FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
INTER PARFUMS, INC. REPORTS FOURTH QUARTER AND
YEAR-END RESULTS

 

 
Management Revises 2009 Guidance Primarily Due to Continued Strength of the Dollar

 

New York, New York, March 11, 2009 -- Inter Parfums, Inc. (NASDAQ GS: IPAR) today announced results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2008. 

 

Fourth Quarter 2008 Compared to Fourth Quarter 2007

  • Net sales declined nearly 16% to $100.4 million compared to $119.4 million; at comparable foreign currency exchange rates, net sales declined 9%;
  • Sales by European based operations were $83.2 million, or 14% lower than last year’s $96.6 million;
  • U.S. based operations generated $17.2 million in sales, down 24% from $22.8 million;
  • Gross margin was 57% compared to 58% in the fourth quarter of 2007;
  • S, G & A expense as a percentage of sales was 42% compared to 44%;
  • Operating margin was 13.7% for both periods;
  • Net income was $5.1 million compared to $8.6 million; and,
  • Diluted earnings per share were $0.17 compared to $0.28.

 

2008 Full Year Results Compared to 2007 Full Year Results

  • Net sales rose 15% to $446.1 million from $389.6 million; at comparable foreign currency exchange rates, net sales for 2008 were up 12%; 
  • Sales by European based operations were $386.4 million, up 17% compared to $330.8 million;
  • U.S. based operations generated $59.7 million in sales, up 1% from $58.8 million;
  • Gross margin was 57% compared to 59% in 2007;
  • S, G & A expense as a percentage of sales was 45% compared to 47%;
  • Operating margin was 11.4% compared with 12.2%;
  • Net income was $23.8 million for both periods; and,
  • Diluted earnings per share were $0.77 compared to $0.76.

 

Unusual Fourth Quarter Items

Net income and diluted earnings per share for the three months and year ended December 31, 2008 were negatively affected by three (non-cash) items which reduced income before income taxes and minority interests by $2.6 million and reduced net income by $1.5 million or $0.05 per diluted share: 

 

  • In performing our annual goodwill impairment evaluation, we determined that Nickel skin care product sales continued to be lower than we originally anticipated. Therefore, we recorded an impairment loss of $0.9 million in 2008. A similar charge of $0.9 million was also incurred in 2007.

 

  • As a result of the dramatic strengthening of the U.S. dollar during the fourth of 2008, Inter Parfums entered into $90 million of foreign currency forward exchange contracts to hedge certain of its 2009 sales that are expected to be invoiced in U.S. dollars. The portion of the fair value of the foreign currency forward exchange contract attributable to the change in spot-forward difference is required to be reported in current period earnings. As of December 31, 2008, the Company recorded a charge of approximately $0.8 million relating to the change in spot-forward difference.

 

  • In connection with certain debt facilities, the Company had previously entered into interest rate swap transactions.  These swaps are recorded at fair value and changes in fair value are reflected in earnings. As a result of the steep decline in interest rates during the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company recorded a charge to interest expense of approximately $0.8 million relating to the change in the fair value of interest rate swaps.

 

Jean Madar, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “As we reported in January, the three largest brands within our European based operations all showed strong growth in local currency in 2008. Burberry sales were up 10% from 2007. Also, year-over-year, sales of Lanvin and Van Cleef & Arpels products rose 17%, and 77%, respectively. Sales by our U.S. based operations included first time sales of the new Brooks Brothers fragrance collection, Brooks Brothers New York, and the international distribution of Gap and Banana Republic personal care products.  The year-over-year sales increase was modest because our 2007 U.S. based product sales included the initial rollout of personal care products to Gap, Inc.’s North American stores as well as the initial launch of personal care products for all New York & Company stores.”

 

2009 Overview

Discussing plans for 2009, he went on to say, “For our European based operations, we have a strong line-up of new product launches in the works.  The global launch of Burberry The Beat for men is now underway.  We also have men’s fragrances launching for Quiksilver, Paul Smith and Lanvin.  A new limited edition Van Cleef & Arpels scent for women is also debuting this year.” 

 

Moving on to U.S. operations, Mr. Madar noted, “Next month, a new Gap fragrance, Close, will be sold at Gap and Gap Body stores nationwide, followed by international distribution in approximately 5,000 doors.  For the Banana Republic brand, we have new fragrances for men and women debuting in North America in late August or early September with international rollout shortly thereafter.”

 

He continued, “Our bebe signature fragrance will be unveiled at bebe stores in the U.S. in August, followed by worldwide distribution later in the third quarter. In addition to a new fragrance introduction in the spring called Black Fleece, we have the Brooks Brothers New York collection for men and women slated for its international launch in the second half of 2009. While we have discontinued the bath and body program for New York & Company stores, we plan to introduce a new fragrance for New York & Company in the second half of 2009.”

 

Russell Greenberg, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, discussing current economic trends and their impact on Inter Parfums stated, “The recent economic challenges and uncertainties in a number of countries where we do business, including the United States, have begun to impact our business.  The financial crisis is global in scale and has negatively affected consumer demand, which is having an adverse impact on our distributors and on retailers.  As a result, distributors and retailers are carrying less inventory than usual, and have changed their ordering patterns.

 

“In response,” Mr. Greenberg continued, “we are reviewing our plans and taking actions to mitigate the impact of these conditions.  Advertising and promotional budgets are being adjusted to align our spending with anticipated sales.  In addition, we are implementing cost saving initiatives to right size our staff and maintain long-term profitable growth.  As part of our strategy, we plan to continue to make investments behind fast-growing markets and channels to grow market share.”

 

Management’s Revised 2009 Guidance

As a result of the global economic crisis, as well as the continued strength of the U.S. dollar relative to the euro, we are revising our 2009 guidance to net sales of $390 million, with net income of approximately $21.0 million or $0.70 per diluted share, assuming the dollar remains at current levels. 

 

Cash Dividend

Inter Parfums also announced that its Board of Directors declared a regularly quarterly cash dividend.  The first cash dividend for 2009 of $0.033 per share is to be paid on April 15, 2009 to shareholders of record on March 31, 2009.

 

Conference Call

Inter Parfums’ management will host a conference call at 11:00 am ET on Thursday, March 12, 2009.  Interested parties may participate by calling 706-679-3037 approximately 10 minutes before the start time.  This conference call will also be distributed live over the Internet via the Investor Relations section of the Company’s web site at www.interparfumsinc.com.  To listen to the live call, please go to the web site in advance to register, and if needed, download any necessary audio software.  The conference call will be archived for approximately 90 days at the web site.

 

Inter Parfums, Inc. develops, manufactures and distributes prestige perfumes and cosmetics as the exclusive worldwide licensee for Burberry, Van Cleef & Arpels, Paul Smith, S.T. Dupont, Christian Lacroix and Quiksilver/Roxy.  The Company also owns Lanvin Perfumes and Nickel, a men’s skin care company.  It also produces personal care products for specialty retailers under exclusive agreements with Gap, Banana Republic, New York & Company, Brooks Brothers and bebe stores.  In addition, Inter Parfums produces and supplies mass market fragrances and fragrance related products.  The Company’s products are sold in over 120 countries worldwide.

 

Statements in this release which are not historical in nature are forward-looking statements. Although we believe that our plans, intentions and expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that such plans, intentions or expectations will be achieved. In some cases you can identify forward-looking statements by forward-looking words such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "should," "will" and "would" or similar words. You should not rely on forward-looking statements because actual events or results may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements as a result of a number of important factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, the risks and uncertainties discussed under the headings “Forward Looking Statements” and "Risk Factors" in Inter Parfums' annual report on Form 10-K and the reports Inter Parfums files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Inter Parfums does not intend to and undertakes no duty to update the information contained in this press release.

 

Contact at Inter Parfums, Inc.   or                     Investor Relations Counsel

Russell Greenberg, Exec. VP & CFO               The Equity Group Inc.

(212) 983-2640                                               Linda Latman (212) 836-9609/llatman@equityny.com

rgreenberg@interparfumsinc.com                      Lena Cati (212) 836-9611/lcati@equityny.com

www.interparfumsinc.com                                 www.theequitygroup.com

 

Inter Parfums, Inc.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In Thousands Except Share and Per Share Amounts)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
December 31,

 

Year Ended
December 31,

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$             100,352

 

$             119,354

 

$             446,124

 

$             389,560

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales

 

                 43,530

 

                 50,080

 

               191,915

 

               160,137

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross margin

 

                 56,822

 

                 69,274

 

               254,209

 

               229,422

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

                 42,140

 

                 52,034

 

               202,264

 

               181,224

Impairment loss

 

                      936

 

                      868

 

                      936

 

                      868

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from operations

 

                 13,746

 

                 16,372

 

                 51,009

 

                 47,331

 

Other expenses (income):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

        Interest

 

                   2,075

 

                   1,507

 

                   4,940

 

                   3,667

        Loss on foreign currency

 

                   1,117

 

                      115

 

                   1,380

 

                      219

        Interest and dividend income

 

                     (134)

 

                  (1,393)

 

                  (1,745)

 

                  (3,166)

    Gain on subsidiary’s issuance of stock

 

                          --

 

                       (26)

 

                         --

 

                     (665)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                   3,058

 

                      203

 

                   4,575

 

                        55

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes and minority interest

 

 

                 10,688

 

 

                 16,169

 

 

                 46,434

 

 

                 47,276

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes

 

                   4,071

 

                   6,260

 

                 16,312

 

                 16,675

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income before minority interest

 

                   6,617

 

                   9,909

 

                 30,122

 

                 30,601

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minority interest in net income
of consolidated subsidiary        

 

 

                   1,520

 

 

                   1,294

 

 

                   6,357

 

 

                   6,784

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$                 5,097

 

$                 8,615

 

$               23,765

 

$               23,817

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                Basic

 

$                0.17

 

$                0.28

 

$                 0.78

 

$                 0.78

                Diluted

 

$                0.17

 

$                0.28

 

$                 0.77

 

$                 0.76

Weighted average number of shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

          30,503,737

 

          30,646,528

 

          30,621,070

 

          30,666,141

Diluted

 

          30,503,737

 

          30,931,239

 

          30,777,985

 

          31,004,299

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

Inter Parfums, Inc.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands except share and per share data

 

 

Assets

 

2008

 

2007

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

              42,404

$

90,034   

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

            120,507

 

118,140   

 

Inventories

 

            123,633

 

106,022   

 

Receivables, other

 

 

                2,904

 

5,928   

 

Other current assets

 

              10,034

 

5,253   

 

Income tax receivable

 

   1,631  

 

168   

 

Deferred tax assets

 

                 3,388 

 

4,300   

 

 

 

 

 

Total current assets

 

             304,501 

 

329,845   

Equipment and leasehold improvements, net

 

7,670  

 

7,262   

Trademarks, licenses and other intangible assets, net

 

104,922  

 

101,577   

Goodwill

 

 

 

 

5,470  

 

6,715   

Other assets

 

 

 

 

2,574  

 

653   

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

$

425,137  

$

446,052   

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loans payable – banks

$

13,981  

$

7,217   

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

13,352  

 

16,215   

 

Accounts payable - trade

 

 

66,236  

 

88,297   

 

Accrued expenses

 

 

35,368  

 

35,507   

 

Income taxes payable

 

442  

 

3,023   

 

Dividends payable

 

 

996  

 

1,026   

 

 

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

 

130,375  

 

151,285   

Deferred tax liability

 

11,562  

 

4,664   

Long-term debt, less current portion

 

27,691  

 

43,518   

Minority interest

 

 

 

51,308  

 

53,925   

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, $0.001 par value. Authorized 1,000,000 shares;

 

 

 

 

 

 

none issued

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $0.001 par value. Authorized 100,000,000 shares;

 

 

 

 

 

 

outstanding 30,168,939 and 30,798,212 shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively

 

30  

 

31   

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

41,950  

 

40,023   

 

Retained earnings

 

 

168,025  

 

147,995   

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

25,515  

 

30,955   

 

Treasury stock, at cost, 9,966,379  and 9,303,956 common shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively

 

              (31,319)

 

(26,344)  

 

 

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

204,201  

 

192,660   

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

$

425,137  

$

446,052