “Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” beginning on page 47 for reconciliations between non-GAAP financial measures and the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures.
Reported operating results in Europe, the Middle East & Africa increased in fiscal 2021, primarily driven by higher results from our travel retail business and France, combined, of approximately $247 million, reflecting disciplined expense management, and higher nets sales from our travel retail business. The increase in fiscal 2021 operating results also benefited from the favorable year-over-year comparison of freestanding store long-lived asset impairments relating to COVID-19 of $56 million.
Asia/Pacific
Year Ended June 30
($ in millions) 2021 2020
As Reported:
Operating income $ 993 $ 736
$ Change from prior year 257 7
% Change from prior year 35 % 1 %
Non-GAAP Financial Measure(1):
% Change in operating income from prior year adjusting for the impact of long-lived asset impairments 33 % 2 %
(1)See “Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” beginning on page 47 for reconciliations between non-GAAP financial measures and the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures.
Reported operating income in Asia/Pacific increased in fiscal 2021, primarily driven by higher results from mainland China and Korea, combined, of approximately $227 million, reflecting the increase in net sales. The increase in net sales in mainland China was partially offset by the increase in advertising and promotional expense, primarily due to investments to support holiday events and campaigns and new product launches and a difficult comparison to the prior-year period that reflected cost saving actions implemented in response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Partially offsetting the increase in operating income was lower results from Japan, reflecting the decrease in net sales.
INTEREST AND INVESTMENT INCOME
Year Ended June 30
(In millions) 2021 2020
Interest expense $ 173 $ 161
Interest income and investment income, net $ 51 $ 48
Interest expense increased in fiscal 2021 primarily due to the issuance of additional long-term debt in November 2019, April 2020 and March 2021, partially offset by the favorable impact from interest rate swaps.
Interest income and investment income, net increased reflecting higher equity method investment income from our minority investments, partially offset by decreases in investment income due to lower interest rates.
OTHER INCOME, NET
On May 18, 2021, we acquired additional shares in DECIEM, a Toronto-based skin care company, for $1,092 million in cash, including proceeds from the issuance of debt. DECIEM is a multi-brand beauty company with a brand portfolio that includes The Ordinary and NIOD. This acquisition is expected to further strengthen our leadership position in prestige skin care, expand our global consumer reach and complement our business in the online and specialty-multi channels. We originally acquired a minority interest in DECIEM in June 2017. The minority interest was accounted for as an equity method investment, which had a carrying value of $65 million at the acquisition date. The acquisition of additional shares increased our fully diluted equity interest from approximately 29% to approximately 76% and was considered a step acquisition. On a fully diluted basis, the DECIEM stock options approximated 4% of the total capital structure. Accordingly, for purposes of determining the consideration transferred, we excluded the DECIEM stock options, which resulted in an increase in our post-acquisition undiluted equity interest from approximately 30% to approximately 78% and the post-acquisition undiluted equity interest of the remaining noncontrolling interest holders of approximately 22%. We remeasured the previously held equity method investment to its fair value of $912 million, resulting in the recognition of a gain of $847 million. The gain on our previously held equity method investment is included in Other income, net in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings for the year ended June 30, 2021. As part of the increase in our investment, we were granted the right to purchase (Call Option), and granted the remaining investors a right to sell to us (Put Option), the remaining interests after a three-year period, with a purchase price based on the future performance of DECIEM (the net Put (Call) Option). As a result of this redemption feature, we recorded redeemable noncontrolling interest, at its acquisition-date fair value, that is classified as mezzanine equity in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at June 30, 2021.
See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 5 - Acquisition of Businesses for additional information.
On December 18, 2019, we acquired the remaining equity interest in Have&Be Co. Ltd. (“Have & Be”), the global skin care company behind Dr. Jart+ and men’s grooming brand Do The Right Thing, for $1,268 million in cash. Based on the final purchase price and working capital adjustments, we estimated a refund receivable of $32 million that was outstanding as of June 30, 2020 and was received in the first quarter of fiscal 2021. We originally acquired a minority interest in Have & Be in December 2015, which included a formula-based call option for the remaining equity interest. The original minority interest was accounted for as an equity method investment, which had a carrying value of $133 million at the acquisition date. The acquisition of the remaining equity interest in Have & Be was considered a step acquisition, whereby we remeasured the previously held equity method investment to its fair value of $660 million, resulting in the recognition of a gain of $530 million. The acquisition of the remaining equity interest also resulted in the recognition of a previously unrealized foreign currency gain of $4 million, which was reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income. The total gain on our previously held equity method investment of $534 million is included in Other income, net in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings for the year ended June 30, 2020.
The amount paid at closing was funded by cash on hand including the proceeds from the issuance of debt. In anticipation of the closing, we transferred cash to a foreign subsidiary for purposes of making the closing payment. As a result, we recognized a foreign currency gain of $23 million, which is also included in Other income, net in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings for the year ended June 30, 2020.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “TCJA”), which was enacted on December 22, 2017, presented us with opportunities to manage cash and investments more efficiently on a global basis. Accordingly, during fiscal 2019, as part of the assessment of those opportunities, we sold our available-for-sale securities, which liquidated our investment in the foreign subsidiary that owned those securities. As a result, we recorded a realized foreign currency gain on liquidation of $77 million and a gross loss on the sale of available-for-sale securities of $6 million, both of which were reclassified from accumulated OCI and are reflected in Other income, net for the year ended June 30, 2019. See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Currency Translation and Transactions for further information.
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
The provision for income taxes represents U.S. federal, foreign, state and local income taxes. The effective rate differs from the federal statutory rate primarily due to the effect of state and local income taxes, the tax impact of share-based compensation, the taxation of foreign income and income tax reserve adjustments, which represent changes in our net liability for unrecognized tax benefits including tax settlements and lapses of the applicable statutes of limitations. Our effective tax rate will change from year-to-year based on recurring and non-recurring factors including the geographical mix of earnings, enacted tax legislation, state and local income taxes, tax reserve adjustments, the tax impact of share-based compensation, the interaction of various global tax strategies and the impact from certain acquisitions.
The TCJA included broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code that impacted our accounting and reporting for income taxes. See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 9 - Income Taxes for further discussion relating to the TCJA.
Year Ended June 30
($ in millions) 2021 2020
Earnings before income taxes: $ 3,331 $ 1,046
As Reported:
Effective rate for income taxes 13.7 % 33.5 %
Basis-point change from prior year(1)
(1,980) 1,130
Non-GAAP Financial Measure(2):
Effective rate for income taxes 18.7 % 23.2 %
(1)For fiscal 2021 and 2020, the basis-point change in our effective tax rate was materially impacted by the increase from fiscal 2020 to fiscal 2021 and the decrease from fiscal 2019 to fiscal 2020, respectively, in earnings before income taxes.
(2)Fiscal 2021 and 2020 effective tax rates exclude the net impact on the effective tax rates of charges associated with restructuring and other activities, goodwill and other intangible asset impairments, other income, net and changes in the fair value of contingent consideration. There was no tax expense associated with the fiscal 2021 other income, net adjustment (previously held equity method investment in DECIEM). Fiscal 2021 was also adjusted to exclude the DECIEM stock option expense.
The effective tax rate for fiscal 2021 decreased approximately 1,980 basis points. The decrease was primarily attributable to a lower effective tax rate on our foreign operations of approximately 920 basis points, which included the impact of the U.S. government issuance of final global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”) tax regulations in July 2020 under the TCJA that provide for a high-tax exception to the current and applicable prior years’ GILTI tax, the impact of the gain on our previously held equity method investment in DECIEM with no associated tax expense of approximately 530 basis points, as well as the prior-year impact of nondeductible goodwill impairment charges associated with our Too Faced, BECCA and Smashbox reporting units of approximately 790 basis points. Partially offsetting these decreases was a decrease in excess tax benefit credits related to stock-based compensation arrangements of approximately 450 basis points.
NET EARNINGS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.
Year Ended June 30
($ in millions, except per share data) 2021 2020
As Reported:
Net earnings attributable to The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. $ 2,870 $ 684
$ Change from prior year 2,186 (1,101)
% Change from prior year 100+% (62) %
Diluted net earnings per common share $ 7.79 $ 1.86
% Change from prior year 100+% (61) %
Non-GAAP Financial Measure(1):
% Change in diluted net earnings per common share from prior year adjusting for the impact of charges associated with restructuring and other activities, goodwill, other intangible and long-lived asset impairments, other income, net, changes in fair value of contingent consideration, and acquisition-related stock option expense 57 % (23) %
(1)See “Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for reconciliations between non-GAAP financial measures and the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures.
RECONCILIATIONS OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
We use certain non-GAAP financial measures, among other financial measures, to evaluate our operating performance, which represent the manner in which we conduct and view our business. Management believes that excluding certain items that are not comparable from period to period, or do not reflect the Company’s underlying ongoing business, provides transparency for such items and helps investors and others compare and analyze our operating performance from period to period. In the future, we expect to incur charges or adjustments similar in nature to those presented below; however, the impact to the Company’s results in a given period may be highly variable and difficult to predict. Our non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by, or determined in a manner consistent with, other companies. While we consider the non-GAAP measures useful in analyzing our results, they are not intended to replace, or act as a substitute for, any presentation included in the consolidated financial statements prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP. The following tables present Net sales, Operating income and Diluted net earnings per common share adjusted to exclude the impact of charges associated with restructuring and other activities; goodwill and other intangible asset impairments; long-lived asset impairments relating to COVID-19; other income, net; the changes in the fair value of contingent consideration; acquisition-related stock option expense; and the effects of foreign currency translation. The tables provide reconciliations between these non-GAAP financial measures and the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures.
Year Ended June 30 % Change % Change in Constant Currency
($ in millions, except per share data) 2021 2020 Variance
Net sales, as reported $ 16,215 $ 14,294 $ 1,921 13 % 11 %
Returns associated with restructuring and other activities 14 - 14
Net sales, as adjusted $ 16,229 $ 14,294 $ 1,935 14 % 11 %
Operating income, as reported $ 2,618 $ 606 $ 2,012 100+% 100+%
Charges associated with restructuring and other activities 228 83 145
Goodwill, other intangible and long-lived asset impairments 188 1,426 (1,238)
Changes in fair value of contingent consideration (2) (17) 15
Acquisition-related stock option expense 40 - 40
Operating income, as adjusted $ 3,072 $ 2,098 $ 974 46 % 44 %
Diluted net earnings per common share, as reported $ 7.79 $ 1.86 $ 5.93 100+% 100+%
Charges associated with restructuring and other activities .48 .19 .29
Other income, net (2.30) (1.20) (1.10)
Goodwill, other intangible and long-lived asset impairments .40 3.31 (2.91)
Changes in fair value of contingent consideration (.01) (.04) .03
Acquisition-related stock option expense .09 - .09
Diluted net earnings per common share, as adjusted $ 6.45 $ 4.12 $ 2.33 57 % 54 %
As diluted net earnings per common share, as adjusted, is used as a measure of the Company’s performance, we consider the impact of current and deferred income taxes when calculating the per-share impact of each of the reconciling items.
The following table reconciles the change in net sales by product category and geographic region, as reported, to the change in net sales excluding the effects of foreign currency translation:
As Reported
Year Ended June 30
($ in millions)
Variance Impact of
foreign currency translation Variance,
in constant currency % Change, as reported % Change, in constant currency
By Product Category:
Skin Care $ 9,484 $ 7,382 $ 2,102 $ (225) $ 1,877 28 % 25 %
Makeup 4,203 4,794 (591) (82) (673) (12) (14)
Fragrance 1,926 1,563 363 (41) 322 23 21
Hair Care 571 515 56 (8) 48 11 9
Other 45 40 5 (1) 4 13 10
16,229 14,294 1,935 (357) 1,578 14 11
Returns associated with restructuring and other activities (14) - (14) - (14)
Total $ 16,215 $ 14,294 $ 1,921 $ (357) $ 1,564 13 % 11 %
By Region:
The Americas $ 3,797 $ 3,794 $ 3 $ 39 $ 42 - % 1 %
Europe, the Middle East & Africa 6,946 6,262 684 (101) 583 11 9
Asia/Pacific 5,486 4,238 1,248 (295) 953 29 22
16,229 14,294 1,935 (357) 1,578 14 11
Returns associated with restructuring and other activities (14) - (14) - (14)
Total $ 16,215 $ 14,294 $ 1,921 $ (357) $ 1,564 13 % 11 %
The following table reconciles the change in operating income by product category and geographic region, as reported, to the change in operating income excluding the impact of goodwill, other intangible and long-lived asset impairments, changes in fair value of contingent consideration and acquisition-related stock option expense:
As Reported Add:
Changes in Goodwill, other intangible and long-lived asset impairments Add:
Changes in fair value of contingent consideration Add: Acquisition-related stock option expense Variance, as adjusted % Change, as reported % Change, as adjusted
Year Ended June 30
($ in millions) 2021
Variance
By Product Category:
Skin Care $ 3,036 $ 2,125 $ 911 $ 19 $ 7 $ 40 $ 977 43 % 44 %
Makeup (384) (1,438) 1,054 (1,228) - - (174) 73 (100+)
Fragrance 215 17 198 (18) 8 - 188 100+ 100+
Hair Care (19) (19) - (10) - - (10) - (100+)
Other (2) 4 (6) (1) - - (7) (100+) (100+)
2,846 689 $ 2,157 $ (1,238) $ 15 $ 40 $ 974 100+% 46 %
Charges associated with restructuring and other activities (228) (83)
Total $ 2,618 $ 606
By Region:
The Americas $ 518 $ (1,044) $ 1,562 $ (1,174) $ 7 $ 40 $ 435 100+% 100+%
Europe, the Middle East & Africa 1,335 997 338 (56) 8 - 290 34 27
Asia/Pacific 993 736 257 (8) - - 249 35 33
2,846 689 $ 2,157 $ (1,238) $ 15 $ 40 $ 974 100+% 46 %
Charges associated with restructuring and other activities (228) (83)
Total $ 2,618 $ 606
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, 2021, we had cash and cash equivalents of $4,958 million compared with $5,022 million at June 30, 2020. Our cash and cash equivalents are maintained at a number of financial institutions. To mitigate the risk of uninsured balances, we select financial institutions based on their credit ratings and financial strength, and we perform ongoing evaluations of these institutions to limit our concentration risk exposure.
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 seasonal working capital needs, currently planned business operations, information technology enhancements, capital expenditures, acquisitions, dividends, stock repurchases, restructuring initiatives, commitments and other contractual obligations on both a near-term and long-term basis.
The TCJA resulted in the Transition Tax on unrepatriated earnings of our foreign subsidiaries and changed the tax law in ways that present opportunities to repatriate cash without additional U.S. federal income tax. As a result, we changed our indefinite reinvestment assertion related to certain foreign earnings, and we continue to analyze the indefinite reinvestment assertion on our remaining applicable foreign earnings. We do not believe that continuing to reinvest our foreign earnings impairs our ability to meet our domestic debt or working capital obligations. If these reinvested earnings were repatriated into the United States as dividends, we would be subject to state income taxes and applicable foreign taxes in certain jurisdictions.
The effects of inflation have not been significant to our overall operating results in recent years, however we are mindful of emerging inflationary pressures. Generally, we have been able to introduce new products at higher prices, increase prices and implement other operating efficiencies to sufficiently offset cost increases, which have been moderate.
Credit Ratings
Changes in our credit ratings will likely result in changes in our borrowing costs. Our credit ratings also impact the cost of our revolving credit facility. 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 20, 2021, our long-term debt is rated A+ with a stable outlook by Standard & Poor’s and A1 with a stable outlook by Moody’s.
Debt and Access to Liquidity
Total debt as a percent of total capitalization (excluding noncontrolling interests) decreased to 48% at June 30, 2021 from 61% at June 30, 2020, primarily due to the increase in total equity reflecting an increase in net earnings, partially offset by a higher treasury stock balance. Also contributing to the decrease was a decrease in total debt, primarily due to the fiscal 2021 repayments of the $750 million outstanding under our $1,500 million revolving credit facility and the $450 million aggregate principal amount of our 1.70% Senior Notes due May 10, 2021, partially offset by the March 2021 issuance of $600 million aggregate principal amount of our 1.950% Senior Notes due March 15, 2031.
For further information regarding our current and long-term debt and available financing, see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 11 - Debt.
Cash Flows
Year Ended June 30
(In millions) 2021 2020
Net cash provided by operating activities $ 3,631 $ 2,280
Net cash used for investing activities $ (1,864) $ (1,698)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities $ (1,892) $ 1,461
The change in net cash flows from operations reflected higher earnings before taxes, excluding non-cash items, as well as the improvement in working capital. The improvement in working capital was primarily due to other accrued liabilities, including an increase in accrued employee incentive compensation and the settlement of foreign currency forward contracts, and accounts payable, partially offset by the unfavorable change in accounts receivable due primarily to the increase in net sales.
The change in net cash flows used for investing activities primarily reflected the settlement of net investment hedges, which is offset by the improvement in other accrued liabilities discussed above. Net cash used for investing activities in fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020 included cash paid, net of cash acquired, in connection with the acquisition of additional shares in DECIEM and the acquisition of Have & Be, respectively.
The change in net cash flows from financing activities primarily reflected lower proceeds relating to the issuance of long-term debt (the November 2019 and April 2020 issuances in fiscal 2020, compared to the March 2021 issuance in fiscal 2021), the fiscal 2021 repayment of borrowings under our revolving credit facility, partially offset by lower treasury stock repurchases.
See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Financial Condition of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020 for the fiscal 2020 to fiscal 2019 comparative discussions.
Dividends
For a summary of quarterly cash dividends declared per share on our Class A and Class B Common Stock during the year ended June 30, 2021 and through August 20, 2021, see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 17 - Common Stock.
Pension and Post-retirement Plan Funding
Several factors influence the annual funding requirements for our pension plans. For our domestic trust-based noncontributory qualified defined benefit pension plan (“U.S. Qualified Plan”), we seek to maintain appropriate funded percentages. For any future contributions to the U.S. Qualified Plan, we would seek to contribute an amount or amounts that would not be less than the minimum required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, (“ERISA”) and subsequent pension legislation, and would not be 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. 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.
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 assists us in maintaining our overall funded ratio. For fiscal 2021 and 2020, we met or exceeded all contribution requirements under ERISA regulations for the U.S. Qualified Plan. As we continue to monitor the funded status, we may decide to make cash contributions to the U.S. Qualified Plan or our post-retirement medical plan in the United States during fiscal 2022.
The following table summarizes actual and expected benefit payments and contributions for our other pension and post-retirement plans:
Year Ended June 30
(In millions) Expected 2022
2021 2020
Non-qualified domestic noncontributory pension plan benefit payments $ 23 $ 19 $ 18
International defined benefit pension plan contributions $ 38 $ 40 $ 25
Post-retirement plan benefit payments $ 9 $ 7 $ 8
Commitments and Contingencies
For a discussion of our contingencies, see to Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 16 - Commitments and Contingencies (Contractual Obligations).
Contractual Obligations
For a discussion of our contractual obligations, see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 16 - Commitments and Contingencies (Contractual Obligations).
Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities
For a discussion of our derivative financial instruments and hedging activities, see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 12 - Derivative Financial Instruments.
Foreign Exchange Risk Management
For a discussion of foreign exchange risk management, see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 12 - Derivative Financial Instruments (Cash Flow Hedges, Net Investment Hedges).
Credit Risk
For a discussion of credit risk, see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 12 - Derivative Financial Instruments (Credit Risk).
Market Risk
We address certain financial exposures through a controlled program of market risk management that includes the use of foreign currency forward contracts to reduce the effects of fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates and to mitigate the change in fair value of specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet. To perform a sensitivity analysis of our foreign currency forward contracts, we assess the change in fair values from the impact of hypothetical changes in foreign currency exchange rates. A hypothetical 10% weakening of the U.S. dollar against the foreign exchange rates for the currencies in our portfolio would have resulted in a net decrease in the fair value of our portfolio of approximately $218 million and $222 million as of June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. This potential change does not consider our underlying foreign currency exposures.
In addition, we enter into interest rate derivatives to manage the effects of interest rate movements on our aggregate liability portfolio, including future debt issuances. Based on a hypothetical 100 basis point increase in interest rates, the estimated fair value of our interest rate derivatives would increase (decrease) by approximately $(83) million and $9 million as of June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Our sensitivity analysis represents an estimate of reasonably possible net losses that would be recognized on our portfolio of derivative financial instruments assuming hypothetical movements in future market rates and is not necessarily indicative of actual results, which may or may not occur. It does not represent the maximum possible loss or any expected loss that may occur, since actual future gains and losses will differ from those estimated, based upon actual fluctuations in market rates, operating exposures, and the timing thereof, and changes in our portfolio of derivative financial instruments during the year. We believe, however, that any such loss incurred would be offset by the effects of market rate movements on the respective underlying transactions for which the derivative financial instrument was intended.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
We do not maintain any off-balance sheet arrangements, transactions, obligations or other relationships with unconsolidated entities that would be expected to have a material current or future effect upon our financial condition or results of operations.
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 accounting standards that were recently issued but not yet effective, on our consolidated financial statements.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The discussion and analysis of our financial condition at June 30, 2021 and our results of operations for the three fiscal years ended June 30, 2021 are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”). 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. We consider accounting estimates to be critical if both (i) the nature of the estimate or assumption is material due to the levels of subjectivity and judgment involved, and (ii) the impact within a reasonable range of outcomes of the estimate and assumption is material to the Company’s financial condition. Our critical accounting policies relate to goodwill, other intangible assets and long-lived assets - impairment assessment, income taxes and business combinations.
Management of the Company has discussed the selection of critical accounting policies and the effect of estimates with the Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors.
Goodwill, Other Intangible Assets and Long-Lived Assets - Impairment Assessment
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.
When testing goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment, we have the option of first performing a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative impairment test. If necessary, we can perform a single step quantitative goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and record an impairment charge for the amount that the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, up to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. For fiscal 2021 and 2020, we elected to perform the qualitative assessment for certain of our reporting units and indefinite-lived intangible assets. This qualitative assessment included the review of certain macroeconomic factors and entity-specific qualitative factors to determine if it was more-likely-than-not that the fair values of our reporting units were below carrying value. For our other reporting units and other indefinite-lived intangible assets, a quantitative assessment was performed. We engaged third-party valuation specialists and used industry accepted valuation models and criteria that were reviewed and approved by various levels of management.
For further discussion of the methods used and factors considered in our estimates as part of the impairment testing for Goodwill, Other Intangible Assets and Long-Lived Assets, see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Note 6 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets and Note 7 - Leases.
Income Taxes
We calculate and provide for income taxes in each tax jurisdiction in which we operate. As the application of various tax laws relevant to our global business is often uncertain, significant judgment is required in determining our annual tax expense and in evaluating our tax positions. The provision for income taxes includes the amounts payable or refundable for the current year, the effect of deferred taxes and impacts from uncertain tax positions.
We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis, net operating losses, tax credit and other carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates when the assets and liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. We regularly review deferred tax assets for realizability and establish valuation allowances based on available evidence including historical operating losses, projected future taxable income, expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences, and appropriate tax planning strategies. If our assessment of the realizability of a deferred tax asset changes, an increase to a valuation allowance will result in a reduction of net earnings at that time, while the reduction of a valuation allowance will result in an increase of net earnings at that time.
We provide tax reserves for applicable U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax 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 more-likely-than-not that a tax benefit will not be sustained, no tax benefit has been recognized in the consolidated 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 our opinion adequate provisions for income taxes have been made for estimable potential liabilities emanating from these exposures. If actual outcomes differ materially from these estimates, they could have a material impact on our consolidated net earnings.
For further discussion of Income Taxes, see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 9 - Income Taxes.
Business Combinations
We use the acquisition method of accounting for acquired businesses. Under the acquisition method, our consolidated financial statements reflect the operations of an acquired business starting from the closing date of the acquisition. We allocate the purchase price to the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values on the acquisition date. Any residual purchase price is recorded as goodwill. The determination of fair value, as well as the expected useful lives of certain assets acquired, requires management to make judgements and may involve the use of significant estimates, including assumptions with respect to estimated future cash flows, discount rates and valuation multiples from comparable publicly traded companies, among other things. Management estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable.
During fiscal 2021, we increased our investment in Deciem Beauty Group Inc. (“DECIEM”) on a fully diluted basis from approximately 29% to approximately 76%. On a fully diluted basis, the DECIEM employee stock options, approximated 4% of the total capital structure and represent a liability on our consolidated balance sheet as of the acquisition date. Accordingly, for purposes of determining the consideration transferred, we excluded the DECIEM stock options, which resulted in an increase in our post-acquisition undiluted equity interest from approximately 30% to approximately 78% and the post-acquisition undiluted equity interest of the remaining noncontrolling interest holders of approximately 22%. We originally acquired a minority interest in DECIEM in June 2017. The original minority interest was accounted for as a cost method investment and, in June 2020, we began to apply the equity method of accounting but we did not have to remeasure our investment in DECIEM since the passage of time does not constitute an observable price change. The acquisition of the increased equity interest in DECIEM was considered a step acquisition, whereby we remeasured the previously held equity method investment to its fair value, resulting in the recognition of a non-cash gain. The acquisition-date fair value of the previously held equity method investment was calculated by multiplying the gross-up of the total consideration for the acquired ownership interest of $2,988 million by the related effective previously held equity interest of approximately 30.5%. The acquisition-date fair value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest includes the acquisition-date fair value of the net Put (Call) Option of $234 million. The remaining acquisition-date fair value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest of $647 million was calculated by multiplying the gross-up of the total consideration for the acquired ownership interest of $2,988 million by the related noncontrolling interest of approximately 21.6%. As part of the acquisition of additional shares, DECIEM stock options were issued in replacement of and exchange for certain vested and unvested stock options previously issued by DECIEM. The total fair value of the DECIEM stock options of $294 million was recorded as part of the total consideration transferred, comprising of $191 million of Cash paid for vested options settled as of the acquisition date and $103 million reported as a stock options liability on the consolidated balance sheet as it is not an assumed liability of DECIEM and is expected to be settled in cash upon completion of the exercise of the Put (Call). The acquisition-date fair value of the DECIEM stock options liability was calculated by multiplying the acquisition-date fair value by the number of DECIEM stock options replaced the day after the acquisition date. The stock options replaced consist of vested and partially vested stock options.
We recorded a preliminary allocation of the total consideration transferred to the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their fair value at the acquisition date. The total consideration transferred includes the cash paid at closing, the fair value of its previously held equity method investment, the fair value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest, including the fair value of the net Put (Call) Option, and the fair value of the DECIEM stock options liability. The excess of the total consideration transferred over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired was recorded as goodwill.
For further discussion of Business Combinations, see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Note 5 - Acquisition of Businesses and Note 18 - Stock Programs.
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
We and our representatives from time to time make written or oral forward-looking statements, including in this and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in our press releases and in our reports to stockholders, which may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may address our expectations regarding sales, earnings or other future financial performance and liquidity, other performance measures, product introductions, entry into new geographic regions, information technology initiatives, new methods of sale, our long-term strategy, restructuring and other charges and resulting cost savings, and future operations or operating results. These statements may contain words like “expect,” “will,” “will likely result,” “would,” “believe,” “estimate,” “planned,” “plans,” “intends,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” “projected,” “forecast,” and “forecasted” or similar expressions. Although we believe that our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of our knowledge of our business and operations, actual results may differ materially from our expectations. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from expectations include, without limitation:
(1)increased competitive activity from companies in the skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care businesses;
(2)our ability to develop, produce and market new products on which future operating results may depend and to successfully address challenges in our business;
(3)consolidations, restructurings, bankruptcies and reorganizations in the retail industry 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 timing or scope, of advertising, sampling and merchandising programs;
(6)shifts in the preferences of consumers as to where and how they shop;
(7)social, political and economic risks to our foreign or domestic manufacturing, distribution and retail operations, including changes in foreign investment and trade policies and regulations of the host countries and of the United States;
(8)changes in the laws, regulations and policies (including the interpretations and enforcement thereof) that affect, or will affect, our business, including those relating to our products or distribution networks, changes in accounting standards, tax laws and regulations, environmental or climate change laws, regulations or accords, trade rules and customs regulations, and the outcome and expense of legal or regulatory proceedings, and any action we may take as a result;
(9)foreign currency fluctuations affecting our results of operations and the value of our foreign assets, the relative prices at which we and our foreign competitors sell products in the same markets and our operating and manufacturing costs outside of the United States;
(10)changes in global or local conditions, including those due to the volatility in the global credit and equity markets, natural or man-made disasters, real or perceived epidemics, or energy costs, that could affect consumer purchasing, the willingness or ability of consumers to travel and/or purchase our products while traveling, the financial strength of our customers, suppliers or other contract counterparties, our operations, the cost and availability of capital which we may need for new equipment, facilities or acquisitions, the returns that we are able to generate on our pension assets and the resulting impact on funding obligations, the cost and availability of raw materials and the assumptions underlying our critical accounting estimates;
(11)impacts attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic, including disruptions to our global business;
(12)shipment delays, commodity pricing, depletion of inventory and increased production costs resulting from disruptions of operations at any of the facilities that manufacture our products or at our distribution or inventory centers, including disruptions that may be caused by the implementation of information technology initiatives, or by restructurings;
(13)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;
(14)changes in product mix to products which are less profitable;
(15)our ability to acquire, develop or implement new information and distribution technologies and initiatives on a timely basis and within our cost estimates and our ability to maintain continuous operations of such systems and the security of data and other information that may be stored in such systems or other systems or media;
(16)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;
(17)consequences attributable to local or international conflicts around the world, as well as from any terrorist action, retaliation and the threat of further action or retaliation;
(18)the timing and impact of acquisitions, investments and divestitures; and
(19)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, 2021.
We assume no responsibility to update forward-looking statements made herein or otherwise.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
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.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
The information required by this item appears beginning on page of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
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 evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, including impacts of COVID-19, and, based on their evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2021.
As part of our review of internal control over financial reporting, we make changes to systems and processes to improve such controls and increase efficiencies, while ensuring that we maintain an effective internal control environment. 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 2021 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 and, respectively.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 9B. Other Information.
None.
PART III

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
The information required by this Item, not already provided herein under Item 1. Business - Information about our Executive Officers, will be included in our Proxy Statement for the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “2021 Proxy Statement”). The 2021 Proxy Statement will be filed within 120 days after the close of the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021 and such information is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
The information required by this Item will be included in the 2021 Proxy Statement. The 2021 Proxy Statement will be filed within 120 days after the close of the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021 and such information is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
The information required by this Item, not already provided under Equity Compensation Plan Information as set forth below, will be included in the 2021 Proxy Statement. The 2021 Proxy Statement will be filed within 120 days after the close of the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021 and such information is incorporated herein by reference.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table summarizes the equity compensation plans under which our securities may be issued as of June 30, 2021 and does not include grants made or cancelled and options exercised after such date. The securities that may be issued consist solely of shares of our Class A Common Stock and all plans were approved by stockholders of the Company.
Equity Compensation Plan Information as of June 30, 2021
Plan category Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights(2)
Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights(3)
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans
(excluding securities reflected in the first column)(4)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders(1)
11,759,005 $136.24 13,182,069
(1)Includes the Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (the “2002 Plan”) and the Amended and Restated Non-Employee Director Share Incentive Plan (the “Director Plan”).
(2)Consists of 7,615,191 shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options, 1,857,165 shares issuable upon conversion of outstanding Restricted Stock Units, 1,536,083 shares issuable upon conversion of outstanding Performance Share Units (“PSUs”) (assuming maximum payout for unvested PSUs and PSUs vested as of June 30, 2021 pending approval by the Stock Plan Subcommittee of our Board of Directors), 141,555 shares issuable upon conversion of Share Units and 609,011 shares issuable upon conversion of Long-term PSUs, including Price-vested units (“PVUs”).
(3)Calculated based upon outstanding options in respect of 7,615,191 shares of our Class A Common Stock.
(4)The 2002 Plan authorizes the grant of shares and benefits other than stock options. As of June 30, 2021, there were 12,717,742 shares of Class A Common Stock available for issuance under the 2002 Plan (subject to the approval by the Stock Plan Subcommittee of expected payouts for PSUs vested as of June 30, 2021). Shares underlying grants cancelled or forfeited under prior plans or agreements may be used for grants under the 2002 Plan. The Director Plan currently provides for an annual grant of options and stock units to non-employee directors. As of June 30, 2021, there were 464,327 shares available for issuance under the Director Plan.
If all of the outstanding options, warrants, rights, stock units and share units, as well as the securities available for future issuance, included in the first and third columns in the table above were converted to shares of Class A Common Stock as of June 30, 2021, the total shares of Common Stock outstanding (i.e. Class A plus Class B) would increase 7% to 386,700,472. All outstanding options to purchase shares of Class A Common Stock, have an exercise price less than $318.08, the closing price on June 30, 2021. Assuming the exercise of only in-the-money options, the total shares outstanding would increase by 2% to 369,374,589.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
The information required by this Item will be included in the 2021 Proxy Statement. The 2021 Proxy Statement will be filed within 120 days after the close of the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021 and such information is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.
The information required by this Item will be included in the 2021 Proxy Statement. The 2021 Proxy Statement will be filed within 120 days after the close of the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021 and such information is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.
(a)1 and 2. Financial Statements and Schedules - See index on Page.
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).*
3.1a Certificate of Amendment of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 13, 2012) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*
3.2 Certificate of Retirement of $6.50 Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 19, 2012) (SEC File No.1-14064).*
3.3 Amended and Restated Bylaws (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 23, 2012) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*
4.1 Description of Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
4.2 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).*
4.3 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).*
4.4 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).*
4.5 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).*
4.6 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).*
4.7 Officers’ Certificate, dated August 2, 2012, defining certain terms of the 2.350% Senior Notes due 2022 (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 2, 2012) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*
4.8 Global Note for the 2.350% Senior Notes due 2022 (filed as Exhibit 4.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 2, 2012) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*
4.9 Officers’ Certificate, dated August 2, 2012, defining certain terms of the 3.700% Senior Notes due 2042 (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 2, 2012) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*
4.10 Global Note for the 3.700% Senior Notes due 2042 (filed as Exhibit 4.4 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 2, 2012) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*
4.11 Officers’ Certificate, dated June 4, 2015, defining certain terms of the 4.375% Senior Notes due 2045 (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 4, 2015) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*
4.12 Global Note for the 4.375% Senior Notes due 2045 (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 4, 2015) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*
4.13 Officers’ Certificate, dated May 10, 2016, defining certain terms of the 1.700% Senior Notes due 2021 (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 10, 2016) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*
4.14 Global Note for the 1.700% Senior Notes due 2021 (filed as Exhibit A in Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 10, 2016) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*
4.15 Officers’ Certificate, dated May 10, 2016, defining certain terms of the 4.375% Senior Notes due 2045 (filed as Exhibit 4.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 10, 2016) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*
4.16 Global Note for the 4.375% Senior Notes due 2045 (filed as Exhibit B in Exhibit 4.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 10, 2016) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*
4.17 Officers’ Certificate, dated February 9, 2017, defining certain terms of the 3.150% Senior Notes due 2027 (filed as Exhibit 4.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 9, 2017) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*
4.18 Form of Global Note for the 3.150% Senior Notes due 2027 (included as Exhibit A in Exhibit 4.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 9, 2017) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*
Exhibit
Number Description
4.19 Officers’ Certificate, dated February 9, 2017, defining certain terms of the 4.150% Senior Notes due 2047 (filed as Exhibit 4.5 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 9, 2017) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*
4.20 Form of Global Note for the 4.150% Senior Notes due 2047 (included as Exhibit A in Exhibit 4.5 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 9, 2017) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*
4.21 Officers’ Certificate, dated November 21, 2019, defining certain terms of the 2.000% Senior Notes due 2024 (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 21, 2019) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*
4.22 Form of Global Note for the 2.000% Senior Notes due 2024 (included as Exhibit A in Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 21, 2019) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*
4.23 Officers’ Certificate, dated November 21, 2019, defining certain terms of the 2.375% Senior Notes due 2029 (filed as Exhibit 4.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 21, 2019) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*
4.24 Form of Global Note for the 2.375% Senior Notes due 2029 (included as Exhibit A in Exhibit 4.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 21, 2019) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*
4.25 Officers’ Certificate, dated November 21, 2019, defining certain terms of the 3.125% Senior Notes due 2049 (filed as Exhibit 4.5 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 21, 2019) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*
4.26 Form of Global Note for the 3.125% Senior Notes due 2049 (included as Exhibit A in Exhibit 4.5 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 21, 2019) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*
4.27 Officers’ Certificate, dated April 13, 2020, defining certain terms of the 2.600% Senior Notes due 2030 (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 13, 2020) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*
4.28 Form of Global Note for the 2.600% Senior Notes due 2030 (included as Exhibit A in Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 13, 2020) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*
4.29 Officers’ Certificate, dated March 4, 2021, defining certain terms of the 1.950% Senior Notes due 2031 (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 4, 2021) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*
4.30 Form of Global Note for the 1.950% Senior Notes due 2031 (included as Exhibit A in Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 4, 2021) (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).*
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 (originally filed as Exhibit 10.3 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on September 10, 1996) (re-filed as Exhibit 10.2a to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on August 25, 2017) (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).*
Exhibit
Number Description
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 The Estee Lauder Companies Retirement Growth Account Plan, as amended and restated, effective as of January 1, 2017, further amended effective as of July 1, 2017 (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on August 25, 2017) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.4 The Estee Lauder Inc. Retirement Benefits Restoration Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on August 20, 2010) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.5 Executive Annual Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 14, 2013) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.6 Employment Agreement with Tracey T. Travis (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 20, 2012) (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 17, 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).*†
10.7e Amendment to Employment Agreement with Leonard A. Lauder (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 1, 2010) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.7f Amendment to Employment Agreement with Leonard A. Lauder (filed as Exhibit 10.7f to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on August 20, 2015) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.7g Amendment to Employment Agreement with Leonard A. Lauder (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 1, 2020) (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 September 17, 2010) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.8a Amendment to Employment Agreement with William P. Lauder (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 27, 2013) (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 February 11, 2011) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.9a Amendment to Employment Agreement with Fabrizio Freda and Stock Option Agreements (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 27, 2013) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.10 Employment Agreement with John Demsey (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 24, 2010) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.10a Amendment to Employment Agreement with John Demsey (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 27, 2013) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.11 Employment Agreement with Cedric Prouvé (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 20, 2011) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.11a Amendment to Employment Agreement with Cedric Prouvé (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 27, 2013) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.12 Employment Agreement with Deirdre Stanley filed as Exhibit 10.12 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on August 28, 2020) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
Exhibit
Number Description
10.12a Amendment to Employment Agreement with Deirdre Stanley filed as Exhibit 10.12a to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on August 28, 2020) (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).*†
10.13a Form of Deferred Compensation Agreement (interest-based) with Outside Directors (including Election Form) (filed as Exhibit 10.12a to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on August 24, 2018) (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).*†
10.14a Form of Deferred Compensation Agreement (stock-based) with Outside Directors (including Election Form) (filed as Exhibit 10.13a to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on August 24, 2018) (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).*†
10.15a The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Non-Employee Director Share Incentive Plan (as amended on July 14, 2011) (filed as exhibit 10.15a to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on August 22, 2011) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.15b The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Non-Employee Director Share Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 16, 2015) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.15c The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Non-Employee Director Share Incentive Plan (as of November 1, 2017) (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 1, 2017) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.15d The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Non-Employee Director Share Incentive Plan (as of August 22, 2019) (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 31, 2019) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.15e The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Non-Employee Director Share Incentive Plan (as of July 13, 2021) (SEC File No. 1-14064).†
10.16 Summary of Compensation For Non-Employee Directors of the Company (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 1, 2013) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.16a Summary of Compensation For Non-Employee Directors of the Company (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 1, 2017) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.16b Summary of Compensation For Non-Employee Directors of the Company (SEC File No. 1-14064).†
10.17 Form of Stock Option Agreement for Annual Stock Option Grants under Non-Employee Director Share Incentive Plan (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 99.2 to our Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on November 9, 2007) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.17a Form of Stock Option Agreement for Annual Stock Option Grants under the Amended and Restated Non-Employee Director 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 31, 2019) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.18 The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.17 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on August 17, 2012) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.18a The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 16, 2015) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.18b The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.16b to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on August 25, 2017) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.18c The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 19, 2019) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.18d Form of Stock Option Agreement under The Estée 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 November 1, 2010) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
Exhibit
Number Description
10.18e Form of Stock Option Agreement under The Estée 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 November 4, 2011) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.18f Form of Stock Option Agreement under The Estée 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 November 2, 2012) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.18g Form of Stock Option Agreement with Fabrizio Freda under The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 2, 2012) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.18h Form of Stock Option Agreement under The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.16y to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on August 20, 2014) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.18i Form of Stock Option Agreement with Fabrizio Freda under The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.16z to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on August 20, 2014) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.18j Form of Stock Option Agreement under The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.16m to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on August 25, 2017) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.18k Form of Stock Option Agreement under The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.17l to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on August 23, 2019) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.18l Performance Share Unit Award Agreement with Fabrizio Freda under The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (including Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 11, 2015) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.18m Performance Share Unit Award Agreement with Fabrizio Freda (2018) under The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (including Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 15, 2018) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.18n Form of Performance Share Unit Award Agreement for Employees including Executive Officers under The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.17u to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on August 24, 2018) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.18o Form of Performance Share Unit Award Agreement for Employees including Executive Officers under The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.17t to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on August 23, 2019) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.18p Form of Performance Share Unit Award Agreement for Employees including Executive Officers under The Estée 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 November 2, 2020) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.18q Price-Vested Unit Award Agreement with Fabrizio Freda under The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (including Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 16, 2021) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.18r Performance Share Unit Award Agreement with Fabrizio Freda under The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (including Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 16, 2021) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.18s Form of Non-annual Performance Share Unit Award Agreement for Executive Officers under The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (including Form of Notice of Grant) (SEC File No. 1-14064).†
10.18t Form of Performance Share Unit Award Agreement for Employees including Executive Officers under The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (including Form of Notice of Grant) (SEC File No. 1-14064).†
Exhibit
Number Description
10.18u Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.16aa to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on August 25, 2017) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.18v Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Executive Officers under The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.16bb to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on August 25, 2017) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.18w Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Employees other than Executive Officers under The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.16cc to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on August 25, 2017) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.18x Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.17y to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on August 23, 2019) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.18y Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Executive Officers under The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.17z to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on August 23, 2019) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.18z Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Employees other than Executive Officers under The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.17aa to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on August 23, 2019) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.18aa Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Executive Officers under The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.18bb to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on August 28, 2020) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.18bb Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Employees other than Executive Officers under The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.18cc to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on August 28, 2020) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.18cc Form of Non-annual Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Executive Officers under The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (including Form of Notice of Grant) (filed as Exhibit 10.18dd to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on August 28, 2020) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.19 $1.5 Billion Credit Agreement, dated as of October 26, 2018, among The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., the Eligible Subsidiaries of the Company, as defined therein, the lenders listed therein, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 29, 2018) (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. 1-14064).*
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. 1-14064).*
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) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*
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) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*
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) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*
10.22c Third Amendment to Sublease, dated November 3, 2010, between Aramis Inc., and RSL Management Corp. (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on February 4, 2011) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*
Exhibit
Number Description
10.22d Fourth Amendment to Sublease, dated March 4, 2020, between Aramis Inc. and RSL Management Corp. (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 1, 2020) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*
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) (SEC file No. 1-14064).*
10.24 Creative Consultant Agreement, dated April 6, 2011, between Estee Lauder Inc. and Aerin Lauder Zinterhofer (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 8, 2011) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.24a First Amendment to Creative Consultant Agreement between Estee Lauder Inc. and Aerin Lauder Zinterhofer dated October 28, 2014 (filed as Exhibit 10.23a to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on August 20, 2015) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.24b Second Amendment to Creative Consultant Agreement between Estee Lauder Inc. and Aerin Lauder Zinterhofer effective July 1, 2016 (filed as Exhibit 10.23b to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on August 24, 2016) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.24c Third Amendment to Creative Consultant Agreement between Estee Lauder Inc. and Aerin Lauder Zinterhofer effective July 1, 2021 (SEC File No. 1-14064).†
10.25 License Agreement, dated April 6, 2011, by and among Aerin LLC, Aerin Lauder Zinterhofer and Estee Lauder Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 8, 2011) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*
10.25a First Amendment to the April 6, 2011 License Agreement, dated January 22, 2019, by and among Aerin LLC, Aerin Lauder Zinterhofer and Estee Lauder Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 1, 2019) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*
10.25b Second Amendment to the April 6, 2011 License Agreement, dated February 22, 2019, by and among Aerin LLC, Aerin Lauder Zinterhofer and Estee Lauder Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 1, 2019) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*
21.1 List of significant subsidiaries.
23.1 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
23.2 Consent of KPMG LLP.
24.1 Power of Attorney.
31.1 Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (CEO).
31.2 Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted 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)
101.1 The following materials from The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2021 are formatted in iXBRL (Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Statements of Earnings, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
104 The cover page from The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2021 is formatted in iXBRL
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* Incorporated herein by reference.
† Exhibit is a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.