Document
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
 
 
Form 10-Q
(Mark One)
ý
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018
OR
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM                    TO          
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 001-35964
 
 
 
COTY INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
 
13-3823358
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
 
 
 
350 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY
 
10118
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
(212) 389-7300
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code
 
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.     Yes ý      No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).     Yes ý      No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer   ý
 
Accelerated filer   ¨
 
Non-accelerated filer   ¨
 
Smaller reporting company   ¨
 
 
 
Emerging growth company   ¨
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).     Yes ¨     No ý
At February 1, 2019, 751,256,879 shares of the registrant’s Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value, were outstanding.
 



COTY INC.
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

COTY INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In millions, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
Six Months Ended
December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Net revenues
$
2,511.2

 
$
2,637.6

 
$
4,542.5

 
$
4,875.9

Cost of sales
956.7

 
1,024.9

 
1,765.8

 
1,899.1

Gross profit
1,554.5

 
1,612.7

 
2,776.7

 
2,976.8

Selling, general and administrative expenses
1,284.0

 
1,319.2

 
2,406.3

 
2,510.3

Amortization expense
88.5

 
89.6

 
181.0

 
167.8

Restructuring costs
21.5

 
21.7

 
37.0

 
32.9

Acquisition-related costs

 
7.0

 

 
61.1

Asset impairment charges
965.1

 

 
977.7

 

Operating (loss) income
(804.6
)
 
175.2

 
(825.3
)
 
204.7

Interest expense, net
68.3

 
60.3

 
132.4

 
126.7

Other expense, net
4.8

 
4.2

 
7.5

 
8.7

(Loss) income before income taxes
(877.7
)
 
110.7

 
(965.2
)
 
69.3

Provision (benefit) for income taxes
78.3

 
(7.9
)
 
0.9

 
(33.2
)
Net (loss) income
(956.0
)
 
118.6

 
(966.1
)
 
102.5

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
0.6

 
(1.9
)
 
1.8

 
(4.1
)
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests
4.0

 
11.3

 
4.8

 
17.1

Net (loss) income attributable to Coty Inc.
$
(960.6
)
 
$
109.2

 
$
(972.7
)
 
$
89.5

Net (loss) income attributable to Coty Inc. per common share:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
$
(1.28
)
 
$
0.15

 
$
(1.30
)
 
$
0.12

Diluted
(1.28
)
 
0.15

 
(1.30
)
 
0.12

Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
751.1

 
749.6

 
751.0

 
749.1

Diluted
751.1

 
752.7

 
751.0

 
752.5


See notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


1

Table of Contents

COTY INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(In millions)
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
Six Months Ended
December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Net (loss) income
$
(956.0
)
 
$
118.6

 
$
(966.1
)
 
$
102.5

Other comprehensive (loss) income:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Foreign currency translation adjustment
(60.0
)
 
32.0

 
(108.9
)
 
271.1

Net unrealized derivative gain (loss) on cash flow hedges, net of taxes of $5.8 and $(3.9), and $5.5 and $(4.0) during the three and six months ended, respectively
(18.7
)
 
7.4

 
(17.7
)
 
7.3

Pension and other post-employment benefits adjustment, net of tax of $(1.9) and $0.0, and $(1.4) and $0.0 during the three and six months ended, respectively
1.5

 
0.9

 
1.6

 
1.6

Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax
(77.2
)
 
40.3

 
(125.0
)
 
280.0

Comprehensive (loss) income
(1,033.2
)
 
158.9

 
(1,091.1
)
 
382.5

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income (loss)
0.6

 
(1.9
)
 
1.8

 
(4.1
)
Foreign currency translation adjustment

 
(0.1
)
 
0.2

 
0.5

Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
0.6

 
(2.0
)
 
2.0

 
(3.6
)
Comprehensive income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
4.0

 
11.3

 
4.8

 
17.1

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests
4.0

 
11.3

 
4.8

 
17.1

Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Coty Inc.
$
(1,037.8
)
 
$
149.6

 
$
(1,097.9
)
 
$
369.0


See notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

2

Table of Contents

COTY INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
 
December 31,
2018
 
June 30,
2018
ASSETS
 

 
 

Current assets:
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
$
417.5

 
$
331.6

Restricted cash
27.5

 
30.6

Trade receivables—less allowances of $72.8 and $81.8, respectively
1,542.7

 
1,536.0

Inventories
1,164.6

 
1,148.9

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
562.1

 
603.9

Total current assets
3,714.4

 
3,651.0

Property and equipment, net
1,625.7

 
1,680.8

Goodwill
7,665.0

 
8,607.1

Other intangible assets, net
7,929.4

 
8,284.4

Deferred income taxes
182.7

 
107.4

Other noncurrent assets
153.5

 
299.5

TOTAL ASSETS
$
21,270.7

 
$
22,630.2

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 

 
 

Current liabilities:


 


Accounts payable
$
1,818.9

 
$
1,928.6

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
1,738.8

 
1,844.4

Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt
255.7

 
218.9

Income and other taxes payable
51.6

 
52.1

Total current liabilities
3,865.0

 
4,044.0

Long-term debt, net
7,560.9

 
7,305.4

Pension and other post-employment benefits
519.6

 
533.3

Deferred income taxes
840.6

 
842.5

Other noncurrent liabilities
385.7

 
388.5

Total liabilities
13,171.8

 
13,113.7

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (See Note 18)


 


REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS
487.6

 
661.3

EQUITY:
 

 
 

Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value; 20.0 shares authorized, 5.0 and 5.0 issued and 1.9 and 5.0 outstanding, respectively, at December 31, 2018 and June 30, 2018

 

Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value; 1,000.0 shares authorized, 816.2 and 815.8 issued and 751.2 and 750.7 outstanding, respectively, at December 31, 2018 and June 30, 2018
8.1

 
8.1

Additional paid-in capital
10,734.9

 
10,750.8

Accumulated deficit
(1,729.7
)
 
(626.2
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
33.6

 
158.8

Treasury stock—at cost, shares: 65.0 at December 31, 2018 and June 30, 2018
(1,441.8
)
 
(1,441.8
)
Total Coty Inc. stockholders’ equity
7,605.1

 
8,849.7

Noncontrolling interests
6.2

 
5.5

Total equity
7,611.3

 
8,855.2

TOTAL LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS AND EQUITY
$
21,270.7

 
$
22,630.2

See notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

3

Table of Contents

COTY INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY AND
REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS
For the Three and Six Months Ended December 31, 2018
(In millions, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
 
Preferred Stock
 
Class A
Common Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in Capital
 
(Accumulated Deficit)
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Treasury Stock
 
Total Coty Inc.
Stockholders’ Equity
 
Noncontrolling Interests
 
Total Equity
 
Redeemable
Noncontrolling Interests
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
 
 
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
 
 
 
BALANCE as previously reported—July 1, 2018
5.0

 
$

 
815.8

 
$
8.1

 
$
10,750.8

 
$
(626.2
)
 
$
158.8

 
65.0

 
$
(1,441.8
)
 
$
8,849.7

 
$
5.5

 
$
8,855.2

 
$
661.3

Adjustment due to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-16 (See Note 2)


 


 


 


 


 
(112.6
)
 


 


 


 
(112.6
)
 


 
(112.6
)
 


Adjustment due to the adoption of ASC 606 (See Note 3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(18.2
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(18.2
)
 
 
 
(18.2
)
 
 
BALANCE as adjusted—July 1, 2018
5.0

 
$

 
815.8

 
$
8.1

 
$
10,750.8

 
$
(757.0
)
 
$
158.8

 
65.0

 
$
(1,441.8
)
 
$
8,718.9

 
$
5.5

 
$
8,724.4

 
$
661.3

Exercise of employee stock options and restricted stock units
 
 
 
 

 

 
0.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
0.7

 
 
 
0.7

 
 
Share-based compensation expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6.4

 
 
 
6.4

 
 
Dividends ($0.125 per Common Share)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(94.0
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(94.0
)
 
 
 
(94.0
)
 
 
Net income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(12.1
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(12.1
)
 
1.2

 
(10.9
)
 
0.8

Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(48.0
)
 
 
 
 
 
(48.0
)
 
0.2

 
(47.8
)
 


Distribution to noncontrolling interests, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
(1.3
)
 
(1.3
)
 
(4.3
)
Additional redeemable noncontrolling interests due to employee grants (See Note 17)


 


 


 


 
(1.6
)
 


 


 


 


 
(1.6
)
 


 
(1.6
)
 
1.6

Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests to redemption value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
37.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
37.2

 
 
 
37.2

 
(37.2
)
BALANCE—September 30, 2018
5.0

 
$

 
815.8

 
$
8.1

 
$
10,699.5

 
$
(769.1
)
 
$
110.8

 
65.0

 
$
(1,441.8
)
 
$
8,607.5

 
$
5.6

 
$
8,613.1

 
$
622.2

Cancellation of Preferred Stock
(3.1
)
 

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

 


 

 


Exercise of employee stock options and restricted stock units


 


 
0.4

 

 
0.2

 


 


 


 


 
0.2

 


 
0.2

 


Shares withheld for employee taxes


 


 


 


 
(1.3
)
 


 


 


 


 
(1.3
)
 


 
(1.3
)
 


Share-based compensation expense


 


 


 


 
4.4

 


 


 


 


 
4.4

 


 
4.4

 


Dividends ($0.125 per Common Share)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(94.6
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(94.6
)
 
 
 
(94.6
)
 
 
Net income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(960.6
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(960.6
)
 
0.6

 
(960.0
)
 
4.0

Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(77.2
)
 
 
 
 
 
(77.2
)
 
 
 
(77.2
)
 
 
Distribution to noncontrolling interests, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
(11.9
)
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests to redemption value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
126.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
126.7

 
 
 
126.7

 
(126.7
)
BALANCE—December 31, 2018
1.9

 
$

 
816.2

 
$
8.1

 
$
10,734.9

 
$
(1,729.7
)
 
$
33.6

 
65.0

 
$
(1,441.8
)
 
$
7,605.1

 
$
6.2

 
$
7,611.3

 
$
487.6


See notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

4

Table of Contents

COTY INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY AND
REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS
For the Three and Six Months Ended December 31, 2017
(In millions, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
 
Preferred Stock
 
Class A
Common Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in Capital
 
(Accumulated Deficit)
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
Treasury Stock
 
Total Coty Inc.
Stockholders’ Equity
 
Noncontrolling Interests
 
Total Equity
 
Redeemable
Noncontrolling Interests
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
 
 
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
 
 
 
BALANCE as previously reported—July 1, 2017
4.2

 
$

 
812.9

 
$
8.1

 
$
11,203.2

 
$
(459.2
)
 
$
4.4

 
65.0

 
$
(1,441.8
)
 
$
9,314.7

 
$
3.0

 
$
9,317.7

 
$
551.1

Adjustment due to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-09
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
8.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
8.3

 
 
 
8.3

 
 
BALANCE as adjusted—July 1, 2017
4.2

 
$

 
812.9

 
$
8.1

 
$
11,203.2

 
$
(450.9
)
 
$
4.4

 
65.0

 
$
(1,441.8
)
 
$
9,323.0

 
$
3.0

 
$
9,326.0

 
$
551.1

Exercise of employee stock options and restricted stock units and related tax benefits
 
 
 
 
1.5

 

 
11.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
11.2

 
 
 
11.2

 
 
Shares withheld for employee taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(3.1
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(3.1
)
 
 
 
(3.1
)
 
 
Share-based compensation expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
8.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
8.1

 
 
 
8.1

 
 
Dividends ($0.125 per common share)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(94.3
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(94.3
)
 
 
 
(94.3
)
 
 
Net (loss) income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(19.7
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(19.7
)
 
(2.2
)
 
(21.9
)
 
5.8

Other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
239.1

 
 
 
 
 
239.1

 
0.6

 
239.7

 
 
Distribution to noncontrolling interests, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
(6.4
)
Dilution of redeemable noncontrolling interest due to additional contribution
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
17.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
17.0

 
 
 
17.0

 
(17.0
)
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests to redemption value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(29.0
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(29.0
)
 
 
 
(29.0
)
 
29.0

BALANCE—September 30, 2017
4.2

 
$

 
814.4

 
$
8.1

 
$
11,113.1

 
$
(470.6
)
 
$
243.5

 
65.0

 
$
(1,441.8
)
 
$
9,452.3

 
$
1.4

 
$
9,453.7

 
$
562.5

Issuance of Preferred Stock
1.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
Exercise of employee stock options and restricted stock units and related tax benefits
 
 
 
 
0.4

 
 
 
2.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.5

 
 
 
2.5

 
 
Shares withheld for employee taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(0.3
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(0.3
)
 
 
 
(0.3
)
 
 
Share-based compensation expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9.0

 
 
 
9.0

 
 
Dividends ($0.125 per common share)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(94.4
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(94.4
)
 
 
 
(94.4
)
 
 
Net income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
109.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
109.2

 
(1.9
)
 
107.3

 
11.3

Other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
40.4

 
 
 
 
 
40.4

 
(0.1
)
 
40.3

 
 
Distribution to noncontrolling interests, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
(25.3
)
Additional redeemable noncontrolling interests due to employee grants (See Note 17)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(8.3
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(8.3
)
 
 
 
(8.3
)
 
8.3

Proceeds from redeemable noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
0.2

Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests to redemption value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(81.3
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(81.3
)
 
 
 
(81.3
)
 
81.3

BALANCE—December 31, 2017
5.2

 
$

 
814.8

 
$
8.1

 
$
10,940.3

 
$
(361.4
)
 
$
283.9

 
65.0

 
$
(1,441.8
)
 
$
9,429.1

 
$
(0.6
)
 
$
9,428.5

 
$
638.3


See notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

5

Table of Contents

COTY INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
(Unaudited)
 
Six Months Ended
December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 

 
 

Net (loss) income
$
(966.1
)
 
$
102.5

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 

 
 

Depreciation and amortization
367.7

 
350.5

Deferred income taxes
(55.9
)
 
(75.1
)
Provision for bad debts
9.4

 
9.0

Provision for pension and other post-employment benefits
18.2

 
22.2

Share-based compensation
8.2

 
16.2

Asset impairment charges
977.7

 

Non-cash restructuring charges
23.8

 
0.2

Other
26.4

 
(5.3
)
Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from purchase of acquired companies:
 

 
 

Trade receivables
(45.5
)
 
(246.6
)
Inventories
(35.2
)
 
(22.2
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
19.7

 
(47.6
)
Accounts payable
(28.6
)
 
18.7

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
(87.4
)
 
185.6

Income and other taxes payable
12.8

 
19.5

Other noncurrent assets
24.7

 
(14.9
)
Other noncurrent liabilities
(32.2
)
 
(4.9
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
237.7

 
307.8

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 

 
 

Capital expenditures
(259.3
)
 
(232.2
)
Payment for business combinations and asset acquisitions, net of cash acquired
(40.8
)
 
(264.6
)
Proceeds from sale of asset

 
2.8

Net cash used in investing activities
(300.1
)
 
(494.0
)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 

 
 

Net proceeds from short-term debt, original maturity less than three months
39.7

 
71.5

Proceeds from revolving loan facilities
1,076.6

 
1,437.0

Repayments of revolving loan facilities
(644.8
)
 
(1,166.4
)
Repayments of term loans and other long-term debt
(95.6
)
 
(95.5
)
Dividend payment
(188.4
)
 
(188.1
)
Net proceeds from issuance of Class A Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock
0.9

 
13.7

Net proceeds from foreign currency contracts
2.4

 
8.2

Distributions to noncontrolling interests, redeemable noncontrolling interests and mandatorily redeemable financial instruments
(22.9
)
 
(40.0
)
Payment of debt issuance costs
(10.7
)
 
(4.0
)
All other
(3.5
)
 
(3.2
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
153.7

 
33.2

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATES ON CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH
(8.5
)
 
8.0

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH
82.8

 
(145.0
)
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH—Beginning of period
362.2

 
570.7

CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH—End of period
$
445.0

 
$
425.7

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOWS INFORMATION:
 

 
 

Cash paid during the period for interest
$
140.7

 
$
129.4

Cash received during the period for settlement of interest rate swaps (See Note 13)
43.2

 

Cash paid during the period for income taxes, net of refunds received
57.6

 
57.5

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH FINANCING AND INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 

 
 

Accrued capital expenditure additions
$
83.3

 
$
72.6

Non-cash contingent consideration for business combination (see Note 5)

 
5.0


See notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

6

Table of Contents

COTY INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
($ in millions, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
Coty Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company” or “Coty”) manufacture, market, sell and distribute branded beauty products, including fragrances, color cosmetics, hair care products and skin & body related products throughout the world. Coty is a global beauty company with a rich entrepreneurial history and an iconic portfolio of brands.
The Company operates on a fiscal year basis with a year-end of June 30. Unless otherwise noted, any reference to a year preceded by the word “fiscal” refers to the fiscal year ended June 30 of that year. For example, references to “fiscal 2019” refer to the fiscal year ending June 30, 2019. When used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the term “includes” and “including” means, unless the context otherwise indicates, including without limitation.
The Company’s sales generally increase during the second fiscal quarter as a result of increased demand associated with the holiday season. Financial performance, working capital requirements, sales, cash flows and borrowings generally experience variability during the three to six months preceding the holiday season. Product innovations, new product launches and the size and timing of orders from the Company’s customers may also result in variability. The Company also generally experiences an increase in sales during its fourth fiscal quarter in its Professional Beauty segment as a result of higher demand prior to the summer holiday season.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
The unaudited interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and include the Company’s consolidated domestic and international subsidiaries. Certain information and disclosures normally included in consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted. Accordingly, these unaudited interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying footnotes should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for the year ended June 30, 2018. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, of a normal recurring nature, considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The results of operations for the three and six months ended December 31, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for the full fiscal year ending June 30, 2019. All dollar amounts (other than per share amounts) in the following discussion are in millions of United States (“U.S.”) dollars, unless otherwise indicated.
Restricted Cash
Restricted cash represents funds that are not readily available for general purpose cash needs due to contractual limitations. Restricted cash is classified as a current or long-term asset based on the timing and nature of when or how the cash is expected to be used or when the restrictions are expected to lapse. As of December 31, 2018 and June 30, 2018, the Company had restricted cash of $27.5 and $30.6, respectively, included in Restricted cash in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Restricted cash balance as of December 31, 2018 primarily provides collateral for certain bank guarantees on rent, customs and duty accounts. Restricted cash is included as a component of Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenses during the period reported. Significant accounting policies that contain subjective management estimates and assumptions include those related to revenue recognition, the market value of inventory, the fair value of acquired assets and liabilities associated with acquisitions, pension benefit costs, the assessment of goodwill, other intangible assets and long-lived assets for impairment, income taxes and the fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interests. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, and makes adjustments when facts and circumstances dictate. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from those estimates and assumptions. Significant changes, if any, in those estimates and assumptions resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in future periods.

7

Table of Contents

Tax Information
The effective income tax rate for the three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 was (8.9)% and (7.1)%, respectively, and (0.1)% and (47.9)% for the six months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The change in effective tax rate for the three and six months ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the prior year periods, is primarily due to goodwill impairment recorded in the current periods that is not tax deductible.
The effective income tax rates vary from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% due to the effect of (i) jurisdictions with different statutory rates, (ii) adjustments to the Company’s unrealized tax benefits (“UTBs”) and accrued interest, (iii) non-deductible expenses, (iv) audit settlements and (v) valuation allowance changes.
On December 22, 2017, “H.R.1”, formerly known as the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” (“Tax Act”) was enacted. The Tax Act significantly revises the U.S. corporate income tax system by, amongst other things, reducing the federal tax rate on U.S. earnings to 21%, implementing a modified territorial tax system and imposing a one-time deemed repatriation tax on historical earnings generated by foreign subsidiaries that have not been repatriated to the U.S.
On December 22, 2017, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) which provides guidance on accounting for the tax effects of the Tax Act. SAB 118 provides a measurement period that should not extend beyond one year from the enactment date of the Tax Act for companies to complete the accounting under ASC 740. The Company recorded its initial estimate of the impact of the Tax Act in fiscal 2018. This estimate was a charge of approximately $41.0 as a result of utilizing tax attributes (e.g., net operating losses and foreign tax credits) to fully offset the cash impact of the one-time deemed repatriation tax. During fiscal 2019, the Company finalized its estimate of the impact of the Tax Act and no additional adjustments were required.
The Tax Act requires a U.S. shareholder of a foreign corporation to include in income its global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”). In general, GILTI is described as the excess of a U.S. shareholder’s total net foreign income over a deemed return on tangible assets. As a result of recently released Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) guidance, an entity may choose to recognize deferred taxes for temporary differences expected to reverse as GILTI in future years or an entity can elect to treat GILTI as a period cost and include it in the tax expense of the year it is incurred. As such, the Company has elected to treat the tax on GILTI as a tax expense in the year it is incurred rather than recognizing deferred taxes. The Company has estimated the impact from GILTI for fiscal 2019 to be immaterial. Additionally, the Tax Act created the Base Erosion Anti-Abuse Tax (“BEAT”), a new minimum tax on taxable income adjusted for certain base erosion payments. The Company does not presently expect that it will be subject to the minimum tax imposed by the BEAT provisions for fiscal 2019.
As of December 31, 2018 and June 30, 2018, the gross amount of UTBs was $317.6 and $303.6, respectively. As of December 31, 2018, the total amount of UTBs that, if recognized, would impact the effective income tax rate is $126.8. As of December 31, 2018 and June 30, 2018, the liability associated with UTBs, including accrued interest and penalties, was $142.5 and $135.4, respectively, which was recorded in Income and other taxes payable and Other non-current liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The total interest and penalties recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations related to UTBs was $1.5 and $1.0 for the three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The total gross accrued interest and penalties recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2018 and June 30, 2018 was $15.7 and $13.1, respectively. On the basis of the information available as of December 31, 2018, it is reasonably possible that a decrease of up to $25.4 in UTBs may occur within 12 months as a result of projected resolutions of global tax examinations and a potential lapse of the applicable statutes of limitations.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which implements a common revenue model that will enhance comparability across industries and require enhanced disclosures. The Company adopted this new standard on July 1, 2018. See Note 3Revenue Recognition for more information on the effects of the adoption of this standard.
In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory, which requires entities to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset, other than inventory, when the transfer occurs. The Company adopted the standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 using the modified retrospective transition method and recognized tax expense, as an adjustment to the July 1, 2018 accumulated deficit balance of $7.6 and $120.8 that were previously deferred in Prepaid expenses and other current assets and Other noncurrent assets, respectively. The recognition of this tax expense was partially offset by a previously unrecognized deferred tax asset of $15.8, resulting in a cumulative-effect adjustment of $112.6 as an increase to the July 1, 2018 accumulated deficit balance.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business, which provides an updated model for determining if acquired assets and liabilities constitute a business. In a business combination, the acquired assets and liabilities are recognized at fair value and goodwill could be recognized. In an asset acquisition, the assets are allocated value based on relative fair value and no goodwill is recognized. The ASU narrows the

8

Table of Contents

definition of a business. The Company adopted the standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 on a prospective basis. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, IntangiblesGoodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating step two from the goodwill impairment test. The Company early adopted the ASU during the first quarter of fiscal 2019. As of July 1, 2018, the adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, CompensationRetirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost (“ASU No. 2017-07”), which requires employers to report the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the underlying employees during the period. The other components of net periodic benefit cost are required to be reported separately and outside of operating income. In addition, only the service cost component would be eligible for capitalization in assets. The new guidance also allows a practical expedient that permits employers to use the amounts disclosed in its pension and other postretirement benefit plan note for the prior comparative periods as the estimation basis for applying the retrospective presentation requirements. The Company adopted this standard during the first quarter of fiscal 2019 and retrospectively applied it to each prior period presented. In doing so, as a practical expedient, the Company used the prior comparative period Employee Benefit Plans footnote (see Note 12).
The following table presents our results under our historical method of accounting and as adjusted to reflect our adoption of ASU No. 2017-07:
 
Three Months Ended
December 31, 2017
 
Six Months Ended
December 31, 2017
 
As Previously Reported
 
Effect of Adoption of ASU No. 2017-07
 
As Adjusted
 
As Previously Reported
 
Effect of Adoption of ASU No. 2017-07
 
As Adjusted
Cost of sales
$
1,025.0

 
$
(0.1
)
 
$
1,024.9

 
$
1,899.3

 
$
(0.2
)
 
$
1,899.1

Selling, general and administrative expenses
1,319.9

 
(0.7
)
 
1,319.2

 
2,511.7

 
(1.4
)
 
2,510.3

Operating income
174.4

 
0.8

 
175.2

 
203.1

 
1.6

 
204.7

Other expense, net
3.4

 
0.8

 
4.2

 
7.1

 
1.6

 
8.7

Net income
118.6

 

 
118.6

 
102.5

 

 
102.5

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, CompensationStock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting, which narrows the scope of changes in grant terms that would require modification accounting. The Company adopted this standard during the first quarter of fiscal 2019 on a prospective basis. The adoption did not have an effect on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, IntangiblesGoodwill and OtherInternal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40), which aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license). The Company adopted the standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 on a prospective basis. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, Compensation—Retirement Benefits—Defined Benefit Plans—General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans, which modified the disclosure requirements by removing, modifying and clarifying disclosures related to defined benefit plans. The amendment will be effective for the Company in fiscal 2021 with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact this guidance will have on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement, which modified the disclosure requirements by removing, modifying and adding disclosures related to fair value measurements. The amendment will be effective for the Company in fiscal 2021 with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact this guidance will have on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU No. 2016-13”), which requires that a financial asset (or a group of financial assets) measured at an amortized cost basis be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. This approach to

9

Table of Contents

estimating credit losses applies to most financial assets measured at amortized cost and certain other instruments, including but not limited to, trade and other receivables. In November 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-19, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses, which clarifies the scope of the guidance in ASU No. 2016-13. The amendment will be effective for the Company in fiscal 2021 with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact this guidance will have on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which requires that a lessee recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from operating leases. A lessee should recognize in its balance sheet a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. For leases with a term of 12 months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. Lessees and lessors have the option to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach or to initially apply the new leases standard at the adoption date and recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. The amendment will be effective for the Company in fiscal 2020 with early adoption permitted. The Company has selected the transition method provided by the authoritative guidance in ASU No. 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842), and will recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. The Company has an implementation team in place that is performing a comprehensive evaluation of the impact the standard will have on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures. The evaluation includes assessing the Company’s lease portfolio, the implementation of new software to meet reporting requirements and the impact to business processes. In December 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-20, Leases (Topic 842): Narrow-Scope Improvements for Lessors, which provides lessors the election to consider certain sales and similar taxes as lessee costs and exclude them from consideration in the contract, requires lessors to exclude certain lessor costs paid directly to third parties from expenses and related revenues, and requires the allocation of certain variable payments to the lease and nonlease components when changes in facts and circumstances related to the payments occur. The amendment will be effective for the Company in fiscal 2020 with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact this guidance will have on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.
3. REVENUE RECOGNITION
Adoption of ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers
On July 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers and all related amendments (the “New Revenue Standard”) using the modified retrospective method applied to those contracts which were not completed as of July 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning after July 1, 2018 are presented under the New Revenue Standard, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the Company’s historic accounting under ASC 605, Revenue Recognition.
The Company recorded a net increase to its accumulated deficit as of July 1, 2018 (as presented below) due to the cumulative impact of adopting the New Revenue Standard, with the impact primarily related to the timing of accrual for certain customer incentives and markdowns at the time of sell-in and reclassification of certain marketing fixtures expense as a reduction of gross revenue.
The cumulative effects of the revenue accounting changes on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of July 1, 2018 were as follows:
 
June 30, 2018
 
Adjustments
 
July 1, 2018
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
Property and equipment, net
$
1,680.8

 
$
(6.2
)
 
$
1,674.6

Deferred income taxes
107.4

 
0.6

 
108.0

Other noncurrent assets
299.5

 
6.9

 
306.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
$
1,844.4

 
$
20.7

 
$
1,865.1

Deferred income taxes
842.5

 
(1.2
)
 
841.3

Accumulated deficit
(626.2
)
 
(18.2
)
 
(644.4
)
The following table summarizes the impacts of adopting the New Revenue Standard on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2018:

10

Table of Contents

 
As reported (New Revenue Standard)
 
Current period adjustments
 
As adjusted (previous revenue standard)
Net revenues
$
2,511.2

 
$
(23.9
)
 
$
2,487.3

Selling, general and administrative expenses
1,284.0

 
0.2

 
1,284.2

Net loss
(956.0
)
 
(18.3
)
 
(974.3
)
Net loss attributable to Coty Inc.
(960.6
)
 
(18.1
)
 
(978.7
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss attributable to Coty Inc. per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
(1.28
)
 
$
(0.02
)
 
$
(1.30
)
Diluted
(1.28
)
 
(0.02
)
 
(1.30
)
The following table summarizes the impacts of adopting the New Revenue Standard on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Six Months Ended December 31, 2018:
 
As reported (New Revenue Standard)
 
Current period adjustments
 
As adjusted (previous revenue standard)
Net revenues
$
4,542.5

 
$
(16.7
)
 
$
4,525.8

Selling, general and administrative expenses
2,406.3

 
1.3

 
2,407.6

Net loss
(966.1
)
 
(13.4
)
 
(979.5
)
Net loss attributable to Coty Inc.
(972.7
)
 
(13.6
)
 
(986.3
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss attributable to Coty Inc. per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
(1.30
)
 
$
(0.02
)
 
$
(1.32
)
Diluted
(1.30
)
 
(0.02
)
 
(1.32
)
Revenue Recognition Accounting Policy
For periods after July 1, 2018, revenue is recognized at a point in time and/or over time when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to the Company’s customers which usually occurs upon delivery. Revenue is recognized in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for transferring those goods or services. At contract inception, the Company assesses the goods and services promised in its contracts with customers and identifies a performance obligation for each promise to transfer to the customer a good or service (or bundle of goods or services) that is distinct. To identify the performance obligations, the Company considers all of the goods or services promised in the contract regardless of whether they are explicitly stated or are implied by customary business practices. The Company’s revenue contracts principally represent a performance obligation to sell its beauty products to trade customers and are satisfied when control of promised goods and services is transferred to the customers.
Net revenues comprise gross revenues less customer discounts and allowances, actual and expected returns (estimated based on an analysis of historical experience and position in product life cycle) and various trade spending activities. Trade spending activities represent variable consideration promised to the customer and primarily relate to advertising, product promotions and demonstrations, some of which involve cooperative relationships with customers. The costs of trade spend activities are estimated using the expected value method considering all reasonably available information, including contract terms with the customer, the Company’s historical experience and its current expectations of the scope of the activities, and is reflected in the transaction price when sales are recorded.
The Company’s payment terms vary by the type and location of its customers and the products offered. The term between invoicing and when payment is due is not significant.
The Company’s sales return accrual reflects seasonal fluctuations, including those related to the holiday season in its second quarter. This accrual is a subjective critical estimate that has a direct impact on reported net revenues, and is calculated based on history of actual returns, estimated future returns and information provided by retailers regarding their inventory levels. In addition, as necessary, specific accruals may be established for significant future known or anticipated events. The types of known or anticipated events that the Company has considered, and will continue to consider, include the financial

11

Table of Contents

condition of our customers, store closings by retailers, changes in the retail environment, and our decision to continue to support new and existing brands.
The Company accounts for certain customer store fixtures as other assets. Such fixtures are amortized using the straight-line method over the period of 3-5 years as a reduction of revenue.
For the presentation of the Company’s revenues disaggregated by segment and product category see Note 4Segment Reporting.
4. SEGMENT REPORTING
The Company’s organizational structure is category focused, putting the consumers first, by specifically targeting how and where they shop and what and why they purchase. Operating and reportable segments (referred to as “segments”) reflect the way the Company is managed and for which separate financial information is available and evaluated regularly by the Company’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) in deciding how to allocate resources and assess performance. The Company has designated its Chief Executive Officer as the CODM.
The Company has the following three divisions which represent its operating segments and reportable segments:
Luxury — primarily focused on prestige fragrances, premium skin care and premium color cosmetics;
Consumer Beauty — primarily focused on color cosmetics, retail hair coloring and styling products, mass fragrance, mass skin care and body care;
Professional Beauty — primarily focused on hair and nail care products for professionals.
Certain revenues and shared costs and the results of corporate initiatives are managed outside of the three segments by Corporate. The items within Corporate relate to corporate-based responsibilities and decisions and are not used by the CODM to measure the underlying performance of the segments. Corporate primarily includes restructuring and realignment costs, costs related to acquisition activities and certain other expense items not attributable to ongoing operating activities of the segments.
With the adoption of ASU No. 2017-07 (see Note 2Summary of Significant Accounting Policies), the non-service cost components of net periodic benefit cost have been removed from consolidated operating expenses and included in consolidated other expense, net. For segment reporting, however, all components of net periodic benefit cost are included in segment operating results as these components continue to comprise the basis on which the CODM analyzes segment results. In order to reconcile the total of segment operating (loss) income to consolidated operating (loss) income, reclassification adjustments related to the non-service costs components have been included in Corporate in the table below.
With the exception of goodwill and acquired intangible assets, the Company does not identify or monitor assets by segment. The Company does not present assets by reportable segment since various assets are shared between reportable segments. The allocation of goodwill and acquired intangible assets by segment is presented in Note 9Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, net.

12

Table of Contents

 
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
Six Months Ended
December 31,
SEGMENT DATA
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Net revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Luxury
$
1,017.5

 
$
951.2

 
$
1,810.4

 
$
1,715.6

Consumer Beauty
967.8

 
1,138.6

 
1,796.6

 
2,182.0

Professional Beauty
525.9

 
547.8

 
935.5

 
978.3

Total
$
2,511.2

 
$
2,637.6

 
$
4,542.5

 
$
4,875.9

Operating income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Luxury
$
113.6

 
$
85.1

 
$
162.3

 
$
141.8

Consumer Beauty
(906.9
)
 
99.3

 
(925.5
)
 
161.2

Professional Beauty
73.8

 
73.5

 
78.8

 
71.8

Corporate
(85.1
)
 
(82.7
)
 
(140.9
)
 
(170.1
)
Total
$
(804.6
)
 
$
175.2

 
$
(825.3
)
 
$
204.7

Reconciliation:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating (loss) income
$
(804.6
)
 
$
175.2

 
$
(825.3
)
 
$
204.7

Interest expense, net
68.3

 
60.3

 
132.4

 
126.7

Other expense, net
4.8

 
4.2

 
7.5

 
8.7

(Loss) income before income taxes
$
(877.7
)
 
$
110.7

 
$
(965.2
)
 
$
69.3

Presented below are the percentage of revenues associated with the Company’s product categories:
 
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
Six Months Ended
December 31,
PRODUCT CATEGORY
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Fragrance
43.5
%
 
40.7
%
 
42.3
%
 
39.1
%
Color Cosmetics
23.3

 
24.1

 
24.7

 
26.3

Hair Care
24.4

 
24.5

 
24.3

 
24.2

Skin & Body Care
8.8

 
10.7

 
8.7

 
10.4

Total Coty Inc.
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
5. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
Burberry Beauty Business Acquisition
On October 2, 2017, the Company acquired the exclusive global license rights and other related assets for the Burberry Limited (“Burberry”) luxury fragrances, cosmetics and skincare business (the “Burberry Beauty Business”). The Burberry Beauty Business acquisition further strengthens the Company’s position in the global beauty industry. Total purchase consideration, after post-closing adjustments, was £191.7 million, the equivalent of $256.3, at the time of closing. Included in the purchase price was cash consideration of £183.3 million, the equivalent of $245.1, at the time of closing, in addition to £8.4 million, the equivalent of $11.2, of estimated contingent consideration, at the time of closing.
The future contingent consideration payments will range from zero to £16.7 million and will be payable on a quarterly basis to Burberry as certain items of inventory transferred to the Company at the acquisition date are subsequently used or sold. The amount of the contingent consideration recorded was estimated as of the acquisition date and is subject to change based on the related inventory usage. The fair value of the contingent consideration was determined by estimating the future inventory usage and corresponding payments over a four-year period, with the contingent payments being made in each of the respective years. The estimate of the portion of contingent consideration payable within twelve months from the December 31, 2018 balance sheet date is recorded in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities and the remainder is recorded in Other noncurrent liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. From the date of acquisition through the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company made £2.9 million in contingent payments.
The Company has finalized the valuation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed for the Burberry Beauty Business acquisition. The Company recognized certain measurement period adjustments as disclosed below during the three months ended September 30, 2018. The measurement period for the Burberry Beauty Business acquisition closed on October 1, 2018.

13

Table of Contents

The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price to the net assets of the Burberry Beauty Business as of the October 2, 2017 acquisition date:
 
Estimated
fair value as previously reported
 (a)
 
Measurement period adjustments (b)
 
Final fair value as adjusted
 
Estimated
useful life
(in years)
Inventories
$
47.9

 
$

 
$
47.9

 
 
Property, plant and equipment
5.8

 

 
5.8

 
1 - 3
License and distribution rights
177.8

 
6.7

 
184.5

 
3 - 15
Goodwill
34.9

 
(9.4
)
 
25.5

 
 Indefinite
Net other liabilities
(10.1
)
 
2.7

 
(7.4
)
 
 
Total purchase price
$
256.3

 
$

 
$
256.3

 
 
 
 
(a) 
As previously reported in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018.
(b) 
The Company recorded measurement period adjustments in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. The measurement period adjustments related to an increase in the value of the License and distribution rights due to changes in assumptions that were used at the date of acquisition for valuation purposes. The measurement period adjustment related to the decrease in net other liabilities acquired was a result of obtaining new facts and circumstances about acquired accrued expenses that existed as of the acquisition date. All measurement period adjustments were offset against Goodwill.
Goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. The goodwill is attributable to expected synergies resulting from integrating the Burberry Beauty Business products into the Company’s existing sales channels. Goodwill of $12.9, $6.8 and $5.8 is allocated to the Luxury, Consumer Beauty and Professional Beauty segments, respectively. The allocation of goodwill to the segments were due to the reduction in corporate and regional overhead allocated to these segments due to the addition of the Burberry Beauty Business.
6. ACQUISITION-RELATED COSTS
Acquisition-related costs, which are expensed as incurred, represent non-restructuring costs directly related to acquiring and integrating an entity, for both completed and contemplated acquisitions. These costs can include finder’s fees, legal, accounting, valuation, other professional or consulting fees, including fees related to transitional services, and other internal costs which can include compensation related expenses for dedicated internal resources. The Company recognized acquisition-related costs of $0.0 and $7.0 for the three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively and $0.0 and $61.1 for the six months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, which have been recorded in Acquisition-related costs in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Acquisition-related costs incurred during the three and six months ended December 31, 2017 were primarily related to the acquisition of The Procter & Gamble Company’s (“P&G”) beauty business (the “P&G Beauty Business”).
7. RESTRUCTURING COSTS
Restructuring costs for the three and six months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are presented below:
 
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
Six Months Ended
December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Global Integration Activities
$
22.2

 
$
15.1

 
$
28.7

 
$
24.9

2018 Restructuring Actions
(0.3
)
 
10.8

 
8.8

 
11.9

Other Restructuring
(0.4
)
 
(4.2
)
 
(0.5
)
 
(3.9
)
Total
$
21.5

 
$
21.7

 
$
37.0

 
$
32.9

Global Integration Activities
In connection with the acquisition of the P&G Beauty Business, the Company has and expects to continue to incur restructuring and related costs aimed at integrating and optimizing the combined organization (“Global Integration Activities”).
Of the expected costs, the Company has incurred cumulative restructuring charges of $499.4 related to approved initiatives through December 31, 2018, which have been recorded in Corporate. The following table presents aggregate restructuring charges for the program:

14

Table of Contents

 
Severance and Employee Benefits
 
Third-Party Contract Terminations
 
Fixed Asset Write-offs
 
Other Exit Costs
 
Total
Fiscal 2017
$
333.9

 
$
22.4

 
$
4.6

 
$
3.3

 
$
364.2

Fiscal 2018
67.5

 
19.3

 
14.3

 
5.4

 
106.5

Fiscal 2019
1.6

 
1.8

 
23.8

 
1.5

 
28.7

Cumulative through December 31, 2018
$
403.0

 
$
43.5

 
$
42.7

 
$
10.2

 
$
499.4

Over the next two fiscal years, the Company expects to incur approximately $30.0 of additional restructuring charges pertaining to the approved actions, primarily related to contract terminations, employee termination benefits and other related exit costs.
The related liability balance and activity for the Global Integration Activities restructuring costs are presented below:
 
Severance and
Employee
Benefits
 
Third-Party
Contract
Terminations
 
Fixed Asset Write-offs
 
Other
Exit
Costs
 
Total
Program
Costs
Balance—July 1, 2018
$
203.0

 
$
17.0

 
$

 
$
3.1

 
$
223.1

Restructuring charges
7.1

 
1.8

 
23.8

 
1.7

 
34.4

Payments
(75.7
)
 
(6.1
)
 

 
(2.2
)
 
(84.0
)
Changes in estimates
(5.5
)
 

 

 
(0.2
)
 
(5.7
)
Non-cash utilization

 

 
(23.8
)
 

 
(23.8
)
Effect of exchange rates
(1.5
)
 

 

 

 
(1.5
)
Balance—December 31, 2018
$
127.4

 
$
12.7

 
$

 
$
2.4

 
$
142.5

The Company currently estimates that the total remaining accrual of $142.5 will result in cash expenditures of approximately $106.2, $33.3 and $3.0 in fiscal 2019, 2020 and thereafter, respectively.
2018 Restructuring Actions
During fiscal 2018, the Company began evaluating initiatives to reduce fixed costs and enable further investment in the business (the “2018 Restructuring Actions”).
Of the expected costs, the Company incurred cumulative restructuring charges of $77.2 related to approved initiatives through December 31, 2018, primarily related to role eliminations in Europe and North America, which have been recorded in Corporate. The following table presents aggregate restructuring charges for the program:
 
Severance and Employee Benefits
 
Third-Party Contract Terminations
 
Fixed Asset Write-offs
 
Other Exit Costs
 
Total
Fiscal 2018
$
63.5

 
$
0.2

 
$
1.3

 
$
3.4

 
$
68.4

Fiscal 2019
7.9

 

 

 
0.9

 
8.8

Cumulative through December 31, 2018
$
71.4

 
$
0.2

 
$
1.3

 
$
4.3

 
$
77.2

Over the next three fiscal years, the Company expects to incur approximately $7.0 of additional restructuring charges pertaining to the approved actions, primarily related to employee termination benefits.
The related liability balance and activity of restructuring costs for the 2018 Restructuring Actions are presented below:
 
Severance and
Employee
Benefits
 
Third-Party
Contract
Terminations
 
Other Exit Costs
 
Total
Program
Costs
Balance—July 1, 2018
$
48.0

 
$
0.2

 
$
3.3

 
$
51.5

Restructuring charges
9.2

 

 
0.9

 
10.1

Payments
(30.4
)
 

 
(1.3
)
 
(31.7
)
Changes in estimates
(1.3
)
 

 

 
(1.3
)
Effect of exchange rates
(0.7
)
 

 

 
(0.7
)
Balance—December 31, 2018
$
24.8

 
$
0.2

 
$
2.9

 
$
27.9


15

Table of Contents

The Company currently estimates that the total remaining accrual of $27.9 will result in cash expenditures of approximately $22.1, $4.9 and $0.9 in fiscal 2019, 2020 and thereafter, respectively.
Other Restructuring
In connection with the acquisition of the Burberry Beauty Business, the Company recorded the reversal of $(0.1) of restructuring costs relating to third party contract terminations during the six months ended December 31, 2018. The related liability balances were $1.0 and $3.9 at December 31, 2018 and June 30, 2018, respectively. The Company currently estimates that the total remaining accrual of $1.0 will result in cash expenditure in fiscal 2019.
The Company executed a number of other legacy restructuring activities in prior years, which are substantially completed. The Company incurred (income) expenses of $(0.2) and $(3.9) during the six months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The related liability balances were $7.3 and $9.4 at December 31, 2018 and June 30, 2018, respectively. The Company currently estimates that the total remaining accrual of $7.3 will result in cash expenditures of $2.3, $2.5 and $2.5 in fiscal 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively.
In connection with the acquisition of the P&G Beauty Business, the Company assumed restructuring liabilities of approximately $21.7 at October 1, 2016. The Company incurred (income) expenses of $(0.2) and nil during the six months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The related liability balances were $5.4 and $7.0 at December 31, 2018 and June 30, 2018, respectively. The Company estimates that the remaining accrual of $5.4 at December 31, 2018 will result in cash expenditures of $2.7, $2.2 and $0.5 in fiscal 2019, 2020 and thereafter, respectively.
8. INVENTORIES
Inventories as of December 31, 2018 and June 30, 2018 are presented below:
 
December 31,
2018
 
June 30,
2018
Raw materials
$
289.6

 
$
278.6

Work-in-process
18.4

 
21.8

Finished goods
856.6

 
848.5

Total inventories
$
1,164.6

 
$
1,148.9

9. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET
Assessment for Impairments
The Company tests goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually as of May 1, or more frequently, if certain events or circumstances warrant. There were no impairments of goodwill at the Company’s reporting units in fiscal 2018.
In the course of evaluating the results for the second quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company noted the cash flows associated with its Consumer Beauty reporting unit were adversely impacted by negative category trends and market share losses in the color cosmetics, hair color and mass fragrance categories mainly impacting the CoverGirl, Rimmel, Max Factor, Bourjois and Clairol trademarks; additional shelf-spaces losses for CoverGirl, Clairol, and Max Factor; expected increased costs in the short-term to offset the lower service levels caused by supply chain disruptions; and lower than expected net revenues and profitability for Younique. Additionally, the Company considered the impact of a 75 basis point increase in the discount rate, which adversely affected the fair value of the reporting unit. Management concluded that these adverse factors represented indicators of impairment that warranted an interim impairment test for goodwill and certain other intangible assets in the Consumer Beauty reporting unit. As a result, in the three and six months ended December 31, 2018, the Company recognized asset impairment charges of $930.3, of which $832.5 related to goodwill, $90.8 related to indefinite-lived other intangible assets (mainly related to the CoverGirl and Clairol trademarks) and $7.0 related to finite-lived other intangible assets, as described below and recorded in Asset impairment charges in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Additionally, the Company identified indicators of impairment related to the philosophy trademark that is part of the Luxury reporting unit and recorded an asset impairment charge of $22.8 for the three and six months ended December 31, 2018. In addition to the impact of a 75 basis point increase in the discount rate for the trademark, the Company considered the impact of the business indicators of lower than expected net revenue growth in the U.S. and a decrease in the level of expected profitability of the trademark.

16

Table of Contents

Goodwill
Goodwill as of December 31, 2018 and June 30, 2018 is presented below:
 
Luxury
 
Consumer Beauty
 
Professional Beauty
 
Total
Gross balance at June 30, 2018
$
3,366.6

 
$
4,927.5

 
$
953.8

 
$
9,247.9

Accumulated impairments
(403.7
)
 
(237.1
)
 

 
(640.8
)
Net balance at June 30, 2018
$
2,962.9

 
$
4,690.4

 
$
953.8

 
$
8,607.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Changes during the period ended December 31, 2018:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Measurement period adjustments (a)
(10.5
)
 
0.6

 
0.5

 
(9.4
)
Foreign currency translation
(30.2
)
 
(51.5
)
 
(18.5
)
 
(100.2
)
Impairment charges

 
(832.5
)
 

 
(832.5
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross balance at December 31, 2018
$
3,325.9

 
$
4,876.6

 
$
935.8

 
$
9,138.3

Accumulated impairments
(403.7
)
 
(1,069.6
)
 

 
(1,473.3
)
Net balance at December 31, 2018
$
2,922.2

 
$
3,807.0

 
$
935.8

 
$
7,665.0

 
 
(a) Includes measurement period adjustments in connection with the Burberry Beauty Business acquisition (Refer to Note 5Business Combinations).

Other Intangible Assets, net
Other intangible assets, net as of December 31, 2018 and June 30, 2018 are presented below:
 
December 31, 2018
 
June 30,
2018
Indefinite-lived other intangible assets
$
3,052.0

 
$
3,186.2

Finite-lived other intangible assets, net
4,877.4

 
5,098.2

Total Other intangible assets, net
$
7,929.4

 
$
8,284.4


17

Table of Contents

The changes in the carrying amount of indefinite-lived other intangible assets are presented below:
 
Luxury
 
Consumer Beauty
 
Professional Beauty
 
Total
Gross balance at June 30, 2018
$
414.6

 
$
1,703.1

 
$
1,266.3

 
$
3,384.0

Accumulated impairments
(118.8
)
 
(75.9
)
 
(3.1
)
 
(197.8
)
Net balance at June 30, 2018
295.8

 
1,627.2

 
1,263.2

 
3,186.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Changes during the period ended December 31, 2018:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation
(5.8
)
 
(7.1
)
 
(7.7
)
 
(20.6
)
Impairment charges
(22.8
)
 
(90.8
)
 

 
(113.6
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross balance at December 31, 2018
408.8

 
1,696.0

 
1,258.6

 
3,363.4

Accumulated impairments
(141.6
)
 
(166.7
)
 
(3.1
)
 
(311.4
)
Net balance at December 31, 2018
$
267.2

 
$
1,529.3

 
$
1,255.5

 
$
3,052.0

Intangible assets subject to amortization are presented below:
 
Cost
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Accumulated Impairment
 
Net
June 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
License agreements
$
3,362.7

 
$
(792.9
)
 
$

 
$
2,569.8

Customer relationships
1,960.5

 
(508.7
)
 
(5.5
)
 
1,446.3

Trademarks
1,002.1

 
(185.5
)
 
(0.4
)
 
816.2

Product formulations and technology
361.2

 
(95.3
)
 

 
265.9

Total
$
6,686.5

 
$
(1,582.4
)
 
$
(5.9
)
 
$
5,098.2

December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
License agreements (a)
$
3,259.9

 
$
(810.7
)
 
$
(19.6
)
 
$
2,429.6

Customer relationships (a)
1,949.7

 
(572.0
)
 
(5.5
)
 
1,372.2

Trademarks (b)
1,040.2

 
(207.1
)
 
(0.4
)
 
832.7

Product formulations and technology
353.9

 
(111.0
)
 

 
242.9

Total
$
6,603.7

 
$
(1,700.8
)
 
$
(25.5
)
 
$
4,877.4

 
 
(a) Includes measurement period adjustments during the six months ended December 31, 2018 in connection with the Burberry Beauty Business acquisition (Refer to Note 5Business Combinations).
(b) Includes an acquired trademark of $40.8.
In July 2018, the Company acquired a trademark associated with a preexisting license. As a result of the acquisition, the preexisting license was effectively terminated, and accordingly the Company recorded $12.6 of Asset impairment charges in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations related to the license agreement.
Amortization expense was $88.5 and $89.6 for the three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively and $181.0 and $167.8 for the six months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

18

Table of Contents

10. DEBT
The Company’s debt balances consisted of the following as of December 31, 2018 and June 30, 2018, respectively:
 
December 31, 2018
 
June 30,
2018
Short-term debt
$
54.3

 
$
9.2

2018 Coty Credit Agreement
 
 
 
2018 Coty Revolving Credit Facility due April 2023
783.9

 
368.1

2018 Coty Term A Facility due April 2023
3,242.6

 
3,371.5

2018 Coty Term B Facility due April 2025
2,359.6

 
2,390.5

Senior Unsecured Notes
 
 
 
2026 Dollar Notes due April 2026
550.0

 
550.0

2023 Euro Notes due April 2023
628.6

 
640.9

2026 Euro Notes due April 2026
285.7

 
291.4

Other long-term debt and capital lease obligations
1.3

 
1.6

Total debt
7,906.0

 
7,623.2

Less: Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt
(255.7
)
 
(218.9
)
Total Long-term debt
7,650.3

 
7,404.3

Less: Unamortized debt issuance costs (a)
(77.7
)
 
(86.2
)
Less: Discount on Long-term debt
(11.7
)
 
(12.7
)
Total Long-term debt, net
$
7,560.9

 
$
7,305.4

 
 
(a) Consists of unamortized debt issuance costs of $28.0 and $31.4 for the 2018 Coty Revolving Credit Facility, $26.1 and $29.2 for the 2018 Coty Term A Facility and $10.1 and $10.9 for the 2018 Coty Term B Facility, $7.7 and $8.3 for the 2026 Dollar and Euro Notes and $5.8 and $6.4 for the 2023 Euro Notes as of December 31, 2018 and June 30, 2018, respectively.
On April 5, 2018, the Company issued senior unsecured notes in a private offering and entered into a new credit agreement (the “2018 Coty Credit Agreement”). The net proceeds of the offering of the notes, together with borrowings under the 2018 Coty Credit Agreement, were used to repay in full and refinance the indebtedness outstanding under the Company’s previously existing long-term debt agreements and to pay accrued interest, related premiums, fees and expenses in connection therewith. Future borrowings under the 2018 Coty Credit Agreement could be used for corporate purposes.
Offering of Senior Unsecured Notes
On April 5, 2018 the Company issued, at par, $550.0 of 6.50% senior unsecured notes due 2026 (the “2026 Dollar Notes”), €550.0 million of 4.00% senior unsecured notes due 2023 (the “2023 Euro Notes”) and €250.0 million of 4.75% senior unsecured notes due 2026 (the “2026 Euro Notes” and, together with the 2023 Euro Notes, the “Euro Notes,” and the Euro Notes together with the 2026 Dollar Notes, the “Senior Unsecured Notes”) in a private offering to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act and to non-U.S. persons outside the United States pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act.
The Senior Unsecured Notes are senior unsecured debt obligations of the Company and will be pari passu in right of payment with all of the Company’s existing and future senior indebtedness (including the 2018 Credit Facilities described below). The Senior Unsecured Notes are guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior basis by the Guarantors (as later defined). The Senior Unsecured Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company and are effectively junior to all existing and future secured indebtedness of the Company to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such secured indebtedness. The related guarantees are senior unsecured obligations of each Guarantor and are effectively junior to all existing and future secured indebtedness of such Guarantor to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness.
The 2026 Dollar Notes will mature on April 15, 2026. The 2026 Dollar Notes will bear interest at a rate of 6.50% per annum. Interest on the 2026 Dollar Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year, beginning on October 15, 2018.
The 2023 Euro Notes will mature on April 15, 2023 and the 2026 Euro Notes will mature on April 15, 2026. The 2023 Euro Notes will bear interest at a rate of 4.00% per annum, and the 2026 Euro Notes will bear interest at a rate of 4.75% per annum. Interest on the Euro Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year, beginning on October 15, 2018.

19

Table of Contents

Upon the occurrence of certain change of control triggering events with respect to a series of Senior Unsecured Notes, the Company will be required to offer to repurchase all or part of the Senior Unsecured Notes of such series at 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the purchase date applicable to such Senior Unsecured Notes.
The Notes contain customary covenants that place restrictions in certain circumstances on, among other things, incurrence of liens, entry into sale or leaseback transactions, sales of assets and certain merger or consolidation transactions. The Notes also provide for customary events of default.
2018 Coty Credit Agreement
On April 5, 2018, the Company entered into the 2018 Coty Credit Agreement which amended and restated the prior Coty Credit Agreement. The 2018 Coty Credit Agreement provides for (a) the incurrence by the Company of (1) a senior secured term A facility in an aggregate principal amount of (i) $1,000.0 denominated in U.S. dollars and (ii) €2,035.0 million denominated in euros (the “2018 Coty Term A Facility”) and (2) a senior secured term B facility in an aggregate principal amount of (i) $1,400.0 denominated in U.S. dollars and (ii) €850.0 million denominated in euros (the “2018 Coty Term B Facility”) and (b) the incurrence by the Company and Coty B.V., a Dutch subsidiary of the Company (the “Dutch Borrower” and, together with the Company, the “Borrowers”), of a senior secured revolving facility in an aggregate principal amount of $3,250.0 denominated in U.S. dollars, specified alternative currencies or other currencies freely convertible into U.S. dollars and readily available in the London interbank market (the “2018 Coty Revolving Credit Facility”) (the 2018 Coty Term A Facility, together with the 2018 Coty Term B Facility and the 2018 Coty Revolving Credit Facility, the “2018 Coty Credit Facilities”). Initial borrowings under the 2018 Coty Term Loan B Facility were issued at a 0.250% discount.
The 2018 Coty Credit Agreement provides that with respect to the 2018 Coty Revolving Credit Facility, up to $150.0 is available for letters of credit and up to $150.0 is available for swing line loans. The 2018 Coty Credit Agreement also permits, subject to certain terms and conditions, the incurrence of incremental facilities thereunder in an aggregate amount of (i) $1,700.0 plus (ii) an unlimited amount if the First Lien Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the 2018 Coty Credit Agreement), at the time of incurrence of such incremental facilities and after giving effect thereto on a pro forma basis, is less than or equal to 3.00 to 1.00.
The obligations of the Company under the 2018 Coty Credit Agreement are guaranteed by the material wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company organized in the U.S., subject to certain exceptions (the “Guarantors”) and the obligations of the Company and the Guarantors under the 2018 Coty Credit Agreement are secured by a perfected first priority lien (subject to permitted liens) on substantially all of the assets of the Company and the Guarantors, subject to certain exceptions. The Dutch Borrower does not guarantee the obligations of the Company under the 2018 Coty Credit Agreement or grant any liens on its assets to secure any obligations under the 2018 Coty Credit Agreement.
Scheduled Amortization
The Company made quarterly payments of 1.25% and 0.25% beginning on September 30, 2018, of the initial aggregate principal amounts of the 2018 Coty Term A Facility and the 2018 Coty Term B Facility, respectively. The remaining balance of the initial aggregate principal amounts of the 2018 Coty Term A Facility and the 2018 Coty Term B Facility will be payable on the maturity date for each facility, respectively.
Interest
The 2018 Coty Credit Agreement facilities will bear interest at rates equal to, at the Company’s option, either:
LIBOR of the applicable qualified currency, of which the Company can elect the applicable one, two, three, six or twelve month rate, plus the applicable margin; or
Alternate base rate (“ABR”) plus the applicable margin.
In the case of the 2018 Coty Revolving Credit Facility and the 2018 Coty Term A Facility, the applicable margin means the lesser of a percentage per annum to be determined in accordance with the leverage-based pricing grid and the debt rating-based grid below:

20

Table of Contents

Pricing Tier
 
Total Net Leverage Ratio:
 
LIBOR plus:
 
Alternative Base Rate Margin:
1.0
 
Greater than or equal to 4.75:1
 
2.000%
 
1.000%
2.0
 
Less than 4.75:1 but greater than or equal to 4.00:1
 
1.750%
 
0.750%
3.0
 
Less than 4.00:1 but greater than or equal to 2.75:1
 
1.500%
 
0.500%
4.0
 
Less than 2.75:1 but greater than or equal to 2.00:1
 
1.250%
 
0.250%
5.0
 
Less than 2.00:1 but greater than or equal to 1.50:1
 
1.125%
 
0.125%
6.0
 
Less than 1.50:1
 
1.000%
 
—%
Pricing Tier
 
Debt Ratings S&P/Moody’s:
 
LIBOR plus:
 
Alternative Base Rate Margin:
5.0
 
Less than BB+/Ba1
 
2.000%
 
1.000%
4.0
 
BB+/Ba1
 
1.750%
 
0.750%
3.0
 
BBB-/Baa3
 
1.500%
 
0.500%
2.0
 
BBB/Baa2
 
1.250%
 
0.250%
1.0
 
BBB+/Baa1 or higher
 
1.125%
 
0.125%
In the case of the USD portion of the 2018 Coty Term B Facility, the applicable margin means 2.25% per annum, in the case of LIBOR loans, and 1.25% per annum, in the case of ABR loans. In the case of the Euro portion of the 2018 Coty Term B Facility, the applicable margin means 2.50% per annum, in the case of EURIBOR loans.
In no event will LIBOR be deemed to be less than 0.00% per annum.
Fair Value of Debt
 
December 31, 2018
 
June 30, 2018
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
2018 Coty Credit Agreement
6,386.1

 
5,947.8

 
6,130.1

 
6,070.8

Senior Unsecured Notes
1,464.3

 
1,278.3

 
1,482.3

 
1,449.9

The Company uses the market approach to value the 2018 Coty Credit Agreement and the Senior Unsecured Notes. The Company obtains fair values from independent pricing services to determine the fair value of these debt instruments. Based on the assumptions used to value these liabilities at fair value, these debt instruments are categorized a Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
Debt Maturities Schedule
Aggregate maturities of the Company’s long-term debt, including the current portion of long-term debt and excluding capital lease obligations as of December 31, 2018, are presented below:
Fiscal Year Ending June 30,
 
2019, remaining
$
95.0

2020
190.0

2021
190.0

2022
190.0

2023
4,096.8

Thereafter
3,088.6

Total
$
7,850.4


21

Table of Contents

Covenants
The 2018 Coty Credit Agreement contains affirmative and negative covenants. The negative covenants include, among other things, limitations on debt, liens, dispositions, investments, fundamental changes, restricted payments and affiliate transactions. With certain exceptions as described below, the 2018 Coty Credit Agreement includes a financial covenant that requires us to maintain a Total Net Leverage Ratio (as defined below), equal to or less than the ratios shown below for each respective test period.
Quarterly Test Period Ending
Total Net Leverage Ratio (a) 
December 31, 2018
5.50 to 1.00
March 31, 2019 through June 30, 2019
5.25 to 1.00
September 30, 2019 through December 31, 2019
5.00 to 1.00
March 31, 2020 through June 30, 2020
4.75 to 1.00
September 30, 2020 through December 31, 2020
4.50 to 1.00
March 31, 2021 through June 30, 2021
4.25 to 1.00
September 30, 2021 through June 30, 2023
4.00 to 1.00
 
 
(a) Total Net Leverage Ratio means, as of any date of determination, the ratio of: (a) (i) Total Indebtedness minus (ii) unrestricted cash and Cash Equivalents of the Parent Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries as determined in accordance with GAAP to (b) Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”) for the most recently ended Test Period (each of the defined terms, including Adjusted EBITDA, used within the definition of Total Net Leverage Ratio have the meanings ascribed to them within the 2018 Coty Credit Agreement). Adjusted EBITDA as defined in the 2018 Coty Credit Agreement includes certain add backs related to cost savings, operating expense reductions and future unrealized synergies subject to certain limits and conditions as specified in the 2018 Coty Credit Agreement.
In the four fiscal quarters following the closing of any Material Acquisition (as defined in the 2018 Coty Credit Agreement), including the fiscal quarter in which such Material Acquisition occurs, the maximum Total Net Leverage Ratio shall be the lesser of (i) 5.95 to 1.00 and (ii) 1.00 higher than the otherwise applicable maximum Total Net Leverage Ratio for such quarter (as set forth in the table above). Immediately after any such four fiscal quarter period, there shall be at least two consecutive fiscal quarters during which our Total Net Leverage Ratio is no greater than the maximum Total Net Leverage Ratio that would otherwise have been required in the absence of such Material Acquisition, regardless of whether any additional Material Acquisitions are consummated during such period.
As of December 31, 2018, the Company was in compliance with all covenants contained within the Debt Agreements.
11. INTEREST EXPENSE, NET
Interest expense, net for the three and six months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 is presented below:
 
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
Six Months Ended
December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Interest expense
$
74.1

 
$
69.6

 
$
146.5

 
$
137.0

Foreign exchange gains, net of derivative contracts
(0.2
)
 
(6.9
)
 
(3.8
)
 
(5.9
)
Interest income
(5.6
)
 
(2.4
)
 
(10.3
)
 
(4.4
)
Total interest expense, net
$
68.3

 
$
60.3

 
$
132.4

 
$
126.7


22

Table of Contents

12. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
The components of net periodic benefit cost for pension plans and other post-employment benefit plans recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations are presented below:
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
Pension Plans
 
Other Post-
Employment Benefits
 
 
 
U.S.
 
International
 
 
Total
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Service cost
$

 
$

 
$
8.6

 
$
9.8

 
$
0.3

 
$
0.5

 
$
8.9

 
$
10.3

Interest cost
0.2

 
0.1

 
3.3

 
3.1

 
0.5

 
0.6

 
4.0

 
3.8

Expected return on plan assets

 

 
(2.1
)
 
(1.9
)
 

 

 
(2.1
)
 
(1.9
)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)

 

 
0.1

 
0.1

 
(1.5
)
 
(1.4
)
 
(1.4
)
 
(1.3
)
Amortization of net (gain) loss
(0.2
)
 
(0.1
)
 
(0.1
)
 
0.4

 

 
(0.1
)
 
(0.3
)
 
0.2

Net periodic benefit cost (credit)
$

 
$

 
$
9.8

 
$
11.5

 
$
(0.7
)
 
$
(0.4
)
 
$
9.1

 
$
11.1

 
Six Months Ended December 31,
 
Pension Plans
 
Other Post-
Employment Benefits
 
 
 
U.S.
 
International
 
 
Total
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Service cost
$

 
$

 
$
16.8

 
$
19.6

 
$
0.6

 
$
1.0

 
$
17.4

 
$
20.6

Interest cost
0.4

 
0.3

 
6.6

 
6.2

 
1.0

 
1.2

 
8.0

 
7.7

Expected return on plan assets

 

 
(4.2
)
 
(3.8
)
 

 

 
(4.2
)
 
(3.8
)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)

 

 
0.2

 
0.2

 
(3.0
)
 
(2.8
)
 
(2.8
)
 
(2.6
)
Amortization of net (gain) loss
(0.4
)
 
(0.3
)
 
0.2

 
0.7

 

 
(0.1
)
 
(0.2
)
 
0.3

Net periodic benefit cost (credit)
$

 
$

 
$
19.6

 
$
22.9

 
$
(1.4
)
 
$
(0.7
)
 
$
18.2

 
$
22.2

13. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
Foreign Exchange Risk
The Company is exposed to foreign currency exchange fluctuations through its global operations. The Company may reduce its exposure to fluctuations in the cash flows associated with changes in foreign exchange rates by creating offsetting positions through the use of derivative instruments and also by designating foreign currency denominated borrowings as hedges of net investments in foreign subsidiaries. The Company expects that through hedging, any gain or loss on the derivative instruments would generally offset the expected increase or decrease in the value of the underlying forecasted transactions. The Company entered into derivatives for which hedge accounting treatment has been applied which the Company anticipates realizing in the Consolidated Statements of Operations through fiscal 2019.
Interest Rate Risk
The Company is exposed to interest rate fluctuations related to its variable rate debt instruments. The Company may reduce its exposure to fluctuations in the cash flows associated with changes in the variable interest rates by entering into offsetting positions through the use of derivative instruments, such as interest rate swap contracts. The interest rate swap contracts result in recognizing a fixed interest rate for the portion of the Company’s variable rate debt that was hedged. This will reduce the negative and positive impacts of changes in the variable rates over the term of the contracts. Hedge effectiveness of interest rate swap contracts is based on a long-haul hypothetical derivative methodology and includes all changes in value.
During August 2018, the Company extended the maturity of the interest rate swap portfolio through 2021 by replacing its original swap contracts with swap contracts having longer maturities to manage the medium term exposure to interest rate increases. The Company received $43.2 for settlement of the original swap contracts. As the forecasted interest expense under the original swap agreements is still probable, the related accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI/(L)”) will be amortized in line with the timing of the forecasted transactions. As of December 31, 2018 and June 30, 2018, the Company had interest rate swap contracts designated as effective hedges in the notional amount of $2,000.0.
Derivative and non-derivative financial instruments which are designated as hedging instruments:

23

Table of Contents

The accumulated loss on foreign currency borrowings classified as net investment hedges in the foreign currency translation adjustment component of AOCI/(L) was $193.6 and $115.0 as of December 31, 2018 and June 30, 2018, respectively.
The amount of gains and losses recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”) in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets related to the Company’s derivative and non-derivative financial instruments which are designated as hedging instruments is presented below:
Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
Six Months Ended
December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Foreign exchange forward contracts
$
0.4

 
$
0.3

 
$
0.4

 
$
(0.2
)
Interest rate swap contracts
(21.0
)
 
11.0

 
(15.9
)
 
11.5

Net investment hedge
74.3

 
(10.9
)
 
78.6

 
(33.0
)
The accumulated gain on derivative instruments classified as cash flow hedges in AOCI/(L), net of tax, was $14.0 and $31.7 as of December 31, 2018 and June 30, 2018, respectively. The estimated net gain related to these effective hedges that is expected to be reclassified from AOCI/(L) into earnings, net of tax, within the next twelve months is $8.3. As of December 31, 2018, all of the Company’s remaining foreign currency forward contracts designated as hedges were highly effective.
The amount of gains and losses reclassified from AOCI/(L) to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations related to the Company’s derivative financial instruments which are designated as hedging instruments is presented below:
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Classification of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI/(L)
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
Six Months Ended
December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Foreign exchange forward contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net revenues
$

 
$
0.2

 
$

 
$
0.4

Cost of sales

 
0.4

 

 
0.5

Interest rate swap contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
$
3.9

 
$
(0.6
)
 
$
7.7

 
$
(0.9
)
Derivatives not designated as hedging:
The amount of gains and losses related to the Company’s derivative financial instruments not designated as hedging instruments is presented below:
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Classification of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Operations
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
Six Months Ended
December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Selling, general and administrative expenses
$
0.1

 
$
0.3

 
$
0.1

 
$
(0.9
)
Interest expense, net
(5.6
)
 
5.0

 
(1.6
)
 
13.1

Other expense, net
0.1

 
(0.2
)
 
1.4

 

14. EQUITY
Common Stock
As of December 31, 2018, the Company’s common stock consisted of Class A Common Stock with a par value of $0.01 per share. The holders of Class A Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share. As of December 31, 2018, total authorized shares of Class A Common Stock was 1,000.0 million and total outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock was 751.2 million.
The Company’s largest stockholder is JAB Cosmetics B.V. (“JABC”), which owns approximately 40% of Coty’s Class A shares as of December 31, 2018. Both JABC and the shares of the Company held by JABC are indirectly controlled by Lucresca SE, Agnaten SE and JAB Holdings B.V. (“JAB”). During the three and six months ended December 31, 2018, JABC acquired 8.2 million and 10.8 million shares of Class A Common Stock, respectively, in open market purchases on the New York Stock Exchange. The Company did not receive any proceeds from these stock purchases conducted by JABC.

24

Table of Contents

Preferred Stock
As of December 31, 2018, total authorized shares of preferred stock are 20.0 million. The only class of Preferred Stock that is outstanding as of December 31, 2018 is the Series A Preferred Stock with a par value of $0.01 per share. As of December 31, 2018, total authorized shares of Series A Preferred Stock are 6.3 million, total issued shares of Series A Preferred Stock are 5.0 million and total outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock are 1.9 million. The Series A Preferred Stock is not entitled to receive any dividends and has no voting rights except as required by law.
Of the 1.9 million outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock, 1.0 million shares vested on March 27, 2017, 0.4 million shares vest on April 15, 2020, 0.3 million shares vest on February 16, 2022 and 0.2 million vest on November 16, 2022. As of December 31, 2018, the Company classified $1.1 of Series A Preferred Stock as equity, and $1.8 as a liability recorded in Other noncurrent liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Treasury Stock - Share Repurchase Program
On February 3, 2016, the Board authorized the Company to repurchase up to $500.0 of its Class A Common Stock (the “Incremental Repurchase Program”). Until October 1, 2018, repurchases were subject to certain restrictions imposed by the tax matters agreement, dated October 1, 2016, as amended, between the Company and P&G entered into in connection with the P&G Beauty Business acquisition. Following October 1, 2018, repurchases may be made from time to time at the Company’s discretion, based on ongoing assessments of the capital needs of the business, the market price of its Class A Common Stock, available cash, the Company’s deleveraging strategy and general market conditions. For the three and six months ended December 31, 2018, the Company did not repurchase any shares of its Class A Common Stock. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had authority for $396.8 remaining under the Incremental Repurchase Program.
Dividends
The following dividends were declared during the six months ended December 31, 2018:
Declaration Date
 
Dividend Type
 
Dividend Per Share
 
Holders of Record Date
 
Dividend Value
 
Dividend Payment Date
 
Dividends Paid
 
Dividends Payable (a)
Fiscal 2019
  August 21, 2018
 
Quarterly
 
$
0.125

 
August 31, 2018
 
$
94.6

 
September 14, 2018
 
$
93.8

 
$
0.8

  November 7, 2018
 
Quarterly
 
$
0.125

 
November 30, 2018
 
$
95.1

 
December 14, 2018
 
$
93.9

 
$
1.2

Fiscal 2019
 
 
 
$
0.250

 
 
 
$
189.7

 
 
 
$
187.7

 
$
2.0

 
 
(a) 
The dividend payable is the value of the remaining dividends payable upon settlement of the RSUs and phantom units outstanding as of the Holders of Record Date.
In addition to the activity noted in the table above, the Company made a payment of $0.7 for the previously accrued dividends on RSUs that vested during the six months ended December 31, 2018. Total dividends paid during the six months ended December 31, 2018 was $188.4, which was recorded as a decrease to APIC in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2018.
The Company recorded an additional decrease to APIC in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2018 of $0.2, consisting of $2.0 dividends payable on dividends declared during the six months ended December 31, 2018 offset by $0.7 dividends paid for previously accrued dividends on vested RSUs and $1.1 of dividends no longer expected to vest as a result of forfeitures of outstanding RSUs. Total dividends recorded to APIC in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2018 is $(188.6). Total accrued dividends on unvested RSUs and phantom units of $2.1 and $4.1 are included in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities and Other noncurrent liabilities, respectively, in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2018.

25

Table of Contents

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
 
 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
 
 
 
 
 
Gain (loss) on Cash Flow Hedges
 
Gain on Net Investment Hedge
 
Other Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
 
Pension and Other Post-Employment Benefit Plans (a)
 
Total
Balance—July 1, 2018
$
31.7

 
$
115.0

 
$
(44.3
)
 
$
56.4

 
$
158.8

Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications
(11.8
)
 
78.6

 
(187.7
)
 

 
(120.9
)
Net amounts reclassified from AOCI/(L)
(5.9
)
 

 

 
1.6

 
(4.3
)
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income
(17.7
)
 
78.6

 
(187.7
)
 
1.6

 
(125.2
)
Balance—December 31, 2018
$
14.0

 
$
193.6

 
$
(232.0
)
 
$
58.0

 
$
33.6

 
 
(a) For the six months ended December 31, 2018, net amounts reclassified from AOCI/(L) related to pensions and other post-employment benefit plans included amortization of prior service costs and actuarial losses of $3.0, net of tax of $1.4.
 
 
 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
 
 
 
 
 
Gain on Cash Flow Hedges
 
Loss on Net Investment Hedges
 
Other Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
 
Pension and Other Post-Employment Benefit Plans
 
Total
Balance—July 1, 2017
$
12.6

 
$
(23.7
)
 
$
(20.8
)
 
$
36.3

 
$
4.4

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
7.2

 
(33.0
)
 
303.6

 
1.6

 
279.4

Net amounts reclassified from AOCI/(L)
0.1

 

 

 

 
0.1

Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)
7.3

 
(33.0
)
 
303.6

 
1.6

 
279.5

Balance—December 31, 2017
$
19.9

 
$
(56.7
)
 
$
282.8

 
$
37.9

 
$
283.9

15. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS
Share-based compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Total share-based compensation is show in the table below:
 
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
Six Months Ended
December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Equity plan expense
$
4.4

 
$
9.0

 
$
10.8

 
$
17.1

Liability plan (income) expense
(2.6
)
 
0.4

 
(2.6
)
 
(0.9
)
Fringe expense
0.5

 
0.5

 
0.5

 
1.8

Total share-based compensation expense
$
2.3

 
$
9.9

 
$
8.7

 
$
18.0

The share-based compensation expense for the three and six months ended December 31, 2018 of $2.3 and $8.7, respectively, includes $8.2 and $17.5 expense for the period offset by $(5.9) and $(8.8) income for the period due to significant executive forfeitures of share-based compensation instruments during the period, respectively.
As of December 31, 2018, the total unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to unvested stock options, Series A Preferred Stock and restricted and other share awards is $36.5, $1.2 and $104.0, respectively. The unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to unvested stock options, Series A Preferred stock and restricted and other share awards is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.74, 2.97 and 2.59 years, respectively.
Restricted Share Units and Other Share Awards

26

Table of Contents

On October 1, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a modification of the vesting schedules for certain RSUs granted during fiscal 2017, 2018 and 2019 to improve the Company’s ability to retain the affected employees, from five year cliff vesting to graded vesting where 60% of each award granted vests after three years, 20% of each award granted vests after four years and 20% of each award granted vests after five years. Five hundred sixty employees held outstanding awards subject to the October 1, 2018 modification. The incremental stock based compensation expense resulting from the modification was $0.5 for the three months ended December 31, 2018.
The Company granted approximately 1.1 million and 6.1 million RSUs and other share awards during the three and six months ended December 31, 2018, respectively, with a weighted-average grant date fair value per share of $11.34, which vest, as granted, on the fifth anniversary of the grant date. The Fiscal 2019 Annual Equity Long Term Incentive Plan (“ELTIP”) RSUs, of which 5.0 million RSUs were awarded on September 4, 2018, was modified as noted above. The RSUs granted are accompanied by dividend equivalent rights and, as such, were valued at the closing market price of the Company’s Class A Common Stock on the date of grant. The Company recognized share-based compensation expense of $3.6 and $6.6 for the three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $7.7 and $12.5 for the six months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Series A Preferred Stock
The Company granted no shares of Series A Preferred Stock during the three and six months ended December 31, 2018. The Company recognized share-based compensation (income) expense of $(4.1) and $0.7 for the three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $(4.2) and $(0.4) for the six months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Non-Qualified Stock Options
The Company granted 2.3 million non-qualified stock options during the three and six months ended December 31, 2018. The Company recognized share-based compensation expense of $2.8 and $2.6 for the three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $5.2 and $5.9 for the six months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
16. NET (LOSS) INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COTY INC. PER COMMON SHARE
Reconciliation between the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted income per share (“EPS”) computations is presented below:
 
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
Six Months Ended
December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
(in millions, except per share data)
Net (loss) income attributable to Coty Inc.
$
(960.6
)
 
$
109.2

 
$
(972.7
)
 
$
89.5

Weighted-average common shares outstanding—Basic
751.1

 
749.6

 
751.0

 
749.1

Effect of dilutive stock options and Series A Preferred Stock (a)

 
1.2

 

 
1.4

Effect of restricted stock and RSUs (b)

 
1.9

 

 
2.0

Weighted-average common shares outstanding—Diluted
751.1

 
752.7

 
751.0

 
752.5

Net (loss) income attributable to Coty Inc. per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
(1.28
)
 
$
0.15

 
$
(1.30
)
 
$
0.12

Diluted
(1.28
)
 
0.15

 
(1.30
)
 
0.12

 
 
(a) 
For the three and six months ended December 31, 2018, outstanding stock options and Series A Preferred Stock with purchase or conversion rights to purchase shares of common stock were excluded in the computation of diluted loss per share due to the net loss incurred during the period. For the three and six months ended December 31, 2017, outstanding stock options and Series A Preferred Stock with purchase or conversion rights to purchase 15.3 million and 13.6 million shares of common stock, respectively, were excluded in the computation of diluted EPS as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.
(b) 
For the three and six months ended December 31, 2018, RSUs were excluded in the computation of diluted loss per share due to the net loss incurred during the period. For the three and six months ended December 31, 2017, 2.6 million and 4.1 million of outstanding RSUs, respectively, were excluded in the computation of diluted EPS as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.

27

Table of Contents

17. MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE FINANCIAL INTERESTS AND REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS
Mandatorily Redeemable Financial Interest
United Arab Emirates subsidiary
The Company is required under a shareholders agreement (the “U.A.E. Shareholders Agreement”) to purchase all of the shares held by the noncontrolling interest holder equal to 25% of a certain subsidiary in the United Arab Emirates (the “U.A.E. subsidiary”) at the termination of the agreement. The Company has determined such shares to be a mandatorily redeemable financial instrument (“MRFI”) that is recorded as a liability. The liability is calculated based upon a pre-determined formula in accordance with the U.A.E. Shareholders Agreement. As of December 31, 2018 and June 30, 2018, the liability amounted to $7.5 and $8.2, of which $6.3 and $6.7, respectively, was recorded in Other noncurrent liabilities and $1.2 and $1.5, respectively, was recorded in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Southeast Asian subsidiary
On May 23, 2017, the Company entered into the Sale of Shares and Termination Deed (the “Termination Agreement”) to purchase the remaining 49% noncontrolling interest from the noncontrolling interest holder of a certain Southeast Asian subsidiary for a purchase price of $45.0. Additionally, all remaining retained earnings will be paid out as dividends prior to the purchase. As a result of the Termination Agreement, the noncontrolling interest balance is recorded as an MRFI. The MRFI balance will be accreted to the redemption value until the effective date of the purchase with changes in the balance being reflected in Other expense, net in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
As of December 31, 2018 and June 30, 2018, the MRFI liability amounted to $49.6 and $45.1, respectively, which was recorded in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Younique
As of June 30, 2018, the Younique membership holders had a 40.6% membership interest in Foundation, which holds 100% of the units of Younique. During the quarter ended September 30, 2018, additional shares of Foundation were issued to employees of Younique under a stock ownership program and incentive stock grants were granted, resulting in a 0.1% increase to the noncontrolling interest ownership percentage. The impact of the additional shares for the three and six months ended December 31, 2018 was recorded as an increase to redeemable noncontrolling interests (“RNCI”) of $1.6 and a decrease in additional paid-in capital (“APIC”) of $1.6.
The Company accounts for the 40.7% noncontrolling interest portion of Foundation as RNCI due to the noncontrolling interest holder’s right to put their shares to the Company in certain circumstances. While Foundation is a majority-owned consolidated subsidiary, the Company records income tax expense based on the Company’s 59.3% membership interest in Foundation due to its treatment as a partnership for U.S. income tax purposes. Accordingly, Foundation’s net income attributable to RNCI is equal to the 40.7% noncontrolling interest of Foundation’s net income excluding a provision for income taxes. The Company recognized $415.0 and $597.7 as the RNCI balances as of December 31, 2018 and June 30, 2018, respectively.
Subsidiary in the Middle East
As of December 31, 2018, the noncontrolling interest holder in the Company’s subsidiary in the Middle East (“Middle East Subsidiary”) had a 25% ownership share. The Company adjusts the RNCI to redemption value at the end of each reporting period with changes recognized as adjustments to APIC. The Company recognized $70.5 and $63.6 as the RNCI balances as of December 31, 2018 and June 30, 2018, respectively.
18. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Legal Matters
The Company is involved, from time to time, in various litigation, regulatory, administrative and other legal proceedings, including consumer class or collective actions, personal injury (including asbestos related claims), intellectual property, competition and advertising claims litigation, among others (collectively, “Legal Proceedings”). While the Company cannot predict any final outcomes relating thereto, management believes that the outcome of current Legal Proceedings will not have a material effect upon its business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or the trading price of the Company’s securities. However, management’s assessment of the Company’s current Legal Proceedings is ongoing, and could change in light of the discovery of additional facts with respect to Legal Proceedings not presently known to the Company, further legal analysis, or determinations by judges, arbitrators, juries or other finders of fact or deciders of law which are not in accord with management’s evaluation of the probable liability or outcome of such Legal Proceedings. From time to time, the

28

Table of Contents

Company is in discussions with regulators, including discussions initiated by the Company, about actual or potential violations of law in order to remediate or mitigate associated legal or compliance risks and liabilities or penalties. As the outcomes of such proceedings are unpredictable, the Company can give no assurance that the results of any such proceedings will not materially affect its reputation, business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or the trading price of its securities.
Brazilian Tax Assessments
In connection with a local tax audit of one of the Company’s subsidiaries in Brazil, the Company was notified of tax assessments issued in March of 2018. The assessments relate to local sales tax credits, which the Treasury Office of the State of Goiás considers improperly registered for the 2016-2017 tax periods. The Company is currently seeking a favorable administrative decision on the tax enforcement action filed by the Treasury Office of the State of Goiás. These tax assessments, including estimated interest and penalties, through December 31, 2018 amount to a total of R$249.0 million (approximately $64.1). The Company believes it has meritorious defenses and it has not recognized a loss for these assessments as the Company does not believe a loss is probable.
19. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Quarterly Dividend
On February 8, 2019, the Company announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.125 per share on its Common Stock, RSUs and phantom units. The dividend will be payable on March 15, 2019 to holders of record of Common Stock as of February 28, 2019, and will be considered a return of capital.

29

Table of Contents

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The following discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of Coty Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, should be read in conjunction with the information contained in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included elsewhere in this document, and in our other public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018 (“Fiscal 2018 Form 10-K”). When used in this discussion, the terms “Coty,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us” mean, unless the context otherwise indicates, Coty Inc. and its majority and wholly-owned subsidiaries. Also, when used in this discussion, the term “includes” and “including” means, unless the context otherwise indicates, including without limitation. The following report includes certain non-GAAP financial measures. See “Overview—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a discussion of non-GAAP financial measures and how they are calculated.
All dollar amounts in the following discussion are in millions of United States (“U.S.”) dollars, unless otherwise indicated.
Forward Looking Statements
Certain statements in this Form 10-Q are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to, among other things, the Company’s targets and outlook for future reporting periods (including the extent and timing of revenue and profit trends and the Consumer Beauty division’s stabilization), establishing the Company as a global leader and challenger in beauty, the Company’s future operations and strategy (including management’s review of the business, as well as brand relaunches and performance in emerging markets and channels), synergies, savings, performance, cost, timing and integration relating to our recent acquisitions (including The Procter & Gamble Company’s beauty business (the “P&G Beauty Business”)), ongoing and future cost efficiency and restructuring initiatives and programs (including timing and impact), strategic transactions (including mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, investments, divestitures, licenses and portfolio rationalizations), future cash flows and liquidity and borrowing capacity, future effective tax rates, timing and size of cash outflows and debt deleveraging, impact and timing of supply chain disruptions and the resolution thereof, finalization of a strategic plan and the anticipated priorities of our new senior management. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by words or phrases, such as “anticipate”, “are going to”, “estimate”, “plan”, “project”, “expect”, “believe”, “intend”, “foresee”, “forecast”, “will”, “may”, “should”, “outlook”, “continue”, “temporary”, “target”, “aim”, “potential” and similar words or phrases. These statements are based on certain assumptions and estimates that we consider reasonable, but are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could cause actual events or results (including our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and prospects) to differ materially from such statements, including:
our ability to develop and achieve our global business strategies, our ability to compete effectively in the beauty industry and achieve the benefits contemplated by our strategic initiatives within the expected time frame or at all;
our ability to anticipate, gauge and respond to market trends and consumer preferences, which may change rapidly, and the market acceptance of new products, including any launches or relaunches and their associated costs and discounting, and consumer receptiveness to our marketing and consumer engagement activities (including digital marketing and media);
use of estimates and assumptions in preparing our financial statements, including with regard to revenue recognition, income taxes, the assessment of goodwill, other intangible assets and long-lived assets for impairment, the market value of inventory, pension expense and the fair value of acquired assets and liabilities associated with acquisitions and the fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interests;
the impact of any future impairments;
managerial, integration, operational, regulatory, legal and financial risks, including diversion of management attention to and management of cash flows, expenses and costs associated with multiple ongoing and future strategic initiatives and internal reorganizations;
the continued integration of the P&G Beauty Business and other recent acquisitions with our business, operations, systems, financial data and culture and the ability to realize synergies, avoid future supply chain and other business disruptions, reduce costs (including through our cash efficiency initiatives) and realize other potential efficiencies and benefits (including through our restructuring initiatives) at the levels and at the costs and within the time frames contemplated or at all;
increased competition, consolidation among retailers, shifts in consumers’ preferred distribution and marketing channels (including to digital and luxury channels), distribution and shelf-space resets or reductions, compression of go-to-market cycles, changes in product and marketing requirements by retailers, reductions in retailer inventory levels and order lead-times or changes in purchasing patterns, and other changes in the retail, e-commerce and wholesale environment in which we do business and sell our products and our ability to respond to such changes;

30

Table of Contents

our and our business partners’ and licensors’ abilities to obtain, maintain and protect the intellectual property used in our and their respective businesses, protect our and their respective reputations (including those of our and their executives or influencers), public goodwill, and defend claims by third parties for infringement of intellectual property rights;
any change to our capital allocation and/or cash management priorities;
any unanticipated problems, liabilities or other challenges associated with an acquired business which could result in increased risk or new, unanticipated or unknown liabilities, including with respect to environmental, competition and other regulatory, compliance or legal matters;
our international operations and joint ventures, including enforceability and effectiveness of our joint venture agreements and reputational, compliance, regulatory, economic and foreign political risks, including difficulties and costs associated with maintaining compliance with a broad variety of complex local and international regulations;
our dependence on certain licenses (especially in our Luxury division) and our ability to renew expiring licenses on favorable terms or at all;
our dependence on entities performing outsourced functions, including outsourcing of distribution functions, third-party manufacturers, logistics and supply chain suppliers, and other suppliers, including third-party software providers;
administrative, product development and other difficulties in meeting the expected timing of market expansions, product launches and marketing efforts;
global political and/or economic uncertainties, disruptions or major regulatory or policy changes, and/or the enforcement thereof that affect our business, financial performance, operations or products, including the impact of Brexit, the current U.S. administration, the results of elections in European countries and in Brazil, changes in the U.S. tax code and recent changes and future changes in tariffs, retaliatory or trade protection measures, trade policies and other international trade regulations in the U.S. and in other regions where we operate including the European Union and China;
currency exchange rate volatility and currency devaluation;
the number, type, outcomes (by judgment, order or settlement) and costs of current or future legal, compliance, tax, regulatory or administrative proceedings, investigations and/or litigation;
our ability to manage seasonal factors and other variability and to anticipate future business trends and needs;
disruptions in operations and sales, including due to disruptions in supply chain, logistics, restructurings and other business alignment activities, manufacturing or information technology systems, labor disputes, extreme weather and natural disasters, and the impact of such disruptions on our ability to generate profits, stabilize or grow revenues or cash flows, comply with our contractual obligations and accurately forecast demand and supply needs and/or future results, and on our relationships with licensors and retailers, our in-store execution and product launches and promotions;
restrictions imposed on us through our license agreements, credit facilities and senior unsecured bonds or other material contracts, our ability to generate cash flow to repay, refinance or recapitalize debt and otherwise comply with our debt instruments, and changes in the manner in which we finance our debt and future capital needs, including access to capital under current market conditions;
increasing dependency on information technology and our ability to protect against service interruptions, data corruption, cyber-based attacks or network security breaches, costs and timing of implementation and effectiveness of any upgrades or other changes to information technology systems, including our digital transformation initiatives, and the cost of compliance or our failure to comply with any privacy or data security laws (including the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (the “GDPR”)) or to protect against theft of customer, employee and corporate sensitive information;
our ability to attract and retain key personnel and the impact of the recent senior management transitions;
the distribution and sale by third parties of counterfeit and/or gray market versions of our products; and
other factors described elsewhere in this document and from time to time in documents that we file with the SEC.
When used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the term “includes” and “including” means, unless the context otherwise indicates, including without limitation. More information about potential risks and uncertainties that could affect our business and financial results is included under the heading “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of

31

Table of Contents

Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and other periodic reports we have filed and may file with the SEC from time to time.
All forward-looking statements made in this document are qualified by these cautionary statements. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this document, and we do not undertake any obligation, other than as may be required by applicable law, to update or revise any forward-looking or cautionary statements to reflect changes in assumptions, the occurrence of events, unanticipated or otherwise, or changes in future operating results over time or otherwise.
Comparisons of results for current and any prior periods are not intended to express any future trends or indications of future performance unless expressed as such, and should only be viewed as historical data.
Industry, Ranking and Market Data
Unless otherwise indicated, information contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q concerning our industry and the markets in which we operate, including our general expectations about our industry, market position, market opportunity and market sizes, is based on data from various sources including internal data and estimates as well as third-party sources widely available to the public such as independent industry publications, government publications, reports by market research firms or other published independent sources and on our assumptions based on that data and other similar sources. We did not fund and are not otherwise affiliated with the third-party sources that we cite. Industry publications and other published sources generally state that the information contained therein has been obtained from third-party sources believed to be reliable. Internal data and estimates are based upon information obtained from trade and business organizations and other contacts in the markets in which we operate and management’s understanding of industry conditions, and such information has not been verified by any independent sources. These data involve a number of assumptions and limitations, and you are cautioned not to give undue weight to such estimates. While we generally believe the market, industry and other information included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to be the most recently available and to be reliable, such information is inherently imprecise and we have not independently verified any third-party information or verified that more recent information is not available.
Our fiscal year ends on June 30. Unless otherwise noted, any reference to a year preceded by the word “fiscal” refers to the fiscal year ended June 30 of that year. For example, references to “fiscal 2019” refer to the fiscal year ending June 30, 2019. Any reference to a year not preceded by “fiscal” refers to a calendar year.

OVERVIEW
We are one of the world’s largest beauty companies, with a purpose to celebrate and liberate the diversity of consumers’ beauty. The transformational acquisition of the P&G Beauty Business and our other strategic transactions have strengthened and diversified our presence across the countries, categories and channels in which we compete.
Certain market segments and geographies in which we compete generally continue to grow moderately. While luxury fragrances and skin care categories are experiencing growth, single digit declines in the retail nail, mass color cosmetics and mass fragrances categories in the U.S. and certain key countries in Western Europe continue to impact our business and financial results. In certain categories, our revenues are declining faster than the category or despite category growth.
The economics of developing, producing, launching, supporting and discontinuing products impact the timing of our sales and operating performance each period. In addition, as product life cycles shorten, results are driven primarily by successfully developing, introducing and marketing new, innovative products.
Despite strong consumer demand and innovation in the Luxury and Professional Beauty divisions, results in the first half of fiscal 2019 reflected the impact of the supply chain disruptions on all divisions, as discussed below. The deterioration in Consumer Beauty’s results were further impacted by the continued weakness in U.S. and Europe mass beauty categories, and the continued impact from distribution losses.
Leadership changes and strategic review of business
Our top priority has been taking the necessary steps to stabilize our business and build a sustainable foundation to position the Company for long-term success. The composition of our board of directors has evolved, and we implemented several executive leadership changes to drive our ongoing transformation and growth. Under the direction of our new leadership team, we are undertaking a broad review of the business with the objective of designing a strategic roadmap for consistent and profitable growth, with an emphasis on gross margin improvement. As part of this initiative, we may make changes to any of the current strategies for our business, brands, operations, capital allocation and organization. We expect to provide more details as management defines and implements this initiative.

Transformation of our business

32

Table of Contents

Following our acquisition of the P&G Beauty Business, we have been focused on integrating, restructuring and optimizing the combined organization. Through December 31, 2018, we incurred life-to-date Global Integration Activities expenditures of approximately $1,260 million and $400 million of operating and capital expenditures, respectively, and we expect additional expenses to be incurred in future periods through fiscal 2021. We currently expect to incur to a total of approximately $1.4 billion of operating expenditures in connection with the Global Integration Activities. The last principal step of the integration, which we expect to complete in the second half of fiscal 2019, includes the completion of the one order, one invoice, one shipment program which will make Coty a fully integrated company, able to sell, ship and invoice our brands in a seamless way for our customers, allowing significant simplification for our customers and employees and increasing our scalability potential.
We have been engaged in a transformation of our supply chain aimed at integrating and optimizing the combined organization, and we continue to focus on streamlining our supply chain footprint and processes in order to increase efficiency and improve utilization. In the first half of fiscal 2019, we experienced disruptions in our supply chain which have negatively impacted our results and our realization of our net synergies, including:
warehouse and planning center consolidation disruptions in Europe and in North America, which impacted all three divisions; and
component shortages from certain external suppliers, which impacted our Luxury and Consumer Beauty divisions (together, the “Supply Chain Disruptions”).
As a result of these disruptions, we decided to modify our distribution center consolidation plan for the remainder of the year to mitigate some of these disruptions. While we believe we have resolved the most critical supply chain integration issues, we continue to expect a moderate impact on our results through the end of fiscal 2019.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
To supplement the financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP, we use non-GAAP financial measures including Adjusted operating income, Adjusted net income attributable to Coty Inc. and Adjusted net income attributable to Coty Inc. per common share (collectively, the “Adjusted Performance Measures”). The reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP are shown in the tables below. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Three Months Ended December 31, 2018 As Compared To Three Months Ended December 31, 2017 and Six Months Ended December 31, 2018 As Compared To Six Months Ended December 31, 2017.” These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for or superior to, financial measures reported in accordance with GAAP. Moreover, these non-GAAP financial measures have limitations in that they do not reflect all the items associated with the operations of the business as determined in accordance with GAAP. Other companies, including companies in the beauty industry, may calculate similarly titled non-GAAP financial measures differently than we do, limiting the usefulness of those measures for comparative purposes.
Despite the limitations of these non-GAAP financial measures, our management uses the Adjusted Performance Measures as key metrics in the evaluation of our performance, preparation of our annual budgets and to benchmark performance of our business against our competitors. The following are examples of how these Adjusted Performance Measures are utilized by our management:
strategic plans and annual budgets are prepared using the Adjusted Performance Measures;
senior management receives a monthly analysis comparing budget to actual operating results that is prepared using the Adjusted Performance Measures; and
senior management’s annual compensation is calculated, in part, by using some of the Adjusted Performance Measures.
In addition, our financial covenant compliance calculations under our debt agreements are substantially derived from these Adjusted Performance Measures.
Our management believes that Adjusted Performance Measures are useful to investors in their assessment of our operating performance and the valuation of the Company. In addition, these non-GAAP financial measures address questions we routinely receive from analysts and investors and, in order to ensure that all investors have access to the same data, our management has determined that it is appropriate to make this data available to all investors. The Adjusted Performance Measures exclude the impact of certain items (as further described below) and provide supplemental information regarding our operating performance. By disclosing these non-GAAP financial measures, our management intends to provide investors with a supplemental comparison of our operating results and trends for the periods presented. Our management believes these measures are also useful to investors as such measures allow investors to evaluate our performance using the same metrics that our management uses to evaluate past performance and prospects for future performance. We provide disclosure of the effects

33

Table of Contents

of these non-GAAP financial measures by presenting the corresponding measure prepared in conformity with GAAP in our financial statements, and by providing a reconciliation to the corresponding GAAP measure so that investors may understand the adjustments made in arriving at the non-GAAP financial measures and use the information to perform their own analyses.
Adjusted operating income excludes restructuring costs and business structure realignment programs, amortization, acquisition-related costs and acquisition accounting impacts, asset impairment charges and other adjustments as described below. We do not consider these items to be reflective of our core operating performance due to the variability of such items from period-to-period in terms of size, nature and significance. They are primarily incurred to realign our operating structure and integrate new acquisitions, and fluctuate based on specific facts and circumstances. Additionally, Adjusted net income attributable to Coty Inc. and Adjusted net income attributable to Coty Inc. per common share are adjusted for certain interest and other (income) expense as described below and the related tax effects of each of the items used to derive Adjusted net income as such charges are not used by our management in assessing our operating performance period-to-period.
Adjusted Performance Measures reflect adjustments based on the following items:
Costs related to acquisition activities: We have excluded acquisition-related costs and acquisition accounting impacts such as those related to transaction costs and costs associated with the revaluation of acquired inventory in connection with business combinations because these costs are unique to each transaction. The nature and amount of such costs vary significantly based on the size and timing of the acquisitions and the maturities of the businesses being acquired. Also, the size, complexity and/or volume of past acquisitions, which often drives the magnitude of such expenses, may not be indicative of the size, complexity and/or volume of any future acquisitions.
Restructuring and other business realignment costs: We have excluded costs associated with restructuring and business structure realignment programs to allow for comparable financial results to historical operations and forward-looking guidance. In addition, the nature and amount of such charges vary significantly based on the size and timing of the programs. By excluding the referenced expenses from our non-GAAP financial measures, our management is able to further evaluate our ability to utilize existing assets and estimate their long-term value. Furthermore, our management believes that the adjustment of these items supplement the GAAP information with a measure that can be used to assess the sustainability of our operating performance.
Asset impairment charges: We have excluded the impact of asset impairments as such non-cash amounts are inconsistent in amount and frequency and are significantly impacted by the timing and/or size of acquisitions. Our management believes that the adjustment of these items supplement the GAAP information with a measure that can be used to assess the sustainability of our operating performance
Amortization expense: We have excluded the impact of amortization of finite-lived intangible assets, as such non-cash amounts are inconsistent in amount and frequency and are significantly impacted by the timing and/or size of acquisitions. Our management believes that the adjustment of these items supplement the GAAP information with a measure that can be used to assess the sustainability of our operating performance. Although we exclude amortization of intangible assets from our non-GAAP expenses, our management believes that it is important for investors to understand that such intangible assets contribute to revenue generation. Amortization of intangible assets that relate to past acquisitions will recur in future periods until such intangible assets have been fully amortized. Any future acquisitions may result in the amortization of additional intangible assets.
Interest and other (income) expense: We have excluded foreign currency impacts associated with acquisition-related and debt financing-related forward contracts, as well as debt financing transaction costs as the nature and amount of such charges are not consistent and are significantly impacted by the timing and size of such transactions.
Noncontrolling interests: This adjustment represents the after-tax impact of the non-GAAP adjustments included in Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests based on the relevant noncontrolling interest percentage.
Tax: This adjustment represents the impact of the tax effect of the pretax items excluded from Adjusted net income. The tax impact of the non-GAAP adjustments are based on the tax rates related to the jurisdiction in which the adjusted items are received or incurred.
While acquiring brands and licenses comprises a part of our overall growth strategy, along with targeting organic growth opportunities, we have excluded acquisition-related costs and acquisition accounting impacts in connection with business combinations because these costs are unique to each transaction and the amount and frequency are not consistent and are significantly impacted by the timing and size of our acquisitions. Our management assesses the success of an acquisition as a component of performance using a variety of indicators depending on the size and nature of the acquisition, including:
the scale of the combined company by evaluating consolidated and segment financial metrics;
the expansion of product offerings by evaluating segment, brand, and geographic performance and the respective strength of the brands;

34

Table of Contents

the evaluation of market share expansion in categories and geographies;
the earnings per share accretion and substantial incremental free cash flow generation providing financial flexibility for us; and
the comparison of actual and projected results, including achievement of projected synergies, post integration; provided that timing for any such comparison will depend on the size and complexity of the acquisition.
Constant Currency
We operate on a global basis, with the majority of our net revenues generated outside of the U.S. Accordingly, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates can affect our results of operations. Therefore, to supplement financial results presented in accordance with GAAP, certain financial information is presented in “constant currency”, excluding the impact of foreign currency exchange translations to provide a framework for assessing how our underlying businesses performed excluding the impact of foreign currency exchange translations. 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 and prior-period results for entities reporting in currencies other than U.S. dollars into U.S. dollars using prior year foreign currency exchange rates. The constant currency calculations do not adjust for the impact of revaluing specific transactions denominated in a currency that is different to the functional currency of that entity when exchange rates fluctuate. The constant currency information we present may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.
Basis of Presentation of Acquisitions, Divestitures and Terminations
During the period when we complete an acquisition, divestiture or early license termination, the financial results of the current year period are not comparable to the financial results presented in the prior year period. When explaining such changes from period to period and to maintain a consistent basis between periods, we exclude the financial contribution of: (i) the acquired brands or businesses in the current year period until we have twelve months of comparable financial results and (ii) the divested brands or businesses or early terminated brands in the prior year period, to maintain comparable financial results with the current fiscal year period. Acquisitions, divestitures and early license terminations that would impact the comparability of financial results between periods presented in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations are shown in the table below.
Period of acquisition, divestiture, or termination
 
Acquisition, divestiture, or termination
 
Impact on basis of presentation
First quarter fiscal 2018
 
n/a
 
n/a
Second quarter fiscal 2018

 
Acquisition: Burberry Beauty Business (Luxury segment)

 
First quarter fiscal 2019 financial contribution excluded
Third quarter fiscal 2018

 
Termination: Guess (Consumer Beauty segment)
 
First and second quarter fiscal 2018 financial contribution excluded

Fourth quarter fiscal 2018

 
Divestitures of licenses: Playboy (Consumer Beauty segment) and Cerruti (Luxury segment)
 
First quarter and second quarter fiscal 2018 financial contribution excluded

When used herein, the term “Acquisitions” and “Divestitures” or “Divestiture”, as applicable, refer to the financial contributions of the related acquisitions or divestitures and early license terminations shown above, during the period that is not comparable as a result of such acquisitions or divestitures and early license terminations.

35

Table of Contents

THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018 AS COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017
NET REVENUES
In the three months ended December 31, 2018, net revenues decreased 5%, or $126.4, to $2,511.2 from $2,637.6 in the three months ended December 31, 2017. The impact of the termination of the Guess license and the divestitures of the licenses of Playboy and Cerruti, had a negative impact of 2% on the total percentage change in net revenues in the three months ended December 31, 2018 as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2017. Excluding the impact of the Divestitures, total net revenues decreased 3%, or $66.3, to $2,511.2 in the three months ended December 31, 2018 from $2,577.5 in the three months ended December 31, 2017, reflecting a decrease in unit volume of 7% and a negative foreign currency exchange translation impact of 4% offset by a positive price and mix impact of 8%. The unit volume decrease and positive price and mix impact primarily reflect:
(i)
Lower sales volume as a result of negative market share trends in the color cosmetics, hair color and mass fragrance categories as a result of shelf-space losses in North America and Europe in the Consumer Beauty segment;
(ii)
Lower sales volume due to the Supply Chain Disruptions;
(iii)
Positive pricing impacts within the color cosmetics category of the Consumer Beauty segment due to the prior year impact of higher markdowns and trade spending for fiscal 2018 relaunch activities;
(iv)
Positive pricing impacts within the body care category of the Consumer Beauty segment due to a decrease in sales discounts in Brazil; and
(v)
Positive mix impacts with a proportionate increase in Luxury sales volumes and the corresponding proportionate decrease in Consumer Beauty sales volumes.

Net Revenues by Segment
 
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
 
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
Change %
NET REVENUES
 
 
 
 
 
Luxury
$
1,017.5

 
$
951.2

 
7
%
Consumer Beauty
967.8

 
1,138.6

 
(15
%)
Professional Beauty
525.9

 
547.8

 
(4
%)
Total
$
2,511.2

 
$
2,637.6

 
(5
%)
Luxury
In the three months ended December 31, 2018, net revenues from the Luxury segment increased 7%, or $66.3, to $1,017.5 from $951.2 in the three months ended December 31, 2017. The impact of the divestiture of the license of Cerruti, had a negative contribution of 1% on the total change in net revenues for the segment in the three months ended December 31, 2018 as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2017. Excluding the impact of the Divestiture, net revenues from the Luxury segment increased 8%, or $76.2, to $1,017.5 in the three months ended December 31, 2018, from $941.3 in the three months ended December 31, 2017 reflecting an increase in unit volume of 9% and a positive price and mix impact of 2%, offset by a negative foreign currency exchange translation impact of 3%. The increase in net revenues primarily reflects: (i) increased net revenues from Burberry due to the integration of the Burberry Beauty Business; (ii) increased net revenues due to a shift in shipments from the first quarter to the second quarter as a result of the U.S. Hurricane in late September; (iii) increased net revenues from Calvin Klein due to the continued success from new advertising campaigns for CK One and Eternity and the launch of Calvin Klein Women in the first quarter of fiscal 2019; and (iv) increased net revenues from Gucci Bloom due to the launch of Gucci Bloom Nettare di Fiori in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. These increases were offset by a net revenue decline in Hugo Boss due to the Supply Chain Disruptions.

36

Table of Contents

Consumer Beauty
In the three months ended December 31, 2018, net revenues from the Consumer Beauty segment decreased 15%, or $170.8, to $967.8 from $1,138.6 in the three months ended December 31, 2017. The impact of the termination of Guess and the divestiture of the license of Playboy had a negative contribution of 4% on the total change in net revenues for the segment in the three months ended December 31, 2018 as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2017. Excluding the impact of the Divestitures, net revenues from the Consumer Beauty segment decreased 11%, or $120.6 to $967.8 in the three months ended December 31, 2018, from $1,088.4 in the three months ended December 31, 2017 reflecting a decrease in unit volume of 9%, a negative foreign currency exchange translation impact of 4%, and a positive price and mix impact of 2%. The decrease in net revenues primarily reflects:
(i)
Negative market share trends in the color cosmetics, hair color and mass fragrance categories as a result of shelf-space losses in North America and Europe for CoverGirl, Rimmel and Clairol;
(ii)
The Supply Chain Disruptions which resulted in lower net revenues mainly in the color cosmetics category, namely the Rimmel, Max Factor and Bourjois brands;
(iii)
Reduced net revenues for Max Factor, Bourjois, Adidas and the retail hair line of Wella hair products due to decreased sales volume to improve retailer trade inventory levels;
(iv)
Negative overall category trends in the color cosmetics and mass fragrance categories; and
(v)
Reduced net revenues from Younique due to a decline in product sales and presenter sponsorship as we continue to refine our product offerings and compensation plan structure to drive improvements in presenter sales activity, recruitment and retention.
These net revenue declines were partially offset by:
(i)
An increase in net revenues from CoverGirl due to the prior year impact of higher markdowns and trade spending for fiscal 2018 relaunch activities; and
(ii)
Pricing improvements in Monange and Bozzano from decreased sales discounts in Brazil.
Professional Beauty
In the three months ended December 31, 2018, net revenues from the Professional Beauty segment decreased 4%, or $21.9, to $525.9 from $547.8 in the three months ended December 31, 2017, primarily reflecting a negative foreign currency exchange translation impact of 3% and a decrease in unit volume of 5%, offset by a positive price and mix impact of 4%. The decrease in net revenues primarily reflects: (i) lower net revenues due to the Supply Chain Disruptions mainly impacting OPI and brands across the hair care category and (ii) lower net revenues from OPI due to lower launch activity in the current year compared to the launch of the OPI ProHealth GelColor System in the first half of fiscal 2018. These decreases were partially offset by: (i) a net revenue increase in ghd due to the product launch of Platinum+ in the first quarter of fiscal 2019, contributing to the segment’s positive price and mix impact; and (ii) favorable price and mix impacts from the Wella Koleston Perfect ME+ product restage in the first quarter of fiscal 2019.
Net Revenues by Geographic Regions
In addition to our reporting segments, net revenues by geographic regions are as follows. We define our geographic regions as North America (comprising Canada and the United States), Europe and ALMEA (comprising Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, Africa and Australia):
 
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
 
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
Change %
NET REVENUES
 
 
 
 
 
North America
$
742.2

 
$
741.8

 
%
Europe
1,201.6

 
1,297.6

 
(7
%)
ALMEA
567.4

 
598.2

 
(5
%)
Total
$
2,511.2

 
$
2,637.6

 
(5
%)

37

Table of Contents

North America
In the three months ended December 31, 2018, net revenues in North America remained relatively consistent at $742.2 compared to $741.8 in the three months ended December 31, 2017. Excluding the impact of the Divestitures, net revenues in North America increased 1%, or $8.7, to $742.1 in the three months ended December 31, 2018 from $733.4 in the three months ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to: (i) increased net revenues from Burberry in the United States due to the integration of the Burberry Beauty Business; (ii) increased net revenues from CoverGirl due to the prior year impact of higher markdowns and trade spending for fiscal 2018 relaunch activities; and (iii) increased net revenues due to a shift in shipments from the first quarter to the second quarter as a result of the U.S. Hurricane in late September. These increases were offset by lower net revenues due to: (i) the Supply Chain Disruptions; and (ii) reduced net revenues from Younique due to a decline in product sales and presenter sponsorship as we continue to refine our product offerings and compensation plan structure to drive improvements in presenter sales activity, recruitment and retention.
Europe
In the three months ended December 31, 2018, net revenues in Europe decreased 7%, or $96.0, to $1,201.6 from $1,297.6 in the three months ended December 31, 2017. Excluding the impact of the Divestitures, net revenues in Europe decreased 5%, or $59.8, to $1,201.6 in the three months ended December 31, 2018 from $1,261.4 in the three months ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to: (i) declines in Bourjois and Rimmel in the U.K. and Eastern Europe in part due to the Supply Chain Disruptions and in part due to negative market share and category trends in the color cosmetics category; (ii) declines in mass fragrances in Germany and the U.K. in part due to negative market share and category trends in the mass fragrances category; and (iii) negative foreign currency exchange translation impacts. These declines were partially offset by incremental net revenues from Burberry and Calvin Klein across the region. Excluding the impact of the Divestitures and the negative foreign currency exchange translation impact of 4%, net revenues in Europe decreased 1%.
ALMEA
In the three months ended December 31, 2018, net revenues in ALMEA decreased 5%, or $30.8, to $567.4 from $598.2 in the three months ended December 31, 2017. Excluding the impact of the Divestitures, net revenues in ALMEA decreased 3%, or $15.2, to $567.5 in the three months ended December 31, 2018 from $582.7 in the three months ended December 31, 2017, primarily reflecting: (i) unfavorable foreign currency exchange translation impacts of certain currencies in Latin America; (ii) lower net revenues from Max Factor in China and the Middle East; and (iii) lower net revenues from the retail hair line of Wella hair products due to decreased sales volume to optimize retailer trade inventory levels in the Middle East. These decreases were partially offset by: (i) higher net revenues from the professional product line of Wella hair products in Japan and Latin America; and (ii) incremental net revenues from Burberry across the region. Excluding the impacts of the Divestitures and the negative foreign currency exchange translation impact of 7%, net revenues in ALMEA increased 4%.
COST OF SALES
In the three months ended December 31, 2018, cost of sales decreased $68.2, to $956.7 from $1,024.9 in the three months ended December 31, 2017. Cost of sales as a percentage of revenues decreased to 38.1% in the three months ended December 31, 2018 from 38.9% in the three months ended December 31, 2017, resulting in a gross margin improvement of approximately 80 basis points primarily reflecting: (i) a favorable mix impact associated with the increased proportionate net revenue contribution from higher-margin Luxury and Professional Beauty products in the second quarter of fiscal 2019 compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2018; (ii) lower raw material and manufacturing costs; and (iii) lower costs from distributor terminations related to the Global Integration Activities (as defined later). These improvements were partially offset by: (i) increased excess and obsolescence expense in the Consumer Beauty segment; (ii) increased freight expenses due to the Supply Chain Disruptions; and (iii) increased designer license fees due to an unfavorable mix of Luxury brands with higher royalty rates.

38

Table of Contents

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
In the three months ended December 31, 2018, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 3%, or $35.2, to $1,284.0 from $1,319.2 in the three months ended December 31, 2017. This decrease is primarily due to: (i) lower administrative costs of $29.2, or 2% of the total selling, general, and administrative expense decline; (ii) lower stock option compensation of $7.6, or less than 1% of the total selling, general and administrative expense decline; and (iii) lower advertising and consumer promotion costs of $6.6, or less than 1% of the total selling, general and administrative expense decline. The decrease in administrative costs is driven by: (i) compensation expense savings as a result of the Global Integration Activities, 2018 Restructuring Actions (as defined later) and certain other programs; and (ii) a decrease in travel & entertainment and meeting & conference expenses reflecting more stringent departmental and employee spending policies. This decrease is partially offset by increased maintenance and depreciation expenses for technological infrastructure placed into service with the completion of certain milestones in conjunction with the Global Integration Activities.
Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenues increased to 51.1% in the three months ended December 31, 2018 from 50.0% in the three months ended December 31, 2017, or approximately 110 basis points.
 
Three Months Ended
December 31,
(bps rounded to the nearest tenth)
2018/2017
Advertising and consumer promotion costs
90

Administrative costs

Distribution & Warehousing
30

Foreign currency exchange impact
10

Bad Debt Expense
10

Share-based compensation
(30
)
Other selling, general, and administrative expenses

Total basis point increase
110

In the three months ended December 31, 2018, selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenues increased primarily due to declines in net revenues in the Consumer Beauty segment. The increase of 90 bps for advertising and consumer promotion costs primarily reflects a segment mix impact associated with the increased net revenue contribution from the Luxury segment, which has marginally higher media advertising expenses than that of the Consumer Beauty segment.

OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME
In the three months ended December 31, 2018, operating income decreased greater than 100%, or $979.8, to a loss of $804.6 from income of $175.2 in the three months ended December 31, 2017. Operating margin, or operating income as a percentage of net revenues, decreased to (32.0%) in the three months ended December 31, 2018 as compared to 6.6% in the three months ended December 31, 2017.
The basis point decrease in operating income as a percentage of net revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2018 as compared to the respective prior year period, are comprised of the following:
 
Three Months Ended
December 31,
(bps rounded to nearest tenth)
2018/2017
Asset impairment charges
(3,840
)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
(110
)
Amortization
(10
)
Cost of sales
80

Restructuring
(10
)
Acquisition-related costs
30

Total basis point decrease
(3,860
)


39

Table of Contents


Operating Income by Segment
 
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
 
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
Change %
Operating income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
Luxury
$
113.6

 
$
85.1

 
33
%
Consumer Beauty
(906.9
)
 
99.3

 
<(100%)

Professional Beauty
73.8

 
73.5

 
%
Corporate
(85.1
)
 
(82.7
)
 
(3
%)
Total
(804.6
)
 
175.2

 
<(100%)

Luxury
In the three months ended December 31, 2018, operating income for Luxury increased 33%, or $28.5, to $113.6 from $85.1 in the three months ended December 31, 2017. Operating margin increased to 11.2% of net revenues in the three months ended December 31, 2018 as compared to 8.9% in the three months ended December 31, 2017, primarily reflecting lower selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenues.
Consumer Beauty
In the three months ended December 31, 2018, operating income for Consumer Beauty decreased greater than 100%, or $1,006.2, to a loss of $906.9 from income of $99.3 in the three months ended December 31, 2017. Operating margin decreased to (93.7)% of net revenues in the three months ended December 31, 2018 as compared to 8.7% in the three months ended December 31, 2017, primarily reflecting the asset impairment charges recognized in the second quarter of fiscal 2019.
Professional Beauty
In the three months ended December 31, 2018, operating income for Professional Beauty remained relatively consistent at $73.8 as compared to $73.5 in the three months ended December 31, 2017. Operating margin increased to 14.0% of net revenues in the three months ended December 31, 2018 as compared to 13.4% in the three months ended December 31, 2017, primarily reflecting lower cost of goods sold as a percentage of net revenues.
Corporate
Corporate primarily includes corporate expenses not directly relating to our operating activities. These items are included in Corporate since we consider them to be Corporate responsibilities, and these items are not used by our management to measure the underlying performance of the segments.
In the three months ended December 31, 2018, the operating loss for Corporate was $85.1 compared to $82.7 in the three months ended December 31, 2017, as described under “Adjusted Operating Income for Coty Inc.” below.
Adjusted Operating Income by Segment
We believe that adjusted operating income by segment further enhances an investor’s understanding of our performance. See “Overview—Non-GAAP Financial Measures.” A reconciliation of reported operating income (loss) to adjusted operating income is presented below, by segment:
 
Three Months Ended December 31, 2018
(in millions)
Reported
(GAAP)
 
Adjustments (a)
 
Adjusted
(Non-GAAP)
Operating income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
Luxury
$
113.6

 
$
(63.3
)
 
$
176.9

Consumer Beauty
(906.9
)
 
(961.0
)
 
54.1

Professional Beauty
73.8

 
(17.3
)
 
91.1

Corporate
(85.1
)
 
(85.3
)
 
0.2

Total
(804.6
)
 
(1,126.9
)
 
322.3


40

Table of Contents

 
Three Months Ended December 31, 2017
(in millions)
Reported
(GAAP)
 
Adjustments (a)
 
Adjusted
(Non-GAAP)
Operating income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
Luxury
$
85.1

 
$
(40.3
)
 
$
125.4

Consumer Beauty
99.3

 
(32.6
)
 
131.9

Professional Beauty
73.5

 
(16.7
)
 
90.2

Corporate
(82.7
)
 
(83.5
)
 
0.8

Total
175.2

 
(173.1
)
 
348.3

(a) 
See a reconciliation of reported operating income to adjusted operating income and a description of the adjustments under “Adjusted Operating (Loss) Income for Coty Inc.” below. All adjustments are reflected in Corporate, except for amortization expense, which is reflected in the Luxury, Consumer Beauty and Professional Beauty divisions, and asset impairment charges, which are reflected in the Luxury and Consumer Beauty divisions.
Adjusted Operating (Loss) Income for Coty Inc.
We believe that adjusted operating income further enhances an investor’s understanding of our performance. See “Overview—Non-GAAP Financial Measures.” Reconciliation of reported operating income (loss) to adjusted operating income is presented below:
 
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
 
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
Change %
Reported operating (loss) income
$
(804.6
)
 
$
175.2

 
<(100%)

% of net revenues
(32.0
%)
 
6.6
%
 
 
Asset impairment charges
965.1

 

 
N/A

Amortization expense
88.5

 
89.6

 
(1
%)
Restructuring and other business realignment costs
73.3

 
75.6

 
(3
%)
Costs related to acquisition activities

 
7.9

 
(100
%)
Total adjustments to reported operating income
1,126.9

 
173.1

 
>100%

Adjusted operating income
$
322.3

 
$
348.3

 
(7
%)
% of net revenues
12.8
 %
 
13.2
%
 
 
In the three months ended December 31, 2018, adjusted operating income decreased 7%, or $26.0, to $322.3 from $348.3 in the three months ended December 31, 2017. Adjusted operating margin decreased to 12.8% of net revenues in the three months ended December 31, 2018 from 13.2% in the three months ended December 31, 2017, driven by approximately 90 basis points related to higher selling, general and administrative costs as a percentage of net revenues partially offset by approximately 50 basis points related to lower cost of sales as a percentage of net revenues. Excluding the impact of foreign currency exchange translations, adjusted operating income decreased 4%.
Asset Impairment Charges
In the three months ended December 31, 2018, we incurred $965.1 of asset impairment charges, of which $832.5 related to goodwill, $90.8 related to indefinite-lived other intangible assets (mainly related to the CoverGirl and Clairol trademarks) and $7.0 related to finite-lived other intangible assets, as described and recorded in Asset impairment charges in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Additionally, the Company identified indicators of impairment related to the philosophy trademark that is part of the Luxury reporting unit and recorded an asset impairment charge of $22.8. The Company also fully impaired a Corporate equity security investment and recorded an asset impairment charge of $12.0.
In the three months ended December 31, 2017, we did not incur any asset impairment charges.

41

Table of Contents

Amortization Expense
In the three months ended December 31, 2018, amortization expense decreased to $88.5 from $89.6 in the three months ended December 31, 2017. In the three months ended December 31, 2018, amortization expense of $40.5, $30.7, and $17.3 was reported in the Luxury, Consumer Beauty and Professional Beauty segments, respectively. In three months ended December 31, 2017, amortization expense of $40.3, $32.6, and $16.7 was reported in the Luxury, Consumer Beauty, and Professional Beauty segments, respectively.
Restructuring and Other Business Realignment Costs
We continue to analyze our cost structure, including opportunities to simplify and streamline operations. In particular, in connection with the acquisition of the P&G Beauty Business, we have and will continue to incur restructuring and related costs aimed at integrating and optimizing the combined organization, which we refer to as the Global Integration Activities. In addition, in 2018, we began evaluating initiatives to reduce fixed costs and enable further investment in the business, which we refer to as the 2018 Restructuring Actions. Of the total expected costs associated with the 2018 Restructuring Actions of $250.0, we have incurred cumulative restructuring charges of $77.2 related to approved initiatives through December 31, 2018.
In the three months ended December 31, 2018, we incurred restructuring and other business structure realignment costs of $73.3, as follows:
We incurred restructuring costs of $21.5 primarily related to the Global Integration Activities, included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
We incurred business structure realignment costs of $51.8 primarily related to our Global Integration Activities and certain other programs. This amount includes $47.2 reported in selling, general and administrative expenses and $4.6 reported in cost of sales in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, primarily due to costs incurred for the realignment of the business due to the P&G Beauty Business.
In the three months ended December 31, 2017, we incurred restructuring and other business structure realignment costs of $75.6, as follows:
We incurred restructuring costs of $21.7 primarily related to the Global Integration Activities, included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
We incurred business structure realignment costs of $53.9 primarily related to our Global Integration Activities and certain other programs. This amount includes $43.7 reported in Selling, general and administrative expenses and $10.2 reported in Cost of sales in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, primarily due to costs incurred for the realignment of the business due to the P&G Beauty Business.
In all reported periods, all restructuring and other business realignment costs were reported in Corporate.
Costs Related to Acquisition Activities
In the three months ended December 31, 2018, there were no acquisition related charges incurred.
In the three months ended December 31, 2017, we incurred $7.9 of costs related to acquisition activities. We recognized Acquisition-related costs of $7.0, included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. These costs may include finder’s fees, legal, accounting, valuation, and other professional or consulting fees, and other internal costs which may include compensation related expenses for dedicated internal resources. We also incurred approximately $0.9 in Costs of sales primarily reflecting revaluation of acquired inventory in connection with the acquisition of the Burberry Beauty Business in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
In all reported periods, all costs related to acquisition activities were reported in Corporate.
INTEREST EXPENSE, NET
In the three months ended December 31, 2018, Interest expense, net was $68.3 as compared with $60.3 in the three months ended December 31, 2017. This increase is primarily due to higher average debt balances and lower net foreign exchange gains.
INCOME TAXES
The effective income tax rate for the three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 was (8.9)% and (7.1)%, respectively. The change in the effective tax rate for the three months ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the prior period results from goodwill impairment recorded in the current period that is not tax deductible.
The effective income tax rates vary from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% due to the effect of (i) jurisdictions with different statutory rates, (ii) adjustments to our unrealized tax benefits (“UTBs”) and accrued interest, (iii) non-deductible

42

Table of Contents

expenses, (iv) audit settlements and (v) valuation allowance changes. Our effective tax rate could fluctuate significantly and could be adversely affected to the extent earnings are lower than anticipated in countries that have lower statutory rates and higher than anticipated in countries that have higher statutory rates.
Reconciliation of Reported Income Before Income Taxes to Adjusted Income Before Income Taxes and Effective Tax Rates:
 
Three Months Ended
December 31, 2018
 
Three Months Ended
December 31, 2017
(in millions)
(Loss) Before Income Taxes
 
Provision for Income Taxes
 
Effective Tax Rate
 
Income Before Income Taxes
 
(Benefit) Provision for Income Taxes
 
Effective Tax Rate
Reported (loss) income before income taxes
$
(877.7
)
 
$
78.3

 
(8.9
%)
 
$
110.7

 
$
(7.9
)
 
(7.1
%)
Adjustments to reported operating income (a) (b)
1,126.9

 
(19.2
)
 
 
 
173.1

 
37.2

 
 
Adjusted income before income taxes
$
249.2

 
$
59.1

 
23.7
%
 
$
283.8

 
$
29.3

 
10.3
%
 
 
(a) 
See a description of adjustments under “adjusted (loss) operating income for Coty Inc.”
(b) 
The tax effects of each of the items included in adjusted income are calculated in a manner that results in a corresponding income tax expense/provision for adjusted income. In preparing the calculation, each adjustment to reported income is first analyzed to determine if the adjustment has an income tax consequence. The provision for taxes is then calculated based on the jurisdiction in which the adjusted items are incurred, multiplied by the respective statutory rates and offset by the increase or reversal of any valuation allowances commensurate with the non-GAAP measure of profitability.
The adjusted effective tax rate was 23.7% for the three months ended December 31, 2018 compared to 10.3% for the three months ended December 31, 2017. The differences were primarily due to the resolution of a foreign uncertain tax position of approximately $43.0 in the prior period.

NET (LOSS) INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COTY INC.
Net income attributable to Coty Inc. was a loss of $(960.6) in the three months ended December 31, 2018 as compared to income of $109.2 in the three months ended December 31, 2017. This decrease primarily reflects higher asset impairment charges and a higher provision for income taxes.
We believe that adjusted net income attributable to Coty Inc. provides an enhanced understanding of our performance. See “Overview—Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”


43

Table of Contents

 
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 

(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
Change %
Reported net (loss) income attributable to Coty Inc.
$
(960.6
)
 
$
109.2

 
<(100%)

% of net revenues
(38.3
%)
 
4.1
%
 
 
Adjustments to reported operating income (a)
1,126.9

 
173.1

 
>100%

Adjustments to noncontrolling interests (b)
(3.6
)
 
(7.9
)
 
54
%
Change in tax provision due to adjustments to reported net income attributable to Coty Inc.
19.2

 
(37.2
)
 
>100%

Adjusted net income attributable to Coty Inc.
$
181.9

 
$
237.2

 
(23
%)
% of net revenues
7.2
 %
 
9.0
%
 
 

Per Share Data
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted weighted-average common shares
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
751.1

 
749.6

 
 
Diluted
752.5

 
752.7

 
 
Adjusted net income attributable to Coty Inc. per common share
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.24

 
$
0.32

 
 
Diluted
0.24

 
0.32

 
 
 
 
(a) 
See a description of adjustments under “Adjusted Operating (Loss) Income for Coty Inc.”
(b) 
The amounts represent the impact of non-GAAP adjustments to net income attributable to noncontrolling interest related to the Company’s majority-owned consolidated subsidiaries. The amounts are based on the relevant noncontrolling interest’s percentage ownership in the related subsidiary, for which the non-GAAP adjustments were made.

SIX MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018 AS COMPARED TO SIX MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017
NET REVENUES
In the six months ended December 31, 2018, net revenues decreased 7%, or $333.4, to $4,542.5 from $4,875.9 in the six months ended December 31, 2017. The impact of the acquisition of the Burberry Beauty Business had a positive contribution of 1% to the total change in net revenues in the six months ended December 31, 2018 as compared to the six months ended December 31, 2017. This was offset by the impact of the termination of the Guess license and the divestitures of the licenses of Playboy and Cerruti, which had a negative impact of 2% on the total change in net revenues in the six months ended December 31, 2018 as compared to the six months ended December 31, 2017. Excluding the impacts of the Acquisitions and Divestitures, total net revenues decreased 6%, or $291.2, to $4,480.2 in the six months ended December 31, 2018 from $4,771.4 in the six months ended December 31, 2017, reflecting a decrease in unit volume of 6% and a negative foreign currency exchange translation impact of 3% offset by a positive price and mix impact of 3%. The unit volume decrease and positive price and mix impact primarily reflects:
(i)
Lower sales volume as a result of negative market share trends in the color cosmetics, hair color and mass fragrance categories as a result of shelf-space losses in North America and Europe in the Consumer Beauty segment;
(ii)
Lower sales volume due to the Supply Chain Disruptions;
(iii)
Lower sales volume due to retailer-driven changes in optimal trade inventory levels;
(iv)
Positive price mix due to a proportionate increase in Luxury sales volumes and the corresponding proportionate decrease in Consumer Beauty sales volumes; and
(v)
Positive pricing impacts within the body care category of the Consumer Beauty segment due to a decrease in sales discounts in Brazil.


44

Table of Contents

Net Revenues by Segment
 
Six Months Ended
December 31,
 
 
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
Change %
Net revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
Luxury
$
1,810.4

 
 
$
1,715.6

 
6
%
Consumer Beauty
1,796.6

 
 
2,182.0

 
(18
%)
Professional Beauty
935.5

 
 
978.3

 
(4
%)
Total
$
4,542.5

 
 
$
4,875.9

 
(7
%)
Luxury
In the six months ended December 31, 2018, net revenues from the Luxury segment increased 6%, or $94.8, to $1,810.4 from $1,715.6 in the six months ended December 31, 2017. The impact of the acquisition of the Burberry Beauty Business had a positive contribution of 4% on the total change in net revenues for the segment in the six months ended December 31, 2018 as compared to the six months ended December 31, 2017. This was offset by the impact of the divestiture of the license of Cerruti, had a negative contribution of 1% on the total change in net revenues for the segment in the six months ended December 31, 2018 as compared to the six months ended December 31, 2017. Excluding the impacts of the Acquisition and Divestiture, net revenues from the Luxury segment increased 3%, or $50.3, to $1,748.1 in the six months ended December 31, 2018 from $1,697.8 in the six months ended December 31, 2017, reflecting an increase in unit volume of 8%, offset by a negative price and mix impact of 3% and a negative foreign currency exchange translation impact of 2%. The increase in net revenues primarily reflects: (i) increased net revenue from Burberry due to the integration of the Burberry Beauty Business; and (ii) increased net revenues from Calvin Klein due to the launch of Calvin Klein Women in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 and due to the continued success from new advertising campaigns for CK One and Eternity. These increases were partially offset by a net revenue decline in Hugo Boss due to the Supply Chain Disruptions.
Consumer Beauty
In the six months ended December 31, 2018, net revenues from the Consumer Beauty segment decreased 18%, or $385.4, to $1,796.6 from $2,182.0 in the six months ended December 31, 2017. The impact of the termination of Guess and the divestiture of the license of Playboy had a negative contribution of 4% on the total change in net revenues for the segment in the six months ended December 31, 2018 as compared to the six months ended December 31, 2017. Excluding the impact of the Divestitures, net revenues from the Consumer Beauty segment decreased 14%, or $298.7, to $1,796.6 in the six months ended December 31, 2018 from $2,095.3 in the six months ended December 31, 2017, reflecting a decrease in unit volume of 7%, a negative foreign currency exchange translation impact of 4%, and a negative price and mix impact of 3%. The decrease in net revenues primarily reflects:
(i)
Negative market share trends in the color cosmetics, hair color and mass fragrance categories as a result of shelf-space losses in North America and Europe for CoverGirl, Rimmel and Clairol;
(ii)
The Supply Chain Disruptions which resulted in lower net revenues mainly in the color cosmetics category, namely the Rimmel, Max Factor and Bourjois brands;
(iii)
Reduced net revenues for Max Factor, Bourjois, Adidas and the retail hair line of Wella hair products due to decreased sales volume to optimize retailer trade inventory levels; and
(iv)
Reduced net revenues from Younique due to a decline in product sales and presenter sponsorship as we continue to refine our product offerings and compensation plan structure to drive improvements in presenter sales activity, recruitment and retention.
Professional Beauty
In the six months ended December 31, 2018, net revenues from the Professional Beauty segment decreased 4%, or $42.8, to $935.5 from $978.3 in the six months ended December 31, 2017 primarily reflecting a decrease in unit volume of 7% and a negative foreign currency exchange translation impact of 3%, offset by a positive price and mix impact of 6%. The decrease in this segment primarily reflects: (i) lower net revenues from the Supply Chain Disruptions mainly impacting OPI and brands across the hair care category; and (ii) decreased volume for hair care brands due to changes in the timing of shipments to optimize retailer trade inventory levels for a key U.S. customer. These declines were partially offset by: (i) increases in net revenues from ghd due to the product launch of Platinum+ in the first quarter of fiscal 2019, contributing to the segment’s positive price and mix impact; and (ii) favorable price and mix impacts from the Wella Koleston Perfect ME+ product restage in the first quarter of fiscal 2019.

45

Table of Contents

Net Revenues by Geographic Regions
In addition to our reporting segments, net revenues by geographic regions are as follows.
 
Six Months Ended
December 31,
 
 
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
Change %
Net revenues
 
 
 
 
 
North America
$
1,387.1

 
$
1,494.3

 
(7
%)
Europe
2,073.8

 
2,264.1

 
(8
%)
ALMEA
1,081.6

 
1,117.5

 
(3
%)
Total
$
4,542.5

 
$
4,875.9

 
(7
%)
North America
In the six months ended December 31, 2018, net revenues in North America decreased 7%, or $107.2, to $1,387.1 from $1,494.3 in the six months ended December 31, 2017. Excluding the impacts of the Divestitures, net revenues in North America decreased 7%, or $103.5, to $1,372.5 in the six months ended December 31, 2018 from $1,476.0 in the six months ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to declines in Younique, philosophy, CoverGirl and Clairol brands net revenues in the United States. These declines primarily reflect: (i) lower net revenues from philosophy due to a change in the timing of shipments in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018 to fulfill first quarter consumer trade promotions; (ii) shelf space losses for CoverGirl and Clairol; (iii) reduced net revenues from Younique due to a decline in product sales and presenter sponsorship as we continue to refine our product offerings and compensation plan structure to drive improvements in presenter sales activity, recruitment and retention; and (iv) negative market share and category trends in the color cosmetics categories, mainly impacting CoverGirl. These decreases were partially offset by increases in net revenues from Burberry in the United States.
Europe
In the six months ended December 31, 2018, net revenues in Europe decreased 8%, or $190.3, to $2,073.8 from $2,264.1 in the six months ended December 31, 2017. Excluding the impacts of the Divestitures, net revenues in Europe decreased 7%, or $160.0, to $2,044.8 in the six months ended December 31, 2018 from $2,204.8 in the six months ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to declines in Bourjois and Rimmel in the U.K. and Eastern Europe, as well as declines in mass fragrances in Western Europe. These declines primarily reflect: (i) the Supply Chain Disruptions; (ii) lower net revenues from Bourjois due to decreased sales volume to optimize retailer trade inventory levels; and (iii) negative market share and category trends in the color cosmetics and mass fragrances categories. These decreases were partially offset by increases in net revenues from Burberry across the region. Excluding the impact of the Divestitures and the negative foreign currency exchange translation impact of 2%, net revenues in Europe decreased 5%.
ALMEA
In the six months ended December 31, 2018, net revenues in ALMEA decreased 3%, or $35.9, to $1,081.6 from $1,117.5 in the six months ended December 31, 2017. Excluding the impacts of the Divestitures, net revenues in ALMEA decreased 3%, or $27.7, to $1,062.9 in the six months ended December 31, 2018 from $1,090.6 in the six months ended December 31, 2017, primarily reflecting: (i) unfavorable foreign currency exchange translation impacts of certain currencies in Latin America; (ii) lower net revenues from Max Factor in China and the Middle East; and (iii) lower net revenues from the retail hair line of Wella hair products due to decreased sales volume to optimize retailer trade inventory levels in Brazil. These decreases are partially offset by: (i) incremental in net revenues from Burberry across the region; and (ii) higher net revenues from the professional line of Wella hair products in Brazil, Gucci in China and Calvin Klein in the Middle East. Excluding the impacts of the Divestitures and the negative foreign currency exchange translation impact of 8%, net revenues in ALMEA increased 5%.

COST OF SALES
In the six months ended December 31, 2018, cost of sales decreased 7%, or $133.3, to $1,765.8 from $1,899.1 in the six months ended December 31, 2017. Cost of sales as a percentage of net revenues remained consistent at 38.9% in the six months ended December 31, 2018 as compared to the six months ended December 31, 2017. The components of the gross margin activity primarily reflect: (i) a favorable mix impact associated with the increased proportionate net revenue contribution from higher-margin Luxury and Professional Beauty products in the first half fiscal 2019 compared to the first half of fiscal 2018; (ii) lower raw material and manufacturing costs in the Professional Beauty segment as well as net pricing improvements with the launch of higher priced products ghd Platinum+ and Wella Koleston Perfect ME+ in the first quarter of fiscal 2019; and (iii) lower costs from distributor terminations and accelerated depreciation of buildings and equipment associated with plant

46

Table of Contents

closures related to the Global Integration Activities in fiscal 2018. These improvements were offset by: (i) increased freight expenses due to the Supply Chain Disruptions; (ii) increased excess and obsolescence expense in the Consumer Beauty segment; and (iii) increased designer license fees due to an unfavorable mix of Luxury brands with higher royalty rates.
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
In the six months ended December 31, 2018, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 4%, or $104.0, to $2,406.3 from $2,510.3 in the six months ended December 31, 2017. This decrease primarily reflects: (i) lower advertising and consumer promotion spending of $62.5, or 3% of the total selling, general, and administrative expense decline; and (ii) lower administrative costs of $54.1, or 2% of the total selling, general, and administrative expense decline. These decreases were offset by an increase in distribution and warehousing expenses of $12.9, or (1%) of the total selling, general and administrative expense decline to execute supply chain optimization initiatives in conjunction with the Global Integration Activities. The decrease in advertising and consumer spending primarily reflects: (i) a rationalization of non-strategic spending within the Consumer Beauty segment, mainly on Max Factor and Bourjois; (ii) a decrease in both media support and non-strategic spending within the Consumer Beauty segment, mainly on Sally Hansen and Rimmel; and (iii) the positive impact from the divestiture of the license of Playboy and the termination of Guess. The decrease in administrative costs is driven by: (i) compensation expense savings as a result of the Global Integration Activities, 2018 Restructuring Actions and certain other programs; and (ii) a decrease in travel & entertainment and meeting & conference expenses reflecting more stringent departmental and employee spending policies. This decrease is partially offset by increased maintenance and depreciation expenses for technological infrastructure placed into service with the completion of certain milestones in conjunction with the Global Integration Activities.
Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenues increased to 53.0% in the six months ended December 31, 2018 from 51.5% in the six months ended December 31, 2017, or approximately 150 basis points.
 
Six Months Ended
December 31,
(bps rounded to the nearest tenth)
2018/2017
Administrative costs
60

Distribution & Warehousing costs
50

Advertising and consumer promotion costs
30

Foreign currency exchange impact
20

Share-based compensation
(20
)
Bad Debt Expense

Other selling, general, and administrative expenses
10

Total basis point increase
150

In the six months ended December 31, 2018, selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenues increased primarily due to declines in net revenues in the Consumer Beauty segment.

OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME
In the six months ended December 31, 2018, operating income decreased greater than 100%, or $1,030.0 to a loss of $825.3 from income of $204.7 in the six months ended December 31, 2017. Operating margin, or operating income as a percentage of net revenues, decreased to (18.2)% in the six months ended December 31, 2018 as compared to 4.2% in the six months ended December 31, 2017.

47

Table of Contents

The basis point decrease in operating income as a percentage of net revenues for the six months ended December 31, 2018 as compared to the respective prior year period, are comprised of the following:
 
Six Months Ended
December 31,
(bps rounded to nearest tenth)
2018/2017
Asset impairment charges
(2,150
)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
(150
)
Amortization
(60
)
Acquisition-related costs
130

Restructuring
(10
)
Cost of sales

Total basis point decrease
(2,240
)

Operating Income by Segment
 
Six Months Ended
December 31,
 
 
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
Change %
Operating income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
Luxury
$
162.3

 
$
141.8

 
14
%
Consumer Beauty
(925.5
)
 
161.2

 
<(100%)

Professional Beauty
78.8

 
71.8

 
10
%
Corporate
(140.9
)
 
(170.1
)
 
17
%
Total
(825.3
)
 
204.7

 
<(100%)

Luxury
In the six months ended December 31, 2018, operating income for Luxury increased 14%, or $20.5, to $162.3 from $141.8 in the six months ended December 31, 2017. Operating margin increased to 9.0% of net revenues in the six months ended December 31, 2018 as compared to 8.3% in the six months ended December 31, 2017, primarily reflecting lower selling, general, and administrative costs as a percentage of net revenues partially offset by higher asset impairment charges as a percentage of net revenues and higher cost of goods sold as a percentage of net revenues.
Consumer Beauty
In the six months ended December 31, 2018, operating income for Consumer Beauty decreased greater than 100%, or $1,086.7, to a loss of $925.5 from income of $161.2 in the six months ended December 31, 2017. Operating margin decreased to (51.5)% of net revenues in the six months ended December 31, 2018 as compared to 7.4% in the six months ended December 31, 2017, primarily reflecting the asset impairment charges recognized in the second quarter of fiscal 2019.
Professional Beauty
In the six months ended December 31, 2018, operating income for Professional Beauty increased by 10%, or $7.0, to $78.8 from $71.8 in the six months ended December 31, 2017. Operating margin increased to 8.4% of net revenues in the six months ended December 31, 2018 as compared to 7.3% in the six months ended December 31, 2017, primarily reflecting lower cost of goods sold as a percentage of net revenues.
Corporate
Corporate primarily includes corporate expenses not directly related to our operating activities. These items are included in Corporate since we consider them to be Corporate responsibilities, and these items are not used by our management to measure the underlying performance of the segments.
In the six months ended December 31, 2018, the operating loss for Corporate was $140.9 compared to $170.1 in the six months ended December 31, 2017, as described under “Adjusted Operating Income for Coty Inc.” below.


48

Table of Contents

Adjusted Operating Income by Segment
We believe that Adjusted Operating income by segment further enhances an investor’s understanding of our performance. See “Overview—Non-GAAP Financial Measures.” A reconciliation of reported Operating income (loss) to Adjusted Operating income is presented below, by segment:
 
Six Months Ended December 31, 2018
(in millions)
Reported
(GAAP)
 
Adjustments (a)
 
Adjusted
(Non-GAAP)
Operating income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
Luxury
$
162.3

 
$
(116.2
)
 
$
278.5

Consumer Beauty
(925.5
)
 
(994.4
)
 
68.9

Professional Beauty
78.8

 
(36.1
)
 
114.9

Corporate
(140.9
)
 
(141.7
)
 
0.8

Total
(825.3
)
 
(1,288.4
)
 
463.1

 
Six Months Ended December 31, 2017
(in millions)
Reported
(GAAP)
 
Adjustments (a)
 
Adjusted
(Non-GAAP)
Operating income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
Luxury
$
141.8

 
$
(73.5
)
 
$
215.3

Consumer Beauty
161.2

 
(59.0
)
 
220.2

Professional Beauty
71.8

 
(35.3
)
 
107.1

Corporate
(170.1
)
 
(171.7
)
 
1.6

Total
204.7

 
(339.5
)
 
544.2

(a) 
See a reconciliation of reported operating income to adjusted operating income and a description of the adjustments under “adjusted operating (Loss) Income for Coty Inc.” below. All adjustments are reflected in Corporate, except for amortization expense, which is reflected in the Luxury, Consumer Beauty and Professional Beauty divisions, and asset impairment charges, which are reflected in the Luxury and Consumer Beauty divisions.

Adjusted Operating (Loss) Income for Coty Inc.
We believe that adjusted operating income further enhances an investor’s understanding of our performance. See “Overview—Non-GAAP Financial Measures.” A reconciliation of reported operating income (loss) to adjusted operating income is presented below:
 
Six Months Ended
December 31,
 
 
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
Change %
Reported operating (loss) income
$
(825.3
)
 
$
204.7

 
<(100%)

% of net revenues
(18.2
)%
 
4.2
%
 
 
Asset impairment charges
977.7

 

 
N/A

Amortization expense
181.0

 
167.8

 
8
%
Restructuring and other business realignment costs
129.7

 
106.2

 
22
%
Costs related to acquisition activities

 
65.5

 
(100
%)
Total adjustments to reported operating income
1,288.4

 
339.5

 
>100%

Adjusted operating income
$
463.1

 
$
544.2

 
(15
%)
% of net revenues
10.2
 %
 
11.2
%
 
 

Adjusted operating income in the six months ended December 31, 2018 decreased 15%, or $81.1, to $463.1 from $544.2 in the six months ended December 31, 2017. Adjusted operating margin decreased to 10.2% of net revenues in the six months ended December 31, 2018 as compared to 11.2% in the six months ended December 31, 2017, primarily driven by

49

Table of Contents

approximately 70 basis points related to higher selling, general and administrative costs as a percentage of net revenues and approximately 30 basis points related to higher cost of sales as a percentage of net revenues.
Asset Impairment Charges
In the six months ended December 31, 2018, we incurred $977.7 of asset impairment charges primarily due to a $12.6 charge in the first quarter due to an acquired trademark associated with a terminated pre-existing license as a result of the acquisition,  $832.5 related to goodwill, $90.8 related to indefinite-lived other intangible assets (mainly related to the CoverGirl and Clairol trademarks) and $7.0 related to finite-lived other intangible assets, as described and recorded in Asset impairment charges in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Additionally, the Company identified indicators of impairment related to the philosophy trademark that is part of the Luxury reporting unit and recorded an asset impairment charge of $22.8. The Company also fully impaired a Corporate equity security investment and recorded an asset impairment charge of $12.0.

In the six months ended December 31, 2017, we did not incur any asset impairment charges.
Amortization Expense
In the six months ended December 31, 2018, amortization expense increased to $181.0 from $167.8 in the six months ended December 31, 2017. In the six months ended December 31, 2018, amortization expense of $80.8, $64.1, and $36.1 was reported in the Luxury, Consumer Beauty and Professional Beauty segments, respectively. In the six months ended December 31, 2017, amortization expense of $73.5, $59.0, and $35.3 was reported in the Luxury, Consumer Beauty, and Professional Beauty segments, respectively.
Restructuring and Other Business Realignment Costs
We continue to analyze our cost structure, including opportunities to simplify and streamline operations. In particular, in connection with the acquisition of the P&G Beauty Business, we have and will continue to incur restructuring and related costs aimed at integrating and optimizing the combined organization, which we refer to as the Global Integration Activities. In addition, in 2018, we began evaluating initiatives to reduce fixed costs and enable further investment in the business, which we refer to as the 2018 Restructuring Actions. Of the total expected costs associated with the 2018 Restructuring Actions of $250.0, we have incurred cumulative restructuring charges of $77.2 related to approved initiatives through December 31, 2018.
In the six months ended December 31, 2018, we incurred restructuring and other business structure realignment costs of $129.7, as follows:
We incurred restructuring costs of $37.0 primarily related to the Global Integration Activities and 2018 Restructuring Actions, included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
We incurred business structure realignment costs of $92.7 primarily related to our Global Integration Activities and certain other programs. Of this amount $82.9 is included in selling, general and administrative expenses and $9.8 is included in cost of sales, primarily due to costs incurred for the realignment of the business due to the P&G Beauty Business.
In the six months ended December 31, 2017, we incurred restructuring and other business structure realignment costs of $106.2 as follows:
We incurred Restructuring costs of $32.9 primarily related to the Global Integration Activities, included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
We incurred business structure realignment costs of $73.3 primarily related to our Global Integration Activities, Organizational Redesign and certain other programs. Of this amount $52.6 is included in Selling, general and administrative expenses and $20.7 is included in Cost of sales, primarily due to costs incurred for the realignment of the business due to the P&G Beauty Business.
In all reported periods, all restructuring and other business realignment costs were reported in Corporate.
Costs Related to Acquisition Activities
In the six months ended December 31, 2018, there were no acquisition related charges incurred.
In the six months ended December 31, 2017, we incurred $65.5 of costs related to acquisition activities. We recognized Acquisition-related costs of $61.1, included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. These costs were primarily incurred in connection with the acquisition of P&G Beauty Business. These costs include amounts paid for external consulting fees and internal costs for converting the data received from P&G during the transition period to satisfy the Company’s internal and external financial reporting, regulatory and other requirements, as well as legal, accounting, and valuation services, and fees paid directly to P&G. We also incurred $3.5 and $0.9 in Costs of sales primarily reflecting revaluation of acquired inventory in connection with the acquisitions of Younique and the Burberry Beauty Business,

50

Table of Contents

respectively, in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
In all reported periods, all costs related to acquisition activities were reported in Corporate.
INTEREST EXPENSE, NET
In the six months ended December 31, 2018, interest expense, net was $132.4 as compared with $126.7 in the six months ended December 31, 2017. This increase is primarily due to higher average debt balances.
OTHER EXPENSE (INCOME), NET
We incurred $7.5 and $8.7 of other expense in the six months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The other expense is primarily associated with the change in the Mandatorily Redeemable Financial Instrument (“MRFI”) balance associated with a certain Southeast Asian subsidiary.
INCOME TAXES
The effective income tax rate for the six months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 was (0.1)% and (47.9)%, respectively. The change in the effective tax rate for the six months ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the prior period results from goodwill impairment recorded in the current period that is not tax deductible.
The effective income tax rates vary from the blended rate of approximately 21% due to the effect of (i) jurisdictions with different statutory rates, (ii) adjustments to our unrecognized tax benefits and accrued interest, (iii) non-deductible expenses, (iv) audit settlements and (v) valuation allowance changes. Our effective tax rate could fluctuate significantly and could be adversely affected to the extent earnings are lower than anticipated in countries that have lower statutory rates and higher than anticipated in countries that have higher statutory rates.
Reconciliation of Reported Income Before Income Taxes to Adjusted Income Before Income Taxes and Effective Tax Rates:
 
Six Months Ended
December 31, 2018
 
Six Months Ended
December 31, 2017
(in millions)
(Loss) Before Income Taxes
 
Provision for Income Taxes
 
Effective Tax Rate
 
Income Before Income Taxes
 
(Benefit) Provision for Income Taxes
 
Effective Tax Rate
Reported (loss) income before income taxes
$
(965.2
)
 
$
0.9

 
(0.1
%)
 
$
69.3

 
$
(33.2
)
 
(47.9
%)
Adjustments to reported operating income (a)(b)
1,288.4

 
45.9

 
 
 
339.5

 
96.8

 
 
Adjusted income before income taxes
$
323.2

 
$
46.8

 
14.5
%
 
$
408.8

 
$
63.6

 
15.6
%
 
 
(a) 
See a description of adjustments under “adjusted operating (loss) income for Coty Inc.”.
(b) 
The tax effects of each of the items included in adjusted income are calculated in a manner that results in a corresponding income tax expense/provision for adjusted income. In preparing the calculation, each adjustment to reported income is first analyzed to determine if the adjustment has an income tax consequence. The provision for taxes is then calculated based on the jurisdiction in which the adjusted items are incurred, multiplied by the respective statutory rates and offset by the increase or reversal of any valuation allowances commensurate with the non-GAAP measure of profitability.
The adjusted effective tax rate was 14.5% for the six months ended December 31, 2018 compared to 15.6% for the six months ended December 31, 2017. The differences were primarily due to the resolution of foreign uncertain tax positions.
NET (LOSS) INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COTY INC.
Net income attributable to Coty Inc. was a loss of $(972.7) in the six months ended December 31, 2018, as compared to income of $89.5 in the six months ended December 31, 2017. This decrease primarily reflects higher asset impairment charges and a higher provision for income taxes.
We believe that adjusted net income attributable to Coty Inc. provides an enhanced understanding of our performance. See “Overview—Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

51

Table of Contents

 
Six Months Ended
December 31,
 
 
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
Change %
Reported net (loss) income attributable to Coty Inc.
$
(972.7
)
 
$
89.5

 
<(100%)

% of net revenues
(21.4
%)
 
1.8
%
 
 
Adjustments to reported operating income (a)
1,288.4

 
339.5

 
>100%

Adjustments to noncontrolling interests (b)
(7.4
)
 
(18.7
)
 
60
%
Change in tax provision due to adjustments to reported net income attributable to Coty Inc.
(45.9
)
 
(96.8
)
 
53
%
Adjusted net income attributable to Coty Inc.
262.4

 
313.5

 
(16
%)
% of net revenues
5.8
 %
 
6.4
%
 
 

Per Share Data
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted weighted-average common shares
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
751.0

 
749.1

 
 
Diluted
752.6

 
752.5

 
 
Adjusted net income attributable to Coty Inc. per common share
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.35

 
$
0.42

 
 
Diluted
0.35

 
0.42

 
 
 
 
(a) 
See a description of adjustments under “Adjusted Operating (Loss) Income for Coty Inc.”
(b) 
The amounts represent the impact of non-GAAP adjustments to net income attributable to noncontrolling interest related to the Company’s majority-owned consolidated subsidiaries. The amounts are based on the relevant noncontrolling interest’s percentage ownership in the related subsidiary, for which the non-GAAP adjustments were made.

FINANCIAL CONDITION
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Overview
Our primary sources of funds include cash expected to be generated from operations, borrowings from issuance of debt and committed and uncommitted lines of credit provided by banks and lenders in the U.S. and abroad. As of December 31, 2018, we had cash and cash equivalents of $417.5 compared with $331.6 as of June 30, 2018.
Our cash flows are subject to seasonal variation throughout the year, including demands on cash made during the three and six months buildup before the holiday season in anticipation of higher global sales during the second fiscal quarter and strong cash generation in the second fiscal quarter as a result of increased demand by retailers associated with the holiday season. Our principal uses of cash are to fund operating expenditures, capital expenditures, integration costs, interest payments, acquisitions, dividends, any share repurchases and principal payments on debt. The working capital movements are based on the sourcing of materials related to the production of products within each of our segments. The phasing of payments to vendors also impacts our working capital from time-to-time as we seek to efficiently manage our cash and working capital requirements.
As a result of the cash on hand, our expected ability to generate cash from operations and through access to our revolving credit facility and other lending sources, we believe we have sufficient liquidity to meet our ongoing needs on both a near term and long-term basis.

52

Table of Contents

Debt
Debt balances consisted of the following as of December 31, 2018 and June 30, 2018, respectively:
 
December 31, 2018
 
June 30,
2018
Short-term debt
$
54.3

 
$
9.2

2018 Coty Credit Agreement
 
 
 
2018 Coty Revolving Credit Facility due April 2023
783.9

 
368.1

2018 Coty Term A Facility due April 2023
3,242.6

 
3,371.5

2018 Coty Term B Facility due April 2025
2,359.6

 
2,390.5

Senior Unsecured Notes
 
 
 
2026 Dollar Notes due April 2026
550.0

 
550.0

2023 Euro Notes due April 2023
628.6

 
640.9

2026 Euro Notes due April 2026
285.7

 
291.4

Other long-term debt and capital lease obligations
1.3

 
1.6

Total debt
7,906.0

 
7,623.2

Less: Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt
(255.7
)
 
(218.9
)
Total Long-term debt
7,650.3

 
7,404.3

Less: Unamortized debt issuance costs
(77.7
)
 
(86.2
)
Less: Discount on Long-term debt
(11.7
)
 
(12.7
)
Total Long-term debt, net
$
7,560.9

 
$
7,305.4

Short-Term Debt
We maintain short-term lines of credit and other short-term debt with financial institutions around the world. As of December 31, 2018 total short-term debt increased to $54.3 from $9.2 as of June 30, 2018, mainly due to the timing of payments to certain financial institutions.
Long-Term Debt
On April 5, 2018, we issued senior unsecured notes in a private offering and entered into a new credit agreement (the “2018 Coty Credit Agreement”). The net proceeds of the offering of the notes, together with borrowings under the 2018 Coty Credit Agreement, were used to repay in full and refinance the indebtedness outstanding under our previously existing long-term debt agreements and to pay accrued interest, related premiums, fees and expenses in connection therewith. Future borrowings under the 2018 Coty Credit Agreement could be used for corporate purposes.
Offering of Senior Unsecured Notes
On April 5, 2018 we issued, at par, $550.0 of 6.50% senior unsecured notes due 2026 (the “2026 Dollar Notes”), €550.0 million of 4.00% senior unsecured notes due 2023 (the “2023 Euro Notes”) and €250.0 million of 4.75% senior unsecured notes due 2026 (the “2026 Euro Notes” and, together with the 2023 Euro Notes, the “Euro Notes,” and the Euro Notes together with the 2026 Dollar Notes, the “Senior Unsecured Notes”) in a private offering to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act and to non-U.S. persons outside the United States pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act.
The Senior Unsecured Notes are senior unsecured debt obligations of Coty Inc. and will be pari passu in right of payment with all of our existing and future senior indebtedness (including the 2018 Credit Facilities described below). The Senior Unsecured Notes are guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior basis by the Guarantors (as later defined). The Senior Unsecured Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Coty Inc. and are effectively junior to all existing and future secured indebtedness of Coty Inc. to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such secured indebtedness. The related guarantees are senior unsecured obligations of each Guarantor and are effectively junior to all existing and future secured indebtedness of such Guarantor to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness.
The 2026 Dollar Notes will mature on April 15, 2026. The 2026 Dollar Notes will bear interest at a rate of 6.50% per annum. Interest on the 2026 Dollar Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year, beginning on October 15, 2018.
The 2023 Euro Notes will mature on April 15, 2023 and the 2026 Euro Notes will mature on April 15, 2026. The 2023 Euro Notes will bear interest at a rate of 4.00% per annum, and the 2026 Euro Notes will bear interest at a rate of 4.75% per

53

Table of Contents

annum. Interest on the Euro Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year, beginning on October 15, 2018.
Upon the occurrence of certain change of control triggering events with respect to a series of Senior Unsecured Notes, we will be required to offer to repurchase all or part of the Senior Unsecured Notes of such series at 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the purchase date applicable to such Senior Unsecured Notes.
The Notes contain customary covenants that place restrictions in certain circumstances on, among other things, incurrence of liens, entry into sale or leaseback transactions, sales of assets and certain merger or consolidation transactions. The Notes also provide for customary events of default.
2018 Coty Credit Agreement
On April 5, 2018, we entered into the 2018 Coty Credit Agreement which amended and restated the prior Coty Credit Agreement. The 2018 Coty Credit Agreement provides for (a) our incurrence of (1) a senior secured term A facility in an aggregate principal amount of (i) $1,000.0 denominated in U.S. dollars and (ii) €2,035.0 million denominated in euros (the “2018 Coty Term A Facility”) and (2) a senior secured term B facility in an aggregate principal amount of (i) $1,400.0 denominated in U.S. dollars and (ii) €850.0 million denominated in euros (the “2018 Coty Term B Facility”) and (b) the incurrence by Coty Inc. and Coty B.V., a Dutch subsidiary of Coty Inc. (the “Dutch Borrower” and, together with Coty Inc., the “Borrowers”), of a senior secured revolving facility in an aggregate principal amount of $3,250.0 denominated in U.S. dollars, specified alternative currencies or other currencies freely convertible into U.S. dollars and readily available in the London interbank market (the “2018 Coty Revolving Credit Facility”) (the 2018 Coty Term A Facility, together with the 2018 Coty Term B Facility and the 2018 Coty Revolving Credit Facility, the “2018 Coty Credit Facilities”). As of December 31, 2018, the remaining capacity available on the 2018 Coty Revolving Credit Facility was $2,466.1. Initial borrowings under the 2018 Coty Term Loan B Facility were issued at a 0.250% discount.
The 2018 Coty Credit Agreement provides that with respect to the 2018 Coty Revolving Credit Facility, up to $150.0 is available for letters of credit and up to $150.0 is available for swing line loans. The 2018 Coty Credit Agreement also permits, subject to certain terms and conditions, the incurrence of incremental facilities thereunder in an aggregate amount of (i) $1,700.0 plus (ii) an unlimited amount if the First Lien Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the 2018 Coty Credit Agreement), at the time of incurrence of such incremental facilities and after giving effect thereto on a pro forma basis, is less than or equal to 3.00 to 1.00.
Our obligations under the 2018 Coty Credit Agreement are guaranteed by the material wholly-owned subsidiaries of Coty Inc. organized in the U.S., subject to certain exceptions (the “Guarantors”) and the obligations of Coty Inc. and the Guarantors under the 2018 Coty Credit Agreement are secured by a perfected first priority lien (subject to permitted liens) on substantially all of the assets of Coty Inc. and the Guarantors, subject to certain exceptions. The Dutch Borrower does not guarantee the obligations of Coty Inc. under the 2018 Coty Credit Agreement or grant any liens on its assets to secure any obligations under the 2018 Coty Credit Agreement.
Scheduled Amortization
The Company made quarterly payments of 1.25% and 0.25% beginning on September 30, 2018, of the initial aggregate principal amounts of the 2018 Coty Term A Facility and the 2018 Coty Term B Facility, respectively. The remaining balance of the initial aggregate principal amounts of the 2018 Coty Term A Facility and the 2018 Coty Term B Facility will be payable on the maturity date for each facility, respectively.
Interest
The 2018 Coty Credit Agreement facilities will bear interest at rates equal to, at our option, either:
LIBOR of the applicable qualified currency, of which we can elect the applicable one, two, three, six or twelve month rate, plus the applicable margin; or
Alternate base rate (“ABR”) plus the applicable margin.

54

Table of Contents

In the case of the 2018 Coty Revolving Credit Facility and the 2018 Coty Term A Facility, the applicable margin means the lesser of a percentage per annum to be determined in accordance with the leverage-based pricing grid and the debt rating-based grid below:
Pricing Tier
 
Total Net Leverage Ratio:
 
LIBOR plus:
 
Alternative Base Rate Margin:
1.0
 
Greater than or equal to 4.75:1
 
2.000%
 
1.000%
2.0
 
Less than 4.75:1 but greater than or equal to 4.00:1
 
1.750%
 
0.750%
3.0
 
Less than 4.00:1 but greater than or equal to 2.75:1
 
1.500%
 
0.500%
4.0
 
Less than 2.75:1 but greater than or equal to 2.00:1
 
1.250%
 
0.250%
5.0
 
Less than 2.00:1 but greater than or equal to 1.50:1
 
1.125%
 
0.125%
6.0
 
Less than 1.50:1
 
1.000%
 
—%
Pricing Tier
 
Debt Ratings S&P/Moody’s:
 
LIBOR plus:
 
Alternative Base Rate Margin:
5.0
 
Less than BB+/Ba1
 
2.000%
 
1.000%
4.0
 
BB+/Ba1
 
1.750%
 
0.750%
3.0
 
BBB-/Baa3
 
1.500%
 
0.500%
2.0
 
BBB/Baa2
 
1.250%
 
0.250%
1.0
 
BBB+/Baa1 or higher
 
1.125%
 
0.125%
In the case of the USD portion of the 2018 Coty Term B Facility, the applicable margin means 2.25% per annum, in the case of LIBOR loans, and 1.25% per annum, in the case of ABR loans. In the case of the Euro portion of the 2018 Coty Term B Facility, the applicable margin means 2.50% per annum, in the case of EURIBOR loans.
In no event will LIBOR be deemed to be less than 0.00% per annum.
Debt Maturities Schedule
Aggregate maturities of our long-term debt, including the current portion of long-term debt and excluding capital lease obligations as of December 31, 2018, are presented below:
Fiscal Year Ending June 30,
 
2019, remaining
$
95.0

2020
190.0

2021
190.0

2022
190.0

2023
4,096.8

Thereafter
3,088.6

Total
$
7,850.4

Covenants
The 2018 Coty Credit Agreement contains affirmative and negative covenants. The negative covenants include, among other things, limitations on debt, liens, dispositions, investments, fundamental changes, restricted payments and affiliate transactions. With certain exceptions as described below, the 2018 Coty Credit Agreement includes a financial covenant that requires us to maintain a Total Net Leverage Ratio (as defined below), equal to or less than the ratios shown below for each respective test period.

55

Table of Contents

Quarterly Test Period Ending
Total Net Leverage Ratio (a) 
December 31, 2018
5.50 to 1.00
March 31, 2019 through June 30, 2019
5.25 to 1.00
September 30, 2019 through December 31, 2019
5.00 to 1.00
March 31, 2020 through June 30, 2020
4.75 to 1.00
September 30, 2020 through December 31, 2020
4.50 to 1.00
March 31, 2021 through June 30, 2021
4.25 to 1.00
September 30, 2021 through June 30, 2023
4.00 to 1.00
 
 
(a) Total Net Leverage Ratio means, as of any date of determination, the ratio of: (a) (i) Total Indebtedness minus (ii) unrestricted cash and Cash Equivalents of the Parent Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries as determined in accordance with GAAP to (b) Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”) for the most recently ended Test Period (each of the defined terms, including Adjusted EBITDA, used within the definition of Total Net Leverage Ratio have the meanings ascribed to them within the 2018 Coty Credit Agreement). Adjusted EBITDA as defined in the 2018 Coty Credit Agreement includes certain add backs related to cost savings, operating expense reductions and future unrealized synergies subject to certain limits and conditions as specified in the 2018 Coty Credit Agreement.
In the four fiscal quarters following the closing of any Material Acquisition (as defined in the 2018 Coty Credit Agreement), including the fiscal quarter in which such Material Acquisition occurs, the maximum Total Net Leverage Ratio shall be the lesser of (i) 5.95 to 1.00 and (ii) 1.00 higher than the otherwise applicable maximum Total Net Leverage Ratio for such quarter (as set forth in the table above). Immediately after any such four fiscal quarter period, there shall be at least two consecutive fiscal quarters during which our Total Net Leverage Ratio is no greater than the maximum Total Net Leverage Ratio that would otherwise have been required in the absence of such Material Acquisition, regardless of whether any additional Material Acquisitions are consummated during such period.
As of December 31, 2018, we were in compliance with all covenants contained within the Debt Agreements.

Cash Flows
 
Six Months Ended
December 31,


2018
 
2017
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Data:
(in millions)
 
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
237.7

 
$
307.8

Net cash used in investing activities
(300.1
)
 
(494.0
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
153.7

 
33.2

Net cash provided by operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities was $237.7 and $307.8 for the six months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities of $70.1 was primarily due to a decrease of $17.5 in net income after adjusting for non-cash items combined with increases in net cash outflows from working capital of $64.9. The decrease in cash related net income was driven by a deterioration in Consumer Beauty segment results primarily in Europe and the U.S. Working capital was primarily impacted by decreases in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and accounts payable due to phasing of payments, which were partially offset by increases from trade receivables and prepaid expenses and other current assets.
Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash used in investing activities was $300.1 and $494.0 for the six months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The decrease in net cash used in investing activities of $193.9 primarily related to higher cash outflows of $223.8 in the prior year resulting from cash paid for business combinations including the Burberry Beauty Business for $245.1 compared to cash outflows in the current year of $40.8 for the purchase of a trademark. The current year decrease in cash used for business combination related activity was only slightly offset by higher cash payments for capital projects in the current year of $27.1.

56

Table of Contents

Net cash provided by financing activities
Net cash provided by financing activities was $153.7 and $33.2 for the six months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The increase in net cash provided by financing activities of $120.5 was primarily attributable to higher net borrowings of $129.3 in the six months ended December 31, 2018 compared to the six months ended December 31, 2017. This increase is primarily due to higher borrowings on the Company's Revolving loan facilities used primarily to fund working capital needs. In addition, lower distributions of $17.1 contributed to the increase in cash from financing activities in the six months ended December 31, 2018 compared to the prior year period, as a result of a decline in profitability and timing of payments related to redeemable noncontrolling interests. Increases in cash from financing activities were partially offset by a decline in proceeds from employee share purchases of Class A Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock of $12.8, higher cash payments of $6.7 related to accrued debt issuance costs associated with the 2018 Coty Credit Agreement paid during the first six months of fiscal 2019 and lower cash proceeds from foreign currency contracts of $5.8.
Dividends
The following dividends were declared during the six months ended December 31, 2018:
Declaration Date
 
Dividend Type
 
Dividend Per Share
 
Holders of Record Date
 
Dividend Value
 
Dividend Payment Date
 
Dividends Paid
 
Dividends Payable (a)
Fiscal 2019
  August 21, 2018
 
Quarterly
 
$
0.125

 
August 31, 2018
 
$
94.6

 
September 14, 2018
 
$
93.8

 
$
0.8

  November 7, 2018
 
Quarterly
 
$
0.125

 
November 30, 2018
 
$
95.1

 
December 14, 2018
 
$
93.9

 
$
1.2

Fiscal 2019
 
 
 
$
0.250

 
 
 
$
189.7

 
 
 
$
187.7

 
$
2.0

 
 
(a) 
The dividend payable is the value of the remaining dividends payable upon settlement of the RSUs and phantom units outstanding as of the Holders of Record Date.
As may be declared by the Board of Directors (the “Board”), we anticipate issuing future dividends on a quarterly basis.
Treasury Stock - Share Repurchase Program
On February 3, 2016, the Board authorized us to repurchase up to $500.0 of our Class A Common Stock (the “Incremental Repurchase Program”). Until October 1, 2018, repurchases were subject to certain restrictions imposed by the tax matters agreement, dated October 1, 2016, as amended, between us and P&G entered into in connection with the P&G Beauty Business acquisition. Following October 1, 2018, repurchases may be made from time to time at our discretion, based on ongoing assessments of the capital needs of the business, the market price of our Class A Common Stock, available cash, our deleveraging strategy and general market conditions. For the three and six months ended December 31, 2018, we did not repurchase any shares of our Class A Common Stock. As of December 31, 2018, we had authority for $396.8 remaining under the Incremental Repurchase Program.
Commitments and Contingencies
Mandatorily Redeemable Financial Interest
United Arab Emirates subsidiary
We are required under a shareholders agreement (the “U.A.E. Shareholders Agreement”) to purchase all of the shares held by the noncontrolling interest holder equal to 25% of a certain subsidiary in the United Arab Emirates (the “U.A.E. subsidiary”) at the termination of the agreement. We have determined such shares to be a mandatorily redeemable financial instrument (“MRFI”) that is recorded as a liability. The liability is calculated based upon a pre-determined formula in accordance with the U.A.E Shareholders Agreement. As of December 31, 2018 and June 30, 2018, the liability amounted to $7.5 and $8.2, of which $6.3 and $6.7, respectively, was recorded in Other noncurrent liabilities and $1.2 and $1.5, respectively, was recorded in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Southeast Asian subsidiary
On May 23, 2017, we entered into the Sale of Shares and Termination Deed (the “Termination Agreement”) to purchase the remaining 49% noncontrolling interest from the noncontrolling interest holder of a certain Southeast Asian subsidiary for a purchase price of $45.0. Additionally, all remaining retained earnings will be paid out as dividends prior to the purchase. As a result of the Termination Agreement, the noncontrolling interest balance is recorded as an MRFI. The MRFI balance will be accreted to the redemption value until the effective date of the purchase with changes in the balance being reflected in Other expense, net in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

57

Table of Contents

As of December 31, 2018 and June 30, 2018, the MRFI liability amounted to $49.6 and $45.1, respectively, which was recorded in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Younique
As of June 30, 2018, the Younique membership holders had a 40.6% membership interest in Foundation, which holds 100% of the units of Younique. During the quarter ended September 30, 2018, additional shares of Foundation were issued to employees of Younique under a stock ownership program and incentive stock grants were granted, resulting in a 0.1% increase to the noncontrolling interest ownership percentage. The impact of the additional shares for the three and six months ended December 31, 2018 was recorded as an increase to redeemable noncontrolling interests (“RNCI”) of $1.6 and a decrease in additional paid-in capital (“APIC”) of $1.6.
We account for the 40.7% noncontrolling interest portion of Foundation as RNCI due to the noncontrolling interest holder’s right to put their shares to us in certain circumstances. While Foundation is a majority-owned consolidated subsidiary, we record income tax expense based on our 59.3% membership interest in Foundation due to its treatment as a partnership for U.S. income tax purposes. Accordingly, Foundation’s net income attributable to RNCI is equal to the 40.7% noncontrolling interest of Foundation’s net income excluding a provision for income taxes. We recognized $415.0 and $597.7 as the RNCI balances as of December 31, 2018 and June 30, 2018, respectively.
Subsidiary in the Middle East
As of December 31, 2018, the noncontrolling interest holder in our subsidiary in the Middle East (“Middle East Subsidiary”) had a 25% ownership share. We adjust the RNCI to redemption value at the end of each reporting period with changes recognized as adjustments to APIC. We recognized $70.5 and $63.6 as the RNCI balances as of December 31, 2018 and June 30, 2018, respectively.
Legal Contingencies
Brazilian Tax Assessments
In connection with a local tax audit of one of our subsidiaries in Brazil, we were notified of tax assessments issued in March of 2018. The assessments relate to local sales tax credits, which the Treasury Office of the State of Goiás considers improperly registered for the 2016-2017 tax periods. We are currently seeking a favorable administrative decision on the tax enforcement action filed by the Treasury Office of the State of Goiás. These tax assessments, including estimated interest and penalties, through December 31, 2018 amount to a total of R$249.0 million (approximately $64.1). We believe we have meritorious defenses and we have not recognized a loss for these assessments as we do not believe a loss is probable.
Contractual Obligations
Our principal contractual obligations and commitments as of December 31, 2018 are summarized in Item 7 - "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources - Contractual Obligations and Commitments," of our Fiscal 2018 Form 10-K. For the six months ended December 31, 2018, there have been no material changes in our contractual obligations outside the ordinary course of business.
Critical Accounting Policies
We believe that the critical accounting policies listed below involve our more significant judgments, assumptions and estimates and, therefore, could have the greatest potential impact on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements:
Revenue Recognition
Goodwill, Other Intangible Assets and Long-Lived Assets
Business Combinations
Inventory
Pension Benefit Costs
Income Taxes
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
As of December 31, 2018, there have been no other material changes to the items disclosed as critical accounting policies and estimates in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II—Item 7 of our Fiscal 2018 Form 10-K, other than the adoption of ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, as discussed in

58

Table of Contents

Note 3Revenue Recognition of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Below are updated disclosures regarding our goodwill and intangible assets.
Goodwill
Approach
Testing goodwill for impairment requires us to estimate fair values of reporting units using significant estimates and assumptions. The assumptions made will impact the outcome and ultimate results of the testing. We use industry accepted valuation models and set criteria that are reviewed and approved by various levels of management and, in certain instances, we engage independent third-party valuation specialists for advice. To determine fair value of the reporting unit, we used a combination of the income and market approaches. We believe the blended use of both models compensates for the inherent risk associated with either model if used on a stand-alone basis, and this combination is indicative of the factors a market participant would consider when performing a similar valuation.
Under the income approach, we determine fair value using a discounted cash flow method, projecting future cash flows of each reporting unit, as well as a terminal value, and discounting such cash flows at a rate of return that reflects the relative risk of the cash flows. Under the market approach, we utilize information from comparable publicly traded companies with similar operating and investment characteristics as the reporting units, which creates valuation multiples that are applied to the operating performance of the reporting units being tested, to value the reporting unit.
The key estimates and factors used in these approaches include revenue growth rates and profit margins based on our internal forecasts, our specific weighted-average cost of capital used to discount future cash flows, and comparable market multiples for the industry segment as well as our historical operating trends. Certain future events and circumstances, including deterioration of market conditions, higher cost of capital, a decline in actual and expected consumer consumption and demands, could result in changes to these assumptions and judgments. A revision of these assumptions could cause the fair values of the reporting units to fall below their respective carrying values. We would calculate an impairment charge as the difference between the reporting unit’s carrying value and fair value. Such charge could have a material effect on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Balance Sheets.
Results
In the course of evaluating the results for the second quarter of fiscal 2019, we noted that since the most recent impairment test, the cash flows associated with our Consumer Beauty reporting unit were adversely impacted by negative category trends and market share losses in the color cosmetics, hair color and mass fragrance categories; additional shelf-space losses for CoverGirl, Clairol, and Max Factor; expected increased costs in the short-term to offset the lower service levels caused by supply chain disruptions; and lower than expected net revenues and profitability for Younique. Additionally, we considered the impact of a 75 basis point increase in the discount rate, due to changes in the market assumptions, which adversely affected the fair value of the reporting unit. We concluded that these factors represented indicators of impairment that warranted an interim impairment test for goodwill and certain other intangible assets in the Consumer Beauty reporting unit.
To determine the fair value of our Consumer Beauty reporting unit, we have used an average annual revenue growth rate of (3.3)% for fiscal 2019 to fiscal 2023 and a discount rate of 8.0%. The result of the interim impairment test showed that the fair value of the reporting unit was lower than its carrying value, resulting in an $832.5 goodwill impairment charge and a remaining goodwill balance of $3,807.0. As the Consumer Beauty reporting unit has been impaired, it has a 0% excess as of December 31, 2018 and as such, further material negative trends in its actual and expected business performance or an increase in the discount rate may result in further impairments. If the average annual revenue growth rate for fiscal 2019 to fiscal 2023 declined by 1% it may cause an additional impairment of $464.3. If the discount rate increased by 0.5%, it may cause an additional impairment of $156.1.
There were no impairments of goodwill at other reporting units during the interim impairment test. We determined that the fair values of the Luxury and Professional Beauty reporting units exceeded their carrying values by 74.5% and 10.8%, respectively, and had goodwill balances of $2,922.2 and $935.8, respectively. To determine the fair value of these reporting units, we have used an average annual revenue growth rate for fiscal 2019 to fiscal 2023 of 3.1% for Luxury and 0.5% for Professional Beauty and a discount rate of 8.0%. The fair value of the Professional Beauty reporting unit would fall below its carrying value if the assumed average annual growth rate for fiscal 2019 to fiscal 2023 fell 105 basis points or the discount rate increased by 90 basis points.
Other Intangible Assets
The carrying value of our indefinite-lived other intangible assets was $3,052.0 as of December 31, 2018, and is comprised of trademarks for the following brands: OPI of $662.5, CoverGirl of $533.0, the professional product line of Wella of $440.0, Max Factor of $340.0, philosophy of $246.0, Sally Hansen of $183.4, ghd related trademarks of $153.0, Clairol of $33.6 and other brands totaling $460.5.

59

Table of Contents

Approach
The trademarks’ fair values are based upon the income approach, primarily utilizing the relief from royalty methodology. This methodology 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. An impairment loss is recognized when the estimated fair value of the intangible asset is less than the carrying value. Fair value calculation requires significant judgments in determining both the assets’ estimated cash flows as well as the appropriate discount and royalty rates applied to those cash flows to determine fair value. Variations in the economic conditions or a change in general consumer demands, operating results estimates or the application of alternative assumptions could produce significantly different results.
Results
As noted above, in the course of evaluating the results for the second quarter of fiscal 2019, the cash flows associated with the Consumer Beauty reporting unit were adversely impacted during the quarter which warranted an interim impairment test for goodwill and certain other intangible assets in the Consumer Beauty reporting unit. Accordingly, we also re-evaluated future cash flows of intangible assets and the impact of a 75 basis point increase to the discount rate. This resulted in asset impairment charges of $90.8 related to indefinite-lived other intangible assets for our CoverGirl, Clairol and a regional Brazilian skin care trademark, and $7.0 related to a finite lived other intangible asset for a regional hair license agreement.
The fair value of the CoverGirl trademark fell below its carrying value using projections that assumed an average annual growth rate of (3.3)% for fiscal 2019 to fiscal 2023 and a discount rate of 8.5%. The fair value of the Clairol trademark fell below its carrying value using projections that assumed an average annual growth rate of (6.1)% for fiscal 2019 to fiscal 2023 and a discount rate of 8.5%. The fair value of the regional Brazilian skin care trademark fell below its carrying value using projections that assumed an annual growth rate of 7.7% for fiscal 2019 to fiscal 2023 and a discount rate of 13.0%. The regional hair license agreement was concluded to be fully impaired due to on-going shelf space losses.
In addition to the Consumer Beauty reporting unit, we also identified indicators of impairment related to the philosophy trademark that is part of the Luxury reporting unit. In addition to the impact of a 75 basis point increase in the discount rate, we considered the impact of lower than expected net revenue growth in the U.S. during the quarter, shelf space losses at key retailers and a decrease in the level of expected profitability of the trademark. We concluded that the fair value of the philosophy trademark fell below its carrying value using projections that assumed an average annual growth rate of 1.2% for fiscal 2019 to fiscal 2023 and a discount rate of 8.5%. This resulted in an asset impairment charge of $22.8.
As the trademarks for which impairment charges were recorded in the three and six months ended December 31, 2018 no longer have any excess of their fair values over their carrying values, any material decline in assumed average annual revenue growth rates or increase in the discount rate could result in additional impairment charges.
As a result of the interim impairment test performed during the second quarter of fiscal 2019, the fair value of our Max Factor trademark exceeded its carrying value by approximately 2.4% using projections that assumed an average annual revenue growth rate of (1.5)% for fiscal 2019 to fiscal 2023 and a discount rate of 8.5%. The fair value of the Max Factor trademark would fall below its carrying value if the average annual revenue growth rate for fiscal 2019 to fiscal 2023 decreased by approximately 60 basis points or the discount rate increased by 20 basis points. The fair value of our Sally Hansen trademark exceeded its carrying value by approximately 2.0% using projections that assumed an average annual revenue growth rate of (2.9)% for fiscal 2019 to fiscal 2023 and a discount rate of 8.5%. The fair value of the Sally Hansen trademark would fall below its carrying value if the average annual revenue growth rate for fiscal 2019 to fiscal 2023 decreased by approximately 50 basis points or the discount rate increased by 15 basis points. The fair value of our Bourjois trademark exceeded its carrying value by approximately 13.8% using projections that assumed an average annual revenue growth rate of (5.6)% for fiscal 2019 to fiscal 2023 and a discount rate of 8.5%. The fair value of the Bourjois trademark would fall below its carrying value if the average annual revenue growth rate for fiscal 2019 to fiscal 2023 decreased by approximately 295 basis points or the discount rate increased by 90 basis points. Additionally, we are monitoring two regional trademarks with a combined carrying value of $52.1 and excess percentage of 0.7% and 9.8%, respectively.
In the interim impairment test we considered the impact of an increase to the discount rate of 75 basis points on the professional product line of Wella trademark that is part of the Professional Beauty reporting unit. We concluded that its fair value would exceed its carrying value by approximately 4.5%, using projections that assumed annual revenue growth rates ranging from (5.6)% (in fiscal 2019 due to the adverse impacts of the Supply Chain Disruptions and a negative foreign currency impact) to 2.0% for fiscal 2019 to 2023 and a discount rate of 8.5%. The fair value of the Wella trademark would fall below its carrying value if the average annual revenue growth rate for fiscal 2019 to fiscal 2023 decreased by approximately 110 basis points or the discount rate increased by 40 basis points.

60

Table of Contents

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
There have been no material changes in market risk from the information provided in Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk of our Fiscal 2018 Form 10-K.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act, that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”) and our Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2018. Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2018, our CEO and CFO concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in management’s evaluation pursuant to Rules 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act during the second fiscal quarter that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls
Our management, including our CEO and CFO, believes that our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving our objectives and are effective at the reasonable assurance level. However, our management does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of a simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is also based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.
Part II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
We are involved, from time to time, in various litigation, administrative and other legal proceedings, including regulatory actions, incidental or related to our business, including consumer class or collective action, personal injury (including asbestos-related claims), intellectual property, competition, compliance and advertising claims litigation and disputes, among others (collectively, “Legal Proceedings”). While we cannot predict any final outcomes relating thereto, management believes that the outcome of current Legal Proceedings will not have a material effect upon our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, as well as the trading price of our securities. However, management’s assessment of our current Legal Proceedings, is ongoing, and could change in light of the discovery of additional facts with respect to Legal Proceedings pending against us not presently known to us, further legal analysis, or determinations by judges, arbitrators, juries or other finders of fact or deciders of law which are not in accord with management’s evaluation of the probable liability or outcome of such Legal Proceedings. From time to time, we are in discussions with regulators, including discussions initiated by us, about actual or potential violations of law in order to remediate or mitigate associated legal or compliance risks and liabilities or penalties. As the outcomes of such proceedings are unpredictable, we can give no assurance that the results of any such Legal Proceedings will not materially affect our reputation, our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows, nor the trading price of our securities.

61

Table of Contents

Item 1A. Risk Factors.
You should consider the following risks and uncertainties and all of the other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-Q and our other filings in connection with evaluating our business and the forward-looking information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-Q. Our business and financial results may also be adversely affected by risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial. If any of the events contemplated by the following discussion of risks should occur or other risks arise or develop, our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, as well as the trading price of our securities, may be materially and adversely affected. When used in this discussion, the term “includes” and “including” means, unless the context otherwise indicates, including without limitation and the terms “Coty,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us” mean, unless the context otherwise indicates, Coty Inc. and its majority and wholly-owned subsidiaries.
The beauty industry is highly competitive, and if we are unable to compete effectively, our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations could suffer.
The beauty industry is highly competitive and can change rapidly due to consumer preferences and industry trends, such as the expansion of digital channels and advances in technology. Competition in the beauty industry is based on several factors, including pricing, value and quality, product efficacy, packaging and brands, speed or quality of innovation and new product introductions, in-store presence and visibility, promotional activities (including influencers) and brand recognition, distribution channels, advertising, editorials and adaption to evolving technology and device trends, including via e-commerce initiatives.
Our competitors include large multinational consumer products companies, private label brands and emerging companies, among others, and some have greater resources than we do or may be able to respond more quickly or effectively to changing business and economic conditions than we can. It is difficult for us to predict the timing and scale of our competitors’ actions and their impact on the industry or on our business. For example, the fragrance category is being influenced by new product introductions, niche brands and growing e-commerce distribution, and the nail category in the U.S. by lower cost brands, which have increased pricing pressure and shifts in consumer preference away from certain traditional formulations. The color cosmetics category has been influenced by entry by new competitors and smaller competitors that are fast to respond to trends and engage with their customers through digital platforms and innovative in-store activations. In addition, the hair color category is being influenced by new product introductions in the premium category and innovations by competitors to meet growing category needs. Furthermore, the Internet and the online retail industry are characterized by rapid technological evolution, changes in consumer requirements and preferences, frequent introductions of new products and services embodying new technologies and the emergence of new industry standards and practices, any of which could render our existing technologies and systems obsolete. Our success will depend, in part, on our ability to identify, develop, acquire or license leading technologies useful in our business, and respond to technological advances and emerging industry standards and practices in a cost-effective and timely way. If we are unable to compete effectively on a global basis or in our key product categories or geographies, it could have an adverse impact on our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, as well as the trading price of our securities.
Further consolidation in the retail industry and shifting preferences in how and where consumers shop, including to e-commerce, may adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
Significant consolidation in the retail industry has occurred during the last several years. The trend toward consolidation, particularly in developed markets such as the U.S. and Western Europe, has resulted in our becoming increasingly dependent on our relationships with, and the overall business health of, fewer key retailers that control an increasing percentage of retail locations, which trend may continue. For example, certain retailers account for over 10% of our net revenues in certain geographies, including the U.S. Our success is dependent on our ability to manage our retailer relationships, including offering trade terms on mutually acceptable terms. Furthermore, increased online competition and declining in-store traffic has resulted, and may continue to result, in brick-and-mortar retailers closing physical stores, which could negatively impact our distribution strategies and/or sales if such retailers decide to significantly reduce their inventory levels for our products or to designate more shelf space to our competitors. Additionally, these retailers periodically assess the allocation of shelf space and could elect to reduce the shelf space allocated to our products. Some of our Consumer Beauty brands, including CoverGirl, have experienced a loss of shelf space, and such declines may continue. Further consolidation and store closures, or reduction in inventory levels of our products or shelf space devoted to our products, could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, as well as the trading price of our securities. We generally do not have long-term sales contracts or other sales assurances with our retail customers.
Consumer shopping preferences have also shifted, and may continue to shift in the future, to distribution channels other than traditional retail in which we have more limited experience, presence and development, such as direct sales and e-

62

Table of Contents

commerce. If we are not successful in our digital transformation efforts or otherwise increase digital presence and grow our e-commerce activities, we will not be able to compete effectively. In addition, our entry into new categories and geographies has exposed, and may continue to expose, us to new distribution channels or risks about which we have less experience. If we are not successful in developing and utilizing these channels or other channels that future consumers may prefer, we may experience lower than expected revenues.
Changes in industry trends and consumer preferences could adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
Our success depends on our products’ appeal to a broad range of consumers whose preferences cannot be predicted with certainty and may change rapidly, and on our ability to anticipate and respond in a timely and cost-effective manner to industry trends through product innovations, product line extensions and marketing and promotional activities, among other things. Product life cycles and consumer preferences continue to be affected by the rapidly increasing use and proliferation of social and digital media by consumers, and the speed with which information and opinions are shared. As product life cycles shorten, we must continually work to develop, produce and market new products, maintain and enhance the recognition of our brands and shorten our product development and supply chain cycles.
In addition, net revenues and margins on beauty products tend to decline as they advance in their life cycles, so our net revenues and margins could suffer if we do not successfully and continuously develop new products. This product innovation also can place a strain on our employees and our financial resources, including incurring expenses in connection with product innovation and development, marketing and advertising that are not subsequently supported by a sufficient level of sales. Furthermore, we cannot predict how consumers will react to any new products that we launch or to repositioning of our brands. Our successful Luxury division product launches may not continue. The amount of positive or negative sales contribution of any of our products may change significantly within a period or from period to period. The above-referenced factors, as well as new product risks, could have an adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, as well as the trading price of our securities.
Our success depends on our ability to develop and achieve our global business strategies.
Our future performance and growth depends on our new management team’s ability to develop and successfully implement new global business strategies that we believe should translate into the creation of long-term shareholder value. We expect that our strategy will include a focus on improving gross margin, deleveraging, and standardizing and simplifying our business. Once we have developed our new global business strategies, implementing and achieving those strategies may result in changes to business priorities and operations, capital allocation priorities, operational and organizational structure, and increased demands on management. Such changes could result in short-term costs without any current revenues, lost customers, reduced sales volume, higher than expected restructuring costs, loss of key personnel, additional supply chain disruptions, higher costs of supply and other negative impacts on our business. Once our strategy is developed and implemented, we may not realize, in full or in part, the anticipated benefits. The failure to realize benefits, which may be due to our inability to execute plans, global 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, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, as well as the trading price of our securities.
In addition, in fiscal 2018, we completed our portfolio rationalization program, which resulted in the termination or divestiture of 14 brands. We may continue to dispose of or discontinue select brands and/or streamline operations in the future, and incur costs or restructuring and/or other charges in doing so. We may face risks of declines in brand performance and license terminations, due to expirations and/or allegations of breach or for other reasons, including with regard to our potentially divested or discontinued brands. If and when we decide to divest or discontinue any brands or lines of business, we cannot be sure that we will be able to locate suitable buyers or that we will be able to complete such divestitures or discontinuances successfully, timely, at appropriate valuations and on commercially advantageous terms, or without significant costs, including relating to any post-closing purchase price adjustments or claims for indemnification. Certain of our recent divestitures and discontinuances and associated activities have, and any future divestitures and discontinuances could have, a dilutive impact on our earnings, create dis-synergies, and divert significant financial, operational and managerial resources from our existing operations and make it more difficult to achieve our operating and strategic objectives. We also cannot be sure of the effect such divestitures or discontinuances would have on the performance of our remaining business or ability to execute our global strategies.

63

Table of Contents

We have incurred significant costs associated with the acquisition and integration of the P&G Beauty Business and simplifying our business that could affect our period-to-period operating results.
We anticipate that we will incur a total of approximately $1.4 billion of operating expenses and capital expenditures of approximately $500 million in connection with the acquisition of the P&G Beauty Business. Through December 31, 2018, we incurred life-to-date operating expenses and capital expenditures against these estimates of approximately $1,260 million and $400 million, respectively, and we expect the remaining operating expenses, including any anticipated restructuring activities, and capital expenditures to be incurred in future periods through fiscal 2021. We have experienced challenges in connection with the integration, including supply chain disruptions, higher than expected costs and lost customers and related revenue and profits. The cash usage associated with such, and similar, expenses has impacted and could continue to impact our ability to execute our business strategies, improve operating results and deleverage our balance sheet. In addition, independent of the final stages of our integration of the P&G Beauty Business, we implemented a cost restructuring program, which combined and expanded existing initiatives, in order to reduce fixed costs and enable further investment in the business. We expect that this cost restructuring program will result in total pre-tax restructuring costs of approximately $250.0 million. If our management is not able to effectively manage these initiatives, address fixed and other costs, we incur additional operating expenses or capital expenditures to realize these synergies, simplifications and cost savings, or if any significant additional business activities are interrupted as a result of these initiatives, our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, as well as the trading price of our securities may be materially adversely affected. The amount and timing of the above-referenced charges and management distraction could further adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, as well as the trading price of our securities. In addition, the ongoing integration of acquisitions and continuing restructuring initiatives may impact our ability to anticipate future business trends and accurately forecast future results.
Moreover, the diversion of resources to the integration of the P&G Beauty Business, together with changes and turnover in our management teams as we reorganized our business, negatively impacted our fiscal year 2017 and 2018 results. In particular, we incurred significantly higher costs in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2017 due, in part, to the lack of visibility into the operating cash needs of the P&G Beauty Business while we were under a transition services agreement with The Procter & Gamble Company. Although we have instituted initiatives to deliver meaningful, sustainable expense and cost management results, events and circumstances such as financial or strategic difficulties, unexpected employee turnover, business disruption and delays may occur or continue, resulting in new, unexpected or increased costs that could result in us not realizing all of the anticipated benefits of the integration on our expected timetable or at all. In addition, we are executing many initiatives simultaneously, which may result in further diversion of our resources and business disruption (including supply chain disruptions), and may adversely impact the execution of such initiatives. Any failure to implement the integration, our cost restructuring program and other initiatives in accordance with our expectations could adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, as well as the trading price of our securities.
Our new product introductions may not be as successful as we anticipate, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
We must continually work to develop, produce and market new products and maintain a favorable mix of products in order to respond in an effective manner to changing consumer preferences. We continually develop our approach as to how and where we market and sell our products. In addition, we believe that we must maintain and enhance the recognition of our brands, which may require us to quickly and continuously adapt in a highly competitive industry to deliver desirable products and branding to our consumers. For example, we are in the process of rebranding certain brands, particularly in Consumer Beauty, to increase the competitiveness of those brands. There is no assurance that these or other initiatives will be successful and, if they are not, our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, as well as the trading price of our securities could be adversely impacted.
We have made changes and may continue to change our process for the continuous development and evaluation of new product concepts. In addition, each new product launch carries risks. For example, we may incur costs exceeding our expectations, our advertising, promotional and marketing strategies may be less effective than planned or customer purchases may not be as high as anticipated. In addition, we may experience a decrease in sales of certain of our existing products as a result of consumer preferences shifting to our newly-launched products or to the products of our competitors as a result of unsuccessful or unpopular product launches harming our brands. Any of these could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, as well as the trading price of our securities.
As part of our ongoing business strategy, we expect that we will need to continue to introduce new products in our traditional product categories and channels, while also expanding our product launches into adjacent categories and channels in which we may have little operating experience. For example, we acquired professional and retail hair brands in connection with

64

Table of Contents

the acquisition of the P&G Beauty Business, purchased a premium brand in high-end hair styling and appliances and entered into a joint venture with an online peer-to-peer social selling platform in beauty, all of which were new product categories and channels for us. The success of product launches in adjacent product categories could be hampered by our relative inexperience operating in such categories and channels, the strength of our competitors or any of the other risks referred to herein. Our inability to introduce successful products in our traditional categories and channels or in these or other adjacent categories and channels could limit our future growth and have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, as well as the trading price of our securities.
We may not be able to identify suitable acquisition targets and our acquisition activities and other strategic transactions may present managerial, integration, operational and financial risks, which may prevent us from realizing the full intended benefit of the acquisitions we undertake.
Our acquisition activities and other strategic transactions expose us to certain risks related to integration, including diversion of management attention from existing core businesses and substantial investment of resources to support integration. During the past several years, we have explored and undertaken opportunities to acquire other companies and assets as part of our growth strategy. For example, we completed five significant acquisitions in fiscal 2016 through fiscal 2018 (including the acquisition of P&G Beauty Business in October 2016) and entered into a joint venture with Younique in February 2017. These assets represent a significant portion of our net assets, particularly the P&G Beauty Business. As we focus on re-prioritizing our growth opportunities, we may continue to seek acquisitions that we believe strengthen our competitive position in our key segments and geographies or accelerate our ability to grow into adjacent product categories and channels and emerging markets or which otherwise fit our strategy. There can be no assurance that we will be able to identify suitable acquisition candidates, be the successful bidder or consummate acquisitions on favorable terms or otherwise realize the full intended benefit of such transactions. In addition, acquisitions could adversely impact our deleveraging strategy.
The assumptions we use to evaluate acquisition opportunities may not prove to be accurate, and intended benefits may not be realized. Our due diligence investigations may fail to identify all of the problems, liabilities or other challenges associated with an acquired business which could result in increased risk of unanticipated or unknown issues or liabilities, including with respect to environmental, competition and other regulatory matters, and our mitigation strategies for such risks that are identified may not be effective. As a result, we may not achieve some or any of the benefits, including anticipated synergies or accretion to earnings, that we expect to achieve in connection with our acquisitions, including the acquisition of the P&G Beauty Business, or we may not accurately anticipate the fixed and other costs associated with such acquisitions, or the business may not achieve the performance we anticipated, which may materially adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, as well as the trading price of our securities. Any financing for an acquisition could increase our indebtedness or result in a potential violation of the debt covenants under our existing facilities requiring consent or waiver from our lenders, which could delay or prevent the acquisition, or dilute the interests of our stockholders. For example, in connection with the acquisition of the P&G Beauty Business, Green Acquisition Sub Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, was merged with and into Galleria, with Galleria continuing as the surviving corporation and a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Green Merger”) and pre-Green Merger holders of our stock were diluted to 46% of the fully diluted shares of common stock immediately following the Green Merger. In addition, acquisitions of foreign businesses, new entrepreneurial businesses and businesses in new distribution channels, such as our acquisition of the Hypermarcas Brands, Younique, Burberry and ghd, entail certain particular risks, including potential difficulties in geographies and channels in which we lack a significant presence, difficulty in seizing business opportunities compared to local or other global competitors, difficulty in complying with new regulatory frameworks, the acquisition of new or unexpected liabilities, the adverse impact of fluctuating exchange rates and entering lines of business where we have limited or no direct experience. See “-Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations” and “-We are subject to risks related to our international operations.”
We face risks associated with our joint ventures.
We are party to several joint ventures in both the U.S. and abroad. Going forward, we may acquire interests in more joint venture enterprises to execute our business strategy by utilizing our partners’ skills, experiences and resources. These joint ventures involve risks that our joint venture partners may:
have economic or business interests or goals that are inconsistent with or adverse to ours;
take actions contrary to our requests or contrary to our policies or objectives, including actions that may violate applicable law;
be unable or unwilling to fulfill their obligations under the relevant joint venture agreements;
have financial difficulties; or

65

Table of Contents

take actions that may harm our reputation;
have disputes with us as to the scope of their rights, responsibilities and obligations.
In certain cases, joint ventures may present us with a lack of ability to fully control all aspects of their operations, including due to veto rights, and we may not have full visibility with respect to all operations, customer relations and compliance practices, among others.
Our present or future joint venture projects may not be successful. We have had, and cannot assure you that we will not in the future have, disputes or encounter other problems with respect to our present or future joint venture partners or that our joint venture agreements will be effective or enforceable in resolving these disputes or that we will be able to resolve such disputes and solve such problems in a timely manner or on favorable economic terms, or at all. Any failure by us to address these potential disputes or conflicts of interest effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, as well as the trading price of our securities.
If we are unable to obtain, maintain and protect our intellectual property rights, in particular trademarks, patents and copyrights, or if our brand partners and licensors are unable to maintain and protect their intellectual property rights that we use in connection with our products, our ability to compete could be negatively impacted.
Our intellectual property is a valuable asset of our business. Although certain of the intellectual property we use is registered in the U.S. and in many of the foreign countries in which we operate, there can be no assurances with respect to the continuation of such intellectual property rights, including our ability to further register, use or defend key current or future trademarks. Further, applicable law may provide only limited and uncertain protection, particularly in emerging markets, such as China.
Furthermore, we may not apply for, or be unable to obtain, intellectual property protection for certain aspects of our business. Third parties have in the past, and could in the future, bring infringement, invalidity, co-inventorship, re-examination, opposition or similar claims with respect to our current or future intellectual property. Any such claims, whether or not successful, could be costly to defend, may not be sufficiently covered by any indemnification provisions to which we are party, divert management’s attention and resources, damage our reputation and brands, and substantially harm our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, as well as the trading price of our securities. Patent expirations may also affect our business. As patents expire, competitors may be able to legally produce and market products similar to the ones that were patented, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, as well as the trading price of our securities.
In addition, third parties may illegally distribute and sell counterfeit versions of our products, which may be inferior or pose safety risks and could confuse consumers, which could cause them to refrain from purchasing our brands in the future or otherwise damage our reputation. In recent years, there has been an increase in the availability of counterfeit goods, including fragrances, in various markets by street vendors and small retailers, as well as on the Internet. The presence of counterfeit versions of our products in the market and of prestige products in mass distribution channels could also dilute the value of our brands, force us and our distributors to compete with heavily discounted products, cause us to be in breach of contract (including license agreements) or otherwise have a negative impact on our reputation and business, prospects, financial condition or results of operations. We are rationalizing our wholesale distribution and continue efforts to reduce the amount of Luxury product diversion to the value and mass channels, however, stopping such commerce could result in a potential adverse impact to our sales and net revenues, including to those customers who are selling our products to unauthorized retailers, or an increase in returns over historical levels.
In order to protect or enforce our intellectual property and other proprietary rights, we may initiate litigation or other proceedings against third parties, such as infringement suits, opposition proceedings or interference proceedings. Any lawsuits or proceedings that we initiate could be expensive, take significant time and divert management’s attention from other business concerns, adversely impact customer relations and we may not be successful. Litigation and other proceedings may also put our intellectual property at risk of being invalidated or interpreted narrowly. The occurrence of any of these events may have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, as well as the trading price of our securities.
In addition, many of our products bear, and the value of our brands is affected by, the trademarks and other intellectual property rights of our brand and joint venture partners and licensors. Our brand and joint venture partners’ and licensors’ ability to maintain and protect their trademark and other intellectual property rights is subject to risks similar to those described above with respect to our intellectual property. We do not control the protection of the trademarks and other intellectual property rights of our brand and joint venture partners and licensors and cannot ensure that our brand and joint venture partners and

66

Table of Contents

licensors will be able to secure or protect their trademarks and other intellectual property rights, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, as well as the trading price of our securities.
Our success depends on our ability to operate our business without infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating the intellectual property of third parties.
Our commercial success depends in part on our ability to operate without infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating the trademarks, patents, copyrights and other proprietary rights of third parties. However, we cannot be certain that the conduct of our business does not and will not infringe, misappropriate or otherwise violate such rights. Moreover, our acquisition targets and other businesses in which we make strategic investments are often smaller or younger companies with less robust intellectual property clearance practices, and we may face challenges on the use of their trademarks and other proprietary rights. For example, we are facing oppositions to our use of the “Younique” mark in certain jurisdictions, including the European Economic Area and China. If we are found to be infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating a third party trademark, patent, copyright or other proprietary rights, we may need to obtain a license, which may not be available in a timely manner on commercially reasonable terms or at all, or redesign or rebrand our products, which may not be possible or result in a significant delay to market or otherwise have an adverse commercial impact. We may also be required to pay substantial damages or be subject to a court order prohibiting us and our customers from selling certain products or engaging in certain activities, which could therefore have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, as well as the trading price of our securities.
Our goodwill and other assets have been subject to impairment and may continue to be subject to impairment in the future.
We are required, at least annually and sometimes on an interim basis, to test goodwill and indefinite intangible assets to determine if any impairment has occurred. Impairment may result from various factors, including adverse changes in assumptions used for valuation purposes, such as actual or projected revenue growth rates, profitability or discount rates. If the testing indicates that an impairment has occurred, we are required to record a non-cash impairment charge for the difference between the carrying value of the goodwill or indefinite intangible assets and the implied fair value of the goodwill or the fair value of indefinite intangible assets.
We cannot predict the amount and timing of any future impairments, if any. We have experienced impairment charges with respect to goodwill, intangible assets or other items in connection with past acquisitions, and we may experience such charges in connection with such acquisitions or future acquisitions, particularly if business performance declines or expected growth is not realized or the applicable discount rate changes adversely. For example, for the quarter ended December 31, 2018 we incurred impairment charges of $965.1 million, primarily related to goodwill write-downs in our Consumer Beauty business and charges against certain brand trademarks. It is possible that material changes in our business, market conditions, or market assumptions could occur over time. Any future impairment of our goodwill or other intangible assets could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations, as well as the trading price of our securities. For a further discussion of our impairment testing, please refer to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Financial Condition-Liquidity and Capital Resources-Goodwill, Other Intangible Assets and Long-Lived Assets”.
We have taken on significant debt, and the agreements that govern such debt contain various covenants that impose restrictions on us, which may adversely affect our business.
We have a substantial amount of indebtedness. There can be no assurances we will be able to refinance our indebtedness in the future (1) on commercially reasonable terms, (2) on terms, including with respect to interest rates, as favorable as our current debt or (3) at all.
Agreements that govern our indebtedness, including the indenture governing our senior unsecured notes (the “Indenture”) and our credit agreement (the “2018 Coty Credit Agreement”), impose operating and financial restrictions on our activities. These restrictions may limit or prohibit our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to, among other things:
incur indebtedness or grant liens on our property;
dispose of assets or equity;
make acquisitions or investments;
make dividends, distributions or other restricted payments;
effect affiliate transactions;

67

Table of Contents

enter into sale and leaseback transactions; and
enter into mergers, consolidations or sales of substantially all of our assets and the assets of our subsidiaries.
In addition, we are required to maintain certain financial ratios calculated pursuant to a financial maintenance covenant under the 2018 Coty Credit Agreement on a quarterly basis. For a further description of the 2018 Coty Credit Agreement and the covenants thereunder please refer to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Financial Condition-Liquidity and Capital Resources-2018 Coty Credit Agreement.”
Our debt burden and the restrictions in the agreements that govern our debt could have important consequences, including increasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions; limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and our industry; requiring the dedication of a substantial portion of any cash flow from operations to the payment of principal of, and interest on, our indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of such cash flow to fund our operations, growth strategy, working capital, capital expenditures, future business opportunities and other general corporate purposes; exposing us to the risk of increased interest rates with respect to any borrowings that are at variable rates of interest; restricting us from making strategic acquisitions or causing us to make non-strategic divestitures; limiting our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, research and development, debt service requirements, acquisitions and general corporate or other purposes; limiting our ability to adjust to changing market conditions; limiting our ability to take advantage of financing and other corporate opportunities; and placing us at a competitive disadvantage relative to our competitors who are less highly leveraged. Moreover, a material breach of the 2018 Coty Credit Agreement could result in the acceleration of all obligations outstanding under that agreement. In addition, a significant portion of our cash and investments are held outside the U.S., and we may not be able to service our debt without undergoing the costs of repatriating those funds.
Our ability to service and repay our indebtedness will be dependent on the cash flow generated by our subsidiaries and events beyond our control.
Prevailing economic conditions and financial, business and other factors, many of which are beyond our control, may affect our ability to make payments on our debt and comply with other requirements under the 2018 Coty Credit Agreement and to meet our deleveraging objectives. In particular, due to the seasonal nature of the beauty industry, with the highest levels of consumer demand generally occurring during the holiday buying season in our second fiscal quarter, our subsidiaries’ cash flow in the second half of the fiscal year may be less than in the first half of the fiscal year, which may affect our ability to satisfy our debt service obligations, including to service our senior unsecured notes and the 2018 Coty Credit Agreement, and to meet such deleveraging objectives. In addition, we earn a significant amount of our operating income, and hold a significant portion of our cash and investments, in our foreign subsidiaries outside the U.S. As of June 30, 2018, the amount of cash and cash equivalents held outside of the U.S. by our foreign subsidiaries was approximately $301.4 million. If our domestic subsidiaries are not able to generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy our debt service obligations, including to service our senior unsecured notes and the 2018 Coty Credit Agreement, we may need to repatriate additional earnings. If we do not generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy our covenants and debt service obligations, including payments on our senior unsecured notes and under the 2018 Coty Credit Agreement, we may have to undertake additional cost reduction measures or alternative financing plans, such as refinancing or restructuring our debt; selling assets; reducing or delaying capital investments; modifying terms of agreements, including timing of payments, with vendors, customers, and other third parties; or seeking to raise additional capital. Our ability to restructure or refinance our debt will depend on the capital markets and other macroeconomic conditions and our financial condition at such time. Any refinancing of our debt could result in higher interest rates and may require us to comply with more onerous covenants, which could further restrict our business operations. The terms of the Indenture governing our senior unsecured notes, the 2018 Coty Credit Agreement or any existing debt instruments or future debt instruments that we may enter into may restrict us from adopting some of these alternatives. The inability of our subsidiaries to generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy our covenants and debt service obligations, including the inability to service our senior unsecured notes and the 2018 Coty Credit Agreement, or to refinance our obligations on commercially reasonable terms, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, profitability, cash flows or liquidity and may impact our ability to satisfy our obligations in respect of our senior unsecured notes and the 2018 Coty Credit Agreement.
Our variable rate indebtedness subjects us to interest rate risk, which could cause our debt service obligations to increase.
Borrowings under the 2018 Coty Credit Agreement are at variable rates of interest and expose us to interest rate risk. If interest rates were to increase, our debt service obligations on the variable rate indebtedness referred to above would increase even if the principal amount borrowed remained the same, and our net income and cash flows will correspondingly decrease. We are currently party to, and in the future, we may enter into additional, interest rate swaps that involve the exchange of floating for fixed rate interest payments, in order to reduce interest rate volatility. However, we may not maintain interest rate

68

Table of Contents

swaps with respect to all of our variable rate indebtedness, and any swaps we enter into may not fully mitigate our interest rate risk.
A general economic downturn, credit constriction, uncertainty in global economic or political conditions or other global events or a sudden disruption in business conditions may affect consumer spending, which could adversely affect our financial results.
Global events may impact our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, as well as the trading price of our securities. We operate in an environment of slow overall growth in the segments and geographies in which we compete with increasing competitive pressure and changing consumer preferences. While luxury fragrances and skin care categories are experiencing strong growth, declines in the retail nail, mass color cosmetics and mass fragrance categories in the U.S. and certain key markets in Western Europe continue to impact our business and financial results. Deterioration of social or economic conditions in Europe or elsewhere could reduce sales and could also impair collections on accounts receivable. For example, the June 23, 2016 referendum in the U.K. in which voters approved an exit from the E.U., commonly referred to as “Brexit,” and subsequent initiation of formal withdrawal procedures by the U.K. government has caused significant volatility in the financial and credit markets and may impact consumer spending and economic conditions generally in Europe. The global markets and currencies have been adversely impacted, including volatility in the value of the British pound as compared to the U.S. dollar. Volatilities in exchange rates resulting from Brexit are expected to continue at least in the short term as the U.K. continues to negotiate its exit from the E.U. Although it is unknown what those terms will be, it is possible that there will be greater restrictions on imports and exports between the U.K. and E.U. countries and increased regulatory complexities. These changes may adversely affect our operations and financial results. See “-We are subject to risks related to our international operations.” Further, recent political and economic developments in the U.S., the U.K., Europe and Brazil, including those relating to the current administration in the U.S., and the results of several elections in European nations and future elections in Brazil, have introduced uncertainty in the regulatory and business environment in which we operate (including potential increases in tariffs). These political and economic developments have resulted and could continue to result in changes to legislation or reformation of government policies, rules and regulations pertaining to trade. Such changes could have a significant impact on our business by increasing the cost of doing business, affecting our ability to sell our products and negatively impacting our profitability.
In addition, our sales are affected by the overall level of consumer spending. The general level of consumer spending is affected by a number of factors, including general economic conditions, inflation, interest rates, government policies that affect consumers (such as those relating to medical insurance or income tax), energy costs and consumer confidence, each of which is beyond our control. Consumer purchases of discretionary and other items and services, including beauty products, tend to decline during recessionary periods and otherwise weak economic environments, when disposable income is lower. A decline in consumer spending may have a negative impact on our direct sales and could cause financial difficulties at our retailer and other customers. If consumer purchases decrease, we may not be able to generate enough cash flow to meet our debt obligations and other commitments and may need to refinance our debt, dispose of assets or issue equity to raise necessary funds. We cannot predict whether we would be able to undertake any of these actions to raise funds on a timely basis or on satisfactory terms or at all. The financial difficulties of a customer or retailer could also cause us to curtail or eliminate business with that customer or retailer. We may also decide to assume more credit risk relating to the receivables from our customers or retailers, which increases the possibility of late or non-payment of receivables. Our inability to collect receivables from a significant retailer or customer, or from a group of these customers, could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, as well as the trading price of our securities. If a retailer or customer were to go into liquidation, we could incur additional costs if we choose to purchase the retailer’s or customer’s inventory of our products to protect brand equity.
Volatility in the financial markets could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, as well as the trading price of our securities.
While we currently generate significant cash flows from our ongoing operations and have access to global credit markets through our various financing activities, credit markets may experience significant disruptions. Deterioration in global financial markets could make future financing difficult or more expensive. If any financial institutions that are parties to our credit facilities or other financing arrangements, such as interest rate or foreign currency exchange hedging instruments, were to declare bankruptcy or become insolvent, they may be unable to perform under their agreements with us. This could leave us with reduced borrowing capacity or could leave us unhedged against certain interest rate or foreign currency exposures, which could have an adverse impact on our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, as well as the trading price of our securities.

69

Table of Contents

Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations.
Exchange rate fluctuations have affected and may in the future affect our results of operations, financial condition, reported earnings, the value of our foreign assets, the relative prices at which we and foreign competitors sell products in the same markets and the cost of certain inventory and non-inventory items required by our operations. The currencies to which we are exposed include the euro, the British pound, the Chinese yuan, the Polish zloty, the Russian ruble, the Brazilian real, the Argentine peso, the Australian dollar and the Canadian dollar. The exchange rates between these currencies and the U.S. dollar in recent years have fluctuated significantly and may continue to do so in the future. A depreciation of these currencies against the U.S. dollar would decrease the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts derived from foreign operations reported in our consolidated financial statements and an appreciation of these currencies would result in a corresponding increase in such amounts. The cost of certain items, such as raw materials, transportation and freight, required by our operations may be affected by changes in the value of the various relevant currencies. To the extent that we are required to pay for goods or services in foreign currencies, the appreciation of such currencies against the U.S. dollar would tend to negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations. Our efforts to hedge certain exposures to foreign currency exchange rates arising in the ordinary course of business may not successfully hedge the effect of such fluctuations.
We are subject to risks related to our international operations.
We operate on a global basis, and approximately 68% of our net revenues in fiscal 2018 were generated outside North America. We maintain offices in over 35 countries, and we market, sell and distribute our products in over 150 countries and territories. Our presence in such geographies has expanded as a result of our acquisitions, including the ghd acquisition, the acquisition of the Hypermarcas Brands and the acquisition of the P&G Beauty Business, as well as organic growth, and we are exposed to risks inherent in operating in geographies in which we have not operated in or have been less present in the past.
Non-U.S. operations are subject to many risks and uncertainties, including ongoing instability or changes in a country’s or region’s economic, regulatory or political conditions, including inflation, recession, interest rate fluctuations, sovereign default risk and actual or anticipated military or political conflicts (including any other change resulting from Brexit), labor market disruptions, sanctions, boycotts, new or increased tariffs, quotas, exchange or price controls, trade barriers or other restrictions on foreign businesses, our failure to effectively and timely implement processes and policies across our diverse operations and employee base and difficulties and costs associated with complying with a wide variety of complex and potentially conflicting regulations across multiple jurisdictions. Non-U.S. operations also increase the risk of non-compliance with U.S. laws and regulations applicable to such non-U.S. operations, such as those relating to sanctions, boycotts, improper payments. In particular, we are monitoring the latest developments regarding Brexit negotiations, including the potential impact on our business if the United Kingdom exits the EU without having a final withdrawal agreement in place (sometimes referred to as a “hard Brexit”). Brexit (and particularly a hard Brexit) could have a number of negative implications for our business, including with respect to the production of our product in the United Kingdom, the transfer or purchase of goods and services into or out of the United Kingdom and our operations in the United Kingdom. While we are analyzing various short- and long-term strategies to address Brexit contingencies, there can be no assurance that such strategies will be effective in limiting these negative impacts and Brexit thus could have a material impact on our business and results of operations.
In addition, sudden disruptions in business conditions as a consequence of events such as terrorist attacks, war or other military action or the threat of further attacks, pandemics or other crises or vulnerabilities or as a result of adverse weather conditions or climate changes, may have an impact on consumer spending, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, as well as the trading price of our securities.
The U.S. and the other countries in which our products are manufactured or sold have imposed and may impose additional quotas, duties, tariffs, retaliatory or trade protection measures, or other restrictions or regulations, or may adversely adjust prevailing quota, duty or tariff levels, which can affect both the materials that we use to manufacture or package our products and the sale of finished products. For example, the E.U. recently imposed tariffs on certain luxury products imported from the U.S., which would impact the sale in the E.U. of certain of our Professional Beauty and Consumer Beauty products that are manufactured in the U.S. Similarly, the tariffs imposed by the U.S. on goods and materials from China would impact any materials we import for use in manufacturing or packaging in the U.S. Measures to reduce the impact of tariff increases or trade restrictions, including shifts of production among countries and manufacturers, geographical diversification of our sources of supply, adjustments in product or packaging design and fabrication, or increased prices, could increase our costs and delay our time to market or decrease sales. Other governmental action related to tariffs or international trade agreements has the potential to adversely impact demand for our products, our costs, customers, suppliers and global economic conditions and cause higher volatility in financial markets. The beauty industry has been impacted by ongoing uncertainty surrounding tariffs and import duties, and international trade relations generally.  While we actively review existing and proposed measures to seek to assess the impact of them on our business, changes in tariff rates, import duties and other new or augmented trade restrictions could

70

Table of Contents

have a number of negative impacts on our business, including higher consumer prices and reduced demand for our products and higher input costs.
In addition, on December 22, 2017, the President of the U.S. signed the Tax Act, which includes a broad range of tax changes significantly revising the U.S. corporate income tax system by, amongst other things, reducing the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, implementing a modified territorial tax system (including a new minimum tax on certain foreign earnings) and imposing one-time deemed repatriation tax on historical earnings generated by certain foreign subsidiaries that had not previously been repatriated to the U.S. The new law makes broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax laws that affect businesses operating internationally, and we expect to see future regulatory, administrative or legislative guidance that could adversely affect our financial results. We have recorded the impact in our financial statements of the Tax Act. To the extent any future guidance or analysis differs from our interpretation of the law, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations. In addition, some foreign governments may enact tax laws in response to the Tax Act that could result in further changes to global taxation and that could materially adversely affect our financial results, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
We are subject to legal proceedings and legal compliance risks.
We are subject to a variety of legal proceedings and legal compliance risks in the countries in which we do business, including the matters described under the heading “Legal Proceedings” in Part I, Item 3 of this report. We are under the jurisdiction of regulators and other governmental authorities which may, in certain circumstances, lead to enforcement actions, changes in business practices, fines and penalties, the assertion of private litigation claims and damages and adversely impact our customer relationships, particularly to the extent customers were implicated by such proceedings. We are also subject to legal proceedings and legal compliance risks in connection with legacy matters involving the P&G Beauty Business, the Burberry fragrance business, Hypermarcas Brands, ghd and Younique, that were previously outside our control and that we are now independently addressing, which may result in unanticipated or new liabilities. While we believe that we have adopted, and/or will adopt, appropriate risk management and compliance programs, such adoptions take time and, given the global nature of our operations and many laws and regulations to which we are subject, these legal and compliance risks will continue to exist with respect to our business, and additional legal proceedings and other contingencies, the outcome and impact of which cannot be predicted with certainty, will arise from time to time.
In addition, we are subject to pending tax assessment matters in Brazil relating to local sales tax credits for the 2016-2017 tax periods. Although we are seeking a favorable administrative decision on the related tax enforcement action, we may not be successful. See Note 24, “Commitments and Contingencies” for more information regarding our potential tax obligations in Brazil.
Our operations and acquisitions in certain foreign areas expose us to political, regulatory, economic and reputational risks.
We operate on a global basis. Our employees, contractors and agents, business partners, joint venture and joint venture partners and companies to which we outsource certain of our business operations, may take actions in violation of our compliance policies or applicable law. In addition, some of our recent acquisitions have required us to integrate non-U.S. companies that had not, until our acquisition, been subject to U.S. law or other laws to which we are subject.
In many countries, particularly in those with developing economies, it may be common for persons to engage in business practices prohibited by the laws and regulations applicable to us. We are in the process of enhancing our compliance program as a result of the acquisition of the P&G Beauty Business and our other recent acquisitions, but we cannot assure you that we will not encounter problems with respect to such programs or that such programs will be effective in ensuring compliance.
Failure by us or our subsidiaries to comply with these laws or policies could subject us to civil and criminal penalties, cause us to be in breach of contract or damage to our or our licensors’ reputation, each of which could materially and adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition, cash flows, results of operations, cash flows, as well as the trading price of our securities.
In addition, the U.S. may impose additional sanctions at any time on countries where we sell our products. If so, our existing activities may be adversely affected, we may incur costs in order to come into compliance with future sanctions, depending on the nature of any further sanctions that may be imposed, or we may experience reputational harm and increased regulatory scrutiny.
We are subject to the interpretation and enforcement by governmental agencies of other foreign laws, rules, regulations or policies, including any changes thereto, such as restrictions on trade, import and export license requirements, and tariffs and

71

Table of Contents

taxes (including assessments and disputes related thereto), which may require us to adjust our operations in certain areas where we do business. We face legal and regulatory risks in the U.S. and abroad and, in particular, cannot predict with certainty the outcome of various contingencies or the impact that pending or future legislative and regulatory changes may have on our business. It is not possible to gauge what any final regulation may provide, its effective date or its impact at this time. These risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, as well as the trading price of our securities.
Our failure to protect our reputation, or the failure of our brand partners or licensors to protect their reputations, could have a material adverse effect on our brand images.
Our ability to maintain our reputation is critical to our business and our various brand images. Our reputation could be jeopardized if we fail to maintain high standards for product quality and integrity (including should we be perceived as violating the law) or if we, or the third parties with whom we do business, do not comply with regulations or accepted practices and are subject to a significant product recall, litigation, or allegations of tampering, animal testing, use of certain ingredients (such as certain palm oil) or misconduct by executives. Any negative publicity about these types of concerns or other concerns, whether actual or perceived or directed towards us or our competitors, may reduce demand for our products. Failure to comply with ethical, social, product, labor and environmental standards, or related political considerations, could also jeopardize our reputation and potentially lead to various adverse consumer actions, including boycotts. In addition, the behavior of our employees, including with respect to our employees’ use of social media subjects us to potential negative publicity if such use does not align with our high standards and integrity or fails to comply with regulations or accepted practices. Furthermore, widespread use of digital and social media by consumers has greatly increased the accessibility of information and the speed of its dissemination. Negative or inaccurate publicity, posts or comments on social media, whether accurate or inaccurate, about us, our employees or our brand partners (including influencers) and licensors, our respective brands or our respective products, whether true or untrue, could damage our respective brands and our reputation.
Additionally, our success is also partially dependent on the reputations of our brand partners and licensors and the goodwill associated with their intellectual property. We often rely on our brand partners or licensors to manage and maintain their brands, but these licensors’ reputation or goodwill may be harmed due to factors outside our control, which could be attributed to our other brands and have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, as well as the trading price of our securities. Many of these brand licenses are with fashion houses, whose popularity may decline due to mismanagement, changes in fashion or consumer preferences, allegations against their management or designers or other factors beyond our control. Similarly, certain of our products bear the names and likeness of celebrities, whose brand or image may change without notice and who may not maintain the appropriate celebrity status or positive association among the consumer public to support projected sales levels. In addition, in the event that any of these licensors were to enter bankruptcy proceedings, we could lose our rights to use the intellectual property that the applicable licensors license to us.
Damage to our reputation or the reputations of our brand partners or licensors or loss of consumer confidence for any of these or other reasons could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows, as well as require additional resources to rebuild our reputation.
Our brand licenses may be terminated if specified conditions are not met, and we may not be able to renew expiring licenses on favorable terms or at all.
We license trademarks for many of our product lines. Our brand licenses typically impose various obligations on us, including the payment of annual royalties, maintenance of the quality of the licensed products, achievement of minimum sales levels, promotion of sales and qualifications and behavior of our suppliers, distributors and retailers. We have breached, and may in the future breach, certain terms of our brand licenses. If we breach our obligations, our rights under the applicable brand license agreements could be terminated by the licensor and we could, among other things, have to pay damages, lose our ability to sell products related to that brand, lose any upfront investments made in connection with such license and sustain reputational damage. In addition, most brand licenses have renewal options for one or more terms, which can range from three to ten years. Certain brand licenses provide for automatic extensions, so long as minimum annual royalty payments are made, while renewal of others is contingent upon attaining of specified sales levels or upon agreement of the licensor. For example, one of our brand licenses is up for renewal in fiscal 2019, and, while many of our licenses are long term, licenses relating to certain of our global brands are up for renewal in the next few years. We may not be able to renew expiring licenses on terms that are favorable to us or at all. We may also face difficulties in finding replacements for terminated or expired licenses. Each of the aforementioned risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, as well as the trading price of our securities.

72

Table of Contents

Our business is subject to seasonal variability.
Our sales generally increase during our second fiscal quarter as a result of increased demand by retailers associated with the winter holiday season. We also experience an increase in sales during our fourth quarter in our Professional Beauty segment as a result of stronger activity prior to the summer holiday season. Accordingly, our financial performance, sales, working capital requirements, cash flow and borrowings generally experience variability during the three to six months preceding and during the holiday period. As a result of this seasonality, our expenses, including working capital expenditures and advertising spend, are typically higher during the period before a high-demand season. Consequently, any substantial decrease in, or inaccurate forecasting with respect to, net revenues during such periods of high demand including as a result of decreased customer purchases, increased product returns, production or distribution disruptions or other events (many of which are outside of our control), would prevent us from being able to recoup our earlier expenses and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
A disruption in operations could adversely affect our business.
As a company engaged in manufacturing and distribution on a global scale, we are subject to the risks inherent in such activities, including industrial accidents, environmental events, strikes and other labor disputes, disruptions in supply chain or information systems, loss or impairment of key manufacturing sites or distribution centers, product quality control, safety, licensing requirements and other regulatory issues, as well as natural disasters, pandemics, border disputes, acts of terrorism, possible dawn raids, and other external factors over which we have no control. For example, disruptions in our U.K. planning hub and one of our U.S. distribution centers in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018 resulted in loss of revenue and increased costs, including penalty payments to retailers for unshipped products, as we were unable to meet consumer demand for certain Consumer Beauty products, which has impacted and is expected to continue to impact our results of operations. As we continue our integration and restructuring activities, any additional or ongoing supply chain disruptions may impact our quarterly results. The loss of, or damage or disruption to, any of our manufacturing facilities or distribution centers could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, as well as the trading price of our securities.
We manufacture and package a majority of our products. Raw materials, consisting chiefly of essential oils, alcohols, chemicals, containers and packaging components, are purchased from various third-party suppliers. The loss of multiple suppliers or a significant disruption or interruption in the supply chain could have a material adverse effect on the manufacturing and packaging of our products. Increases in the costs of raw materials or other commodities 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 manufacturing and distribution. In addition, failure by our third-party suppliers to comply with ethical, social, product, labor and environmental laws, regulations or standards, or their engagement in politically or socially controversial conduct, such as animal testing, could negatively impact our reputations and lead to various adverse consequences, including decreased sales and consumer boycotts. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act includes disclosure requirements regarding the use of certain minerals mined from the Democratic Republic of Congo and adjoining countries (each, a “covered country”) and procedures pertaining to a manufacturer’s efforts regarding the source of such minerals. SEC rules implementing these requirements may have the effect of reducing the pool of suppliers who can supply covered country “conflict free” products, and we may not be able to obtain covered country conflict free products or supplies in sufficient quantities for our operations. For calendar year 2017, we determined that we have no reason to believe that any products we manufactured or contracted to manufacture contained conflict minerals that may have originated in the covered countries. However, since our supply chain is complex, we may face operational obstacles and reputational challenges with our customers and stockholders if we are unable to continue to sufficiently verify the origins for the minerals used in our products.
We have also outsourced and may continue to outsource certain functions, and we are dependent on the entities performing those functions. For example, a short-term transportation workers strike in Brazil impacted the distribution of our products and raw materials in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, resulting in increased logistical costs and lost revenues for products that could not be shipped. The failure of one or more such providers to provide the expected services, provide them on a timely basis or provide them at the prices we expect, or the costs incurred in returning these outsourced functions to being performed under our management and direct control, may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

73

Table of Contents

We are increasingly dependent on information technology, and if we are unable to protect against service interruptions, corruption of our data and privacy protections, cyber-based attacks or network security breaches, our operations could be disrupted.
We rely on information technology networks and systems, including the Internet, to process, transmit and store electronic and financial information, to manage a variety of business processes and activities, and to comply with regulatory, legal and tax requirements. We also increasingly depend on our information technology infrastructure for digital marketing activities, e-commerce and for electronic communications among our locations, personnel, customers and suppliers around the world. These information technology systems, some of which are managed by third parties that we do not control, may be susceptible to damage, disruptions or shutdowns due to failures during the process of upgrading or replacing software, databases or components thereof, cutover activities in our integration and simplification initiatives, power outages, hardware failures, computer viruses, attacks by computer hackers, telecommunication failures, user errors, catastrophic events or other problems. If our information technology systems suffer severe damage, disruption or shutdown and our business continuity plans do not effectively resolve the issues in a timely manner, our product sales, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected, and we could experience delays in reporting our financial results. If not managed and mitigated effectively, these risks could increase in the future as we expand our digital capabilities and e-commerce activities, including through the use of new digital applications and technologies. There are further risks associated with the information systems of our joint ventures and of the companies we acquire, both in terms of systems compatibility, process controls, level of security and functionality. It may cost us significant money and resources to address these risks and if our systems were to fail or we are unable to successfully expand the capacity of these systems, or we are unable to integrate new technologies into our existing systems, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows may be adversely affected.
We are subject to an evolving body of federal, state and non-U.S. laws, regulations, guidelines, and principles regarding data privacy and security. A data breach or inability on our part to comply with such laws, regulations, guidelines, and principles or to quickly adapt our practices to reflect them as they develop, could potentially subject us to significant liabilities and reputational harm. Several governments, including the E.U., have regulations dealing with the collection and use of personal information obtained from their citizens, and regulators globally are also imposing greater monetary fines for privacy violations. For example, in the E.U. a new law governing data practices and privacy called the GDPR became effective in May 2018. The law establishes new requirements regarding the handling of personal data, and non-compliance with the GDPR may result in monetary penalties of up to 4% of worldwide revenue. In addition, the state of California recently enacted a data privacy law applicable to entities serving or employing California residents (the “California Consumer Privacy Act”) that will require compliance by January 2020. The GDPR, the California Consumer Privacy Act and other changes in laws or regulations associated with the enhanced protection of certain types of sensitive data and other personal information, require us to evaluate our current operations, information technology systems and data handling practices and implement enhancements and adaptations where necessary to comply. Compliance with these laws, could greatly increase our operational costs or require us to adapt certain products, operations or activities, to comply with the stricter regulatory requirements, such as efforts to meet consumer demand for personalized products and services, in jurisdictions where we operate. The regulations are complex and likely require adjustments to our operations. Any failure to comply with all such laws by us, our business partners or third-parties engaged by us could result in significant liabilities and reputational harm.
In addition, if we are unable to prevent or detect security breaches, or properly remedy them, we may suffer financial and reputational damage or penalties because of the unauthorized disclosure of confidential information belonging to us or to our partners, customers or suppliers, including personal employee, consumer or presenter information stored in our or third-party systems or as a result of the dissemination of inaccurate information. In addition, the unauthorized disclosure of nonpublic sensitive information could lead to the loss of intellectual property or damage our reputation and brand image or otherwise adversely affect our ability to compete.
Our information technology systems, operations and security control frameworks require an ongoing commitment of significant resources to maintain, protect, and enhance existing systems to keep pace with continuing changes in technology, legal and regulatory standards, cyber threats and the commercial opportunities that accompany the changing digital and data driven economy. From time to time, we undertake significant information technology systems projects, including enterprise resource planning updates, modifications, integrations and roll-outs. These projects may be subject to cost overruns and delays and may cause disruptions in our daily business operations. These cost overruns and delays and distractions as well as our reliance on certain third parties for certain business and financial information could impact our financial statements and could adversely impact our ability to run our business, correctly forecast future performance and make fully informed decisions.

74

Table of Contents

Our success depends, in part, on our employees, including our key personnel.
Our success depends, in part, on our ability to identify, hire, train and retain our employees, including our key personnel, such as our executive officers and senior management team and our research and development and marketing personnel. We have recently experienced several changes to senior management and the composition of our board of directors. Transition periods accompanying changes in leadership may result in uncertainty, impact business performance and strategies and retention of personnel. The unexpected loss of one or more of our key employees could adversely affect our business. Competition for highly qualified individuals can be intense, and although many of our key personnel have signed non-compete agreements, it is possible that these agreements would be unenforceable, in whole or in part, in some jurisdictions, permitting employees in those jurisdictions to transfer their skills and knowledge to the benefit of our competitors with little or no restriction. We may not be able to attract, assimilate or retain qualified personnel in the future, and our failure to do so could adversely affect our business. Further, other companies may attempt to recruit our key personnel, even if bound by non-competes, which could result in diversion of management attention and our resources to litigation related to such recruitment. These risks may be exacerbated by the stresses associated with the integration of the P&G Beauty Business and our other acquisitions, changes in our global business strategy, our restructurings and simplification program, continued changes in our senior management team and other key personnel, and other initiatives. As we continue to restructure our workforce from time to time (including with respect to business restructuring initiatives, as well as acquisitions and our overall growth strategy) and work with more brand partners and licensors, the risk of potential employment-related claims will also increase. As such, we or our partners may be subject to claims, allegations or legal proceedings related to employment matters including discrimination, harassment (sexual or otherwise), wrongful termination or retaliation, local, state, federal and non-U.S. labor law violations, injury, and wage violations. In addition, our employees in certain countries in Europe are subject to works council arrangements, exposing us to associated delays, works council claims and associated litigation. In the event we or our partners are subject to one or more employment-related claims, allegations or legal proceedings, we or our partners may incur substantial costs, losses or other liabilities in the defense, investigation, settlement, delays associated with, or other disposition of such claims. In addition to the economic impact, we or our partners may also suffer reputational harm as a result of such claims, allegations and legal proceedings and the investigation, defense and prosecution of such claims, allegations and legal proceedings could cause substantial disruption in our or our partners’ business and operations. While we do have policies and procedures in place to reduce our exposure to these risks, there can be no assurance that such policies and procedures will be effective or that we will not be exposed to such claims, allegations or legal proceedings.
Our success depends, in part, on the quality, efficacy and safety of our products.
Product safety or quality failures, actual or perceived, or allegations of product contamination, even when false or unfounded, or inclusion of regulated ingredients could tarnish the image of our brands and could cause consumers to choose other products. Allegations of contamination, allergens or other adverse effects on product safety or suitability for use by a particular consumer, even if untrue, may require us from time to time to recall a product from all of the markets in which the affected production was distributed. Such issues or recalls and any related litigation could negatively affect our profitability and brand image.
In addition, government authorities and self-regulatory bodies regulate advertising and product claims regarding the performance and benefits of our products. These regulatory authorities typically require a reasonable basis to support any marketing claims. What constitutes a reasonable basis for substantiation can vary widely based on geography, and there is no assurance that the efforts that we undertake to support our claims will be deemed adequate for any particular product or claim. If we are unable to show adequate substantiation for our product claims, or our promotional materials make claims that exceed the scope of allowed claims for the classification of the specific product, regulatory authorities could take enforcement action or impose penalties, such as monetary consumer redress, requiring us to revise our marketing materials, amend our claims or stop selling or recalling certain products, all of which could harm our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, as well as the trading price of our securities. Any regulatory action or penalty could lead to private party actions, which could further harm our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, as well as the trading price of our securities.
If our products are perceived to be defective or unsafe, or if they otherwise fail to meet our consumers’ expectations, our relationships with customers or consumers could suffer, the appeal of one or more of our brands could be diminished, and we could lose sales or become subject to liability claims. In addition, safety or other defects in our competitors’ products could reduce consumer demand for our own products if consumers view them to be similar or view the defects as symptomatic of the product category. Any of these outcomes could result in a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, as well as the trading price of our securities.

75

Table of Contents

If we underestimate or overestimate demand for our products and do not maintain appropriate inventory levels, our net revenues or working capital could be negatively impacted.
We currently engage in a program seeking to improve control over our product demand and inventories. We have identified, and may continue to identify, inventories that are not saleable in the ordinary course, but there is no assurance that our existing program or any future inventory management program will be successful in improving our inventory control. Our ability to manage our inventory levels to meet demand for our products is important for our business. If we overestimate or underestimate demand for any of our products, we may not maintain appropriate inventory levels, we could have excess inventory that we may need to hold for a long period of time, write down, sell at prices lower than expected or discard, which could negatively impact our net sales or working capital, or cause us to incur excess and obsolete inventory charges. We also could have inadequate inventories which could hinder our ability to meet demand. We have sought and continue to seek to improve our payable terms, which could adversely affect our relations with our suppliers.
In addition, we have significant working capital needs, as the nature of our business requires us to maintain inventories that enable us to fulfill customer demand. We generally finance our working capital needs through cash flows from operations and borrowings under our credit facilities. If we are unable to finance our working capital needs on the same or more favorable terms going forward, or if our working capital requirements increase and we are unable to finance the increase, we may not be able to produce the inventories required by demand, which could result in a loss of sales. In addition, we are reliant on our cash flows from operations to repay our indebtedness, which may impact the cash flows that are available for working capital needs. Our ability to generate and maintain sufficient cash levels also could impact our ability to reduce our indebtedness.
Changes in laws, regulations and policies that affect our business or products could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, as well as the trading price of our securities.
Our business is subject to numerous laws, regulations and policies. Changes in the laws (both foreign and domestic), regulations and policies, including the interpretation or enforcement thereof, that affect, or will affect, our business or products, including those related to taxes, tariffs, corruption, the environment or climate change, immigration, restrictions or requirements related to product content, labeling and packaging, trade and customs (including, among others, import and export license requirements, sanctions, boycotts, quotas, trade barriers, and other measures imposed by U.S. and foreign countries), restrictions on foreign investment, the outcome and expense of legal or regulatory proceedings, and any action we may take as a result, and changes in accounting standards, could adversely affect our financial results. For example, the recent changes in sanctions against Iran have adversely impacted our net revenues and prohibits us from conducting business in Iran. Also, the Tax Act, enacted on December 22, 2017, introduced a broad range of tax changes significantly revising the U.S. corporate income tax system by, amongst other things, reducing the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, implementing a modified territorial tax system (including a new minimum tax on certain foreign earnings) and imposing one-time deemed repatriation tax on historical earnings generated by certain foreign subsidiaries that had not previously been repatriated to the United States. The new law makes broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax laws that affect businesses operating internationally, and future regulatory, administrative or legislative guidance could adversely affect our financial results. See “-We are subject to risks related to our international operations”, “-Network marketing is subject to intense government scrutiny, and regulation and changes in the law, or the interpretation and enforcement of the law, might adversely affect our business” and “-We face risks associated with our independent contractors.”
We are also subject to legal proceedings and legal compliance risks in connection with legacy matters related to recently acquired companies that were previously outside our control. Such matters may result in our incurring unanticipated costs that may negatively impact the positive financial contributions of such acquisitions at least in the periods in which such liability is incurred or require operational adjustments that affect our results of operations with respect to such investments. We may not have adequate or any insurance coverage for some of these legacy matters, including matters assumed in the acquisition of the P&G Beauty Business, Younique, ghd, the Hypermarcas Brands and the Burberry fragrance business. While we believe that we have adopted, and will adopt, appropriate risk management and compliance programs, the global nature of our operations and many laws and regulations to which we are subject mean that legal and compliance risks will continue to exist with respect to our business, and additional legal proceedings and other contingencies, the outcome of which cannot be predicted with certainty, will arise from time to time, which could adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, as well as the trading price of our securities.

76

Table of Contents

Network marketing is subject to intense government scrutiny, and regulation and changes in the law, or the interpretation and enforcement of the law, might adversely affect our business.
On February 1, 2017, we entered into a joint venture with the founders of Younique, a leading online peer-to-peer social selling platform in beauty. We are now subject to a number of federal and state regulations administered by the Federal Trade Commission (the “FTC”) and various federal and state agencies in the United States related to Younique’s network marketing program, as well as regulations on direct selling in foreign countries administered by foreign agencies. We are subject to the risk that, in one or more countries, Younique’s network marketing program could be found by federal, state or foreign regulators not to be in compliance with applicable law or regulations which could result in significant fines, changes in business practices or a permanent injunction.
Regulations applicable to network marketing organizations generally are directed at preventing fraudulent or deceptive schemes, often referred to as “pyramid” or “chain sales” schemes, by ensuring that product sales ultimately are made to consumers and that advancement within an organization is based on sales of the organization’s products rather than investments in the organization or other non-retail sales-related criteria. The regulatory requirements concerning network marketing programs do not include “bright line” rules and are inherently fact-based and, thus, we are subject to the risk that these laws or regulations or the enforcement or interpretation of these laws and regulations by governmental agencies or courts can change and business practices can evolve. There is no assurance that the FTC or other federal, state or foreign courts or agencies will consider us to be in compliance.
The ambiguity surrounding these laws can also affect the public perception of us. The failure of the network marketing program to comply with current or newly adopted regulations or any allegations or charges to that effect brought by federal, state, or foreign regulators could negatively impact our brands and business in a particular market or in general and may adversely affect our share price.
We are also subject to the risk of private party challenges to the legality of the network marketing program. Some network marketing programs of other companies have been successfully challenged in the past. Adverse judicial determinations with respect to the network marketing program, or in proceedings not involving us directly but that challenge the legality of network marketing systems, in any other market in which we operate, could increase costs to the extent we are obligated to contribute to the cost of defense and could negatively impact our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, as well as the trading price of our securities.
Our employees or others may engage in misconduct or other improper activities including noncompliance with regulatory standards and regulatory requirements.
We are exposed to the risk of fraud or other misconduct by our personnel or third parties such as independent contractors or agents. Misconduct by employees, independent contractors, or agents could include inadvertent or intentional failures to comply with the laws and regulations to which we are subject or with our policies, provide accurate information to regulatory authorities, comply with ethical, social, product, labor and environmental standards, comply with fraud and abuse laws and regulations, report financial information or data accurately, or disclose unauthorized activities to us. In particular, our business is subject to laws, regulations and policies intended to prevent fraud, kickbacks, self-dealing, resale price maintenance and other abusive practices. These laws and regulations may restrict or prohibit a wide range of pricing, discounting, marketing and promotion, sales commission, customer incentive programs, and other business arrangements. Our current and former employees, influencers or independent contractors may also become subject to allegations of sexual harassment, racial and gender discrimination or other similar misconduct, which, regardless of the ultimate outcome, may result in adverse publicity that could significantly harm our company’s brand, reputation and operations. Employee misconduct could also involve improper use of information obtained in the course of employment, which could result in legal or regulatory action and serious harm to our reputation.
Violations of our prohibition on harassment, sexual or otherwise, could result in liabilities and/or litigation.
We prohibit harassment or discrimination in the workplace, in sexual or in any other form. This policy applies to all aspects of employment. Notwithstanding our conducting training and taking disciplinary action against alleged violations, we may encounter additional costs from claims made and/or legal proceedings brought against us, and we could suffer reputational harm.

77

Table of Contents

We face risks associated with our independent contractors.
We have personnel that we classify as independent contractors for U.S. federal and state and international employment law purposes in certain positions in our business. For example, Younique relies on independent presenters that it classifies as independent contractors to sell its products through its peer-to-peer social selling platform and we are subject to risks related to Younique presenters’ status as independent contractors.
We are not in a position to directly provide the same direction, motivation and oversight to our independent contractors as we would if such personnel were our own employees. As a result, there can be no assurance that our independent contractors will comply with applicable law or our policies and procedures or reflect our culture or values. Violations by our independent contractors of applicable law or of our policies and procedures in dealing with customers and other third parties or failure to meet our standards or reflect our culture could reflect negatively on our products and operations and harm our business reputation and also negatively impact our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, as well as the trading price of our securities. In addition, it is possible that a court could hold us civilly or criminally accountable based on vicarious liability because of the actions of our independent contractors. In addition, our independent contractors are not subject to employment agreements with us and our ability to retain such personnel or enforce non-competes or other restrictions against them may be limited.
In addition, we are subject to the Internal Revenue Service regulations and applicable state law guidelines regarding independent contractor classification. These regulations and guidelines are subject to changes in judicial and agency interpretation, and it could be determined that the independent contractor classification is inapplicable. If legal standards for classification of independent contractors change, it may be necessary to modify our compensation structure for these personnel, including by paying additional compensation and taxes and/or reimbursing expenses. In addition, if we are determined to have misclassified such personnel as independent contractors, we would incur additional exposure under federal and state law, including workers' compensation, unemployment benefits, labor, employment and tort laws, including for prior periods, as well as potential liability for employee benefits and tax withholdings. Any of these outcomes could result in costs to us, could impair our financial condition and our ability to conduct our business and could damage our reputation and our ability to attract and retain other personnel.
We are subject to risks related to our common stock and our stock repurchase program.
Any repurchases pursuant to our stock repurchase program, or a decision to discontinue our stock repurchase program, which may be discontinued at any time, could affect our stock price and increase volatility. For the two-year period following the closing of the acquisition of the P&G Beauty Business, we were subject to certain restrictions in repurchasing our stock, and we have not repurchased any shares under our stock repurchase program since the quarter ended September 30, 2016. For more information on our stock repurchase restrictions, see “-We could be adversely affected by significant restrictions following the acquisition of the P&G Beauty Business in order to avoid tax-related liabilities.” In addition, the timing and actual number of any shares repurchased will depend on a variety of factors including the timing of open trading windows, price, corporate and regulatory requirements, an assessment by management and our board of directors of cash availability, capital allocation priorities, including deleveraging, and other market conditions. Further, we allow pledging by our employees in connection with certain executive ownership programs. A drop in our share price could result in pledged shares being sold pursuant to the terms of the pledge, which could result in a decrease in the trading price of our stock and subject us and our executives to civil and criminal investigations, including with respect to insider trading.
If the Distribution (as defined below) or the acquisition of the P&G Beauty Business does not qualify for its intended tax treatment, in certain circumstances we are required to indemnity P&G for resulting tax-related losses  under the tax matters agreement entered into in connection with the acquisition of the P&G Beauty Business dated October 1, 2016 (the “Tax Matters Agreement”).
In connection with the closing of the acquisition of the P&G Beauty Business on October 1, 2016, we and P&G received written opinions from special tax counsel regarding the intended tax treatment of the merger, and The Procter & Gamble Company (“P&G”) received an additional written opinion from special tax counsel regarding the intended tax treatment of the distribution by P&G of its shares of Galleria Co. (“Galleria”) common stock to P&G shareholders by way of an exchange offer (the “Distribution”). The opinions were based on, among other things, certain assumptions and representations as to factual matters and certain covenants made by us, P&G, Galleria and Green Acquisition Sub Inc. The opinions are not binding on the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) or a court, and the IRS or a court may not agree with the opinions.
Under the Tax Matters Agreement, in certain circumstances and subject to certain limitations, we are required to indemnify P&G against tax-related losses (e.g., increased taxes, penalties and interest required to be paid by P&G) if the Distribution or

78

Table of Contents

the merger fails to qualify for its intended tax treatment, including if the Distribution becomes taxable to P&G as a result of the acquisition of a 50% or greater interest (by vote or value) in us as part of a plan or series of related transactions that included the Distribution or if such failure is attributable to a breach of certain representations and warranties by us or certain actions or omissions by us. If we are required to indemnify P&G in the event of a taxable Distribution, this indemnification obligation would be substantial and could have a material adverse effect on us, including with respect to our financial condition and results of operations.
JABC is a significant shareholder of the Company, owning approximately 40% of the fully diluted shares of Class A Common Stock, and has the ability to exercise significant influence over decisions requiring stockholder approval, which may be inconsistent with the interests of our other stockholders.
Prior to the close of the acquisition of the P&G Beauty Business, we were controlled by JABC, Lucresca and Agnaten. Lucresca and Agnaten indirectly share voting and investment control over the shares of the Class A Common Stock held by JABC. Following the completion of the acquisition of the P&G Beauty Business, JABC remains our largest stockholder, owning approximately 40% of the fully diluted shares of Class A Common Stock following the close of the acquisition of the P&G Beauty Business. As a result, JABC, Lucresca and Agnaten continue to have the ability to exercise significant influence over decisions requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors, amendments to our certificate of incorporation and approval of significant corporate transactions, such as a merger or other sale of the Company or our assets. In addition, several of the directors on our Board of Directors are affiliated with JABC.
JABC’s interests may be different from or conflict with the interests of our other shareholders and, as a result, this concentration of ownership may have the effect of delaying, preventing or deterring a change in control of us and may negatively affect the market price of our stock. Also, JABC and its affiliates are in the business of making investments in companies and may from time to time acquire and hold interests in businesses that compete indirectly with us. JABC or its affiliates may also pursue acquisition opportunities that are complementary to our business, and, as a result, those acquisition opportunities may not be available to us.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
The table below provides information with respect to purchases of shares of our Class A Common Stock in the open market by JABC that settled during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2018.
Period
Total Number of Shares Purchased
Average Price Paid per Share (a)
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet be Purchased under the Plans or Programs (a)
October 1, 2018 - October 31, 2018

$


$

November 1, 2018 - November 30, 2018
8,200,000

9.02



December 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018




Total
8,200,000

$
9.02



 
 
(a) Excludes fees and commissions.

79

Table of Contents

Item 5. Other Information.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities; Material Modification to Rights of Security Holders; Amendments to Articles of Incorporation
As previously disclosed, pursuant to the employment agreement entered into in connection with the appointment of Pierre Laubies as CEO, filed with the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K on November 14, 2018, Mr. Laubies participates in the Company’s Elite stock investment program (“Elite”) as described in the Company’s Proxy Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 20, 2018, with a target investment amount of $20,000,000.
On February 4, 2019, the Company agreed to sell 6,925,341 shares of its Series A-1 Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share to Mr. Laubies, in connection with his participation in the Elite program, pursuant to a subscription agreement. The sale of Series A-1 Preferred Stock was exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), under Section 4(a)(2) as a private sale to an executive of the Company.
Under the terms provided in the subscription agreement, Mr. Laubies is entitled to exchange any or all “Vested Series A-1 Preferred Stock” (as defined below) prior to November 12, 2025, into, at the sole election of the Corporation, either: (i) an amount in cash payable in U.S. dollars per share so exchanged equal to (I) the fair market value of a share of Class A Common Stock of the Company on the date of conversion minus (II) an amount equal to the sum of $8.75 (the “Cash Exchange Price”), subject to adjustment from time to time (the “Share Exchange Price” and aggregated with the Cash Exchange Price, the “Exchange Price”) (such difference, the “Preferred Net Value”), or (ii) the number of shares of Class A Common Stock whose aggregate value, as measured by the fair market value of a share of such Class A Common Stock on the date of conversion, is equal to the Preferred Net Value.
The right of Mr. Laubies to exchange any or all shares of Vested Series A-1 Preferred Stock expires on the earliest to occur of: (i) the first anniversary of Mr. Laubies’s termination of employment due to death or disability, and (ii) the latest date prior to which Vested Series A-1 Preferred Stock can otherwise be exchanged as set forth in the paragraph above. Following the expiration date, the Company will have the right to redeem all, but not less than all, of the Series A-1 Preferred Stock, to the extent any are still outstanding, at a redemption price equal to $0.01 per share.
In addition, following the date of a change of control, the Company has the right to cause any Vested Series A-1 Preferred Stock to be exchanged for the Preferred Net Value payable, at the sole option and election of the Company, either in cash or Class A Common Stock.
Shares of the Series A-1 Preferred Stock issued to Mr. Laubies will vest 60 percent on November 12, 2021, 20 percent on November 12, 2022, and 20 percent on November 12, 2023, so long as Mr. Laubies continues to own 2,308,447 shares of Class A Common Stock and subject to his continued employment with the Company through each applicable vesting date. In addition, upon Mr. Laubies’ death, disability or retirement (as set forth in the Company’s Equity and Long-Term Incentive Plan), shares of the Series A-1 Preferred Stock issued to him will vest on a pro-rata basis. Upon Mr. Laubies’ separation from service by the Company without cause or by him for good reason within twelve months after a change in control of the Company (provided, in the case of Series A-1 Preferred Stock, that the change in control occurs after November 12, 2019), the shares of the Series A-1 Preferred Stock issued to Mr. Laubies will vest in full. Any shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock that have vested in accordance with the foregoing conditions are “Vested Series A-1 Preferred Stock”.

On February 4, 2019, the Company filed a Certificate of Designations (the “Certificate of Designations”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, establishing the voting rights, powers, preferences and privileges, and the relative, participating, optional or other rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, of the Series A Preferred Stock, which various and several voting powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other rights, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof are severally set forth in the subscription agreement relating to the issuance and sale of the Series A-1 Preferred Stock.
The holder of any Series A-1 Preferred Stock is not entitled to receive any dividends and has no voting rights except as required by law.
The Certificate of Designations became effective upon filing with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and it amends the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.
The description of the terms of the Series A-1 Preferred Stock is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Certificate of Designations, which is included as Exhibit 4.1 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.


80

Table of Contents

Item 6. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.
The exhibits listed below are filed as part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:
Exhibit Number
 
Description
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.INS
*
XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH
*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL
*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF
*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB
*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document.
101.PRE
*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
*
Pursuant to applicable securities laws and regulations, we are deemed to have complied with the reporting obligation relating to the submission of interactive data files in such exhibits and are not subject to liability under any anti-fraud provisions of the federal securities laws as long as we have made a good faith attempt to comply with the submission requirements and promptly amend the interactive data files after becoming aware that the interactive data files fail to comply with the submission requirements. Users of this data are advised that, pursuant to Rule 406T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed and otherwise are not subject to liability.    

Exhibit is a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

81

Table of Contents

SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
COTY INC.
 
 
 
 
Date: February 8, 2019
 
By:
/s/Pierre Laubies
 
 
 
Name: Pierre Laubies
 
 
 
Title: Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/Pierre-André Terisse
 
 
 
Name: Pierre-André Terisse
 
 
 
Title: Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
(Principal Financial Officer)


82