INTER PARFUMS INC - Quarter Report: 2023 March (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(MARK ONE)

OR

Commission File No. 0-16469

INTER PARFUMS, INC. 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

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 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 ☒  No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files). 

Yes ☒  No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

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 ☒

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

At May 8, 2023, there were 32,012,950 shares of common stock, par value $.001 per share, outstanding.

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Part I. Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

In our opinion, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented. We have condensed such financial statements in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Therefore, such financial statements do not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In preparing these consolidated financial statements, the Company has evaluated events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure through the date the consolidated financial statements were issued by filing with the SEC. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022, included in our annual report filed on Form 10-K.

The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2023, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire fiscal year.

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 

(In thousands except share and per share data) 

(Unaudited)

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME 

(In thousands except per share data) 

(Unaudited)

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 

(In thousands) 

(Unaudited)

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 

(In thousands) 

(Unaudited)

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 

(In thousands) 

(Unaudited)

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The accounting policies we follow are set forth in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in our Form 10-K, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Our business has continued to significantly improve throughout 2022 and the first quarter of 2023 after the disastrous effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic starting in early 2020, as retail stores reopened, and consumers increased online purchasing. The introduction of variants of COVID-19 in various parts of the world continues to cause the temporary re-implementation of governmental restrictions to prevent further spread of the virus. In addition, international air travel remains curtailed in several jurisdictions due to both governmental restrictions and consumer health concerns. While COVID-19 had significantly restricted international travel, the travel retail business has picked up. Lastly, we have experienced significant strains on our supply chain causing disruptions affecting the procurement of components, the ability to transport goods, and related cost increases. These disruptions have come at a time when demand for our product lines has never been stronger or more sustained. We have been addressing this issue since the beginning of 2021, by ordering well in advance of need and in larger quantities. Since 2021, we have strived to carry more inventory overall, source the same components from multiple suppliers and when possible, manufacture products closer to where they are sold. We do not expect the supply chain bottlenecks to begin lifting until the second half of 2023. Therefore, despite recent business improvement, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic might continue to have adverse effects on our results of our operations, financial position and cash flows through at least the first half of 2023.

Lacoste

In December 2022, we closed a transaction agreement with Lacoste, whereby an exclusive and worldwide license was granted for the production and distribution of Lacoste brand perfumes and cosmetics. Our rights under this license are subject to certain minimum advertising expenditures and royalty payments as are customary in our industry. The license becomes effective in January 2024 and will last for 15 years.

Dunhill

In April 2022, we announced that the Dunhill fragrance license will expire on September 30, 2023 and will not be renewed. The Company will continue to produce and sell Dunhill fragrances until the license expires and will maintain the right to sell-off remaining Dunhill fragrance inventory for a limited time as is customary in the fragrance industry.

Donna Karan and DKNY

In September 2021, we entered into a long-term global licensing agreement for the creation, development and distribution of fragrances and fragrance-related products under the Donna Karan and DKNY brands. Our rights under this license are subject to certain minimum advertising expenditures and royalty payments as are customary in our industry. With this agreement, we gained several well-established and valuable fragrance franchises, most notably Donna Karan Cashmere Mist and DKNY Be Delicious, as well as a significant loyal consumer base around the world. In connection with the grant of license, we issued 65,342 shares of Inter Parfums, Inc. common stock valued at $5.0 million to the licensor. The exclusive license became effective July 1, 2022, and we are planning to launch new fragrances under these brands in 2024.

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Rochas Fashion

Effective January 1, 2021, we entered into a new license agreement modifying our Rochas fashion business model. The new agreement calls for a reduction in royalties to be received. As a result, in the first quarter of 2021, we took a $2.4 million impairment charge on our Rochas fashion trademark. In the fourth quarter of 2022, we again took a $6.8 million impairment charge on the Rochas fashion trademark after an independent expert concluded that the valuation of the trademark was $11.3 million. The new license also contains an option for the licensee to buy-out the Rochas fashion trademarks in June 2025 at its then fair market value.

Land and Building Acquisition - New Headquarters in Paris

In April 2021, Interparfums SA, our 72% owned French subsidiary, completed the acquisition of its new headquarters at 10 rue de Solférino in the 7th arrondissement of Paris from the property developer. This is an office complex combining three buildings connected by two inner courtyards, and consists of approximately 40,000 total sq. ft.

The purchase price included the complete renovation of the site. As of March 31, 2023, $151 million of the purchase price, including approximately $4.5 million of acquisition costs, is included in property, equipment and leasehold improvements on the accompanying balance sheet. The purchase price has been allocated approximately $62.3 million to land and $88.7 million to the building. The building, which was delivered on February 28, 2022, includes the building structure, development of the property, façade waterproofing, general and technical installations and interior fittings that will be depreciated over a range of 7 to 50 years. The Company has elected to depreciate the building cost based on the useful lives of its components. Approximately $1.8 million of cash held in escrow is also included in property, equipment and leasehold improvements on the accompanying balance sheet as of March 31, 2023.

The acquisition was financed by a 10-year €120 million (approximately $130.5 million) bank loan which bears interest at one-month Euribor plus 0.75%. Approximately €80 million of the variable rate debt was swapped for variable interest rate debt with a maximum rate of 2% per annum. The swap effectively exchanges the variable interest rate to a fixed rate of approximately 1.1%.

There are no recent accounting pronouncements issued but not yet adopted that would have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Inventories consist of the following:

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The following tables present our financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and are categorized using the fair value hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy has three levels based on the reliability of the inputs used to determine fair value.

The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents including money market funds, short-term investments, accounts receivable, other receivables, cash held in escrow, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value due to the short terms to maturity of these instruments.

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The carrying amount of loans payable approximates fair value as the interest rates on the Company’s indebtedness approximate current market rates. The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt was estimated based on the current rates offered to companies for debt with the same remaining maturities and is approximately equal to its carrying value.

Foreign currency forward exchange contracts are valued based on quotations from financial institutions and the value of interest rate swaps are the discounted net present value of the swaps using third party quotes from financial institutions.

The Company enters into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to hedge exposure related to receivables denominated in a foreign currency and occasionally to manage risks related to future sales expected to be denominated in a foreign currency. Before entering into a derivative transaction for hedging purposes, it is determined that a high degree of initial effectiveness exists between the change in value of the hedged item and the change in the value of the derivative instrument from movement in exchange rates. High effectiveness means that the change in the cash flows of the derivative instrument will effectively offset the change in the cash flows of the hedged item. The effectiveness of each hedged item is measured throughout the hedged period and is based on the dollar offset methodology and excludes the portion of the fair value of the foreign currency forward exchange contract attributable to the change in spot-forward difference which is reported in current period earnings. Any hedge ineffectiveness is also recognized as a gain or loss on foreign currency in the income statement. For hedge contracts that are no longer deemed highly effective, hedge accounting is discontinued, and gains and losses accumulated in other comprehensive income are reclassified to earnings. If it is probable that the forecasted transaction will no longer occur, then any gains or losses accumulated in other comprehensive income are reclassified to current-period earnings. 

In December 2022, to finance the acquisition of the Lacoste trademark, the Company entered into a €50 million ($54.4 million) 4-year term loan with a variable interest rate. This variable rate debt was swapped for variable interest rate debt with a maximum rate of 2% per annum. This swap is a hedged derivative instrument and is therefore recorded at fair value and changes in fair value are reflected in other comprehensive income.

In connection with the April 2021 acquisition of the office building complex in Paris, €120 million (approximately $130.5 million) of the purchase price was financed through a 10-year term loan. The Company entered into interest rate swap contracts related to €80 million of the loan, effectively exchanging the variable interest rate to a fixed rate of approximately 1.1%. This derivative instrument is recorded at fair value and changes in fair value are reflected in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

Gains and losses in derivatives designated as hedges are accumulated in other comprehensive income and gains and losses in derivatives not designated as hedges are included in (gain) loss on foreign currency on the accompanying income statements. Such gains and losses were immaterial for both the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022.

All derivative instruments are reported as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet measured at fair value. The valuation of interest rate swaps is included in long-term debt on the accompanying balance sheets. The valuation of foreign currency forward exchange contracts at March 31, 2023, resulted in a net asset and is included in other current assets on the accompanying balance sheet.

At March 31, 2023, we had foreign currency contracts in the form of forward exchange contracts in the amount of approximately U.S. $37 million which all have maturities of less than one year.

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The Company leases its offices and warehouses, vehicles, and certain office equipment, substantially all of which are classified as operating leases. The Company currently has no material financing leases. The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating lease assets and obligations are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term.

In determining lease asset value, the Company considers fixed or variable payment terms, prepayments, incentives, and options to extend or terminate, depending on the lease. Renewal, termination or purchase options affect the lease term used for determining lease asset value only if the option is reasonably certain to be exercised. The Company generally uses its incremental borrowing rate based on information available at the lease commencement date for the location in which the lease is held in determining the present value of lease payments.

As of March 31, 2023, the weighted average remaining lease term was 5.5 years and the weighted average discount rate used to determine the operating lease liability was 2.6%. Rental expense related to operating leases was $1.4 million and $1.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Operating lease payments included in operating cash flows totaled $1.3 million and $1.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and there were no noncash additions to operating lease assets for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022.

The Company maintains a stock option program for key employees, executives and directors. The plans, all of which have been approved by shareholder vote, provide for the granting of both nonqualified and incentive options. Options granted under the plans typically have a six-year term and vest over a four to five-year period. The fair value of shares vested during the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 aggregated $0.09 million and $0.10 million, respectively. Compensation cost, net of forfeitures, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. Forfeitures are estimated based on historic trends. It is generally our policy to issue new shares upon exercise of stock options.

The following table sets forth information with respect to nonvested options for the three months ended March 31, 2023:

Share-based payment expense decreased income before income taxes by $0.63 million and $0.65 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and decreased income attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc. by $0.43 million and $0.44 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The following table summarizes stock option information as of March 31, 2023:

As of March 31, 2023, the weighted average remaining contractual life of options outstanding is 3.56 years (1.75 years for options exercisable); the aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and options exercisable is $24.3 million and $15.5 million, respectively; and unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options outstanding aggregated $2.4 million.

Cash proceeds, tax benefits and intrinsic value related to stock options exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:

There were no options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022.

Expected volatility is estimated based on historic volatility of the Company’s common stock. The expected term of the option is estimated based on historic data. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant of the option and the dividend yield reflects the assumption that the dividend payout as authorized by the Board of Directors would increase as the earnings of the Company and its stock price continue to increase.

In December 2018, Interparfums SA approved a plan to grant an aggregate of 26,600 shares of its stock to employees with no performance condition requirement, and an aggregate of 133,000 shares to officers and managers, subject to certain corporate performance conditions. The corporate performance conditions were met and therefore in June 2022, 211,955 shares, adjusted for stock splits, were distributed. The aggregate cost of the grant of approximately $4.8 million was recognized as compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the requisite three-year service period.

In March 2022, Interparfums SA approved an additional plan to grant an aggregate of 88,400 shares to all Interparfums SA employees and corporate officers having more than six months of employment at grant date, subject to certain corporate performance conditions. The shares, subject to adjustment for stock splits, will be distributed in June 2025 and will follow the same guidelines as the December 2018 plan.

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The fair value of the grant had been determined based on the quoted stock price of Interparfums SA shares as reported by the Euronext on the date of grant. The estimated number of shares to be distributed of 85,107 has been determined taking into account employee turnover. The aggregate cost of the grant of approximately $4.1 million will be recognized as compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the requisite three and a quarter year service period.

Similar to the December 2018 plan, in order to avoid dilution of the Company’s ownership of Interparfums SA, all shares distributed or to be distributed pursuant to these plans will be pre-existing shares of Interparfums SA, purchased in the open market by Interparfums SA. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company acquired 63,281 shares at an aggregate cost of $3.0 million.

In the first quarter of 2023, the Company initiated a small share repurchase program, and over the course the course of the first quarter of 2023, the Company repurchased 43,060 shares at a cost of $5.58 million. These shares are classified as treasury shares on the accompanying balance sheet. The Company plans to continue repurchasing shares throughout 2023.

All share purchases and issuances have been classified as equity transactions on the accompanying balance sheet.

Net income attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc. per common share (“basic EPS”) is computed by dividing net income attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc. by the weighted average number of shares outstanding. Net income attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc. per share assuming dilution (“diluted EPS”), is computed using the weighted average number of shares outstanding, plus the incremental shares outstanding assuming the exercise of dilutive stock options using the treasury stock method.

The reconciliation between the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted EPS computations is as follows:

There were no antidilutive potential common shares outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022.

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The Company manufactures and distributes one product line, fragrances and fragrance related products. The Company manages its business in two segments, European based operations and United States based operations. The European assets are located, and operations are primarily conducted, in France. Both European operations and United States operations primarily represent the sale of prestige brand name fragrances. Information on our operations by geographical areas is as follows:

 Information on the Company’s operations by segments is as follows:

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

Forward Looking Information

Statements in this report 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 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, 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 report.

Overview

We operate in the fragrance business, and manufacture, market and distribute a wide array of fragrances and fragrance related products. We manage our business in two segments, European based operations and United States based operations. Certain prestige fragrance products are produced and marketed by our European operations through our 72% owned subsidiary in Paris, Interparfums SA, which is also a publicly traded company as 28% of Interparfums SA shares trade on the NYSE Euronext.

We produce and distribute through our European operations, fragrance products primarily under license agreements with brand owners, and European based fragrance product sales represented approximately 74% and 73% of net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. We have built a portfolio of prestige brands, which include Boucheron, Coach, Jimmy Choo, Karl Lagerfeld, Kate Spade, Lanvin, Moncler, Montblanc, Rochas and Van Cleef & Arpels, whose products are distributed in over 120 countries around the world. In addition, our exclusive and worldwide license for the production and distribution of Lacoste brand perfumes and cosmetics becomes effective in January 2024.

Through our United States operations, we also market fragrance and fragrance related products. United States operations represented 26% and 27% of net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. These fragrance products are sold primarily pursuant to license or other agreements with the owners of the Abercrombie & Fitch, Anna Sui, Donna Karan, DKNY, Ferragamo, Graff, GUESS, Hollister, MCM, Oscar de la Renta and Ungaro brands.

Substantially all of our prestige fragrance brands are licensed from unaffiliated third parties, and our business is dependent upon the continuation and renewal of such licenses. With respect to the Company’s largest brands, we license the Montblanc, Coach, Jimmy Choo and GUESS brand names.

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

As a percentage of net sales, product sales for the Company’s largest brands were as follows:

Quarterly sales fluctuations are influenced by the timing of new product launches as well as the third and fourth quarter holiday season. In certain markets where we sell directly to retailers, seasonality is more evident. We primarily sell directly to retailers in France and the United States.

We grow our business in two distinct ways. First, we grow by adding new brands to our portfolio, either through new licenses or other arrangements or out-right acquisitions of brands. Second, we grow through the introduction of new products and by supporting new and established products through advertising, merchandising and sampling as well as phasing out underperforming products so we can devote greater resources to those products with greater potential. The economics of developing, producing, launching and supporting products influence our sales and operating performance each year. Our introduction of new products may have some cannibalizing effect on sales of existing products, which we take into account in our business planning.

Our business is not capital intensive, and it is important to note that we do not own manufacturing facilities. We act as a general contractor and source our needed components from our suppliers. These components are received at one of our distribution centers and then, based upon production needs, the components are sent to one of several third party fillers, which manufacture the finished product for us and then deliver them to one of our distribution centers.

As with any global business, many aspects of our operations are subject to influences outside our control. We believe we have a strong brand portfolio with global reach and potential. As part of our strategy, we plan to continue to make investments behind fast-growing markets and channels to grow market share. 

Our reported net sales are impacted by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. A strong U.S. dollar has a negative impact on our net sales. However, earnings are positively affected by a strong dollar, because above 50% of net sales of our European operations are denominated in U.S. dollars, while almost all costs of our European operations are incurred in euro. Conversely, a weak U.S. dollar has a favorable impact on our net sales while gross margins are negatively affected. We address certain financial exposures through a controlled program of risk management that includes the use of derivative financial instruments and primarily enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to reduce the effects of fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates.

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic

Please see our discussion of the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic, which is incorporated by reference to note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2023.

Recent Important Events

Please see our discussion of Recent Important Events, which is incorporated by reference to note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2023.

Discussion of Critical Accounting Policies

Information regarding our critical accounting policies can be found in our 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 as Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2022

Net Sales:

Net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2023 increased 24% from March 31, 2022. At comparable foreign currency exchange rates, net sales increased 29% from the first quarter of 2022. The average dollar/euro exchange rate for the current first quarter was 1.07 compared to 1.12 in the first quarter of 2022.

The current first quarter was exceptionally strong for both European and United States based operations, as net sales increased 26% and 19%, respectively, as compared to the corresponding period of the prior year.

For European based operations, our largest brands, Jimmy Choo, Montblanc and Coach sales rose 63%, 28% and 24%, respectively, as compared to the corresponding period of the prior year. Our U.S. operations also had a strong start growing 19% off a high 2022 base when first quarter sales had expanded 77%. This increase was driven by the addition and extension of Donna Karan and DKNY to our portfolio and double-digit growth for Ferragamo and Oscar de la Renta, following successful brand extensions.

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

During the first quarter of 2023, we debuted Jimmy Choo Rose Passion and Montblanc Signature Absolue, which contributed to the double digit brand sales gains. Many of our mid-sized brands, including Boucheron, Ferragamo, Karl Lagerfeld, and Oscar de la Renta, also achieved double digit sales gains. Additionally, we introduced brand extensions within established lines for Abercrombie & Fitch, and MCM. After the challenging lockdowns, the progressive reopening of China buoyed the Ferragamo and Anna Sui brands.

As expected, the implementation of our enterprise resource planning software weighed on our quarterly results, impacting GUESS disproportionately, which was flat off a high base in 2022, but we have strong orders that we will be fulfilling during the second quarter. However, overall our first quarter started the year on a strong note, and we look forward to executing our plans for the remainder of the year. Our brands are in high demand in a robust environment for the fragrance industry. We have a large number of brand extensions across many of our brands launching throughout the year, plus Montblanc Explorer Platinum, Coach Green and Coach Love, later in the year. In sum, 2023 has all the earmarks of another superb year as the growth catalysts currently far outweigh the headwinds, most notably limited travel retail business and supply chain disruptions.

First quarter sales in our largest market, North America, rose 36%, followed by Western Europe and Asia/Pacific where comparable quarter sales in both regions increased 21% and 8%, respectively. Our sales in Central and South America, Eastern Europe and the Middle East were also robust, up 43%, 25% and 5%, respectively. Additionally, our travel retail business is beginning to show signs of renewed life.

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

For European based operations, gross profit margin as a percentage of net sales was 67.8% and 66.8% in the first quarters of 2023 and 2022, respectively as we have benefited from our pricing actions and favorable exchange rate. We carefully monitor movements in foreign currency exchange rates as more than 50% of our European based operations net sales are denominated in U.S. dollars, while most of our costs are incurred in euro. From a gross margin standpoint, a strong U.S. dollar has a positive effect on our gross margin while a weak U.S. dollar has a negative effect. The average dollar/euro exchange rate was 1.07 in the 2023 first quarter as compared to 1.12 in the first quarter of 2022.

For United States operations, gross profit margin was 57.6% and 53.9% in the first quarters of 2023 and 2022, respectively. The significant margin expansion stems from a number of factors. Firstly, for the most part, the price increases we took early 2023 weren’t offset by a higher cost of goods given our inventory coverage and FIFO accounting. Secondly, we are seeing favorable brand and channel mix, as a higher portion of our sales are being sold directly to retailers as opposed to third-party distributors. Lastly, the significant increase in sales in the first quarter of 2023 allowed us to better absorb fixed expenses such as depreciation and point of sale expenses, as compared to the corresponding period of the prior year.

As previously mentioned, supply chain disruptions affecting the procurement of components, the ability to transport goods, and related cost increases have and are expected to continue to have a negative impact on sales and gross margin. While we have been addressing these issues and have implemented processes to mitigate the impact, prolonged disruption could have a material negative effect on our sales and gross margin.

Generally, we do not bill customers for shipping and handling costs, and such costs, which aggregated $3.9 million and $2.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income. As such, our Company’s gross profit may not be comparable to other companies, which may include these expenses as a component of cost of goods sold.

For European operations, selling, general and administrative expenses increased 12.0% in the 2023 first quarter, as compared to the corresponding period of the prior year, and represented 33.6% and 37.9% of net sales in the 2023 and 2022 periods, respectively. For United States operations, selling, general and administrative expenses increased 24.7% in the 2023 first quarter, as compared to the corresponding period of the prior year, and represented 43.5% and 41.5% of net sales in the 2023 and 2022 periods, respectively. As discussed in more detail below, the increased selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of net sales are primarily the result of increases in promotion and advertising expenditures as well as the annualization impact of the structural investments in our US operations that we made throughout 2022 in order to support the new licenses of $4.0 million.

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

Promotion and advertising included in selling, general and administrative expenses aggregated $35.2 million and $34.2 million in the first quarters of 2023 and 2022, respectively, and represented 11.3% and 13.6% of net sales in the 2023 and 2022 periods, respectively. Promotion and advertising are integral parts of our industry, and we continue to invest heavily to support new product launches and to build brand awareness. We believe that our promotion and advertising efforts have had a beneficial effect on online net sales. All of our brands have benefitted from newly launched and enhanced e-commerce sites in existing markets in collaboration with our retail customers on their e-commerce sites. We also continue to develop and implement omnichannel concepts and compelling content to deliver an integrated consumer experience. We anticipate that on a full year basis, promotion and advertising expenditures will aggregate approximately 21% of net sales, which is in line with pre-COVID historical averages.

Royalty expense included in selling, general and administrative expenses aggregated $24.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023, as compared to $19.4 million for the corresponding periods of the prior year. Royalty expense represented 7.7% of net sales for both the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022.

Income from Operations

As a result of the above analysis regarding net sales, gross profit margins and selling, general and administrative expenses, our operating margins aggregated 29.0% and 24.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Other Income and Expense

Traditionally, interest expense was primarily related to the financing of brand and licensing acquisitions. However, in April 2021, we completed the acquisition of the headquarters of Interparfums SA. The acquisition was financed by a 10-year €120 million (approximately $130.5 million) bank loan which bears interest at one-month Euribor plus 0.75%. Also in 2021, approximately €80 million of the variable rate debt was swapped for variable rate debt with a maximum interest rate of 2%. The swap effectively exchanges the variable interest rate to a fixed rate of approximately 1.1%.

We enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to manage exposure related to receivables from unaffiliated third parties denominated in a foreign currency and occasionally to manage risks related to future sales expected to be denominated in a foreign currency. Gains and losses on foreign currency transactions have not been significant. Above 50% of net sales of our European operations are denominated in U.S. dollars.

Interest and investment (income) loss represents interest earned on cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments. As of March 31, 2022, short-term investments include approximately $20.7 million of marketable equity securities of other companies in the luxury goods sector. In the first quarter of 2023, the Company sold these marketable securities which generated a gain of $3.1 million. Interest and investment (income) loss for the three months ended March 31, 2023, includes approximately $3.4 million of losses on such marketable equity securities.

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

Income Taxes

Our consolidated effective tax rate was 23.4% and 24.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

The effective tax rate for European operations was 25% for both the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022.

Our effective tax rate for U.S. operations was 12.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2023, as compared to 20.7% for the corresponding period of the prior year. Our effective tax rate differs from the 21% statutory rate due to benefits received from the exercise of stock options as well as deductions we are allowed for a portion of our foreign derived intangible income, slightly offset by state and local taxes.

Other than as discussed above, we did not experience any significant changes in tax rates, and none were expected in jurisdictions where we operate.

Net Income

Net income attributable to European operations was $60.6 million and $39.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, while net income attributable to United States operations was $10.3 million and $6.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The significant fluctuations in net income for both European operations and United States operations are directly related to the previous discussions pertaining to changes in sales, gross margin, and selling, general and administrative expenses.

The noncontrolling interest arises from our 72% owned subsidiary in Paris, Interparfums SA, which is also a publicly traded company as 28% of Interparfums SA shares trade on the NYSE Euronext. Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest is directly related to the profitability of our European operations and aggregated 27.8% and 27.6% of European operations net income for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Net margins attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc. as of March 31, 2023 and 2022 aggregated 17.3% and 14.1%, respectively.

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our conservative financial tradition has enabled us to amass significant cash balances. As of March 31, 2023, we had $238 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, most of which is held in euro by our European operations and is readily convertible into U.S. dollars. We have not had any liquidity issues to date, and do not expect any liquidity issues relating to such cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments. As of March 31, 2023, short-term investments include approximately $0.7 million of marketable equity securities.

As of March 31, 2023, working capital aggregated $489 million and we had a working capital ratio of 2.4 to 1. Approximately 80% of the Company’s total assets are held by European operations, and approximately $253 million of trademarks, licenses and other intangible assets are also held by European operations.

The Company is party to a number of license and other agreements for the use of trademarks and rights in connection with the manufacture and sale of its products expiring at various dates through 2039. In connection with certain of these license agreements, the Company is subject to minimum annual advertising commitments, minimum annual royalties and other commitments. See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 12 – Commitments in our 2022 annual report on Form 10-K, which is incorporated by reference herein. Future advertising commitments are estimated based on planned future sales for the license terms that were in effect at December 31, 2022, without consideration for potential renewal periods and do not reflect the fact that our distributors share our advertising obligations.

The Company hopes to continue to benefit from its strong financial position to potentially acquire one or more brands, either on a proprietary basis or as a licensee. In December 2022, we entered into a long-term global licensing agreement for the creation, development and distribution of fragrances and fragrance-related products under the Lacoste brand. This new license takes effect January 2024.

Cash used in operating activities aggregated $7.4 million and $23.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2023, working capital items used $84.8 million in cash from operating activities, as compared to $73.2 million in the 2022 period. Although from a cash flow perspective accounts receivable is up 22% from year end 2022, the balance is reasonable based on first quarter 2023 record sales levels and reflects reasonable collection activity as day’s sales outstanding was 69 days, down slightly from 75 days in the corresponding period of the prior year. From a cash flow perspective, inventory levels as of March 31, 2023, increased 10% from year end 2022. Although inventories include components needed to support new product launches, the overall balance is lower than historic levels due primarily to supply chain disruptions. We have been addressing this issue since the beginning of 2021, by ordering well in advance of need and in larger quantities. Since 2021, we have strived to carry more inventory overall, source the same components from multiple suppliers and when possible, manufacture products closer to where they are sold.

Cash flows provided by investing activities in 2023 reflect purchases and sales of short-term investments. These investments include certificates of deposit with maturities greater than three months. Approximately $40 million of such certificates of deposit contain penalties where we would forfeit a portion of the interest earned in the event of early withdrawal.

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

Our business is not capital intensive as we do not own any manufacturing facilities. On a full year basis, we typically spend approximately $5.0 million on tools and molds, depending on our new product development calendar. Capital expenditures also include amounts for office fixtures, computer equipment and industrial equipment needed at our distribution centers.

Our short-term financing requirements are expected to be met by available cash on hand at March 31, 2023, and short-term credit lines provided by domestic and foreign banks. The principal credit facilities for 2023 consist of a $20.0 million unsecured revolving line of credit provided by a domestic commercial bank and approximately $28 million in credit lines provided by a consortium of international financial institutions. There was $18 million of short-term borrowings outstanding pursuant to these facilities as of March 31, 2023 and no short-term borrowings outstanding as of March 31, 2022.

In April 2020, as a result of the uncertainties raised by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Board of Directors authorized a temporary suspension of the quarterly cash dividend. In February 2021, our Board of Directors authorized a reinstatement of an annual dividend of $1.00, payable quarterly and in February 2022, our Board authorized a 100% increase in the annual dividend to $2.00 per share. In February 2023 the Board of Directors further increased the annual dividend to $2.50 per share. The next quarterly cash dividend of $0.625 per share is payable on June 30, 2023, to shareholders of record on June 15, 2023.

We believe that funds provided by or used in operations can be supplemented by our present cash position and available credit facilities, so that they will provide us with sufficient resources to meet all present and reasonably foreseeable future operating needs.

Inflation rates in the U.S. and foreign countries in which we operate did not have a significant impact on operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2023.

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

General

We address certain financial exposures through a controlled program of risk management that primarily consists of the use of derivative financial instruments. We primarily enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts in order to reduce the effects of fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates. We do not engage in the trading of foreign currency forward exchange contracts or interest rate swaps.

Foreign Exchange Risk Management

We periodically enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to hedge exposure related to receivables denominated in a foreign currency and to manage risks related to future sales expected to be denominated in a currency other than our functional currency. We enter into these exchange contracts for periods consistent with our identified exposures. The purpose of the hedging activities is to minimize the effect of foreign exchange rate movements on the receivables and cash flows of Interparfums SA, whose functional currency is the euro. All foreign currency contracts are denominated in currencies of major industrial countries and are with large financial institutions, which are rated as strong investment grade.

All derivative instruments are required to be reflected as either assets or liabilities in the balance sheet measured at fair value. Generally, increases or decreases in fair value of derivative instruments will be recognized as gains or losses in earnings in the period of change. If the derivative is designated and qualifies as a cash flow hedge, then the changes in fair value of the derivative instrument will be recorded in other comprehensive income.

Before entering into a derivative transaction for hedging purposes, we determine that the change in the value of the derivative will effectively offset the change in the fair value of the hedged item from a movement in foreign currency rates. Then, we measure the effectiveness of each hedge throughout the hedged period. Any hedge ineffectiveness is recognized in the income statement.

At March 31, 2023, we had foreign currency contracts in the form of forward exchange contracts of approximately U.S. $37.0 million with maturities of less than one year. We believe that our risk of loss as the result of nonperformance by any of such financial institutions is remote.

Interest Rate Risk Management

We mitigate interest rate risk by monitoring interest rates, and then determining whether fixed interest rates should be swapped for floating rate debt, or if floating rate debt should be swapped for fixed rate debt.

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have reviewed and evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rule 13a-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report on Form 10-Q (the “Evaluation Date”). Based on their review and evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that as of the Evaluation Date, our Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that occurred during the quarterly period covered by this report on Form 10-Q that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Part II. Other Information

Item (c).

Items 1. Legal Proceedings, 1A. Risk Factors, 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities, 4. Mine Safety Disclosures and 5. Other Information, are omitted as they are either not applicable or have been included in Part I.

¹ All shares were purchased in open market transactions.

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

Item 6. Exhibits.

The following documents are filed herewith:

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

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 on the 8th day of May 2023.