EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1001250
Filing Year: 2023
Filename: 1001250_10-K_2023_0001001250-23-000112.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, and is a steward of luxury and prestige brands globally. 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 Cosmetics, La Mer, Aveda, Jo Malone London, TOM FORD, Too Faced, Dr.Jart+, and The Ordinary. We are also the global licensee of the AERIN and BALMAIN brand names for fragrances and cosmetics. 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.
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 11, 2023, shares of our Company's Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock having approximately 84% of the outstanding voting power of the Common Stock.
Products
Skin Care - Our broad range of skin care products address various skin care needs. These products include moisturizers, serums, cleansers, toners, body care, exfoliators, acne 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 that do not fit the definition of skin care, makeup, fragrance, and hair care. The other category also includes royalty revenue from our licensing of the TOM FORD trademark to third parties since our fiscal 2023 acquisition of the TOM FORD brand.
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 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 and fragrance products and is distributed primarily through online, specialty-multi and freestanding 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.
On April 28, 2023, we acquired the TOM FORD brand and related intellectual property. The TOM FORD brand is a luxury brand created in 2005, encompassing fashion, fragrance, eyewear and other accessories. From 2005 until the closing of the acquisition, we developed, manufactured and distributed luxury fragrances and beauty products as a licensee. As the current owner and steward of the brand, we are continuing with the beauty products and have licensed the fashion brand and operations and eyewear to third parties. Consistent with the fashion brand, our products exude seductive modern-day glamour and include 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.
In fiscal 2021, we made the decision to exit the global distribution of BECCA products, a makeup brand we acquired in 2016 and substantially completed this exit during fiscal 2022. In fiscal 2022, we negotiated early termination agreements for our previous license agreements for the Donna Karan New York, DKNY, Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger and Ermenegildo Zegna product lines effective June 30, 2022 and continued to sell products under these licenses through such time.
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 “luxury brands” are La Mer, Jo Malone London, TOM FORD, AERIN Beauty, Le Labo, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle and Kilian Paris. Our “large brands” are Estée Lauder, La Mer, M·A·C and Clinique. Our “scaling brands” are Jo Malone London, TOM FORD, Aveda, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics and The Ordinary. Our “developing brands” are Le Labo, Too Faced, Dr.Jart+, Origins, Kilian Paris, Bumble and bumble, Smashbox, Darphin Paris, Lab Series, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle and GLAMGLOW.
Social Impact and Sustainability
We continue to 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. These initiatives also aim to foster employee engagement and build consumer trust and loyalty.
Areas of focus include climate and energy; packaging; sourcing; green chemistry and ingredient transparency; inclusion, diversity and equity; employee health and safety; and social investments. We have set goals or made commitments within these focus areas. For example, our goals related to climate and energy support efficiency and conservation within our facilities, internal supply chain and value chain. Certain 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.
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 in other markets globally.
As of June 30, 2023, we operated approximately 1,600 freestanding stores. The total reflects the net impact during fiscal 2023 of store closures related to the Post-COVID Business Acceleration Program and closures due to natural lease expirations, offset by new door openings. Most freestanding stores are operated by us under a single brand name, such as M·A·C, Jo Malone London and Aveda. We also operate over 250 multi-branded company stores in outlet malls.
We maintain dedicated sales teams that manage our retail accounts. We have wholly-owned operations in over 50 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. 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.
Our “emerging markets” in Europe, the Middle East & Africa are India, the Middle East, Turkey, South Africa, Central Europe, Israel, Russia and Kazakhstan; in Asia/Pacific are Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapore; and in The Americas are Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Panama, Peru and Argentina.
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.
Marketing
Our strategy to market and promote our products begins with our well-diversified portfolio of 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 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.
As consumer behaviors, digital-first consumer journeys and e-commerce evolve, we adjust our direct-to-consumer business models and consumer engagement programs. These models and programs are designed 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, including operational technology and our websites, is a key enabler of all aspects of our business, from research and development, product development, production and distribution, to marketing, sales and order processing, consumer experiences as well as finance and human resources. We continue to make strategic investments to align with our long-term strategy and to maintain and enhance our information technology and cybersecurity infrastructure. We are focused on optimizing adoption of such investments to maximize return on investment and realized value. The modernization and simplification of our technology ecosystem remains a key focus, as we increasingly leverage the benefits of the cloud.
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. In fiscal 2023, we made investments in research and pilots of technologies that serve and attract new consumers. As the working environment for our team members evolve, including hybrid ways of working for our employees, we continue to invest in hardware, software, education and support structures that drive productive, collaborative facilities and meeting spaces, both virtually and in person.
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 2023, we completed construction of a newly leased site for our new Research and Development facility in China, to better meet the needs of the Chinese consumer through local relevancy with superior capabilities in product and package design and consumer and clinical testing.
Our research and development costs totaled $344 million, $307 million and $243 million in fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and are expensed as incurred. As of June 30, 2023, we had approximately 1,290 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 evaluate our manufacturing facilities and 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 2023, we began limited production in our new owned manufacturing facility near Tokyo as we continued construction, which is expected to enable us to better meet demand, further drive our sustainability efforts, optimize costs and increase speed to market in the Asia/Pacific region, including our travel retail business within the region. We expect the remainder of the site to be completed and operational in early fiscal 2024, with production levels scaling over the next few years. 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 that these changes will not impact our ability to meet our long-term strategic objectives.
We have established a flexible global distribution network that is 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. In fiscal 2022, we opened a new, state-of-the-art distribution center in Switzerland to support the growth of our travel retail business and further drive our sustainability efforts. During fiscal 2023, we continued to support the growth of our business in China with the opening of an additional distribution center in Guangzhou.
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, investments in renewable energy sources and packaging that incorporates recyclable and recycled content.
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 also partner with an extensive and reliable network of third-party manufacturers that help us access innovation and capacity. 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 emissions.
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. From time to time, we may experience supply disruptions on a short-term basis, but 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.
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. There continues to be increased interest and awareness from our customers and consumers in responsibly-sourced ingredients and 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. Marketing, merchandising, in-store and online experiences and demonstrations, and new product innovations also have an impact on consumers’ purchasing decisions. 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, and are a steward of luxury and prestige brands globally.
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.; LVMH Moët Hennessey Louis Vuitton; Beiersdorf; Chanel S.A.; Natura & Co.; Coty Inc.; and Bath & Body Works, Inc. 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, TOM FORD, Smashbox, Le Labo, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, GLAMGLOW, Kilian Paris, Too Faced, Dr.Jart+, and The Ordinary. We are the exclusive worldwide licensee for fragrances, cosmetics and/or related products for AERIN, BALMAIN, and Dr. Andrew Weil. For further discussion on license arrangements, including their duration, see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - License 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 range of human capital matters, including inclusion and diversity, health and safety, pay equity and compensation and benefits. We had approximately 62,000 and 63,000 employees worldwide, including demonstrators at points of sale who are employed by us, as of June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. At June 30, 2023, approximately 71% of our global employees were full-time, approximately 16% were temporary and approximately 13% were part-time employees, with approximately 28% of our global employees located in the United States and approximately 72% located outside of the United States. We recognize the importance of female representation, and, as of June 30, 2023, approximately 80% of our employees were female and approximately 59% 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 remained resolute in our commitment to prioritize racial equity, diligently advancing our previously announced series of commitments across the business, with a focus 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 remain committed to the achievement of 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 business and leadership 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, leadership effectiveness, 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. In fiscal 2022, we responded to employee need for more access to career opportunities by launching our first Talent Marketplace, ELC Grow, which enables employees to explore personalized roles, projects, and networking opportunities that can empower employees to grow their skills and career. We are expanding access to this marketplace to all employees globally in fiscal 2024.
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.
As our ways of working continue to evolve, we have 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. As we plan for the future, our focus is on flexibility, work-life harmonization, and ensuring that our employees have what they need to succeed personally and professionally.
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.
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 geographic 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 holiday and key shopping moments, 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.
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.
Information about our Executive Officers*
Name Age Position(s) Held
Roberto Canevari 57 Executive Vice President - Global Supply Chain
Stéphane de La Faverie 49 Executive Group President
Fabrizio Freda 65 President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director
Carl Haney 60 Executive Vice President, Global Research Product and Innovation Officer
Jane Hertzmark Hudis 63 Executive Group President
Peter Jueptner 60 President, International
Jane Lauder 50 Executive Vice President, Enterprise Marketing and Chief Data Officer and a Director
Leonard A. Lauder 90 Chairman Emeritus and a Director
Ronald S. Lauder 79 Chairman of Clinique Laboratories, LLC and a Director
William P. Lauder 63 Executive Chairman and a Director
Michael O’Hare 55 Executive Vice President - Global Human Resources
Deirdre Stanley 58 Executive Vice President and General Counsel
Tracey T. Travis 61 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Meridith Webster 47 Executive Vice President - Global Communications and Public Affairs
*as of August 11, 2023
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
Wei Sun Christianson Senior Advisor at Morgan Stanley, a global financial services firm, and former Managing Director and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Asia Pacific and
Chief Executive Officer of China at Morgan Stanley
Lynn Forester de Rothschild CEO of E.L. Rothschild LLC, a private investment company
Angela Wei Dong Global Vice President and General Manager of Greater China, NIKE, Inc., a company that designs and develops, and markets and sells worldwide, athletic footwear, equipment, accessories and services
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
Jennifer Hyman Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Rent the Runway, Inc., a company that enables women to subscribe, rent items, and shop retail from an unlimited closet of designer brands
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.
Arturo Nuñez
Manager of private investments on his own behalf and former Chief Marketing Officer, Nu Holdings Ltd., a digital banking platform
Richard D. Parsons Chairman of the Equity Alliance, a firm that invests in diverse, emerging venture capital fund managers, 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 11, 2023

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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 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, consumers and employees 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 (e.g., China) 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 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 (e.g., China). If such a situation persists or one or more brands, channels or countries fails to perform as expected, there could be a material adverse effect on our business.
In certain key markets, such as the United States, we have seen a longer-term decline in retail traffic in our department store customers. 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 (e.g., China). 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, regulators, employees, and other stakeholders concerning social impact and sustainability and other ESG matters. From time to time, we announce certain initiatives, including goals and commitments, regarding our focus areas, which include environmental and climate matters; packaging; sourcing; product formulation; social investments; and inclusion, diversity and equity. 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 ESG 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 ESG matters, could have a material adverse effect on our business.
A general economic downturn, or disruption in business conditions may affect our business including 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, 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 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 or sanctions; 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 substantial majority of our fiscal 2023 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; sanctions; 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; (v) concentration of sales growth or profitability in one or more countries (e.g., China); and (vi) 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, including 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. Such risks include 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 or distribution 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, outages due to fire, floods, power loss, telecommunications failures, break-ins and other events or 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, as well as laws and regulations relating to tax matters, trade (including sanctions), data privacy (e.g., General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)), cybersecurity, anti-corruption, advertising, marketing, manufacturing, distribution, customs matters, product registration, ingredients, chemicals, packaging, selective distribution, and 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 product liability matters (including asbestos-related claims), advertising, regulatory, employment, intellectual property, real estate, environmental, trade relations, tax and privacy. 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
The compromise or interruption of, or damage to, our information technology (including our operational technology and websites) by cybersecurity incidents, data security breaches, other security problems, design defects or system failures could have a material negative impact on our business.
We rely on information technology that supports our business processes, including research and development, product development, production, distribution, marketing, sales, order processing, consumer experiences, human resource management, finance and internal and external communications throughout the world. We have e-commerce, m-commerce and other Internet websites in the United States and many other countries.
We experience cybersecurity incidents of varying degrees on our information technology and, as a result, unauthorized parties have obtained in the past, and may obtain in the future, access to our systems and data (including unauthorized acquisition of such data). As we disclosed on July 18, 2023, and as noted in Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, an unauthorized third party gained access to some of our systems and data (including unauthorized acquisition of such data), which caused disruption to parts of our business operations and resulted in various expenses for investigation, remediation and other related matters.
Cybersecurity incidents at our Company have in the past resulted from, and may in the future result from, social engineering or impersonation of authorized users, and may also result from efforts to discover and exploit design flaws, bugs, security vulnerabilities or security weaknesses, intentional or unintentional acts by employees or other insiders with access privileges, intentional acts of vandalism or fraud by third parties and sabotage. In some instances, efforts to correct vulnerabilities or prevent incidents have in the past and may in the future reduce the functionality or performance of our information technology, which could negatively impact our business. Cybersecurity incidents can be caused by ransomware, distributed denial-of-service attacks, worms, and other malicious software programs or other attacks, including the covert introduction of malware to our information technology, and the use of techniques or processes that change frequently, may be disguised or difficult to detect, or are designed to remain dormant until a triggering event, and may continue undetected for an extended period of time. In addition, some of our suppliers, vendors, service providers, cloud solution providers and customers have in the past experienced, and may in the future experience, such incidents, which could in turn disrupt our business. Insurance policies that may provide coverage with regard to such events may not cover any or all of the resulting financial losses.
As part of our normal business activities, we collect and store certain information that is confidential, proprietary or otherwise sensitive, including personal information of consumers, customers, suppliers, service providers and employees. We share some of this information with certain third parties who assist us with business matters. Moreover, the success of our operations depends upon the secure transmission of confidential, proprietary or otherwise sensitive data, including personal information, over networks. Any unauthorized access or data acquisition, despite security measures in place to protect such data, or other failure on the part of us or third parties to maintain the security of such data could result in business disruption, damage to our reputation, financial obligations to third parties, legal obligations, fines, penalties, regulatory proceedings and private litigation with potentially large costs, and also could result in deterioration in confidence in our Company and other competitive disadvantages, and thus could have a material adverse effect on our business.
In addition, a cybersecurity incident could require that we expend significant additional resources on remediation, restoration and enhancement of our information technology.
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, suspend or change the amounts 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 11, 2023, 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 84% 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 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 11, 2023. The leases expire at various times through 2079 subject to certain renewal options.
The Americas Europe, the Middle
East & Africa Asia/Pacific
Owned Leased Owned Leased Owned Leased
Manufacturing 2 2 2 - - -
R&D 1 2 - - - 1
Distribution - 6 1 7 - 3
Manufacturing and R&D 1 1 1 - - -
Manufacturing and Assembly - 3 - - - -
Distribution and Manufacturing - - 1 - - -
Principal Executive Offices - 1 - - - -
Total 4 15 5 7 - 4
Certain of our manufacturing facilities are utilized primarily for the production of products relating to particular product categories: three 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 2023, four of our primarily makeup facilities also produced a significant volume of skin care products. In fiscal 2023, we began limited production in our new owned manufacturing facility near Tokyo as we continued construction. We expect the remainder of the site to be completed and operational in early fiscal 2024, with production levels scaling over the next few years.
In fiscal 2023, we completed construction of a newly leased site for our new Research and Development facility in China.
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 17, 2023, a dividend was declared in the amount of $.66 per share on our Class A and Class B Common Stock. The dividend is payable in cash on September 15, 2023 to stockholders of record at the close of business on August 31, 2023. We expect to continue the payment of cash dividends in the future, but there can be no assurance as to the amounts of any dividends declared or that the Board of Directors will continue to declare them.
As of August 11, 2023, there were 2,133 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. 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 2023 882 $ 254.82 - 25,073,242
May 2023 1,089 195.53 - 25,073,242
June 2023 65,830 194.76 - 25,073,242
67,801 195.56 -
(1)Represents 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 256.0 million shares. The total amount was last increased by the Board on October 31, 2018. Our repurchase program does not have an expiration date.
Beginning in December 2022, we suspended the repurchase of shares of our Class A Common Stock under our publicly announced program. We may resume such repurchases in the future.
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, 2018.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 6. [Reserved]

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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 2023, 2022 and 2021 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) 2023 2022 2021
NET SALES
By Product Category:
Skin Care $ 8,202 $ 9,886 $ 9,484
Makeup 4,516 4,667 4,203
Fragrance 2,512 2,508 1,926
Hair Care 653 631 571
Other 54 49 45
15,937 17,741 16,229
Returns associated with restructuring and other activities (27) (4) (14)
Net sales $ 15,910 $ 17,737 $ 16,215
By Region(1):
The Americas $ 4,518 $ 4,623 $ 3,797
Europe, the Middle East & Africa 6,225 7,681 6,946
Asia/Pacific 5,194 5,437 5,486
15,937 17,741 16,229
Returns associated with restructuring and other activities (27) (4) (14)
Net sales $ 15,910 $ 17,737 $ 16,215
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
By Product Category:
Skin Care $ 1,204 $ 2,753 $ 3,036
Makeup (22) 133 (384)
Fragrance 440 456 215
Hair Care (34) (28) (19)
Other 6 - (2)
1,594 3,314 2,846
Charges associated with restructuring and other activities (85) (144) (228)
Operating income $ 1,509 $ 3,170 $ 2,618
By Region(1):
The Americas $ (73) $ 1,159 $ 518
Europe, the Middle East & Africa 843 1,360 1,335
Asia/Pacific 824 795 993
1,594 3,314 2,846
Charges associated with restructuring and other activities (85) (144) (228)
Operating income $ 1,509 $ 3,170 $ 2,618
(1)The net sales from the Company’s travel retail business are included in the Europe, the Middle East & Africa region, with the exception of 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.
The following table presents certain consolidated earnings data as a percentage of net sales:
Year Ended June 30
2023 2022 2021
Net sales 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 %
Cost of sales 28.7 24.3 23.6
Gross profit 71.3 75.7 76.4
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative 60.2 55.7 57.8
Restructuring and other charges 0.3 0.8 1.3
Goodwill impairment - - 0.3
Impairment of other intangible and long-lived assets 1.3 1.4 0.8
Total operating expenses 61.8 57.9 60.2
Operating income 9.5 17.9 16.1
Interest expense 1.6 0.9 1.1
Interest income and investment income, net 0.8 0.2 0.3
Other components of net periodic benefit cost (0.1) - 0.1
Other income, net - - 5.2
Earnings before income taxes 8.8 17.1 20.5
Provision for income taxes 2.4 3.5 2.8
Net earnings 6.3 13.6 17.7
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests - - (0.1)
Net loss (earnings) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest - (0.1) -
Net earnings attributable to The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. 6.3 % 13.5 % 17.7 %
Not adjusted for differences caused by rounding
Period-over-period changes in our net sales are generally attributable to the impacts from (i) pricing on our base portfolio, including changes in mix and those due to strategic pricing actions, (ii) volume, including changes driven by the impact of new product innovation, (iii) acquisitions and/or divestitures, and/or (iv) foreign currency translation. The percentages disclosed for these impacts are calculated on an individual basis.
The net sales impact from pricing consists of changes in list prices, due to strategic pricing actions, and mix shifts within and among product categories, geographic regions, brands and distribution channels. The prices at which we sell our products vary by brand, distribution channel (e.g., wholesale or direct-to-consumer) and may also vary by country. Our brands and products cover a broad array of pricing tiers. Prices of skin care and fragrance products are typically higher than makeup and hair care products.
New product innovation includes the introduction of new products, as well as changes related to existing products or where they are sold, including reformulations, regional expansion, repackaging and sets. A product is considered "new innovation" for the twelve-month period following the initial shipment date. Our innovation is launched at different price points than existing products and value derived from innovation may vary from year to year. 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 often has some cannibalizing effect on sales of existing products, which we take into account in our business planning. The impact of new product introductions, including timing compared to introductions in prior periods, also affects our results.
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 monthly average foreign currency exchange rates and adjusting for the period-over-period impact of foreign currency cash flow hedging activities.
Overview
Business Update
We are a leader in prestige beauty, which combines the repeat purchase and relative affordability of consumer goods with high quality products and services. Within prestige beauty, we are diversified by product category, geography, brand, product sub-category, channel, consumer segment and price point. We also 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.
During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023, the operating environment continued to be disrupted by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Most notably, the pace of recovery in Asia travel retail and mainland China was slower than anticipated. In Hainan, prolonged store closures initially presented a headwind and, thereafter, low levels of conversion occurred when travel resumed. This was compounded by inventory tightening by certain retailers. In Korea, the travel retail business slowed during the transition to post-COVID-19 regulations. In addition, the slower than anticipated resumption of international flights, granting of visas, and organized group tours further challenged the Asia travel retail recovery. As a result, our Asia travel retail business was challenged throughout the fiscal year by the slower than anticipated recovery. In mainland China, our performance in the first half of fiscal 2023 was hindered by low retail traffic as a result of COVID-19-related restrictions and the rise in COVID-19 cases.
Elsewhere, the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic progressed across markets globally over the course of the fiscal year as restrictions lifted. In the West, our recovery from the pandemic continued with net sales growth in many markets in Europe, the Middle East & Africa and in Latin America. In Asia/Pacific, certain of our markets emerged strongly into recovery across the fiscal year, to deliver net sales growth throughout the region.
In the United States, net sales was unfavorably impacted by the slower than anticipated pace of our improvement at retail and the tightening of inventory in certain retailers in the first half of fiscal 2023 due to inflationary pressures and recession concerns.
Finally, our business was also pressured by the strong U.S dollar, inflation and recession concerns globally.
During fiscal 2023, net sales decreased 10%, reflecting the impacts noted above.
•Our skin care net sales declined 17%, including the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation of 3%, driven by declines from Estée Lauder, La Mer and Dr.Jart+, primarily reflecting the challenges in our Asia travel retail business throughout the year, as previously discussed. Partially offsetting these declines was growth in every geographic region from The Ordinary, reflecting the success of hero products and new product launches, and from M·A·C, driven by the launch of the Hyper Real line of products.
•Our makeup net sales decreased 3%, primarily due to the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation of 4%. Net sales declines from Estée Lauder, TOM FORD and La Mer, primarily reflect the challenges in Asia travel retail throughout the year and in mainland China in the first half of the fiscal year, as previously discussed, were partially offset by higher net sales from M·A·C, primarily driven by the recognition of the previously deferred revenue due to changes to the BACK-To-M·A·C take back program, and Clinique.
•Our fragrance net sales remained virtually flat as growth driven by Estée Lauder, Le Labo, TOM FORD, Clinique, and Kilian Paris was offset by the impact of the license terminations effective June 30, 2022 related to certain of our designer fragrances of 9% and the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation of 4%.
•Our hair care net sales increased 3%, driven by higher net sales from The Ordinary reflecting the recent launch of hair care products by the brand, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation of 3%.
Our global distribution capability and operations allow us to focus on targeted expanded consumer reach wherever consumer demographics and trends are 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 inclusion and cultural diversity. We continuously strengthen our presence in large, image-building core markets, while broadening our presence in emerging markets.
•Net sales in The Americas decreased 2%, primarily driven by a decrease in the United States, reflecting the slower than anticipated pace of our improvement at retail, the tightening of inventory from certain of our retailers during the first half of fiscal 2023 and the impact of the license terminations related to certain of our designer fragrances. Partially offsetting this decrease in The Americas was an increase in net sales in Latin America, led by Brazil and Mexico, driven by growth in makeup, which reflected new product launches and successful performance during key shopping moments.
•Net sales in Europe, the Middle East & Africa decreased 19%, including the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation of 3%, driven primarily by lower net sales from our travel retail business reflecting the challenges in our Asia travel retail business as previously discussed.
•Net sales in Asia/Pacific decreased 4%, driven by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation of 8% and the challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, led by our Dr.Jart+ travel retail business in Korea, partially offset by the increase in net sales in Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR and Southeast Asia, reflecting the continued COVID-19 recovery and successful brand activations and new product launches in Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR.
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 the Asia travel retail business continued to be pressured by the slower than anticipated recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, we realized recovery in The Americas and Europe, the Middle East & Africa and we continue to believe that global travel retail is a long-term growth opportunity. Travel retail continues to be an important channel for brand building, particularly for those consumers who 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 retail. 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.
•We continue to support e- and m-commerce sites of our own, collaborate with our retailers on their e-commerce sites, and sell through select third-party online malls. We believe our success in the channel 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.
In fiscal 2023, we continued to further integrate social impact and sustainability into our strategy and business operations. Areas of focus include climate and energy; packaging; sourcing; green chemistry and ingredient transparency; inclusion, diversity and equity; employee health and safety; and social investments.
Outlook
We are experiencing a more gradual and prolonged recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in our Asia travel retail business. In Asia travel retail, there have been, and are likely to continue to be, impacts on our business in the near-term, from the slower than anticipated depletion of elevated levels of retailer inventory and, therefore, lower replenishment orders, as well as the slower than anticipated resumption of international flights, granting of visas, and organized group tours. Additionally, in Korea, the shipments to duty free retailers were pressured owing to the transition to post-COVID-19 regulations as traveling consumers gradually return. In addition to impacting net sales and profitability, including any unfavorable impacts to our effective tax rate from changes to our geographical mix of earnings, these and other challenges may adversely impact the goodwill and other intangible assets associated with our brands, as well as long-lived assets (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 macro environment, including the risk of recession; currency volatility; inflationary pressures; supply chain challenges; social and political issues; regulatory matters, including the imposition of tariffs and sanctions; geopolitical tensions; and global security issues. For example, the strengthening of the U.S. dollar could negatively impact results within Europe, the Middle East & Africa due to pricing pressures on our retail customers and consumers in key international travel retail locations. Additionally, we continue to monitor the geopolitical tensions between the United States and China, which could have a material adverse effect on our business. We are also mindful of inflationary pressures on our cost base and are monitoring the impact on consumer preferences.
As the invasion of Ukraine continues and international sanctions evolve, we have scaled down our operations in Russia. We expect to continue selling a limited selection of products to retailers in Russia. We will continue to monitor the risks and evolving situation that may further affect our business and will adjust our plans accordingly. In fiscal 2023, our net sales in Ukraine and Russia accounted for approximately 1% of consolidated net sales. There are uncertainties related to the future impacts on our business, including possible new sanctions that are difficult to predict due to the high level of geopolitical volatility. On a broader perspective, there could be additional negative impacts to our net sales, earnings, assets and cash flows from such uncertainties. We also note that worsening conditions could exacerbate economic challenges in other countries such as inflationary pressures, energy shortages, recessions or other consequences. Please refer to Risk Factors in Part I, Item 1A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023, for a more complete discussion of the risks we encounter in our business and industry.
The uncertainty around the timing, speed and duration of the recovery from the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the impacts on our business in Asia travel retail and mainland China and the other macro challenges we are facing, will continue to affect our ability to grow sales profitably. We believe we can, to some extent, offset the impact of some of these 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, including continuing to execute upon and benefit from efficiencies attributable to previously approved initiatives under the Post-COVID Business Acceleration Program. As the current situation continues to progress, 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.
Cybersecurity Incident Disclosed in July 2023
As previously disclosed on July 18, 2023, we identified a cybersecurity incident in which an unauthorized third party gained access to some of our systems. After becoming aware of the incident, we proactively took down some of our systems to help secure our business operations and subsequently brought back online core systems within days. While the response to the incident resulted in some disruptions to our business operations, most notably general corporate activities and order processing, our production and sales operations were minimally impacted.
Our investigation into the systems and the unauthorized access is substantially complete. We determined that the unauthorized third party obtained some data from our systems. We are continuing to work to understand the nature and scope of the data obtained, and can confirm, based on the investigation to date, that the data obtained includes some consumer data (such as names, contact information, and dates of birth). We took steps, and continue to take steps, to enhance the security of our systems. We are also continuing to coordinate with law enforcement authorities. We have provided and will continue to provide notification to governmental authorities in certain jurisdictions and we also will notify affected individuals where required by law.
Based on the information available to date, we believe the incident is contained. Based on this information, the incident is not expected to have a material impact on net sales and is expected to be dilutive approximately $.07 to earnings per share for the fiscal 2024 first quarter and full year.
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 was designed to help improve efficiency and effectiveness by rebalancing resources to growth areas of prestige beauty. 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 and strengthen our financial flexibility. We approved specific initiatives under the PCBA Program through fiscal 2022 and substantially completed those initiatives through fiscal 2023. 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 Analysis
We assess goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets at least annually for impairment or more frequently if certain events or circumstances exist.
During the fiscal 2023 second quarter, given the lower-than-expected results in the overall business, we revised the internal forecasts relating to our Smashbox reporting unit. We concluded that the changes in circumstances in the reporting unit triggered the need for an interim impairment review of its trademark intangible asset. The remaining carrying value of the trademark intangible asset was not recoverable and we recorded an impairment charge of $21 million reducing the carrying value to zero.
During the fiscal 2023 second quarter, the Dr.Jart+ reporting unit experienced lower-than-expected growth within key geographic regions and channels that continue to be impacted by the spread of COVID-19 variants, resurgence in cases, and the potential future impacts relating to the uncertainty of the duration and severity of COVID-19 impacting the financial performance of the reporting unit. In addition, due to macro-economic factors, Dr.Jart+ has experienced lower-than-expected growth within key geographic regions. The Too Faced reporting unit experienced lower-than-expected results in key geographic regions and channels coupled with delays in future international expansion to areas that continue to be impacted by COVID-19. As a result, we revised the internal forecasts relating to our Dr.Jart+ and Too Faced reporting units. Additionally, there were increases in the weighted average cost of capital for both reporting units as compared to the prior year annual goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment testing as of April 1, 2022.
We concluded that the changes in circumstances in the reporting units, along with increases in the weighted average cost of capital, triggered the need for interim impairment reviews of their trademarks and goodwill. These changes in circumstances were also an indicator that the carrying amounts of Dr.Jart+’s and Too Faced’s long-lived assets, including customer lists, may not be recoverable. Accordingly, we performed interim impairment tests for the trademarks and a recoverability test for the long-lived assets as of November 30, 2022. We concluded that the carrying value of the trademark intangible assets exceeded their estimated fair values, which were determined utilizing the relief-from-royalty method to determine discounted projected future cash flows and recorded an impairment charge of $100 million for Dr.Jart+ and $86 million for Too Faced. We concluded that the carrying amounts of the long-lived assets were recoverable. After adjusting the carrying values of the trademarks, we completed interim quantitative impairment tests for goodwill. As the estimated fair value of the Dr.Jart+ and Too Faced reporting units were in excess of their carrying values, we concluded that the carrying amounts of the goodwill were recoverable and did not record a goodwill impairment charge related to these reporting units. The fair values of these reporting units were 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 units. The significant assumptions used in these approaches include revenue growth rates and profit margins, terminal values, weighted average cost of capital used to discount future cash flows and royalty rates for trademarks. The most significant unobservable input used to estimate the fair values of the Dr.Jart+ and Too Faced trademark intangible assets was the weighted average cost of capital, which was 11% and 13%, respectively.
A summary of the trademark impairment charges for fiscal 2023 and the remaining carrying values as of June 30, 2023, for each reporting unit, are as follows:
Impairment Charges Carrying Value
(In millions) Year Ended
June 30, 2023 As of June 30, 2023
Reporting Unit Geographic Region Trademarks Goodwill Trademarks Goodwill
Smashbox The Americas $ 21 $ - $ - $ -
Dr.Jart+ Asia/Pacific 100 - 325 304
Too Faced The Americas 86 - 186 13
Total $ 207 $ - $ 511 $ 317
The impairment charges for fiscal 2023 were reflected in the skin care product category for Dr.Jart+ and the makeup product category for Smashbox and Too Faced.
Based on our annual goodwill impairment testing as of April 1, 2023, 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.
Based on our annual other indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment testing as of April 1, 2023, the estimated fair value of the Dr.Jart+ and Too Faced trademarks exceeded their carrying values by 12% and 14%, respectively. For the Dr.Jart+ and Too Faced trademarks, if all other assumptions are held constant, a decrease of 10% in the estimated future cash flows, inclusive of the terminal value, or an increase of 75 basis points for Dr.Jart+ and 100 basis points for Too Faced in the weighted average cost of capital, would have caused the carrying value of these trademarks to approximate their fair value. The key assumptions used to determine the estimated fair value of the reporting units and their respective trademarks are primarily predicated on the anticipated recovery from the impacts of COVID-19, the success of future new product launches, ability to secure strategic price increases, 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 the reporting unit operates, resulting changes in the key assumptions could have negative impacts on the estimated fair value of the reporting units, and their respective trademarks, 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 2022 as Compared with Fiscal 2021
Except as disclosed herein, 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, 2022 for the fiscal 2022 to fiscal 2021 comparative discussion.
Fiscal 2023 as Compared with Fiscal 2022
NET SALES
Year Ended June 30
($ in millions) 2023 2022
As Reported:
Net sales $ 15,910 $ 17,737
$ Change from prior year (1,827) 1,522
% Change from prior year (10) % 9 %
Non-GAAP Financial Measure(1):
% Change from prior year in constant currency (7) % 10 %
(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 decreased in fiscal 2023, driven by lower net sales from the skin care and makeup product categories, slightly offset by higher net sales in the hair care product category. Fragrance net sales were virtually flat.
Reported net sales decreased in fiscal 2023, reflecting lower net sales from all geographic regions.
During fiscal 2023, our business was challenged by the slower than anticipated recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, including restrictions in mainland China and the rising number of COVID-19 cases earlier in the fiscal year. This impacted our business in Asia travel retail, including the tightening of inventory by certain of our retailers, as well as the low levels of conversion when travel resumed. This resulted in lower product shipments, compounded by the impact of retailers continuing to reduce inventory. In mainland China, the aforementioned restrictions earlier in the fiscal year negatively impacted our business, however, lower COVID-19 related restrictions in the second half of fiscal 2023, as compared to the second half of fiscal 2022, resulted in increased net sales in the second half of fiscal 2023.
The fiscal 2023 reported net sales decrease was impacted by approximately $629 million of unfavorable foreign currency translation.
Reported net sales decreased 10% in fiscal 2023, driven by the decrease from volume of 7%, the unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation of 4% and the net impact from acquisitions, divestitures and brand closures of 1%. Partially offsetting these decreases was an increase from pricing of 1%, due to the favorable impact from strategic pricing actions, partially offset by changes in mix.
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 2023 and fiscal 2022 impacts of returns associated with restructuring and other activities of approximately $27 million and $4 million, respectively.
Product Categories
Skin Care
Year Ended June 30
($ in millions) 2023 2022
As Reported:
Net sales $ 8,202 $ 9,886
$ Change from prior year (1,684) 402
% Change from prior year (17) % 4 %
Non-GAAP Financial Measure(1):
% Change from prior year in constant currency (14) % 4 %
(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 decreased in fiscal 2023, primarily driven by lower net sales from Estée Lauder, La Mer, Dr.Jart+, Clinique and Origins, combined, of approximately $1,830 million, that were mostly attributable to the aforementioned challenges in Asia travel retail.
Partially offsetting these decreases in skin care net sales in fiscal 2023 were higher net sales from The Ordinary and M·A·C, combined, of approximately $133 million. The increase in net sales from The Ordinary was driven by growth in every geographic region, reflecting success of hero products and new product launches. The increase in net sales from M·A·C was primarily driven by the fiscal 2023 launch of the Hyper Real line of products.
The skin care net sales decrease was impacted by approximately $337 million of unfavorable foreign currency translation.
Reported skin care net sales decreased 17% in fiscal 2023, driven by the decrease from volume of 13% and the unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation of 3%. The impact from pricing was flat period-over-period, due to the favorable impact from strategic pricing actions offset by changes in mix.
Makeup
Year Ended June 30
($ in millions) 2023 2022
As Reported:
Net sales $ 4,516 $ 4,667
$ Change from prior year (151) 464
% Change from prior year (3) % 11 %
Non-GAAP Financial Measure(1):
% Change from prior year in constant currency - % 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 makeup net sales decreased in fiscal 2023, primarily driven by lower net sales from Estée Lauder, TOM FORD and La Mer, combined, of approximately $271 million, primarily reflecting the aforementioned challenges in Asia travel retail and mainland China, as well as the unfavorable impacts of foreign currency translation.
Partially offsetting these decreases in makeup net sales in fiscal 2023 was an increase in net sales from M·A·C and Clinique, combined, of approximately $114 million. The increase in net sales from M·A·C was driven by the recognition of previously deferred revenue due to changes to the BACK-To-M·A·C take back program, as well as growth in the face, lip, and eye subcategories. Net sales from Clinique increased, benefiting from solid performance in the lip, face and eye subcategories.
The makeup net sales decrease was impacted by approximately $166 million of unfavorable foreign currency translation.
Reported makeup net sales decreased 3% in fiscal 2023, driven by the unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation of 4% and the decrease from volume of 3%. Partially offsetting these decreases was an increase from pricing of 3% due to the favorable impact from strategic pricing actions, partially offset by changes in mix.
Fragrance
Year Ended June 30
($ in millions) 2023 2022
As Reported:
Net sales $ 2,512 $ 2,508
$ Change from prior year 4 582
% Change from prior year - % 30 %
Non-GAAP Financial Measure(1):
% Change from prior year in constant currency 4 % 32 %
(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 remained virtually flat in fiscal 2023, driven by higher net sales from Estée Lauder, Le Labo, TOM FORD, Clinique, and Kilian Paris, combined, of approximately $261 million. Net sales from Estée Lauder increased, reflecting a successful campaign for Beautiful Magnolia and successful performance during holiday and key shopping moments. Net sales from Le Labo increased, reflecting the continued success of hero product franchises, targeted expanded consumer reach, successful performance during holiday and key shopping moments and new product launches. The increase in net sales from TOM FORD reflected the continued success of Signature and Private Blend fragrances, expanded distribution, new product launches and successful performance during holiday and key shopping moments. Net sales from Clinique increased, primarily reflecting growth in the Clinique Happy franchise line of products. Net sales from Kilian Paris increased, reflecting new product launches and expanded distribution.
Offsetting these increases in fragrance net sales was the impact of the license terminations related to certain of our designer fragrances effective June 30, 2022 and lower net sales from Jo Malone London, combined, of approximately $261 million. The decrease in net sales from Jo Malone London primarily reflected the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation.
Fragrance net sales was impacted by approximately $108 million of unfavorable foreign currency translation.
Reported fragrance net sales remained virtually flat in fiscal 2023, driven by the increase in volume of 10% and the increase from pricing of 4%, due to the favorable impact from strategic pricing actions, partially offset by changes in mix. Offsetting these increases were the impact from the license terminations of certain of our designer fragrances of 9% and the unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation of 4%.
Hair Care
Year Ended June 30
($ in millions) 2023 2022
As Reported:
Net sales $ 653 $ 631
$ Change from prior year 22 60
% Change from prior year 3 % 11 %
Non-GAAP Financial Measure(1):
% Change from prior year in constant currency 6 % 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 hair care net sales increased in fiscal 2023, driven by higher net sales from The Ordinary due to the recent launch of hair care products.
The hair care net sales increase was impacted by approximately $16 million of unfavorable foreign currency translation.
Reported hair care net sales increased 3% in fiscal 2023, driven by an increase from pricing of 5%, due to the favorable impact from strategic pricing actions, partially offset by changes in mix, and the increase in volume of 1%. Partially offsetting these increases was the unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation of 3%.
Geographic Regions
We strategically time our new product launches by geographic market, which may account for differences in regional sales growth.
The Americas
Year Ended June 30
($ in millions) 2023 2022
As Reported:
Net sales $ 4,518 $ 4,623
$ Change from prior year (105) 826
% Change from prior year (2) % 22 %
Non-GAAP Financial Measure(1):
% Change from prior year in constant currency (3) % 21 %
(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 The Americas decreased in fiscal 2023, primarily driven by a decrease in net sales in the United States of approximately $133 million, reflecting the slower than anticipated pace of our improvement at retail, the tightening of inventory from certain of our retailers in the first half of the fiscal year and the impact of the license terminations related to certain of our designer fragrances. Partially offsetting this decrease in The Americas in fiscal 2023 was an increase in net sales in Latin America of approximately $51 million, led by Brazil and Mexico, driven by growth in makeup, which reflected new product launches and successful performance during key shopping moments.
The net sales decrease in The Americas included approximately $11 million of favorable foreign currency translation.
Reported net sales in The Americas decreased 2% in fiscal 2023, driven by the decrease from volume of 4% and the net impact from acquisitions, divestitures and brand closures of 2%. Partially offsetting these decreases was an increase from pricing of 3%, due to the favorable impact from strategic pricing actions, partially offset by changes in mix.
Europe, the Middle East & Africa
Year Ended June 30
($ in millions) 2023 2022
As Reported:
Net sales $ 6,225 $ 7,681
$ Change from prior year (1,456) 735
% Change from prior year (19) % 11 %
Non-GAAP Financial Measure(1):
% Change from prior year in constant currency (16) % 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 net sales decreased in Europe, the Middle East & Africa in fiscal 2023, primarily driven by lower net sales from our travel retail business, and to a significantly lesser extent, Russia and the United Kingdom, combined, of approximately $1,551 million. The decrease in net sales from our travel retail business reflects the aforementioned challenges in Asia travel retail. Net sales from Russia decreased in fiscal 2023, as we sold a limited selection of products to certain retailers, and completed the closure of all of our freestanding stores during the first half of fiscal 2023. The decrease in net sales from the United Kingdom in fiscal 2023 is driven by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation, partially offset by brick-and-mortar recovery, reflecting an increase in traffic, compared to the prior year.
Partially offsetting the decreases in net sales in Europe, the Middle East & Africa in fiscal 2023 were increases in net sales from Turkey and India, combined, of approximately $55 million. The net sales increase in Turkey and India was driven by growth across all product categories.
The net sales decrease in Europe, the Middle East & Africa included approximately $205 million of unfavorable foreign currency translation.
Reported net sales in Europe, the Middle East & Africa decreased 19% in fiscal 2023, driven by the decrease from volume of 15%, the unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation of 3%, a decrease from pricing of 1%, due to the unfavorable impact from changes in mix, partially offset by strategic pricing actions, and the impact from the license terminations of certain of our designer fragrances of 1%.
Asia/Pacific
Year Ended June 30
($ in millions) 2023 2022
As Reported:
Net sales $ 5,194 $ 5,437
$ Change from prior year (243) (49)
% Change from prior year (4) % (1) %
Non-GAAP Financial Measure(1):
% Change from prior year in constant currency 4 % (1) %
(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 decreased in Asia/Pacific in fiscal 2023, primarily driven by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency of 8%. The decrease in net sales, including the unfavorable impact of foreign currency, was primarily driven by mainland China and Korea, led by the Dr.Jart+ travel retail business in Korea, combined, of approximately $371 million. The decrease in net sales in mainland China reflects the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation as well as the aforementioned challenges in mainland China in the first half of the fiscal year. The decrease in net sales in our Dr.Jart+ travel retail business in Korea reflects the aforementioned challenges in Asia travel retail.
Partially offsetting the net sales decrease in Asia/Pacific in fiscal 2023 were increases in Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR and Southeast Asia, combined, of approximately $136 million, reflecting the continued COVID-19 recovery. Also contributing to the net sales increase in Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR were successful brand activations and new product launches.
The net sales decrease in Asia/Pacific included approximately $435 million of unfavorable foreign currency translation.
Reported net sales in Asia/Pacific decreased 4% in fiscal 2023, driven by the unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation of 8%. Partially offsetting this decrease was an increase from pricing of 2%, due to the favorable impact from strategic pricing actions, partially offset by changes in mix, and the increase in volume of 1%.
GROSS MARGIN
Gross margin in fiscal 2023 decreased to 71.3% as compared with 75.7% in fiscal 2022.
Fiscal 2023 vs. Fiscal 2022
Favorable (Unfavorable) Basis Points
Mix of business (225)
Obsolescence charges (100)
Manufacturing costs and other (145)
Foreign exchange transactions 30
Total (440)
The decrease in gross margin in fiscal 2023 reflected unfavorable impacts from changes in our mix of business, higher manufacturing costs and other, and higher obsolescence charges. The unfavorable impact from our mix of business is primarily driven by category mix, driven by the decrease in skin care net sales which typically have higher margins than other product categories, as well as higher costs associated with promotional items. Manufacturing costs and other increased, driven by higher expenses within our inventory deferrals recognized during the current year reflecting lower production volume due to lower demand and higher costs for freight and material commodities. The unfavorable impact from obsolescence charges is primarily due to excess inventory on hand and increased levels of inventory destruction and reserves driven by lower demand that resulted in lower product shipments.
OPERATING EXPENSES
Operating expenses as a percentage of net sales in fiscal 2023 increased to 61.8% as compared with 57.9% in fiscal 2022.
Fiscal 2023 vs. Fiscal 2022
Favorable (Unfavorable) Basis Points
General and administrative expenses (80)
Advertising, merchandising, sampling and product development (190)
Selling (90)
Shipping (40)
Store operating costs (50)
Stock-based compensation 30
Foreign exchange transactions 10
Subtotal (410)
Charges associated with restructuring and other activities 50
Other intangible asset impairments 10
Changes in fair value of acquisition-related stock options (40)
Total (390)
The unfavorable change in operating expense margin in fiscal 2023 reflected unfavorable impacts relating to advertising, merchandising, sampling and product development, selling expenses, general and administrative expenses, and shipping expenses, driven by the decrease in net sales.
Operating expenses in total decreased $425 million in fiscal 2023, at a slower pace as compared to the decrease in net sales, as we continued to invest in our business, particularly in advertising, merchandising sampling and product development, as well as in selling, while also decreasing certain expenses through disciplined expense management. Additionally, general and administrative expenses decreased in fiscal 2023, driven by lower employee incentive compensation.
OPERATING RESULTS
Year Ended June 30
($ in millions) 2023 2022
As Reported:
Operating income $ 1,509 $ 3,170
$ Change from prior year (1,661) 552
% Change from prior year (52) % 21 %
Operating Margin 9.5 % 17.9 %
Non-GAAP Financial Measure(1):
% Change in operating income from the prior year adjusting for the impact of charges associated with restructuring and other activities, other intangible asset impairments and the change in fair value of acquisition-related stock options (48) % 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.
The reported operating margin for fiscal 2023 decreased from the prior year, primarily driven by the decreases in net sales, gross margin and operating expense margin, discussed above.
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 2023 and 2022 impact of charges associated with restructuring and other activities of $85 million, or approximately 1% of net sales and $144 million, or approximately 1% of net sales, respectively.
Product Categories
Skin Care
Year Ended June 30
($ in millions) 2023 2022
As Reported:
Operating income $ 1,204 $ 2,753
$ Change from prior year (1,549) (283)
% Change from prior year (56) % (9) %
Non-GAAP Financial Measure(1):
% Change in operating income from the prior year adjusting for the impact of other intangible asset impairments and the change in fair value of acquisition-related stock options (55) % (8) %
(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 decreased in fiscal 2023 reflecting lower operating results from Estée Lauder, La Mer, Clinique and Origins, combined, of approximately $1,556 million, primarily driven by decreases in net sales, partially offset by disciplined advertising and promotional expense management, as well as an unfavorable year-over-year impact for the change in fair value of acquisition-related stock options of $75 million relating to the fiscal 2021 increase in our investment in DECIEM. Also contributing to the decrease in skin care operating income from Estée Lauder, La Mer and Clinique was a higher cost of sales. The increase in cost of sales from Estée Lauder was due in part to higher manufacturing costs and obsolescence charges. The increase in cost of sales from La Mer was due in part to higher manufacturing costs and the increase in cost of sales from Clinique was due in part to higher costs for promotional items. The decrease in operating income from Origins was also partially offset by a lower cost of sales due to the net sales decrease and lower selling expenses due to the closure of freestanding stores during fiscal 2023.
Partially offsetting the decrease in skin care operating income in fiscal 2023 was the favorable year-over-year impact of other intangible asset impairments related to Dr.Jart+ and GLAMGLOW of $141 million, combined, and lower employee incentive compensation compared to the prior year.
Makeup
Year Ended June 30
($ in millions) 2023 2022
As Reported:
Operating income (loss) $ (22) $ 133
$ Change from prior year (155) 517
(100+)% 100+%
Non-GAAP Financial Measure(1):
% Change in operating income from the prior year adjusting for the impact of other intangible asset impairments and the change in fair value of acquisition-related stock options (35) % 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 income decreased in fiscal 2023, reflecting lower results from Estée Lauder, TOM FORD and La Mer, combined, of approximately $191 million, primarily driven by a decrease in net sales, as well as the fiscal 2023 second quarter other intangible asset impairments related to Too Faced and Smashbox of $107 million, combined. The decrease in operating income from TOM FORD also reflected a higher cost of sales, due in part to higher manufacturing costs and higher obsolescence charges. Also contributing to the decrease in operating income from La Mer was higher advertising and promotional activities, partially offset by a lower cost of sales due to lower net sales compared to the prior year. Partially offsetting the decrease in operating income from Estée Lauder was disciplined advertising and promotional expense management.
Partially offsetting the decrease in makeup operating income in fiscal 2023 were higher results from M·A·C, primarily driven by the recognition of previously deferred revenue due to changes to the BACK-To-M·A·C take back program and lower store operating costs, partially offset by an increase in cost of sales, as well as lower employee incentive compensation compared to the prior year.
Fragrance
Year Ended June 30
($ in millions) 2023 2022
As Reported:
Operating income $ 440 $ 456
$ Change from prior year (16) 241
% Change from prior year (4) % 100+%
Reported fragrance operating income decreased in fiscal 2023, reflecting lower results from Jo Malone London and the impact of license terminations related to certain of our designer fragrances effective June 30, 2022, combined, of approximately $98 million. The lower results from Jo Malone London were driven by a decrease in net sales, higher cost of sales, due, in part, to an increase in promotional items, and higher selling expenses due to increased staffing costs compared to the prior year.
Partially offsetting the decrease in fragrance operating income were higher results from Estée Lauder and Le Labo, combined, of approximately $83 million, driven by increases in net sales. Also contributing to the increase in operating income from Estée Lauder was disciplined advertising and promotional expense management, partially offset by a higher cost of sales. Partially offsetting the increase in operating income from Le Labo was higher advertising and promotional activities, higher selling expenses due to increased staffing costs compared to the prior year and higher store operating costs. Also partially offsetting the decrease in fragrance operating income was lower employee incentive compensation compared to the prior year.
Hair Care
Year Ended June 30
($ in millions) 2023 2022
As Reported:
Operating loss $ (34) $ (28)
$ Change from prior year (6) (9)
% Change from prior year (21) % (47) %
Reported hair care operating results decreased in fiscal 2023, primarily driven by lower results from Aveda and Bumble and bumble, combined, of approximately $53 million. The lower results from Aveda reflected a higher cost of sales, higher advertising and promotional activities to support the brand's expansion into mainland China during fiscal 2023 and key shopping moments and a decrease in net sales. Operating results from Bumble and bumble decreased, primarily driven by higher cost of sales.
Partially offsetting the decrease in hair care operating income was lower employee incentive compensation compared to the prior year.
Geographic Regions
The Americas
Year Ended June 30
($ in millions) 2023 2022
As Reported:
Operating income $ (73) $ 1,159
$ Change from prior year (1,232) 641
% Change from prior year (100+)% 100+%
Non-GAAP Financial Measure(1):
% Change in operating income from the prior year adjusting for the impact of other intangible asset impairments and the change in fair value of acquisition-related stock options (95) % 60 %
(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 decreased in The Americas in fiscal 2023, primarily reflecting lower operating results from North America of approximately $1,226 million. The decrease in operating results in North America was primarily driven by the United States, reflecting lower intercompany royalty income of $670 million compared to the prior year, driven by a decrease in net sales in our travel retail business, higher cost of sales driven by higher manufacturing costs and obsolescence charges, a decrease in net sales, and the unfavorable year-over-year impact of other intangible asset impairments of $96 million. Also contributing to the decrease in operating income in North America was the unfavorable year-over-year impact of the change in fair value of acquisition-related stock options of $77 million relating to the fiscal 2021 increase in our investment in DECIEM.
Europe, the Middle East & Africa
Year Ended June 30
($ in millions) 2023 2022
As Reported:
Operating income $ 843 $ 1,360
$ Change from prior year (517) 25
% Change from prior year (38) % 2 %
Reported operating income decreased in Europe, the Middle East & Africa in fiscal 2023, primarily driven by lower results from our travel retail business, primarily driven by the decrease in net sales, partially offset by the associated decrease in intercompany royalty expense to The Americas of $670 million.
Asia/Pacific
Year Ended June 30
($ in millions) 2023 2022
As Reported:
Operating income $ 824 $ 795
$ Change from prior year 29 (198)
% Change from prior year 4 % (20) %
Non-GAAP Financial Measure(1):
% Change in operating income from the prior year adjusting for the impact of other intangible asset impairments (10) % 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.
Reported operating income increased in Asia/Pacific in fiscal 2023, primarily reflecting a favorable year-over-year impact of other intangible asset impairments of $130 million and higher results from Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR and Southeast Asia, combined of approximately $67 million, primarily driven by an increase in net sales, partially offset by a higher cost of sales.
Partially offsetting the increase in operating income in Asia/Pacific in fiscal 2023 were lower operating results in mainland China, Korea and Japan, combined, of approximately $149 million. The lower operating results in mainland China were driven by a decrease in net sales and an increase in cost of sales reflecting higher obsolescence charges and an increase in promotional items, partially offset by disciplined advertising and promotional expense management and lower selling costs compared to the prior year. Operating income in Korea decreased, led by Dr.Jart+, due to decreases in net sales, partially offset by lower selling expenses and cost of sales. Operating income in Japan decreased, driven by the decrease in net sales, partially offset by lower selling expenses.
INTEREST AND INVESTMENT INCOME
Year Ended June 30
(In millions) 2023 2022
Interest expense $ 255 $ 167
Interest income and investment income, net $ 131 $ 30
Interest expense increased in fiscal 2023, primarily reflecting a higher debt balance, due in part to the financing of our acquisition of the TOM FORD brand, including the issuance of commercial paper primarily in the second half of fiscal 2023, and the issuance of Senior Notes in May 2023 and higher interest rates compared to the prior year. Interest income and investment income, net increased, primarily reflecting higher interest rates compared to the prior year.
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. 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 $913 million, resulting in the recognition of a gain of $848 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. The accounting for the DECIEM business combination was finalized during the fiscal 2022 third quarter.
See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 5 - Business and Asset Acquisitions for additional 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 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (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) 2023 2022
Earnings before income taxes: $ 1,397 $ 3,036
As Reported:
Effective rate for income taxes 27.7 % 20.7 %
Basis-point change from prior year 700 700
Non-GAAP Financial Measure(1):
Effective rate for income taxes 26.5 % 21.3 %
(1)Excludes the net impact on the effective tax rates of charges associated with restructuring and other activities, other intangible asset impairments and changes in the fair value of acquisition-related stock options.
The effective tax rate for fiscal 2023 increased approximately 700 basis points. The increase was primarily attributable to a higher effective tax rate on the Company's foreign operations of approximately 720 basis points, due to the Company's geographical mix of earnings for fiscal 2023.
NET EARNINGS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.
Year Ended June 30
($ in millions, except per share data) 2023 2022
As Reported:
Net earnings attributable to The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. $ 1,006 $ 2,390
$ Change from prior year (1,384) (480)
% Change from prior year (58) % (17) %
Diluted net earnings per common share $ 2.79 $ 6.55
% Change from prior year (57) % (16) %
Non-GAAP Financial Measure(1):
% Change in diluted net earnings per common share from the prior year adjusting for the impact of charges associated with restructuring and other activities, other intangible asset impairments and the change in fair value of acquisition-related stock options (52) % 12 %
(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; other intangible asset impairments; the change in fair value of acquisition-related stock options; and the effects of foreign currency translation. The following 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) 2023 2022 Variance
Net sales, as reported $ 15,910 $ 17,737 $ (1,827) (10) % (7) %
Returns associated with restructuring and other activities 27 4 23
Net sales, as adjusted $ 15,937 $ 17,741 $ (1,804) (10) % (7) %
Operating income, as reported $ 1,509 $ 3,170 $ (1,661) (52) % (49) %
Charges associated with restructuring and other activities 85 144 (59)
Other intangible asset impairments 207 241 (34)
Change in fair value of acquisition-related stock options 22 (55) 77
Operating income, as adjusted $ 1,823 $ 3,500 $ (1,677) (48) % (44) %
Diluted net earnings per common share, as reported $ 2.79 $ 6.55 $ (3.76) (57) % (54) %
Charges associated with restructuring and other activities .18 .31 (.13)
Other intangible asset impairments .44 .50 (.06)
Change in fair value of acquisition-related stock options (less portion attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest) .05 (.12) .17
Diluted net earnings per common share, as adjusted $ 3.46 $ 7.24 $ (3.78) (52) % (49) %
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 $ 8,202 $ 9,886 $ (1,684) $ 337 $ (1,347) (17) % (14) %
Makeup 4,516 4,667 (151) 166 15 (3) -
Fragrance 2,512 2,508 4 108 112 - 4
Hair Care 653 631 22 16 38 3 6
Other 54 49 5 2 7 10 14
15,937 17,741 (1,804) 629 (1,175) (10) (7)
Returns associated with restructuring and other activities (27) (4) (23) - (23)
Total $ 15,910 $ 17,737 $ (1,827) $ 629 $ (1,198) (10) % (7) %
By Region:
The Americas $ 4,518 $ 4,623 $ (105) $ (11) $ (116) (2) % (3) %
Europe, the Middle East & Africa 6,225 7,681 (1,456) 205 (1,251) (19) (16)
Asia/Pacific 5,194 5,437 (243) 435 192 (4) 4
15,937 17,741 (1,804) 629 (1,175) (10) (7)
Returns associated with restructuring and other activities (27) (4) (23) - (23)
Total $ 15,910 $ 17,737 $ (1,827) $ 629 $ (1,198) (10) % (7) %
The following tables reconcile the change in operating results by product category and geographic region, as reported, to the change in operating income excluding the impact of other intangible asset impairments and the change in fair value of acquisition-related stock options:
As Reported Add:
Changes in
Other intangible asset impairments Add:
Change in fair value of acquisition-related stock options Variance, as adjusted % Change, as reported % Change, as adjusted
Year Ended June 30
($ in millions) 2023
Variance
By Product Category:
Skin Care $ 1,204 $ 2,753 $ (1,549) $ (141) $ 75 $ (1,615) (56)% (55)%
Makeup (22) 133 (155) 107 2 (46) (100+) (35)
Fragrance 440 456 (16) - - (16) (4) (4)
Hair Care (34) (28) (6) - - (6) (21) (21)
Other 6 - 6 - - 6 100 100
1,594 3,314 $ (1,720) $ (34) $ 77 $ (1,677) (52)% (48)%
Charges associated with restructuring and other activities (85) (144)
Total $ 1,509 $ 3,170
By Region:
The Americas $ (73) $ 1,159 $ (1,232) $ 96 $ 77 $ (1,059) (100+)% (95)%
Europe, the Middle East & Africa 843 1,360 (517) - - (517) (38) (38)
Asia/Pacific 824 795 29 (130) - (101) 4 (10)
1,594 3,314 $ (1,720) $ (34) $ 77 $ (1,677) (52)% (48)%
Charges associated with restructuring and other activities (85) (144)
Total $ 1,509 $ 3,170
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, 2023, we had cash and cash equivalents of $4,029 million compared with $3,957 million at June 30, 2022. 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. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, we temporarily reduced our holdings of bank deposits and increased our allocation of government money market funds, due to stresses in the global banking system.
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. As explained in further detail in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 9 - Income Taxes, during the fiscal 2023 fourth quarter, we changed our assertion regarding our ability and intent to indefinitely reinvest undistributed earnings from certain foreign subsidiaries. We continue to analyze the indefinite reinvestment assertion on our remaining applicable foreign earnings. We do not believe that continuing to reinvest these remaining applicable 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.
Inflation impacted our operating results during fiscal 2023 and we expect it to continue. Generally, we have plans to introduce new products at higher prices, increase prices and implement other operating efficiencies which we expect to offset some of these cost increases.
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 11, 2023, our long-term debt is rated A+ with a negative 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) increased to 59% at June 30, 2023 from 49% at June 30, 2022, primarily due to the increase in total debt, reflecting the financing of our acquisition of the TOM FORD brand, including the issuance of commercial paper primarily in the second half of fiscal 2023, and the issuance of Senior Notes in May 2023.
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) 2023 2022
Net cash provided by operating activities $ 1,731 $ 3,040
Net cash used for investing activities $ (3,217) $ (945)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities $ 1,590 $ (3,036)
The change in net cash flows provided by operating activities primarily reflected lower earnings before tax, excluding non-cash items, partially offset by the favorable change in working capital, reflecting a favorable change in inventory and promotional merchandise and accounts receivable, partially offset by lower accounts payable due to timing of payments and lower other accrued and noncurrent liabilities, which includes the settlement of net investment hedges.
The change in net cash flows used for investing activities was primarily driven by cash paid in connection with the acquisition of the TOM FORD brand during the fiscal 2023 fourth quarter and also reflects a favorable impact from the settlement of net investment hedges, which is offset by the unfavorable change in other accrued liabilities as discussed above.
The change in net cash flows provided by (used for) financing activities primarily reflected lower treasury stock purchases compared to the prior year, an increase in debt due to the issuance of Senior Notes in May 2023 and the issuance of commercial paper in the second half of fiscal 2023, due in part to finance our acquisition of the TOM FORD brand, partially offset by an increase in repayments of long-term debt.
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, 2022 for the fiscal 2022 to fiscal 2021 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, 2023 and through August 11, 2023, 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 2023 and 2022, we met or exceeded all contribution requirements under ERISA regulations for the U.S. Qualified Plan. We expect to make a $50 million discretionary contribution to the U.S. Qualified Plan in the first quarter of fiscal 2024. As we continue to monitor the funded status, we may decide to make additional cash contributions to the U.S. Qualified Plan or our post-retirement medical plan in the United States during fiscal 2024.
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 2024
2023 2022
Non-qualified domestic noncontributory pension plan benefit payments $ 22 $ 14 $ 18
International defined benefit pension plan contributions $ 28 $ 35 $ 38
Post-retirement plan benefit payments $ 11 $ 13 $ 11
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 $265 million and $259 million as of June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. This potential change does not consider our underlying foreign currency exposures.
We also enter into cross-currency swap contracts to hedge the impact of foreign currency changes on certain intercompany foreign currency denominated debt. A hypothetical 10% weakening of the U.S. dollar against the foreign exchange rates for the currencies in our cross-currency swap contracts would have resulted in a net decrease in the fair value of our cross-currency swap contracts of approximately $49 million as of June 30, 2023.
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 decrease by approximately $55 million and $41 million as of June 30, 2023 and 2022, 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, 2023 and our results of operations for the three fiscal years ended June 30, 2023 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 and Other Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets - Impairment Assessment, Income Taxes, and Asset Acquisition.
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 and Other Indefinite-lived Intangible 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 2023, we elected to perform the qualitative assessment for the goodwill in certain of our reporting units and other 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 its reporting units were below carrying value. We considered macroeconomic factors including the global economic growth, general macroeconomic trends for the markets in which the reporting units operate and the intangible assets are employed, and the growth of the global prestige beauty industry. In addition to these macroeconomic factors, among other things, we considered the reporting units’ current results and forecasts, any changes in the nature of the business, any significant legal, regulatory, contractual, political or other business climate factors, changes in the industry/competitive environment, changes in the composition or carrying amount of net assets and its intention to sell or dispose of a reporting unit or cease the use of a trademark.
For fiscal 2023, a quantitative assessment was performed for the goodwill in certain of our reporting units and other indefinite-lived intangible assets. We engaged third-party valuation specialists and used industry accepted valuation models and criteria that were reviewed and approved by various levels of management. To determine the estimated fair value of the reporting units, we used an equal weighting of the income and market approaches. Under the income approach, we determined fair value using a discounted cash flow method, projecting future cash flows of each reporting unit, as well as a terminal value, and discounting such cash flows at a rate of return that reflected the relative risk of the cash flows. Under the market approach, we utilized market multiples from publicly traded companies with similar operating and investment characteristics as the reporting unit. The significant assumptions used in these two approaches include revenue growth rates and profit margins, terminal value, the weighted average cost of capital used to discount future cash flows and comparable market multiples. To determine the estimated fair value of other indefinite-lived intangible assets, we used an income approach, specifically the relief-from-royalty method. This method assumes that, in lieu of ownership, a third party would be willing to pay a royalty in order to obtain the rights to use the comparable asset. The significant assumptions used in this approach include revenue growth rates, terminal value, the weighted average cost of capital used to discount future cash flows and royalty rate.
For fiscal 2022, we elected to perform the quantitative assessment for the goodwill in each of its reporting units and indefinite-lived intangible assets. We engaged a third-party valuation specialist and used industry accepted valuation models and criteria that were reviewed and approved by various levels of management. To determine the estimated fair value of the reporting units, we used an equal weighting of the income and market approaches. Under the income approach, we determined fair value using a discounted cash flow method, projecting future cash flows of each reporting unit, as well as a terminal value, and discounting such cash flows at a rate of return that reflected the relative risk of the cash flows. Under the market approach, we utilized market multiples from publicly traded companies with similar operating and investment characteristics as the reporting unit. The significant assumptions used in these two approaches include revenue growth rates and profit margins, terminal value, the weighted average cost of capital used to discount future cash flows and comparable market multiples. To determine the estimated fair value of other indefinite-lived intangible assets, we used an income approach, specifically the relief-from-royalty method. This method assumes that, in lieu of ownership, a third party would be willing to pay a royalty in order to obtain the rights to use the comparable asset. The significant assumptions used in this approach include revenue growth rates, terminal value, the weighted average cost of capital used to discount future cash flows and royalty rate.
For further discussion of the methods used and factors considered in our estimates as part of the impairment testing for Goodwill and Other Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Note 6 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.
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 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.
Asset Acquisition
We recognize assets acquired in an asset acquisition based on the cost to the Company on a relative fair value basis, which includes transaction costs in addition to consideration transferred and liabilities assumed or issued as part of the transaction. Neither goodwill nor bargain purchase gains are recognized in an asset acquisition; any excess of consideration transferred over the fair value of the net assets acquired, or the opposite, is allocated to qualifying assets based on their relative fair values. The determination of fair value, as well as the expected useful lives of certain assets acquired, requires management to make judgments and may involve the use of significant estimates, including assumptions with respect to estimated future cash flows and discount rates, 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 2023, we acquired 100% of the equity interests in 001 Del LLC (“001”) in exchange for $2,550 million in consideration (the “TOM FORD Acquisition”). The TOM FORD Acquisition has been accounted for as an asset acquisition as the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in the value of the TOM FORD trademark intangible asset. The acquisition of 001 included existing license relationships for certain uses of the brand name, which were modified, terminated or otherwise renegotiated in connection with the transaction.
The total cost of the asset acquisition is $2,578 million and was allocated to the TOM FORD trademark. We engaged a third-party valuation specialist and used an income approach, specifically the relief-from-royalty method, to determine the fair value of the TOM FORD trademark. This method assumes that, in lieu of ownership, a third party would be willing to pay a royalty in order to obtain the rights to use the comparable asset. The significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value were revenue growth rates, terminal value, beauty royalty savings, the weighted average cost of capital used to discount future cash flows and royalty rates.
For further discussion of Business Combinations and Asset Acquisitions, see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Note 5 - Business and Asset Acquisitions and Note 6 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.
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 volatility in the global credit and equity markets, natural or man-made disasters, real or perceived epidemics, supply chain challenges, inflation, or increased 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 technology, including operational technology and websites, on a timely basis and within our cost estimates; to maintain continuous operations of our new and existing information technology; and to secure the data and other information that may be stored in such technologies 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, 2023.
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, 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, 2023.
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 2023 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.
Trading Arrangements
During the fiscal 2023 fourth quarter, none of the Company’s directors or officers (as defined in Rule 16a-1(f) under the Exchange Act) adopted or terminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or a “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement,” each as defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act.
Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers
We are reporting the following information regarding our Executive Annual Incentive Plan in this Item 9B in lieu of filing such information on a Current Report on Form 8-K under Item 5.02(e) “Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensation Arrangements of Certain Officers.”
On August 14, 2023, the Compensation Committee (the “Compensation Committee”) of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Company adopted a new executive annual incentive plan, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Executive Annual Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). Commencing for the Company’s fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023, the Plan replaces the executive annual incentive plan adopted by the Compensation Committee on August 21, 2013 (the “2013 Plan”), which the Company will cease using.
The principal purposes of the Plan are to provide incentives and rewards to the “executive officers” of the Company and to assist the Company in motivating them to achieve the Company’s annual performance goals. The Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee or such other committee as may be appointed by the Board (the “Committee”). The Committee, in its discretion, may grant opportunities to executive officers for each fiscal year of the Company as it shall determine. For purposes of the Plan, “executive officers” means those persons who are denoted as such from time to time by the Company in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or those persons as determined by the Board from time to time.
Under the Plan, each participant is granted an annual opportunity for a payment if performance targets are achieved. Performance targets are based on the nature of the participant’s role and amount of time in that role, achievement of hurdle rates, and targets and/or growth in one or more business criteria that apply to the individual participant, one or more business units or the Company as a whole. The business criteria may include, individually or in combination: (i) net earnings; (ii) earnings per share; (iii) net sales; (iv) market share; (v) net operating profit; (vi) expense control; (vii) return on invested capital; (viii) operating margin; (ix) return on equity; (x) return on assets; (xi) planning accuracy (as measured by comparing planned results to actual results); (xii) gross margin; (xiii) market price per share; (xiv) total return to stockholders; (xv) ESG measures; and (xvi) any other measure determined by the Committee. In addition, the annual performance targets may include comparisons to performance at other companies, such performance to be measured by one or more of the foregoing business criteria. Furthermore, the measurement of performance against targets may exclude or adjust for the impact of certain events or occurrences as set forth in the Plan.
In no event may a participant receive more than $10 million under the Plan on account of any fiscal year. Payouts pursuant to opportunities granted under the Plan occur following approval by the Committee of achievement. Payouts are in cash (unless otherwise determined by the Committee) as soon as practicable following approval by the Committee, but not later than December 31 of the calendar year in which the applicable fiscal year ends. The Committee may determine that the payout of an opportunity or a portion of an opportunity shall be deferred and may also allow voluntary deferrals in accordance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “IRC”). In the event a participant’s employment is terminated prior to the payout of an opportunity previously granted, the Plan provides for payment under certain circumstances as specified in the Plan. Payouts are subject to repayment by a participant to the Company in accordance with the Company’s recoupment, recovery or clawback policy or policies in effect from time to time.
The Plan is subject to amendment or termination at any time by the Committee but no such action may adversely affect any rights or obligations with respect to any opportunities previously granted under the Plan.
The foregoing brief description of the terms and conditions of the Plan is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Plan, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 10.5a hereto, and is incorporated into this Item by reference.

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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 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “2023 Proxy Statement”). The 2023 Proxy Statement will be filed within 120 days after the close of the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023 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 2023 Proxy Statement. The 2023 Proxy Statement will be filed within 120 days after the close of the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023 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 2023 Proxy Statement. The 2023 Proxy Statement will be filed within 120 days after the close of the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023 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, 2023 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, 2023
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)
10,351,905 $184.41 10,114,324
(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 7,497,084 shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options, 1,789,851 shares issuable upon conversion of outstanding Restricted Stock Units, 601,845 shares issuable upon conversion of outstanding Performance Share Units (“PSUs”) (assuming maximum payout for unvested PSUs and PSUs vested as of June 30, 2023 pending approval by the Stock Plan Subcommittee of our Board of Directors), 112,680 shares issuable upon conversion of Share Units and 350,445 shares issuable upon conversion of Long-term PSUs, including Price-vested units (“PVUs”).
(3)Calculated based upon outstanding options in respect of 7,497,084 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, 2023, there were 9,684,436 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, 2023). 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, 2023, there were 429,888 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, 2023, the total shares of Common Stock outstanding (i.e. Class A plus Class B) would increase 6% to 378,086,144. Of the outstanding options to purchase 7,497,084 shares of Class A Common Stock, options to purchase 3,354,289 shares have an exercise price less than $196.38, the closing price on June 30, 2023. Assuming the exercise of only in-the-money options, the total shares outstanding would increase by 1% to 360,974,204.

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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 2023 Proxy Statement. The 2023 Proxy Statement will be filed within 120 days after the close of the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023 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 2023 Proxy Statement. The 2023 Proxy Statement will be filed within 120 days after the close of the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023 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 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).*
4.14 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).*
4.15 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).*
4.16 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).*
4.17 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).*
4.18 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).*
Exhibit
Number Description
4.19 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).*
4.20 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).*
4.21 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).*
4.22 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).*
4.23 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).*
4.24 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).*
4.25 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).*
4.26 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).*
4.27 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).*
4.28 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).*
4.29 Officers’ Certificate, dated May 12, 2023, defining certain terms of the 4.375% Senior Notes due 2028 (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 12, 2023) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*
4.30 Form of Global Note for the 4.375% Senior Notes due 2028 (included as Exhibit A in Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 12, 2023) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*
4.31 Officers’ Certificate, dated May 12, 2023, defining certain terms of the 4.650% Senior Notes due 2033 (filed as Exhibit 4.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 12, 2023) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*
4.32 Form of Global Note for the 4.650% Senior Notes due 2033 (included as Exhibit A in Exhibit 4.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 12, 2023) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*
4.33 Officers’ Certificate, dated May 12, 2023, defining certain terms of the 5.150% Senior Notes due 2053 (filed as Exhibit 4.5 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 12, 2023) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*
4.34 Form of Global Note for the 5.150% Senior Notes due 2053 (included as Exhibit A in Exhibit 4.5 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 12, 2023) (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).*
Exhibit
Number Description
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).*
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, 2019, as further amended through January 1, 2022 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on February 3, 2022) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.3a Amendment to amended and restated The Estee Lauder Companies Retirement Growth Account Plan, effective as of May 31, 2022 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 on our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 3, 2022) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.3b The Estee Lauder Companies Retirement Growth Account Plan, as amended and restated, effective as of January 1, 2023 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on February 2, 2023) (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).*†
10.5a Executive Annual Incentive Plan (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).*†
Exhibit
Number Description
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 Jane Hertzmark Hudis (filed as Exhibit 10.13 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on August 24, 2022) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.11 Employment Agreement with Jane Lauder (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 3, 2023) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.12 Employment Agreement with Peter Jueptner (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) (filed as Exhibit 10.15e to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on August 27, 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 (filed as Exhibit 10.16b to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on August 27, 2021) (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).*†
Exhibit
Number Description
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 2, 2012) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
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 10.16y to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on August 20, 2014) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.18f 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).*†
10.18g 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).*†
10.18h 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 10.17l to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on August 23, 2019) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.18i 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).*†
10.18j 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).*†
10.18k 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).*†
10.18l 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).*†
10.18m 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).*†
10.18n 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) (filed as Exhibit 10.18s to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on August 27, 2021) (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 10.18t to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on August 27, 2021) (SEC File No. 1-14064).*†
10.18p 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).*†
10.18q 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).*†
Exhibit
Number Description
10.18r 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 $2.5 Billion Credit Facility, dated as of October 22, 2021, 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 22, 2021) (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).*
10.20a Agreement of Sublease, dated May 18, 2022, between Editions de Parfums LLC, Sublandlord and Melville Management Corporation, Subtenant (filed as Exhibit 10.21a to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on August 24, 2022) (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).*
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 (filed as Exhibit 10.24c to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on August 27, 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.
Exhibit
Number Description
23.1 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers 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, 2023 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, 2023 is formatted in iXBRL
____________________
* Incorporated herein by reference.
† Exhibit is a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.